Characterization of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae from blood cultures in Gaza Strip hospitals, Palestine.

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is a difficult to treat organism owing to limited therapeutic options. So far, little is known about the molecular characteristics of CRKP in Palestine.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial resistance patterns, multilocus sequence types (ST) and resistance genes among clinical K.

Exploring the role of leaves distillation waste as a green inhibitor for carbon steel in acidic environment: an integrated study.

In this study, the assessment of the leaves' co-product resulting from the hydrodistillation process was conducted to evaluate its anticorrosive potential for carbon steel in the hydrochloric acid medium. Phytochemical analysis of this biomass revealed its abundance in terms of polyphenols and flavonoids; hence the determination of total polyphenol content recorded a value of 75.4 mg GAE per g extract.

First principle calculations of Janus 2D-TiSSe as an anodic electrode in batteries of lithium, sodium, and magnesium ions.

Context: In recent years, rechargeable batteries have received considerable attention as a way to improve energy storage efficiency. Anodic (negative) electrodes based on Janus two-dimensional (2D) monolayers are among the most promising candidates. In this effort, the adsorption and diffusion of these Li, Na, and Mg ions on and through Janus 2D-TiSSe as anodic material was investigated by means of periodic DFT-D calculations.

Carvacrol modulates antioxidant enzymes, DNA integrity, and apoptotic markers in zearalenone-exposed fetal rat liver.

Maternal exposure to zearalenone (ZEA), a mycotoxin, can impact fetal liver development. This study investigated the protective effects of carvacrol (CRV) against ZEA-induced fetal liver damage. Thirty-two pregnant rats were allocated to four groups (eight rats/group); control, CRV (75 mg/kg), ZEA (5 mg/kg), and co-treated group (ZEA + CRV).

Quercetin diminishes the apoptotic pathway of magnetite nanoparticles in rats' ovary: Antioxidant status and hormonal profiles.

Magnetite nanoparticles have attracted the attention of researchers for biomedical uses, but their impacts on the reproductive system did not report. Here, we have studied the possible attenuation efficiency of quercetin against magnetite nanoparticles-induced apoptosis in ovarian. Forty female rats were divided equally into control, quercetin (100 mg/kg), magnetite nanoparticles (50 mg/kg), and magnetite nanoparticles+quercetin, where all rats received their doses for four weeks.

Corrosion inhibition performance of benzimidazole derivatives for protection of carbon steel in hydrochloric acid solution.

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the corrosion inhibition properties of new organic compounds, (1-benzimidazol-2-yl)methanethiol (LF) and 1-dodecyl-2-((dodecylthio)methyl)-1-benzimidazole (LF), have been examined for inhibiting of Carbon-Steel (C.S) in 1.0 M HCl.

The Global Impact of Multisystemic Vulnerabilities on Criminal Variety: A Cross-Continental Study in Young Adults.

Previous research has shown a robust association between different childhood and adolescent vulnerabilities and youth offending. However, these investigations have primarily focused on youths from high-income Western countries. Consequently, the generalizability of these findings to better inform global justice policies remains uncertain.

Comprehensive study for radiation shielding features for BiO-BO-ZnO composite using computational radioanalytical Phy-X/PSD, MCNP5, and SRIM software.

The current study uses zinc oxide doping nanoparticles to investigate the radiation shielding properties of bismuth borate glass. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) examined the structural characteristics of the current samples. In contrast, the optical properties were determined based on the absorption spectrum for current samples.

Alkaloid extract of seed Citrullus colocynthis as novel green inhibitor for mild steel corrosion in one molar HCl acid solution: DFT and MC/MD approaches.

The study was designed to explore the corrosion prevention capabilities of Citrullus colocynthis seeds alkaloid-rich extract (CSEA) on MS in a 1 M HCl environment by use of electrochemical and theoretical methods. Notably, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization were used to probe the impact of immersion time and temperature. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and spanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to confirm the presence of a protective layer on the substrate surface.

Impact of the chemical insertion of the dimethylamino group on the electronic and optical properties of the 4-(methoxyphenyl acetonitrile) monomer (MPA): a DFT theoretical investigation.

Context: Density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the ground and the first excited state are performed on the modified and unmodified 4-(methoxyphenyl acetonitrile) monomer (referred to as MPA). The modified monomer named MFA is obtained by Knoevenagel condensation of MPA with dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal (DMF-DMA). DFT computations show that the chemical grafting of the dimethylamino group onto the MPA unit induces a great change in the geometric, electronic, and optical properties.

Health and wellbeing of staff working at higher education institutions globally during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period: evidence from a cross-sectional study.

Background: The ongoing global crisis of Higher Education (HE) institutions during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period has increased the likelihood of enduring psychological stressors for staff. This study aimed to identify factors associated with job insecurity, burnout, psychological distress and coping amongst staff working at HE institutions globally.

Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 with staff at HE institutions across 16 countries.

The effectiveness of water jet flossing and interdental flossing for oral hygiene in orthodontic patients with fixed appliances: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Orthodontic treatment presents challenges with plaque accumulation around brackets, archwires, and elastics, leading to retained plaque and gingival inflammation. Conventional toothbrushing may not be enough, requiring additional oral hygiene aids like interproximal brushes, dental flosses, and water flossers. Limited research exists on comparing water flossing and interdental flossing in orthodontic patients.

Common misconceptions and myths about ovarian cancer causation: a national cross-sectional study from palestine.

Background: Women's inability to recognize ovarian cancer (OC) causation myths to be incorrect may lead to behavioral changes that could distract them from actual risk factors and impact their treatment decision making. This study examined Palestinian women's recognition of OC mythical causes, and explored factors associated with good recognition.

Methods: A national cross-sectional study was conducted.

Mobile Stroke Units in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 5 "T Letter" Domains.

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) may be administered to stroke patients requiring immediate treatment more quickly than emergency medical services if certain conditions are met. These conditions include the presence of mobile stroke units (MSUs) with on-site treatment teams and a computed tomography scanner. We compared clinical outcomes of MSU conventional therapy by emergency medical services through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Adsorption of Methylene Blue Dye and Analysis of Two Clays: A Study of Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Modeling with DFT, MD, and MC Simulations.

The purpose of this research was to learn more about the primary and secondary properties of Moroccan natural clay in an effort to better investigate innovative adsorbents and gain access to an ideal adsorption system. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis (SEM-EDX) and X-ray fluorescence were employed for identification. SEM revealed clay grains, including tiny particles and unevenly shaped sticks.

Barriers to Timely Seeking of Breast Cancer Care Among Palestinian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: Examining the association of breast cancer (BC) symptom awareness with time to help seeking and exploring barriers to timely presentation may enhance the effectiveness of BC awareness campaigns and early detection efforts. This study aimed to assess the anticipated time for seeking medical advice when experiencing a potential BC symptom among women in Palestine and to identify their barriers to early presentation.

Materials And Methods: A convenience sampling method was used to recruit adult women from hospitals, primary health care facilities, and public areas across 11 governorates in Palestine.

ZnO-NPs/AC composite antibacterial agents with N-halamine glycinate functionalized silica-mesoporous silica coating for water disinfection.

This work deals with the synthesis, structural characterization and applications of halamine glycinate functionalized silica-mesoporous silica coated ZnO-NPs/AC composite for water disinfection. Several nanocomposite materials were obtained: ZnO-NPs/AC, ZnO-NPs/AC@SiO, ZnO-NPs/AC@SiO@mSiO, ZnO-NPs@SiO@mSiO-Gly and ZnO-NPs@SiO@mSiO--halamine-Gly. These nanocomposite materials were fully characterized via different physiochemical techniques including: FTIR, TGA, XPS, XRD, SEM, TEM and BET.

Designed complexes combining brazilein and brazilin with betanidin for dye-sensitized solar cell application: DFT and TD-DFT study.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are promising third-generation photovoltaic cell technology owing to their easy fabrication, flexibility and better performance under diffuse light conditions. Natural pigment sensitizers are abundantly available and environmentally friendliness. However, narrow absorption spectra of natural pigments result in low efficiencies of the DSSCs.

Magnetic, Antiferroelectric-like Behavior and Resistance Switching Properties in BiFeO-CaMnO Polycrystalline Thin Films.

The effect of ferromagnetic CaMnO (CMO) addition to structural, magnetic, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties of BiFeO is presented. X-ray diffraction and Raman investigation allowed the identification of a single pseudocubic perovskite structure. The magnetic measurement showed that the prepared films exhibit a ferromagnetic behavior at a low temperature with both coercive field and remnant magnetization increased with increasing CMO content.

Fecal carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing enterobacterales from hospitals and community settings in Gaza Strip, Palestine.

Background: The fecal carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE) is a major driver of the global spread of these antibiotic resistance determinants. Here we determined the rate of fecal ESBL-PE carriage in pediatric hospitals and community-serving healthcare centers serving adults and children in the Gaza Strip, Palestine.

Methods: A total of 373 fecal and rectal samples were collected from different hospitals and clinics in Gaza.

Polysaccharides (pectin, mucilage, and fructan inulin) and their fermented products: A critical analysis of their biochemical, gut interactions, and biological functions as antidiabetic agents.

Diabetes mellitus is a globally metabolic endocrine syndrome marked by a deficiency of insulin secretion (type-1 DM) or glucose intolerance arising from insulin response impairment (type-2 DM) leading to abnormal glucose metabolism. With an increasing interest in natural dietary components for diabetes management, the identification of novel agents witnessed major discoveries. Plant-derived mucilage, pectin, and inulin are important non-starch polysaccharides that exhibit effective antidiabetic properties often termed soluble dietary fiber (SDF).

The impact of access to electricity on mental health in conflict-affected territories: An exploratory study in Gaza.

Background: Access to affordable and clean energy is an essential component of the Sustainable Development Goals and a determinant of physical and mental health. However, the occupied Palestinian territory, the Gaza Strip, has experienced prolonged issues with electricity, water and gas supplies. This has significantly impacted on daily life and the area is on the verge of disaster.

Phenytoin's Pharmacological Interactions with Medicinal Herbs: A Review.

Physiologic changes due to aging, pregnancy, nutritional status, drug interactions, and can affect pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antiepileptic drugs. In this review article, the interactions between phenytoin and herbs recorded in the literature were summarized according to the Medline database (via PubMed). Our results revealed that, changes in phenytoin's bioavailability were reported for co-administration of herbs or herbal extracts.