Electrochemical Investigation of C-Steel Corrosion Inhibition, In Silico, and Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria Investigations Using Pyrazole Derivatives.

The inhibitory impact of the two synthesized pyrazole derivatives (3 and 4) toward metallic and microbial corrosion was investigated. Using open circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, it was possible to determine their ability to prevent the corrosion of C-steel in 1 M HCl, which was significantly enhanced with increasing concentration (ex. 93%). They act as mixed-type inhibitors, according to polarization curves. The compounds under investigation were adsorbed on a C-steel surface in 1 M HCl following the Langmuir isotherm model. The double-layer capacitance was decreased, and the charge transfer resistance (Rct) was raised due to the examined inhibitors' adsorption. Investigating changes in the surface morphology and confirming the corrosion inhibition mechanism are done using scanning electron microscopy. Density functional theory calculations and Monte Carlo simulations were also conducted to show the adsorption affinity of the understudied compounds over the steel substrate in neutral and protonated forms. Furthermore, the antimicrobial performance of the two synthesized pyrazoles against sulfate-reducing bacteria was evaluated, and the recorded inhibition efficiency was 100%. The current research shows important developments in producing highly effective anticorrosion and antimicrobial pyrazole derivatives.

Molybdenum Carbide/Ni Nanoparticles Embedded into Carbon Nanofibers as an Effective Non-Precious Catalyst for Green Hydrogen Production from Methanol Electrooxidation.

Molybdenum carbide co-catalyst and carbon nanofiber matrix are suggested to improve the nickel activity toward methanol electrooxidation process. The proposed electrocatalyst has been synthesized by calcination electrospun nanofiber mats composed of molybdenum chloride, nickel acetate, and poly (vinyl alcohol) under vacuum at elevated temperatures. The fabricated catalyst has been characterized using XRD, SEM, and TEM analysis. The electrochemical measurements demonstrated that the fabricated composite acquired specific activity for methanol electrooxidation when molybdenum content and calcination temperature were tuned. In terms of the current density, the highest performance is attributed to the nanofibers obtained from electrospun solution having 5% molybdenum precursor compared to nickel acetate as a current density of 107 mA/cm2 was generated. The process operating parameters have been optimized and expressed mathematically using the Taguchi robust design method. Experimental design has been employed in investigating the key operating parameters of methanol electrooxidation reaction to obtain the highest oxidation current density peak. The main effective operating parameters of the methanol oxidation reaction are Mo content in the electrocatalyst, methanol concentration, and reaction temperature. Employing Taguchi's robust design helped to capture the optimum conditions yielding the maximum current density. The calculations revealed that the optimum parameters are as follows: Mo content, 5 wt.%; methanol concentration, 2.65 M; and reaction temperature, 50 °C. A mathematical model has been statistically derived to describe the experimental data adequately with an R2 value of 0. 979. The optimization process indicated that the maximum current density can be identified statistically at 5% Mo, 2.0 M methanol concentration, and 45 °C operating temperature.

Efficacy and Feasibility of Complete Mesocolic Excision with Central Vascular Ligation in Complicated Colorectal Cancer.

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL) involves sharp dissection through the embryological planes. However, it may be associated with high mortalities and morbidities especially in colorectal emergencies. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of CME with CVL in complicated colorectal cancers (CRCs). This was a retrospective study of emergency CRC resection in a tertiary center between March 2016 and November 2018. A total of 46 patients, with a mean age of 51 years, underwent an emergency colectomy for cancer (males, 26 [56.5%]; females, 20 [43.5%]). CME with CVL was performed for all patients. The mean operative time and blood loss were 188 min and 397 mL, respectively. Only five (10.8%) patients presented with burst abdomen, whereas only three (6.5%) presented with anastomotic leakage. The mean length of vascular tie was 8.7 cm, and the mean number of harvested lymph nodes (LNs) was 21.2. Emergency CME with CVL is a safe and feasible technique when performed by a colorectal surgeon and will result in obtaining a superior specimen with a large number of LNs.

Evaluation of the Influence of Eggshell (ES) Concentration on the Degradation Behavior of Mg-2.5Zn Biodegradable Alloy in Simulated Body Fluid.

Currently, permanent vascular stents are fabricated using titanium and stainless steel implants that are nondegradable and offer high stability, but they have certain disadvantages. For example, the prolonged exposition of aggressive ions in the physiological media and the existence of defects in the oxide film create conditions for corrosion to occur, thus triggering unwanted biological events and compromising the mechanical integrity of the implants. Moreover, when the implant does not need to be permanent, there is the need to submit the patient for a second surgery for implant removal. As a solution for nonpermanent implants, biodegradable magnesium alloys have been deemed a promising substitute, for example, for cardiovascular-related applications and the construction of orthopedic devices. A biodegradable magnesium alloy (Mg-2.5Zn) reinforced by zinc and eggshell was employed in this study as an environment-conscious magnesium (eco) composite (Mg-2.5Zn-xES). Disintegrated melt deposition (DMD) was used to fabricate the composite. Experimental studies were conducted to investigate the biodegradation performance of Mg-Zn alloys containing 3 and 7 wt % eggshell (ES) in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 °C. Different corrosion techniques were used to study the corrosion behavior of the Mg-2.5Zn-xES composites, including weight loss measurements, hydrogen evolution, potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to scrutinize the corroded surfaces' morphology and composition. The outcomes indicated that Mg-2.5Zn-3ES possesses the lowest degradation activity.

Reconstruction of the Corticospinal Tract in Patients with Motor-Eloquent High-Grade Gliomas Using Multilevel Fiber Tractography Combined with Functional Motor Cortex Mapping.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Tractography of the corticospinal tract is paramount to presurgical planning and guidance of intraoperative resection in patients with motor-eloquent gliomas. It is well-known that DTI-based tractography as the most frequently used technique has relevant shortcomings, particularly for resolving complex fiber architecture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate multilevel fiber tractography combined with functional motor cortex mapping in comparison with conventional deterministic tractography algorithms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients (mean age, 61.5 [SD, 12.2] years) with motor-eloquent high-grade gliomas underwent MR imaging with DWI (TR/TE = 5000/78 ms, voxel size = 2 × 2 × 2 mm3, 1 volume at b = 0 s/mm2, 32 volumes at b = 1000 s/mm2). DTI, constrained spherical deconvolution, and multilevel fiber tractography-based reconstruction of the corticospinal tract within the tumor-affected hemispheres were performed. The functional motor cortex was enclosed by navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation motor mapping before tumor resection and used for seeding. A range of angular deviation and fractional anisotropy thresholds (for DTI) was tested. RESULTS: For all investigated thresholds, multilevel fiber tractography achieved the highest mean coverage of the motor maps (eg, angular threshold = 60°; multilevel/constrained spherical deconvolution/DTI, 25% anisotropy threshold = 71.8%, 22.6%, and 11.7%) and the most extensive corticospinal tract reconstructions (eg, angular threshold = 60°; multilevel/constrained spherical deconvolution/DTI, 25% anisotropy threshold = 26,485 mm3, 6308 mm3, and 4270 mm3). CONCLUSIONS: Multilevel fiber tractography may improve the coverage of the motor cortex by corticospinal tract fibers compared with conventional deterministic algorithms. Thus, it could provide a more detailed and complete visualization of corticospinal tract architecture, particularly by visualizing fiber trajectories with acute angles that might be of high relevance in patients with gliomas and distorted anatomy.

Longitudinal changes in global structural brain connectivity and cognitive performance in former hospitalized COVID-19 survivors: an exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Long-term sequelae of COVID-19 can result in reduced functionality of the central nervous system and substandard quality of life. Gaining insight into the recovery trajectory of admitted COVID-19 patients on their cognitive performance and global structural brain connectivity may allow a better understanding of the diseases' relevance. OBJECTIVES: To assess whole-brain structural connectivity in former non-intensive-care unit (ICU)- and ICU-admitted COVID-19 survivors over 2 months following hospital discharge and correlate structural connectivity measures to cognitive performance. METHODS: Participants underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging brain scans and a cognitive test battery after hospital discharge to evaluate structural connectivity and cognitive performance. Multilevel models were constructed for each graph measure and cognitive test, assessing the groups' influence, time since discharge, and interactions. Linear regression models estimated whether the graph measurements affected cognitive measures and whether they differed between ICU and non-ICU patients. RESULTS: Six former ICU and six non-ICU patients completed the study. Across the various graph measures, the characteristic path length decreased over time (ß = 0.97, p = 0.006). We detected no group-level effects (ß = 1.07, p = 0.442) nor interaction effects (ß = 1.02, p = 0.220). Cognitive performance improved for both non-ICU and ICU COVID-19 survivors on four out of seven cognitive tests 2 months later (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Adverse effects of COVID-19 on brain functioning and structure abate over time. These results should be supported by future research including larger sample sizes, matched control groups of healthy non-infected individuals, and more extended follow-up periods.

Development of novel pyrazole, imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole, and pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives as a new class of COX-2 inhibitors with immunomodulatory potential.

Searching for new compounds with anti-inflammatory properties is a significant target since inflammation is a major cause of pain. A series of pyrazole, imidazopyrazolone, and pyrazolopyrimidine derivatives were designed and synthesized by reaction of 3,5-diamino-1H-pyrazole derivative with cyclic and acyclic carbonyl reagents. The structure of the newly synthesized derivatives were fully characterized using different spectroscopic data and elemental analysis, and therefore, evaluated as COX-2 inhibitors. The in vitro COX-2 activity of the tested derivatives 2-13 displayed moderate to good potency with two derivatives 8 and 13 that exhibiting high potency to COX-2 with IC50 values of 5.68 ± 0.08 and 3.37 ± 0.07 µM compared with celecoxib (IC50 = 3.60 ± 0.07 µM) and meloxicam (IC50 = 7.58 ± 0.13 µM). Furthermore, the most active pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives 8 and 13 were evaluated to measure the levels of pro-inflammatory proteins such as TNF-α and IL-6 using qRT-PCR in RAW264.7 cells, and the results showed down-regulation of two immunomodulatory proteins. Surprisingly, these derivatives 8 and 13 revealed a decrease in IL-6 level with inhibition percentages of 65.8 and 70.3%, respectively, compared with celecoxib (% = 76.8). Further, compounds 8 and 13 can regulate and suppress the TNF-α with percentage inhibition of 63.1 and 59.2% to controls, while celecoxib displayed an inhibition percentage of 72.7. The Quantum chemical calculation was conducted, and data explained the structural features crucial to the activity. The molecular docking simulation and ADMET predictions revealed that the most active derivatives have good binding affinity, possess appropriate drug-likeness properties and low toxicity profiles. Finally, compounds 8 and 13 demonstrated COX-2 inhibitors with α-TNF and IL-6 suppression capabilities as a dual-action strategy to get more effective treatment.

Discovery of novel pyrazole and pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives as cyclooxygenase inhibitors (COX-1 and COX-2) using molecular modeling simulation.

Searching for effective and selective anti-inflammatory agents, our study involved designing and synthesizing new pyrazole and pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives 4-11. The structures of the synthesized derivatives were confirmed using different spectroscopic techniques. Virtual screening was achieved for the newly designed derivatives using in silico docking simulation inside the active sites of four proteins classified as two cyclooxygenases (COX)-1 (PDB: 3KK6 and 4OIZ) and two COX-2 (PBD: 1CX2 and 3LN1). Among them, six derivatives 4c, 5b, 6a, 7a, 7b, and 10b displayed the highest binding energy. These derivatives were evaluated for their in vitro COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory activities and their selectivity indexes were calculated. Additionally, these derivatives displayed IC50 values ranging between 4.909 ± 0.25 and 57.53 ± 2.91 µM, and 3.289 ± 0.14 and 124 ± 5.32 µM, against COX-1 and COX-2, respectively. Furthermore, the tested derivatives were found to have selective inhibitory activity on the COX-2 enzyme. Surprisingly, the two pyrazole derivatives 4c and 5b were found to be the most active, with IC50 values of 9.835 ± 0.50 and 4.909 ± 0.25 µM and 4.597 ± 0.20 and 3.289 ± 0.14 µM compared with meloxicam (1.879 ± 0.1 and 5.409 ± 0.23 µM) and celecoxib (5.439 ± 0.28 and 2.164 ± 0.09 µM) against COX-1/-2, respectively. Besides, two pyrazole derivatives, 4c and 5b, displayed a COX-1/COX-2 SI of 2.14 and 1.49. Computational techniques such as molecular docking, density function theory (DFT) calculation, and chemical absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity evaluation were applied to explain the molecules' binding mode, chemical nature, drug likeness, and toxicity prediction.

Genicular nerve block in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at evaluating the effect of genicular nerve block (GNB) in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients with persistent unilateral knee arthritis on pain, inflammatory parameters, function, and range of motion. METHODS: A total of 104 JIA patients were diagnosed according to the International League Against Rheumatism (ILAR) criteria with persistent unilateral knee arthritis. They were allocated randomly into 2 groups: group 1 treated with GNB, while group 2 was treated with intra-articular triamcinolone (TA) only. Visual analogue scale (VAS) on pain, sonography of large joints in rheumatology (SOLAR) scoring system, and Lysholm scores were assessed at 0-, 2-, and 12-week intervals. Swelling and tenderness were clinically evaluated semi-quantitatively (0-3) at the same time intervals. RESULTS: VAS pain, tenderness, swelling, and SOLAR grey scale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) scores were significantly reduced after 2 weeks in both groups (p < 0.05). This was greater in the GNB group regarding VAS and tenderness, while SOLAR and swelling were stronger reduced in TA group. After 12 weeks, all outcome measures showed lower values in the GNB group compared to TA, and this was significant regarding VAS pain. Moreover, Lysholm functional score was significantly increased in both groups at both intervals; and higher values were seen in the TA group compared to GNB after 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: GNB was able to control pain and improve function and inflammation of the knee joint in JIA patients. Though steroid attained better results after 2 weeks, GNB achieved an equivalent longer-term improvement after 12 weeks. TRIAL REGISTRATION IDENTIFYING NUMBER: NCT04687930. Key Points • Persistent knee arthritis treatment in JIA is always challenging. • GNB was approved for treatment of pain in knee osteoarthritis. • GNB in the present study succeeded to control active knee arthritis and this effect was comparable to intra-articular steroid injection.

Synergistic Behavior of Polyethyleneimine and Epoxy Monomers Loaded in Mesoporous Silica as a Corrosion-Resistant Self-Healing Epoxy Coating.

Corrosion is a significant problem and is, to a large extent, responsible for the degradation of metallic parts. In this direction, mesoporous silica particles (MSPs) were synthesized by a sol-gel technique and had an average pore diameter of ∼6.82 nm. The MSPs were loaded with polyethyleneimine (PEI) and epoxy monomers and, after that, carefully mixed into the epoxy matrix to formulate new modified polymeric coatings. The microstructural, compositional, structural, and thermal properties were investigated using various characterizing tools [Transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, hermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy]. TGA confirms the loading of mesoporous silica with a corrosion inhibitor, and its estimated loading amount is ∼8%. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy properties of the reference and modified coated samples confirm the promising anti-corrosive performance of the synthesized polymeric smart coatings. Localized electrochemical tests (scanning vibrating electrode technique and scanning ion-selective electrode technique) evidence the corrosion inhibition ability of the coating, and its self-healing was also observed during 24 h of immersion. The decent anti-corrosion performance of the modified coatings can be credited to the efficient synergistic effect of the PEI and epoxy monomer.

Readability of information imprinted in patient information leaflets (PILs) in Saudi Arabia: The case of antihypertensive medications.

Background: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) requires marketing authorization holders to submit a PIL in both Arabic and English language. However, the readability of imprinted and disseminated Patient information leaflets (PILs) was not assessed extensively in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to assess the readability of PIL of antihypertensive drugs in both Arabic and English languages. Method: This study was a descriptive quantitative analysis conducted in Saudi Arabia in August 2021. PILs of all oral antihypertensive medications in Saudi Arabia were included in the study. The Arabic and English PILs were extracted from the Saudi Drugs Information System (SDI) and pharmaceutical companies' registration documents. The study used Flesch-Kincaid grade level to assess the readability of English and sentence length to assess the Arabic texts. Descriptive analyses were used to assess the readability scores and the mean differences. Results: It was found that almost 88% of English PILs were above recommended readability level compared to 79% of Arabic PILs. About 89% of English PILs of generic and 86% of brand-name medications were above the readability cutoff point compared with 83% of Arabic PILs of generic and 68% of brand-name medications. The means of grade level for readability of PILs for the widely used antihypertensive medications including angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), antiadrenergic, diuretics, Beta-blockers (BBs), calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and combination antihypertensive medications, and CCBs were higher than the recommended readability level (p < 0.05). The highest mean grade level for readability among English PILs was for combinations of antihypertensive agents (9.35 ± 1.38, p 0.01) and among Arabic PILs was for ARBs (6.15 ± 1.62, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The majority of PILs of antihypertensive medications were above the recommended readability level that can be understood by the majority of the public, especially among generic medications and the most widely used antihypertensive medications. The study findings highlight the need of implementing guidelines to improve the readability of information imprinted in PILs and adopt new regulations requiring readability assessment for manufactures before submitting the PILs to the SFDA.

Prevalence and Correlates of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among College Students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly diagnosed in Saudi Arabia, but there is negligible evidence regarding adult ADHD in college students. Objective: To determine the prevalence and correlates of ADHD among undergraduates at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 2280 undergraduate students from 11 colleges at King Abdulaziz University, one of the largest university in Saudi Arabia, were approached in person with a questionnaire that elicited information regarding demographics, education, psychiatric history, health behaviors, and ADHD. A validated Arabic version of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale was used. Results: A total of 2059 students (90%) completed the questionnaire (mean age: 21.2 years). Almost one-tenth (11.9%) of the sample met the criteria for adult ADHD; only 6.5% had been diagnosed with ADHD in childhood and <1% (0.8%) had taken medication for the same. Multivariate analyses revealed that high family income, low grade in the last semester, parental divorce, diagnosis of childhood ADHD, prior diagnosis of depression, greater severity of current depression and anxiety, and cigarette smoking increased the likelihood of adult ADHD. Conclusion: A notable proportion of students in this study had suspected adult ADHD. Early evaluation of students with ADHD and identification of those at risk may potentially help in improving their academic performance and quality of life.

Predictive urinary RNA biomarkers of kidney injury after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is considered one of the best choices for the treatment of various kinds of urinary tract calculi, although it might cause acute kidney injury. OBJECTIVE: To measure the urinary long non-coding RNA-messenger RNA (LncRNA-mRNA) panel before and after ESWL to evaluate post-ESWL renal injury in a reliable and non-invasive method. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 60 patients with renal stones treated with ESWL and 30 healthy volunteers. Voided urine samples were obtained before, 2 h, and 1 day after ESWL. We measured the urinary level of LncRNA (SBF2-AS1, FENDRR-19) and mRNA (GBP1, NLRP3) by real-time qPCR and compared the results with serum creatinine and eGFR. RESULTS: LncRNA (SBF2-AS1, FENDRR-19) and mRNA (GBP1, NLRP3) levels were higher in patients with renal stones when compared with healthy volunteers. They showed a statistically significant increase in the level of LncRNA-mRNA panel in baseline and after ESWL treatment. CONCLUSION: LncRNA (SBF2-AS1, FENDRR-19) and mRNA (GBP1, NLRP3) levels were significantly elevated following ESWL treatment, highlighting the usefulness of urinary biomarkers in identifying patients at higher risk of developing renal injury after ESWL treatment.

Investigating the Properties of Electrodeposited of Ni-P-ZrC Nanocomposite Coatings.

Superior corrosion resistance along with higher mechanical performance is becoming a primary requirement to decrease operational costs in the industries. Nickel-based phosphorus coatings have been reported to show better corrosion resistance properties but suffer from a lack of mechanical strength. Zirconium carbide nanoparticles (ZCNPs) are known for promising hardness and unreactive behavior among variously reported reinforcements. The present study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of novel Ni-P-ZrC nanocomposite coatings developed through the electrodeposition technique. Successful coelectrodeposition of ZCNPs without any observable defects was carried out utilizing a modified Watts bath and optimized conditions. For a clear comparison, structural, surface, mechanical, and electrochemical behaviors of Ni-P and Ni-P-ZrC nanocomposite coatings containing 0.75 g/L ZCNPs were thoroughly investigated. The addition of ZCNPs has a considerable impact on the properties of Ni-P coatings. Enhancement in the mechanical properties (microhardness, nanoindentation, wear, and erosion) is observed due to reinforcement of ZCNPs in the Ni-P matrix, which can be attributed to mainly the dispersion hardening effect. Furthermore, corrosion protection efficiency (PE%) of the Ni-P matrix was enhanced by the incorporation of ZCNPs from 71 to 85.4%. The Ni-P-ZrC nanocomposite coatings provide an exciting option for their utilization in the automotive, electronics, aerospace, oil, and gas industry.

Optimal charging of fractional-order circuits with Cuckoo search.

INTRODUCTION: Optimal charging of RC circuits is a well-studied problem in the integer-order domain due to its importance from economic and system temperature hazards perspectives. However, the fractional-order counterpart of this problem requires investigation. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to find approximate solutions of the most energy-efficient input charging function in fractional-order RC circuits. METHODS: This paper uses a meta-heuristic optimization technique called Cuckoo search optimizer to attain the maximum charging efficiency of three common fractional-order RC circuits. An analytical expression of the fractional capacitor voltage is suggested such that it satisfies the boundary conditions of the optimal charging problem. The problem is formulated as a fractional-order calculus of variations problem with compositional functional. The numerical solutions are obtained with the meta-heuristic optimization algorithm's help to avoid the complexities of the analytical approach. RESULTS: he efficiency surfaces and input voltage charging curves are discussed for fractional-order in the range 0.5 < α ≤ 1 . CONCLUSION: The optimized charging function can approximate the optimal charging curve using at most 4 terms. The charging time and the resistive parameters have the most dominant effect on charging efficiency at constant fractional-order α .

Programmable constant phase element realization with crossbar arrays.

INTRODUCTION: Constant Phase Elements (CPEs) have been widely used in many applications due to the extra degree of freedom, which offers new responses and behaviors. OBJECTIVES: This paper proposes a new programmable CPE realization using resistive crossbar arrays. By programming the resistive devices, different CPEs can be obtained. METHODS: The proposed realization can be approximated as a weighted sum of low and high pass filters having the same cut-off frequency (i.e., Lapicque model). The closed-form approximation expression is derived, and then the Flower Pollination Algorithm (FPA) is used to find the optimal values of the network components. RESULTS: Different design examples are given over the frequency range of 106-109 rad/sec to prove the ability of this realization achieving any fractional order with less than 5% relative error in both phase and pseudo-capacitance. Monte-Carlo simulations are performed to evaluate the sensitivity of the proposed realization against device variability. In addition, multiple CPEs can be designed at the same time by utilizing the multiple ports of the crossbar array. The proposed realization is compared with two other state-of-art realizations showing comparable results as standalone realization and within fractional-order relaxation oscillator application. CONCLUSION: The proposed crossbar realization has proven its ability to realize any CPE with acceptable error. In addition, this multiple-port design offers high flexibility and on-the-fly switching of the CPE.

Enhanced Heat Transfer for NePCM-Melting-Based Thermal Energy of Finned Heat Pipe.

Using phase change materials (PCMs) in energy storage systems provides various advantages such as energy storage at a nearly constant temperature and higher energy density. In this study, we aimed to conduct a numerical simulation for augmenting a PCM's melting performance within multiple tubes, including branched fins. The suspension contained Al2O3/n-octadecane paraffin, and four cases were considered based on a number of heated fins. A numerical algorithm based on the finite element method (FEM) was applied to solve the dimensionless governing system. The average liquid fraction was computed over the considered flow area. The key parameters are the time parameter (100 ≤t≤600 s) and the nanoparticles' volume fraction (0%≤φ≤8%). The major outcomes revealed that the flow structures, the irreversibility of the system, and the melting process can be controlled by increasing/decreasing number of the heated fins. Additionally, case four, in which eight heated fins were considered, produced the largest average liquid fraction values.

The Effect of Psychotropic Medications and Their Combinations on the QTc Interval Among Jordanian Outpatients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: To investigate the effect of psychotropic drugs and their combinations on the QTc interval as well as the prevalence of long QTc (LQTc) among ambulatory patients with psychiatric illness in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional study that included patients treated in an outpatient psychiatric clinic was conducted. The QTc duration was calculated using a combined QT correction (Bazett's formula for heart rate 60-100 and the Framingham formula for extremes of HR). Results: Among 307 patients, about 60% received multiple psychotropic drugs. The LQTc frequency was 1.2%. QTc interval prolongation was observed in patients receiving selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (P = .011), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) (P = .033), citalopram (P = .044), or psychotropic polytherapy (P = .005). The addition of SSRIs to second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) also lengthened the QTc interval (P = .029). There was a correlation between the number of psychotropic medications and the QTc length (P = .018). All patients with LQTc carried at least one risk factor for it other than the use of psychotropic medication(s), 3 of 4 patients had a combination therapy, all patients were prescribed SSRIs, and 2 of them had comorbid conditions. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of psychotropic drugs polytherapy, and it is clearly associated with LQTc. Citalopram, SSRIs, and TCAs prolong QTc interval. It is recommended to assess non-pharmacological factors for LQTc and, if necessary, to obtain an electrocardiogram before starting patients on psychotropic drugs known to prolong the QTc interval.

The capability of coenzyme Q10 to enhance heat tolerance in male rabbits: evidence from improved semen quality factor (SQF), testicular oxidative defense, and expression of testicular melatonin receptor MT1.

Heat stress (HS) has a great influence on the etiology of male infertility. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), known to have powerful antioxidant effects, has been reported to have such actions that are effective to treat infertility caused by HS. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidative effect of CoQ10 on sperm quality, testicular antioxidant activities, and male fertility under HS. For this purpose, 18 mature male rabbits (aged 22 wk) of the Sinai Gabali breed were equally divided into 3 groups and placed at temperature-humidity index of 29 for 8 wk at a farm. The supplementation of CoQ10 at 0, 10, and 20 mg/kg of body weight was done in the first, second, and third groups, respectively. The results showed that the supplementation of CoQ10 had significant (P < 0.05) effect on semen quality factor (SQF) and testicular antioxidant activities by the supplementation of CoQ10. Moreover, a significant improvement in the concentration of testosterone, integrity of testicular DNA, and the expression of melatonin receptors was also observed, which were consistent with a significant improvement in buck fertility. The prolificacy was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in females when inseminated from bucks that were treated with CoQ10. Our results suggest that CoQ10 tends to decrease oxidative stress by enhancing testicular antioxidant activities, which are considered the most important factors for a buck's fertility. Hence, CoQ10 could be a suitable feed supplement to increase fertility, through enhancing the semen quality, in male rabbits and reducing the harmful effects of HS.

Ultrasound-guided epidural block in axial spondyloarthritis patients with limited spine mobility: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the effectiveness of caudal epidural injection on pain, spine mobility, disease activity, and activity of daily living in axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients. METHODS: A total sample of 47 patients were registered in this study. They were randomly assigned into 2 groups; Group I received caudal epidural injections, ultrasound-guided, with 1% lidocaine hydrochloride mixed with triamcinolone, whereas Group II did not receive any injections. All participants fulfilled the ASAS criteria for axial SpA. Outcome measures were as follows: visual analogue scale, Oswestry disability index (ODI), modified Schober test, lateral lumbar flexion, and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) with assessment at baseline, 2 weeks, and 8 weeks post-treatment. This clinical trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov under the number NCT04143165. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between both groups regarding pain, ODI, spine mobility and ASDAS scores in favor of group I. This effect was at its maximum after 2 weeks. Despite the decline of this effect after 2 months, the difference between the groups remained significant. Higher disease activity, younger age, and shorter disease duration were associated with better outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural injection of lidocaine and triamcinolone is a cost effective and a practical technique for controlling pain, as well as improving the function of the spine and disease activity scores in axial SpA patients with acceptable complications and relatively sustained effect.