Search Results (21,931)

In this paper, we address the study of the oscillatory properties of the solutions of a class of third-order delay differential equations. The primary objective of this study is to provide new relationships that can be employed to obtain criteria for excluding increasing positive solutions and decreasing positive solutions so that the resulting criteria are easier to apply than other criteria that have appeared in the literature. We have obtained new oscillation criteria that hold up more robustly upon application. Some examples are presented to illustrate the significance of our main findings. Full article

This study assessed the possible pharmacological effects of Chlorella vulgaris (Cg), Spirulina platensis (St), and silymarin (Sl) against thioacetamide (TA)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats, with a focus on their antioxidant, cardioprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. The following is the random grouping of sixty male rats into six groups of ten animals each: the control (negative control), TA-intoxicated group (positive control; 300 mg/kg body weight (BW)), Sl + TA group (100 mg Sl/kg BW + TA), St + TA group (400 mg St/kg BW + TA), Cg + TA (400 mg Cg/kg BW + TA), and St + Cg + TA group (400 St + 400 Cg mg/kg BW + TA) were all administered for 30 days. At the start of the study, groups 2 through 6 were administered TA intraperitoneally at a dosage of 300 mg/kg BW for two consecutive days, with a 24 h gap between each dose, to induce cardiac damage. Blood samples were obtained to measure hematological parameters and perform biochemical assays, including lipid profiles and cardiac enzymes. For histopathology and immunohistochemistry determination, tissue samples were acquired. The current findings showed that TA injection caused hematological alterations and cardiac injury, as evidenced by greater serum levels of troponin I, creatine kinase-MB, and total creatine kinase (p < 0.05), as well as significantly elevated serum malondialdehyde and decreased serum total antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05) concentrations. Moreover, an increase in blood low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol concentration (p < 0.05) was recorded in the TA group. There were alterations in the heart tissue’s histological structure of the TA group compared to the control ones. These alterations were characterized by vacuolar degeneration of myocytes, loss of cross striation, coagulative necrosis, and fibrosis of interstitial tissue, which was ameliorated by the supplementation of SI, St, and Cg. The TA-intoxicated group showed weak expression of B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (p < 0.05) and strong immunoreactivity of tumor necrosis factor-α and B-cell lymphoma protein 2-associated X (p < 0.05). However, the groups receiving Sl, St, and Cg experienced the opposite. The administration of Sl, St, Cg, and St + Cg along with TA significantly improved and restored (p < 0.05) erythrogram indices, including RBCs, hemoglobin, total leukocytic count, lymphocytes, and monocyte, to the normal control values. The administration of Sl, St, and Cg alleviated the cardiotoxicity caused by TA via reducing oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and apoptosis in heart tissue. In summary, the current findings suggest that the treatment with Sl, St, and Cg was beneficial in ameliorating and reducing the cardiotoxicity induced by TA in rats. Full article

Background and Objectives: Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been linked to increased mortality in COVID-19 patients. Infliximab, a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor, has been reported to improve outcomes in COVID-19 patients by targeting the hyperinflammatory response. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating Infliximab into standard care guidelines for the management of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 111 participants who were moderate to severe COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital. Among them, 74 individuals received solely standard treatment, while 37 received standard therapy plus Infliximab. The primary outcomes of the study centered around the changes in laboratory test parameters. The secondary clinical findings included clinical recovery defined as improvement in patient oxygenation, time till recovery, and assessing necessity for ICU admission, and mortality rates. Results: There was no statistical difference observed in the inflammatory markers including, LDH, Ferritin, CRP, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and P/F ratio between both groups and in the clinical outcomes including clinical recovery (p = 1.0), time to improvement (p = 0.436), and mortality rate (p = 0.601). However, there was a significant increase in secondary infection (45.9%, 20.3%; p = 0.005), and in liver enzymes, ALT (79.5, 50.0 IU/L; p = 0.02) and AST (57.5, 38.0 IU/L; p = 0.019) in the Infliximab group and the standard care group, respectively. Conclusions: Infliximab therapy did not demonstrate significant benefits compared to standard of care in moderate to severe hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Full article

The First Intermediate Period was a time of cultural innovation and social competition. The collapse of the monarchy and the cultural productions it sponsored paved the way for the emergence of new artistic and cultural expressions, better adapted to a context of fragile authorities and competing local powers. Warfare between rival regional polities became frequent, so tomb scenes and funerary stelae from Middle and Upper Egypt began depicting military actions and men posing as archers. Moreover, local authorities sought the support of local levies and fellow citizens to strengthen and legitimate their fragile rule. Therefore, many monuments and inscriptions celebrate successful command, effective leadership, and caring about one’s city and its inhabitants. These conditions favoured the emergence of cultural innovations and social values aiming to express new identities. Depicting weapons, mainly bows, was crucial in this respect in some areas of Southern Egypt and echoed comparable phenomena occurring in neighbour regions like Nubia and the Levant. Full article

The exploitation of drought is a critical worldwide challenge that influences wheat growth and productivity. This study aimed to investigate a synergistic amendment strategy for drought using the single and combined application of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM) (Trichoderma harzianum) and biogenic silica nanoparticles (SiO₂NPs) from rice husk ash (RHA) on Saudi Arabia’s Spring wheat Summit cultivar (Triticum aestivum L.) for 102 DAS (days after sowing). The significant improvement was due to the application of 600 ppm SiO₂NPs and T. harzianum + 600 ppm SiO₂NPs, which enhanced the physiological properties of chlorophyll a, carotenoids, total pigments, osmolytes, and antioxidant contents of drought-stressed wheat plants as adaptive strategies. The results suggest that the expression of the studied genes (TaP5CS1, TaZFP34, TaWRKY1, TaMPK3, TaLEA, and the wheat housekeeping gene TaActin) in wheat remarkably enhanced wheat tolerance to drought stress. We discovered that the genes and metabolites involved significantly contributed to defense responses, making them potential targets for assessing drought tolerance levels. The drought tolerance indices of wheat were revealed by the mean productivity (MP), stress sensitivity index (SSI), yield stability index (YSI), and stress tolerance index (STI). We employed four databases, such as BAR, InterPro, phytozome, and the KEGG pathway, to predict and decipher the putative domains in prior gene sequencing. As a result, we discovered that these genes may be involved in a range of important biological functions in specific tissues at different developmental stages, including response to drought stress, proline accumulation, plant growth and development, and defense response. In conclusion, the sole and/or dual T. harzianum application to the wheat cultivar improved drought tolerance strength. These findings could be insightful data for wheat production in Saudi Arabia under various water regimes. Full article

Background: The resurgence of colistin has become critical in combating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. However, the emergence of mobilized colistin resistance (mcr) genes presents a crucial global challenge, particularly in the Arab world, which includes regions with unique conditions and ongoing conflicts in some parts. Methods: To address this issue, a systematic review was conducted using multiple databases, including Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Arab World Research Source. Results: A total of 153 studies were included, revealing substantial heterogeneity in the prevalence of mcr genes across 15 Arab countries, with notable findings indicating that Egypt and Lebanon reported the highest number of cases. The analysis indicated that the most prevalent sequence types were ST10, ST101, and ST1011, all of which are Escherichia coli strains linked to significant levels of colistin resistance and multiple antimicrobial resistance profiles. Conclusions: By analyzing the diverse findings from different Arab countries, this review lays a critical foundation for future research and highlights the necessity for enhanced surveillance and targeted interventions to address the looming threat of colistin resistance in the region. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42024584379. Full article

In response to rising concerns over crime rates, there has been an increasing demand for automated video surveillance systems that are capable of detecting human activities involving carried objects. This paper proposes a hyper-model ensemble to classify humans carrying baggage based on the type of bags they are carrying. The Fastai framework is leveraged for its computational prowess, user-friendly workflow, and effective data-cleansing capabilities. The PETA dataset is utilized and automatically re-annotated into five classes based on the baggage type, including Carrying Backpack, Carrying Luggage Case, Carrying Messenger Bag, Carrying Nothing, and Carrying Other. The classification task employs two pretrained models, DenseNet-161 and EfficientNet-B5, with a hyper-model ensemble that combines them to enhance accuracy. A “fit-one-cycle” strategy was implemented to reduce the training time and improve accuracy. The proposed hyper-model ensemble has been experimentally validated and compared to existing methods, demonstrating an accuracy of 98.6% that exceeds current approaches in terms of accuracy, macro-F1, and micro-F1. DenseNet-161 and EfficientNet-B5 have achieved accuracy rates of 95.5% and 97.3%, respectively. These findings contribute to expanding research on automated video surveillance systems, and the proposed model holds promise for further development and use in diverse applications. Full article

This study investigates the palladium-catalyzed one-pot synthesis of functionalized furans from 1,3-Dicarbonyl compounds and alkenyl bromides, focusing on various catalysts and reaction parameters. Different catalysts, including PdCl₂(CH₃CN)₂, Pd(OAc)₂, and Pd(acac)₂ as well as solvents, bases, and oxidants, were systematically evaluated. PdCl₂(CH₃CN)₂ emerged as the most effective catalyst, achieving a remarkable yield of 94%. Optimal reaction conditions were identified as PdCl₂(CH₃CN)₂ in dioxane at 80 °C with K₂CO₃ as the base and CuCl₂ as the oxidant. This study also explored various 1,3-diketones including Cyclohexane-1,3-dione, 5,5-Dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione, 2H-Pyran-3,5(4H,6H)-dione, Cyclopentane-1,3-dione, Pentane-2,4-dione, Ethyl 3-oxobutanoate, 1,3-Diphenylpropane-1,3-dione, 1,3-Dip-tolylpropane-1,3-dione, 1,3-Bis(4-chlorophenyl)propane-1,3-dione, and 1,3-Bis(4-bromo- phenyl)propane-1,3-dione, alongside different alkenyl bromides such as allyl bromide, (E)-1-Bromo-3,4-dimethylpent-2-ene, 1-Bromo-3-methylbut-2-ene, 3-Bromocyclohex-1-ene, and (E)-1-Bromohex-2-ene. These variations demonstrated the method’s versatility and the significant impact of substituents on reactivity and reaction yield. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing reaction conditions to maximize efficiency and provide insights into improving catalytic processes for enhanced product yields. Full article

Ionospheric scintillation is a pressing issue in space weather studies due to its diverse effects on positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems. Developing an accurate and timely prediction model for this event is crucial. In this work, we developed two machine learning models for the prediction of ionospheric scintillation events at the equatorial anomaly during the maximum and minimum phases of solar cycle 24. The models developed in this study are the Random Forest (RF) algorithm and the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm. The models take inputs based on the solar wind parameters obtained from the OMNI Web database from the years 2010–2017 and Pc5 wave power obtained from the Bear Island (BJN) magnetometer station. We retrieved data from the Scintillation Network and Decision Aid (SCINDA) receiver in Egypt from which the S4 index was computed to quantify amplitude scintillations that were utilized as the target in the model development. Out-of-sample model testing was performed to evaluate the prediction accuracy of the models on unseen data after training. The similarity between the observed and predicted scintillation events, quantified by the R² score, was 0.66 and 0.74 for the RF and XGBoost models, respectively. The corresponding Root Mean Square Errors (RMSEs) associated with the models were 0.01 and 0.01 for the RF and XGBoost models, respectively. The similarity in error shows that the XGBoost model is a good and preferred choice for the prediction of ionospheric scintillation events at the equatorial anomaly. With these results, we recommend the use of ensemble learning techniques for the study of the ionospheric scintillation phenomenon. Full article

Cerebrovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and disability. The epidemiological background and predisposing factors have been the basis of many studies. We aimed to assess the effect of seasonal variability and meteorological factors on stroke incidence in Hungary. National and county-level secondary data were assessed for 2018–2019. We identified stroke with ICD codes I60, I61, I62 (hemorrhagic), I63, I65, and I66 (ischemic). The data were obtained from the University of Pécs Clinical Centre (number of patients per day according to sex and disease subtype, n = 1765). Daily average and maximum wind speed [m/s], precipitation [mm], temperature [°C], and frontal effect [warm/cold/mixed/no effect]) were provided by the Hungarian Meteorological Service. We found that 89.92% of the patients were hospitalized for ischemic and 10.08% for hemorrhagic stroke. We observed a significantly higher number of cases in the other months compared to winter (spring: +35.9%; p = 0.007, summer: +59.0%; p = 0.016, autumn: +36.5%; p = 0.01). In autumn, an increase in temperature increased the incidence of stroke (r = 0.210; p = 0.004). Temperature change affected ischemic stroke incidence (r = 0.112; p = 0.003). In contrast, the number of hemorrhagic stroke cases showed a mild but significant negative association with daily temperature change (r = −0.073; p = 0.049). Overall, a 1 °C temperature change compared to the previous day increased the daily number of admissions by 2.9% (p = 0.017). Air pressure change also affected hemorrhagic stroke incidence (r = 0.083; p = 0.025). Changes in temperature and frontal effects can increase the incidence of stroke. Modern forecasting technology can help the healthcare system prepare for possible increased workloads during critical periods. Full article

Background: Existing bioanalytical methods for verapamil hydrochloride (VH) are often complex, requiring advanced instrumentation and specialized expertise, which limits their use in resource-constrained laboratories. Aim: The goal of this study is to fill this gap by developing a simplified, robust RP-HPLC-UV approach for the estimation of verapamil hydrochloride in rabbit plasma. Designed to enhance accuracy and precision while minimizing sample preparation challenges, this method addresses existing limitations by providing an affordable and reliable alternative for laboratories lacking sophisticated instrumentation. Methods: The bioanalytical method was implemented on C-18 stationary phase (5 μ, 250 × 4.6 mm) using acetonitrile/0.1% tetrahydrofuran (THF) in water (80:20, in volume) as the liquid system at a 1 mL/min flow speed, employing carvedilol as an internal standard. Results: The reported retention times of verapamil hydrochloride and carvedilol were ~7.64 and 4.69 min, respectively, at sufficiently high system suitability standards. The linearity of the bioanalytical approach can be seen between 0.025 and 5.0 µg/mL (r² = 0.9991). The findings indicated that there was no matrix influence in terms of accuracy (≥98.96 ± 2.68%), intra- and inter-day precision (≤3.68%), recovery (101.98 ± 2.76%), and procedure efficiency (100.65 ± 1.82%). Benchtop, long-term, and short-term stability investigations all revealed that the verapamil hydrochloride in the bio-samples was stable. The pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmax—3.47 µg/mL; Tmax—1.59 h) were studied from time-dependent plasma concentrations of verapamil hydrochloride estimated after 40 mg oral dosing in New Zealand white rabbits. Conclusions: The developed bioanalytical method provided easier quantitative analysis of verapamil hydrochloride from rabbit plasma and was effectively used in a pharmacokinetic investigation of an oral bolus. The reliable performance of this method under practical conditions positions it as a crucial tool for advancing pharmacokinetic studies across various research environments. Full article

The depletion of fossil fuels has become a significant global issue, prompting scientists to explore and refine methods for harnessing alternative energy sources. This study provides a comprehensive review of advancements and emerging technologies in the desalination industry, focusing on technological improvements and economic considerations. The analysis highlights the potential synergies of integrating multiple renewable energy systems to enhance desalination efficiency and minimise environmental consequences. The main areas of focus include aligning developing technologies like membrane distillation, pervaporation and forward osmosis with renewable energy and implementing hybrid renewable energy systems to improve the scalability and economic viability of desalination enterprises. The study also analyses obstacles related to desalination driven by renewable energy, including energy storage, fluctuations in energy supply, and deployment costs. By resolving these obstacles and investigating novel methodologies, the study enhances the understanding of how renewable energy can be used to construct more efficient, sustainable, and economical desalination systems. Thermal desalination technologies require more energy than membrane-based systems due to the significant energy requirements associated with water vaporisation. The photovoltaic-powered reverse osmosis (RO) system had the most economically favourable production cost, while MED powered via a concentrated solar power (CSP) system had the highest production cost. The study aims to guide future research and development efforts, ultimately promoting the worldwide use of renewable energy-powered desalination systems. Full article

Scorpion toxins are relatively short cyclic peptides (<150 amino acids) that can disrupt the opening/closing mechanisms in cell ion channels. These peptides are widely studied for several reasons including their use in drug discovery. Although improvements in RNAseq have greatly expedited the discovery of new scorpion toxins, their annotation remains challenging, mainly due to their small size. Here, we present a new pipeline to annotate toxins from scorpion transcriptomes using a neural network approach. This pipeline implements basic neural networks to sort amino acid sequences to find those that are likely toxins and thereafter predict the type of toxin represented by the sequence. We anticipate that this pipeline will accelerate the classification of scorpion toxins in forthcoming scorpion genome sequencing projects and potentially serve a useful role in identifying targets for drug development. Full article

An investigation was conducted to assess the efficacy of using waste rubber as a substitute for a portion of an aggregate to enhance concrete’s sustainability. For the purpose of accomplishing this objective, a total of 12 specimens were constructed and then subjected to a series of tests to investigate their bending behavior. The samples were constructed with the following dimensions: 1000 mm length and a 100 mm by 150 mm cross-sectional area. A few factors were selected, including the impacts of the longitudinal reinforcement ratio and the waste rubber ratio. Based on the volume of aggregates, rubber replacement rates of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% were investigated in this study. To assess the beam bending behavior, the stirrup width and spacing were kept constant at ∅6/10. The longitudinal reinforcement was composed of three diameters: ∅6 at the top (for all beams) and ∅8, ∅10, and ∅12 at the bottom. The experimental results demonstrated that the effects of varying amounts of waste rubber and tension reinforcement on the bending and cracking of reinforced concrete beams (RCBs) were varied. The findings indicate that the incorporation of waste rubber into concrete results in a reduction in both the load-carrying capacity and the level of deformation of the material. Additionally, it was shown that as the amount of waste rubber in the RCB increased, the energy absorption capacity and ultimate load decreased. There was a reduction in energy dissipation of 53.71%, 51.69%, and 40.55% for ∅8 when longitudinal reinforcement was applied at 5%, 10%, and 15% replacement, respectively. Additionally, there were reductions of 25.35%, 9.31%, and 58.15% for ∅10, and 38.69%, 57.79%, and 62.44% for ∅12, respectively. Full article