Tanta University

Background Diabetic foot ulcers present a formidable challenge due to colonization by biofilm-forming microorganisms, heightened oxidative stress, and continuous wound maceration caused by excessive exudation. Methods To address these issues, we developed a robust, stretchable, electro-conductive, self-healing, antioxidant, and antibiofilm hydrogel. This hydrogel was synthesized through the crosslinking of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CH) with boric acid. To enhance its antimicrobial efficacy, graphene oxide (GO), produced via electrochemical exfoliation in a zinc ion-based electrolyte medium, was incorporated. For optimal antibiofilm performance, GO was functionalized with cranberry (CR) phenolic extracts, forming a graphene oxide-cranberry nanohybrid (GO-CR). Results The incorporation of GO-CR into the hydrogel significantly improved its stretchability (280% for PVA/CH/GO-CR compared to 200% for PVA/CH). Additionally, the hydrogel demonstrated efficient photothermal conversion under near-infrared (NIR) light, enabling dynamic exudate removal, which is expected to minimize retained exudate between the wound and the dressing, reducing the risk of wound maceration. The hydrogel effectively reduced levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced skin inflammation markers, significantly lowering the expression of NLRP3, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β by 39.2%, 31.9%, 41%, and 52.3%, respectively. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses further confirmed reduced inflammation and enhanced wound healing. Conclusion The PVA/CH/GO-CR hydrogel exhibits multifunctional properties that enhance wound healing ulcers. Its superior mechanical, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties and ability to promote angiogenesis make it a promising candidate for effective wound management in diabetic patients.

Recently, the use and management of water resources have become a critical issue, especially in arid and semi-arid surroundings. In such areas, the importance of mapping groundwater potential zones is unmeasurable since water is a critical human resource. Focused on the semi-arid region of Kuwait, our research integrates Google Earth Engine and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), offering a robust admission to identifying groundwater potential zones. To this end, thirteen criteria including geology, slope, rainfall, elevation, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Land Surface Temperature (LST), drainage density, Land Use and Land Cover (LULC), lineament density, topographic wetness index (TWI), geomorphology, and the water table were integrated to reach a wise decision through AHP-MCDM. Our findings revealed that Kuwait’s groundwater potential zones are extremely well suited to the country’s north and east. Appropriate potential zones with high and moderate degrees encompass 12% and 37%, respectively, while extremely high suitability is less than 1.5%. These findings are based on the input data (mainly rainfall, NDVI, NDWI, and LST). The likelihood of groundwater potential is higher in the lower regions of the country. Over 7500 km²—nearly 50% of the total area—are classified as low potential. Furthermore, Our research shows that combining more factors can increase precision while ensuring the stability of the detection process of GWPZs. Around 242 km² as promising targets for future groundwater exploitation within Kuwait. Rigorously validated through on-site field observations and corroborated by maps showing the distribution of productive groundwater wells in Kuwait, our results exhibit a considered alignment. It is recommended that we extend the application of our methodology beyond the borders of the studied terrain and urge decision-makers to consider our findings in their strategic planning processes.

The 3D modeling analysis for the rotary motion of an asymmetric rigid body (RB) that gains a charge is presented. Under the effect of a gyrostatic moment (GM), an electromagnetic force field (EFF), time-varying body-fixed torques (TVBFTs), and constant axial torque (CAT), Euler’s equation of motion (EOM) is derived to describe the body’s EOM. The process is to derive the analytic solutions for the general attitude motion of the RB that is nearly symmetrical; therefore, a novel analytical solution for the angular velocities of the body has been approached. These new solutions are obtained by considering torques that vary over time and expressing them as integrals. Additionally, a novel closed-form evaluation mechanism for these integrals is offered. Specifically, the case of a constant torque around the spin axis and transverse torques represented by polynomial functions of time is explored. When dealing with an axisymmetric RB subject to a CAT, the solutions obtained from Euler’s EOM are exact. However, it is important to note that novel analytic solutions for the Eulerian angles are approximations, as they rely on the assumption of small angles. Nonetheless, these approximations have broad applicability to a wide range of practical problems. The method’s precision is demonstrated through the graphical simulation of the proposed solutions. Additionally, a computer program is utilized to create diagrams and phase plane curves, highlighting the contribution of various body parameters to the motion. These plots depict the contributions of various values regarding GM, charge, and CAT. Motion stability is also examined through phase diagrams. In addition to presenting novel solutions and outcomes for the problem, this study plays a vital role in multiple scientific and engineering fields as it has the potential to optimize mechanical systems, explain celestial motion, and improve spacecraft performance.

This work studies the nonlinear movement of a two degrees-of-freedom (DOF) spring pendulum that is dampened and affected by a harmonic force externally. It is presumed that the spring’s pivot point travels along an elliptic route. Lagrange’s equations are utilized to generate the regulating system of motion. The multiple-scales approach (MSA) is used to gain the system’s analytic solutions up to the third-order approximation. Therefore, all resonance cases that have emerged are categorized, wherein two of them are scrutinized at once. As a result of the removal of secular terms, the solvability constraints are attained and then the steady-state solutions are investigated. The examined motion’s temporal evolution, the resonance response curves, and the solutions at the steady-state are all depicted graphically. In compliance with the Routh–Hurwitz criteria (RHC), all possible fixed points (FPs) for the steady and unsteady cases are found and displayed. The stability zones are examined and analyzed to estimate the effect of various factors on the system’s behavior. This model has gained prominence recently due to its industrial uses in seismic isolation systems for buildings and structures. However, in seismic engineering, a 2DOF vibrating pendulum system can be used as part of a seismic isolation system designed to protect buildings and infrastructure from earthquake-induced vibrations. The pendulum mechanism helps to absorb and dissipate seismic energy, reducing the amount of force transmitted to the structure. During an earthquake, the ground motion acts as an external harmonic force on the building. The distribution of mass and the structural layout can cause rotational moments that act on the building. The pendulum system can be tuned to counteract these moments, helping to stabilize the structure. The pendulum system allows for both horizontal and vertical displacement, providing two degrees of freedom. This capability is essential for accommodating the complex, multi-directional nature of seismic waves.

This study focuses on determining the required minimum-time (MT) for the spatial motion of a free rigid body (RB) experiencing gyrostatic moments (GMs) and viscous friction. The study assumes that the body’s center of mass coincides with the original point of two Cartesian systems of coordinates. An optimal control law for slow motion is established, and the corresponding time and phase pathways are analyzed. The innovative results are presented for two new cases through various graphs highlighting the positive effects of the GMs. A comparison is achieved between the obtained results and previous outcomes that did not consider gyrostatic moments, showing remarkable consistency with slight deviations that are discussed. The practical applications of this study, which limits itself to using gyroscopic theory to maintain the stability and balance of vehicles in which gyroscopes are used, as well as figuring out the trajectory of aircraft and marine vehicles, are what make it noteworthy.

We study $\ell$-regular partitions by defining a sequence of modular forms of level $\ell$ and quadratic character which encode their $\ell$-adic behavior. We show that this sequence is congruent modulo increasing powers of $\ell$ to level 1 modular forms of increasing weights. We then prove that certain $\mathbb {Z}/\ell ^m\mathbb {Z}$-modules generated by our sequence are isomorphic to certain subspaces of level 1 cusp forms of weight independent of the power of $\ell$, leading to a uniform bound on the ranks of those modules and consequently to $\ell$-adic relations between $\ell$-regular partition values.

Worldwide, stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability in adults. Alteplase is the only approved treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and results in an improvement in a third of treated patients. Most studies evaluated the post-alteplase haemorrhagic transformation of brain infarction as a homogeneous entity but we evaluated the predictors of each subtype of haemorrhagic transformation of brain infarction. Our trial included 616 AIS alteplase-treated patients. We evaluated the ability of different risk factors, clinical presentation, and imaging features to predict different haemorrhagic transformation (HT) subtypes. HT was seen in 152 patients (24.7%), higher NIHSS, cardioembolic stroke and atrial fibrillation were independent predictors of all ECASS-based subtypes of hemorrhagic infarction, in addition, anterior-circulation stroke was an independent predictor of hemorrhagic infarction type 1 (odds ratio [OR], 11.04; 95% CI, 9.81 to 12.70; P-value > 0.001) and type2 (OR, 11.89; 95% CI, 9.79 to 14.44; P-value > 0.001), while older age was also an independent predictor of parenchymal hematoma type1 (OR, 1.312; 95% CI, 1.245 to 1.912; P-value 0.02). In AIS patients treated with alteplase in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, higher NIHSS, cardioembolic stroke and atrial fibrillation were independent predictors of all ECASS-based subtypes of hemorrhagic infarction; in addition, anterior-circulation stroke was an independent predictor of hemorrhagic infarction type 1 and 2, while older age was also an independent predictor of parenchymal hematoma type1. Trial registration: (clinicaltrials.gov NCT06337175), retrospectively registered on 29/03/2024.

The current investigation was designed as an experimental endeavor to explore the protective efficacy of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and quercetin against hepatotoxicity induced by copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles. Rats were subjected to CuO nanoparticle intoxication through intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg b.w. for three weeks, followed by the administration of the aforementioned antioxidants for an additional three weeks. This study systematically tracked alterations in liver enzymatic activity, antioxidant levels, apoptotic markers, and histopathological changes using the comet assay. CuO nanoparticle-intoxicated rats exhibited a significant increase in serum alanine transaminase aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin levels, coupled with a noteworthy reduction in serum albumin. Moreover, there was a marked rise in serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels, concomitant with a significant decline in serum hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Caspase-3 and Bax mRNA levels in the serum showed a substantial increase, while serum Bcl-2 mRNA levels witnessed a significant decrease. Liver tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NOx) experienced a significant elevation, and DNA damage was observed through the comet assay. Histopathological examination of the liver tissue substantiated these aforementioned findings. Administration of the antioxidants DHEA or quercetin, either individually or in combination, mitigated the parameters of hepatotoxicity to varying extents. In summary, the hepatic genotoxicity induced by CuO nanoparticles demonstrated improvement following the administration of either DHEA or quercetin. Additionally, their combined administration exhibited a more potent protective potential.

Background. High blood pressure (BP) is common in acute stroke and a predictor of poor outcomes. Treatment of acute stroke, before a distinction can be made between ischemic and hemorrhagic types, is challenging. We aimed to assess whether patients with presumed acute stroke benefit from pre-hospital BP lowering. Methods. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane searches until June 2024. Dichotomous data were pooled using risk ratio (RR), and continuous data were pooled using mean difference (MD), both with a 95% confidence interval (CI), using (R version 4.3). PROSPERO ID: CRD42024560200. Results. Our analysis included five RCTs encompassing 3,933 patients. There was no difference between early BP control and usual care regarding the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) after 24 hours (MD: 0.65 with 95% CI [0.01, 1.29], P = 0.05), excellent neurological recovery (Modified Rankin Score (mRS) 0–1) (RR: 1.00 with 95% CI [0.91, 1.11], P= 0.98), functional independence (mRS 0–2) (RR: 1.04 with 95% CI [0.96, 1.13], P= 0.30), and independent Ambulation (mRS 0–3) (RR: 1.01 with 95% CI [0.95, 1.06], P= 0.84). Also, there was no difference between both groups in poor neurological recovery (mRS 4–6) (RR: 0.98 with 95% CI [0.91, 1.07], P= 0.68), all-cause mortality (RR: 1.02 with 95% CI [0.90, 1.15], P= 0.79), and any serious adverse events (RR: 1.04 with 95% CI [0.95, 1.15], P= 0.40). However, early BP control significantly increased the incidence of hypotension (RR: 2.24 with 95% CI [1.14, 4.38], P= 0.02) and headache (RR: 1.51 with 95% CI [1.01, 2.26], P= 0.04). Conclusion. In patients with presumed hyperacute stroke and elevated blood pressure, the rapid initiation of blood pressure reduction in the ambulance very early after symptom onset had no significant benefit regarding functional outcomes in patients with undifferentiated stroke but with an increased incidence of hypotension and headaches.

Background Despite the increasing prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the pathophysiology is still not fully understood. Recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may play a role in the pathophysiology of NAFLD and may also offer new therapeutic options. Methods This prospective cross-sectional study included 100 consecutive newly diagnosed obese patients (BMI ≥ 95th percentile), aged 14–18 years with NAFLD (confirmed by ultrasound), persistently elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) greater than 60 U/L for 1–6 months, and 100 healthy controls. We evaluated changes in the gut microbiota in NAFLD adolescents compared with healthy controls. Results According to the multiple logistic regressions, the variables associated with NAFLD were the presence of Clostridium difficile, the presence of Salmonella spp., a greater abundance of Bifidobacterium and Prevotella, and a lower abundance of Lactobacillus. Conclusion Changes in the gut microbiota occur in adolescents with NAFLD compared with healthy individuals, which may be useful for identifying youths who are amenable to gut microbiota-based interventions. Clinical trial number Not applicable.

This study represents a comparison among the performances of four multivariate procedures: partial least square (PLS) and artificial neural networks (ANN) in addition to support vector regression (SVR) and extreme gradient boosting (XG Boost) algorithm for the determination of the anti-diabetic mixture of pioglitazone (PIO), alogliptin (ALG) and glimepiride (GLM) in pharmaceutical formulations with aid of UV spectrometry. Key wavelengths were selected using knowledge-based variable selection and various preprocessing methods (e.g., mean centering, orthogonal scatter correction, and principal component analysis) to minimize noise and improve model precision. XG Boost effectively enhanced computing speed and accuracy by focusing on specific spectral features rather than the entire spectrum, demonstrating its advantages in resolving complex, overlapping spectral data. The independent test results of different models demonstrated that XG Boost outperformed other methods. XG Boost achieved the lowest root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) and standard deviation (SD) values across all compounds, indicating minimal prediction error and variability. For PIO, XG Boost recorded an RMSEP of 0.100 and SD of 0.369, significantly better than PLS and ANN. For ALG, XG Boost showed near-perfect performance with an RMSEP of 0.001 and SD of 0.005, outperforming SVR and PLS, which had higher error rates. In the case of GLM, XG Boost also excelled with an RMSEP of 0.001 and SD of 0.018, demonstrating superior precision compared to the much higher errors seen in PLS and ANN. These results highlight XG Boost’s exceptional ability to handle complex, overlapping spectral data, making it the most reliable and accurate model in this study. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13065-024-01351-8.

It is critical to find novel therapeutic approaches owing to the dissemination of multidrug resistance (MDR) in pathogenic bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus. FDA-drug repurposing is an important therapeutic tactic to fight MDR bacteria. Here, we inspected the antibacterial activity of ambroxol against clinical MDR S. aureus isolates. Using the broth microdilution method, ambroxol revealed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.75 to 1.5 mg/mL. Also, it revealed antibiofilm action on 42.17% of the isolates by crystal violet assay. A scanning electron microscope was employed to study the antibiofilm action of ambroxol. It revealed that the association between the cells was interrupted by ambroxol, and the biofilm construction was devastated. Moreover, qRT-PCR was utilized to elucidate the consequence of ambroxol on the gene expression of efflux and biofilm. Remarkably, ambroxol has downregulated the expression of cna, fnb A, ica, nor A, nor B genes. Ambroxol’s in vivo antibacterial action was investigated using S. aureus infected burn infection. Interestingly, ambroxol has improved the histological features of the skin tissues, significantly diminished the bacterial burden, and increased the wound healing percentage. Also, it revealed a significant reduction in the immunohistochemical staining of tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Finally, the in silico investigations were performed to elucidate the potential of ambroxol on five possible targets of S. aureus. Ambroxol showed good affinities on the five investigated targets in S. aureus, with CrtM being the highest, proposing its probable role in the mechanisms for ambroxol’s action on S. aureus. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-024-03666-x.

Our study aimed to compare the anatomical features of the eyeball, lens, and retina between the two raptor birds of different visual active clock hours: the diurnal common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus rupicilaeformis) and the nocturnal little owl (Athene noctua glaux) using gross, morphometric analysis, histological, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The semi-spherical eyeball of the kestrel had less convexity on the anterior surface than on the posterior surface; meanwhile, it was relatively larger in the owl. There is a relationship between the corneal diameter (CD) and the eye axial length (AL). There were significant differences in the retinal layer thickness between the two raptors, in which the diurnal kestrel had a thinner pigmented epithelium and photoreceptor layers compared to the nocturnal owl. Moreover, the inner nuclear and outer nuclear, inner plexiform, and outer plexiform layers in the diurnal kestrel were larger than those in the nocturnal owl. The differences in the pigmented epithelium layer lead to the higher visual acuity and better color vision of the diurnal kestrel compared to the nocturnal owl. The photoreceptor layer in diurnal kestrel was composed of single large and double cones, which are composed of chief cones and accessory cones; meanwhile, the photoreceptor layer in nocturnal owl had only single elongated rods. We concluded that the lens and retina of the two raptors revealed great variations in reflecting the adaptation of each bird to different modes of life. The statistical analysis found a strong positive correlation between the axial length of the eye and the corneal diameter in both birds, as indicated by the Pearson correlation coefficient.

Background Immediate implant placement (IIP) in compromised extraction sockets poses significant challenges in maintaining the contour and level of mucosal tissues. This study compares the efficacy of vestibular socket therapy (VST) combined with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) versus connective tissue grafts (CTG) in IIP within the esthetic zone. Methods Twenty participants requiring extraction in the maxillary esthetic zone were randomized into two groups: ADM and CTG (n = 10 each). Both groups underwent VST with bone grafting and dental implant placement. Clinical outcomes were evaluated at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months, measuring soft-tissue level and thicknesses, and the radiographic facial alveolar bone thicknesses and height. Results Both groups resulted in statistically significant increase in coronal mucosal thickness, facial bone height and thickness over time. CTG showed statistically significant increase at apical mucosal thickness over time, whereas the ADM group had a significantly higher facial bone height after 12 months. No significant differences were observed between groups in mucosal thickness and level at any time point and both groups achieved 100% implant survival. Conclusion ADM and CTG are both effective for soft tissue augmentation and hard-tissue maintenance in IIP within compromised extraction sockets after 12 months. CTG may offer advantages in apical mucosal thickness, while ADM was associated with greater bone height. Clinical relevance Both ADM and CTG effectively enhance soft tissue and maintain hard-tissue levels, with CTG providing better apical mucosal thickness and ADM resulting in greater facial bone height after 12 months. These insights help clinicians to customize treatment plans based on individual goals and patient needs.

Background: Cognitive Enhancers (CE) are central nervous system stimulant substances known to improve cognitive functions. Due to high-perceived stress and academic pressure, CEs are becoming increasingly popular among medical students. As a result, they are more likely to misuse these substances. Objectives: This study aims to estimate the prevalence of CE consumption, compare the prevalence between countries and genders, and identify characteristics associated with CE consumption among students at medical schools in Egypt, Sudan, and Jordan. Method: A population-based survey study was conducted among medical students from Egypt, Sudan, and Jordan. An online self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data. Frequencies and percentages were calculated to represent participant distribution across categories. Chi-square was used for categorical variables comparisons. All tests were two-tailed, considering p < 0.05 statistically significant. Demographic characteristics, reasons for use, types of CE used, and side effects were compared by country and gender. Results: A total sample of 1399 participated in the questionnaire, most of whom were females 824 (58.9%). Overall, 1236 (88.3%) were CE consumers, and 163 (11.7%) were non-consumers. Of the respondents who used CE, 814 (58.2%) reported using them daily. There was a statistically significant difference between the consumption of CE and the source of acquisition, nationality, and residence status regarding gender. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that CE use is increasing among medical students in Egypt, Sudan, and Jordan. Efficient support, stress management programs, and awareness symposia may help reduce the misuse of these substances. Future longitudinal studies are still required.

Wet-chemical co-precipitation was used to create Co0.5MgxCu0.5−xFe2O4 nano-ferrites (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4). XRD, FT-IR, HRTEM, and EDX analyses were used to confirm each sample’s single-phase spinel cubic crystal structure. The crystallite size was calculated from the XRD data and determined to be between (11.1570 and 16.1457 nm), with a lattice constant between (8.359 to 8.387Å). The two absorption bands found in the FTIR data were utilized to show metal cation and oxygen bond stretching at tetrahedral and octahedral positions, as well as to calculate the elastic moduli. The elemental composition and structural behavior of every sample were examined using FE-SEM and EDS. The magnetic parameters were also estimated based on the VSM data, the contribution of magnetic anisotropy (K), and the magnetic interaction by Neel’s and Y-K-type magnetism modify as the Mg²⁺ ion substitution increases, thus we must consider how this variation in cation distribution affects all of these factors. As per the ferromagnet theory, ions originating from the magnetic tetrahedral A and octahedral B sites engage in super-exchange interactions with one another. Anti-ferromagnetic alignment occurs as a result (MB-MA). Magnetization occurs as a result.

This study investigates the magnetic, thermal, and electrical properties of Co 0.72 Sr 0.07 Ni 0.21 Fe 2 O 4 ferrite nanoparticles under different conditions, including as-prepared, irradiated (at a dose of 100 kGy in CO 2 atmosphere), and aged (at 1000°C). The magnetic properties are analyzed using M-H loops, revealing that the aged sample exhibits the highest magnetization values. The observed decrease in magnetization after irradiation and increase after aging is consistent due to the presence of a new phase (γ-FeOOH) in the irradiated sample that XRD confirms. Electrical conductivity measurements demonstrate that the aging sample exhibits the highest electrical conductivity due to increased grain boundaries, while the irradiated sample shows increased conductivity attributed to oxygen vacancies. As well as the nanocomposite of PVP and Co 0.72 Sr 0.07 Ni 0.21 Fe 2 O 4 nanoparticles aged (at 1000°C) is found to be effective in degrading the Toluidine Blue (TB) dye through catalytic oxidation and photodegradation mechanisms. The catalytic degradation of TB dye provides valuable insights into the potential application of these ferrite nanoparticles in environmental remediation and wastewater treatment. Also, nanocomposite demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against five pathogenic bacterial strains commonly found in contaminated water, with superior effectiveness against Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Salmonella enterica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, suggesting its potential as an effective water treatment agent. The novelty and the aims are to analyze the changes in magnetization and conductivity of the nanoparticles under different conditions, including as-prepared, irradiated, and aged samples. Additionally, the catalytic efficiency of the aged nanoparticles in degrading Toluidine Blue (TB) dye is examined, providing insights into their potential application in environmental remediation and wastewater treatment.