Ultrasound-assisted dieckol extraction from Eisenia bicyclis and its evaluation as a functional ingredient for bacterial cellulose-based desserts.

Dieckol is a brown algal phlorotannin with potent bioactivities such as hepatoprotective effects. This study aimed to produce dieckol-rich extract from Eisenia bicyclis and apply them as a functional ingredient for a novel bacterial cellulose (BC)-based dessert. The modeling and optimization of the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) process were performed.

Effect of ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic extraction on proso millet bran protein: extraction rate, structural and functional properties.

Background: Proso millet bran protein (PMBP), derived from agricultural by-products, possesses high nutritional value, despite its challenging extraction process. The present study proposes an extraction method for PMBP using ultrasound-assisted cellulase technology (UAE), and optimizes the process parameters. Non-waxy (N-PMBP) and waxy (W-PMBP) PMBPs, extracted through alkaline solubilization and acid precipitation (conventional treatment, CT), served as control groups to assess the impact of UAE on the structure and functionality of PMBP, as well as the distinctions between N-PMBPs and W-PMBPs.

A Multicenter ICET-A Survey on Adherence to Annual Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) Screening in Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia (TDT) Patients - The Expert Clinicians' Opinion on Factors Influencing the Adherence and on Alternative Strategies for Adherence Optimization.

Background: Current guidelines for screening glucose dysregulation (GD) in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) recommend an annual 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) starting at the age of 10 years.

Objective: Assessment of adherence to OGTT screening in patients with TDT.

Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 18 Thalassemia Centers in 10 different countries, targeting factors influencing adherence to annual OGTT screening in specialized multidisciplinary pediatric and adult TDT units and identifying strategies to improve adherence to OGTT in TDT patients.

Utilization of Low-Dose Phentermine for Weight Loss Prior to Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, and Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Studies examining preoperative weight loss using pharmacotherapy in metabolic and bariatric patients are limited. The objective was to investigate if patients taking a low-dose formulation of phentermine had improved weight loss.

Methods: This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled trial including patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

Morphologically-analyzed and syntactically-annotated Quran dataset.

This paper introduces the Morphologically-Analyzed and Syntactically-Annotated Quran (MASAQ) dataset, a comprehensive resource designed to address the scarcity of annotated Quranic Arabic corpora and facilitate the development of advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) models. The Quran, being a cornerstone of classical Arabic, presents unique challenges for NLP due to its sacred nature and complex linguistic features. MASAQ provides a detailed syntactic and morphological annotation of the entire Quranic text, utilizing a rigorously verified text from Tanzil.

Multicenter Perioperative Results with a New Endoscopic Powered Stapler in Bariatric Surgery: A Retrospective Study.

Advancements in surgical stapling devices play a crucial role in improving outcomes for bariatric procedures. This study evaluates the performance and safety of a new endoscopic stapler (EnDrive® Beluga) regarding perioperative results across multiple bariatric surgery types. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 112 patients who underwent bariatric procedures using the Beluga stapler at two centers in the United Arab Emirates and Kenya over a 6-month period (June-December 2023).

The Perceived Handism Discrimination Scale (PHDS): Development and factor analysis.

While discrimination based on race, gender, and other factors is well-documented, the discrimination faced by left-handed individuals is often overlooked. To address this gap, a study developed the Perceived Handism Discrimination Scale (PHDS) to assess how left-handed people perceive discrimination related to their hand preference. The original questionnaire consisted of 20 items using a 7-point Likert scale and was evaluated by experts using Lawshe's methodology.

Energized dispersive guided extraction (EDGE): a promising tool for analytical chemistry applications.

Analytical chemistry demands precise sample preparation methods to ensure accurate qualitative and quantitative determinations, especially those capable of clean-up and preconcentration of target analytes. Extraction plays a crucial role in enhancing the selectivity and sensitivity of analytical procedures. Thus, Energized Dispersive Guided Extraction (EDGE) has emerged as an innovative alternative to traditional methods, such as Soxhlet, maceration, and percolation, as well as modern techniques like Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE), Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE), and Microwave or Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (MAE and UAE).

Folic acid allergy in pregnancy: a case report.

Folic acid intake prevents neural tube defects in the developing foetus. Folic acid allergy in pregnancy is very rare. Most physicians are unaware of this complication.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) associated with the use of antiseizure medications-An overview of clinical data.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) released a warning regarding Drug Reactions with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) linked to the use of antiseizure drugs, including levetiracetam and clobazam, on November 28, 2023. Hence, our review focuses on DRESS associated with the use of antiseizure drugs, including Levetiracetam, Clobazam, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Valproate, Oxcarbazepine, and Lamotrigine. The online databases, such as Medline/Pubmed/PMC, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Ebsco, Embase, and reference lists, were searched for relevant publications.

On quasi-integrable deformation scheme of the KdV system.

We propose a general approach to quasi-deform the Korteweg-De Vries (KdV) equation by deforming its Hamiltonian. The standard abelianization process based on the inherent sl(2) loop algebra leads to an infinite number of anomalous conservation laws, that yield conserved charges for definite space-time parity of the solution. Judicious choice of the deformed Hamiltonian yields an integrable system with scaled parameters as well as a hierarchy of deformed systems, some of which possibly are quasi-integrable.

Extraction, structural characteristics, bioactivities and application of polysaccharides from Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. Maxim.) harms: A review.

Acanthopanax senticosus, a celebrated herbal remedy, has been cherished in China for its health-promoting properties for over two millennia. The plant's key bioactive constituent, A. senticosus polysaccharide (ASPS), has recently attracted significant interest due to its exceptional biological activities.

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction of luteolin from peanut shells using ionic liquid and its molecular mechanism.

This study investigates the potential of ionic liquids (ILs) as sustainable solvents in ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) to efficiently recover luteolin from peanut shells. Among the range of ILs tested, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate stood out as the most effective solvent, achieving the highest extraction yield. Single-factor experiments were conducted to analyze the effects of ultrasonic power, extraction time, extraction temperature, IL concentration, and solid-to-liquid ratio on extraction efficiency.

A Further Look at Perception of Personalities in Typefaces: Evidence From Turkish.

Previous research conducted in English indicates that the visual appearances of different typefaces are perceived as possessing distinct characteristics, what we call "print personality" (e.g., masculine, feminine, serious, fun) to the extent that the typeface used conveys information to the reader beyond that which is expressed linguistically by the word.

Graph Neural Networks-Based Prediction of Drug Gene Interactions of RTK-VEGF4 Receptor Family in Periodontal Regeneration.

Background: The RTK-VEGF4 receptor family, which includes VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3, plays a crucial role in tissue regeneration by promoting angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, and recruiting stem cells and immune cells. Machine learning, particularly graph neural networks (GNNs), has shown high accuracy in predicting these interactions. This study aims to predict drug-gene interactions of the RTK-VEGF4 receptor family in periodontal regeneration using graph neural networks.

Detection of LGD-4033 Metabolites in Camel Urine, Plasma, and Hair Following Oral Administration for Doping Control.

Rationale: LGD-4033, a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), is recognized for promoting muscle growth and enhancing athletic performance. Its potent anabolic effects have led to its prohibition in both human and animal sports. Although initial in vitro studies have offered insights into its metabolism, an in-depth in vivo analysis is necessary to fully understand its metabolic pathways.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (G8790A) Gene Polymorphism as a Risk Factor for COVID-19 in Egyptian Children and Adolescents.

Objective: Recently, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) gene has emerged as a potential candidate gene for susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We investigated whether ACE2 G8790A (rs2285666) polymorphism could be a genetic marker for susceptibility to COVID-19 and disease severity in Egyptian children and adolescents.

Methods: This was a prospective case-control study included 580 cases diagnosed with COVID-19, and 580 matched control children and adolescents.

Psychometric Properties and Network Analysis of the Arabic Version of Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Scale-Short Version in Patients with Anxiety Disorders.

This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of a short version of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ-S) among a sample of 700 patients with anxiety disorders (53.1% were female). Participants completed the RST-PQ-S, NEO-FFI, Positive Mental Health (PMH), and Kessler Psychological Distress scale.

Comparative analysis of salivary antimicrobial resistance genes in dental students: A PCR and questionnaire study.

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global healthcare challenge, with limited treatment options due to the decline in new antibiotics. The human oral cavity, home to diverse bacteria, is crucial for maintaining oral and systemic health. Recent studies suggest that saliva may serve as a reservoir for AMR genes.

Knowledge, attitudes, and use of the Mediterranean diet in practice among dietitians in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study.

Dietitians are uniquely positioned to promote the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet), a diet recognized for its health benefits and sustainability. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes regarding the MedDiet among dietitians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and to examine the frequency and correlates of using this diet in clinical practice. Practicing dietitians (n = 220) completed a 44-item web-based questionnaire, verified for face, content and construct validity, as well as internal and parallel form reliability.

Highly efficient and rapid removal of Congo red dye from textile wastewater using facile synthesized Mg/Ni/Al layered double hydroxide.

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) are compounds with unique structures of hydroxide functional groups on their surfaces, and they have the proper arrangement of divalent and trivalent cations to adjust their unique catalytic actions. LDH was synthesized utilizing the co-precipitation technique and was thermally treated at 300 °C. The prepared compounds were chemically and structurally elucidated using FT-IR, XRD, SEM, BET, TG-DTA, and XPS characterization.

Computational Approaches for Multitarget Drug Design in Alzheimer's Disease: A Comprehensive Review.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder, primarily affecting the elderly. Its socio-economic impact and mortality rate are alarming, necessitating innovative approaches to drug discovery. Unlike single-target diseases, Alzheimer's multifactorial nature makes single-target approaches less effective.

Medwakh smoking induces alterations in salivary proteins and cytokine expression: a clinical exploratory proteomics investigation.

Background: Medwakh smoking has radically expanded among youth in the Middle East and around the world. The rising popularity of medwakh/dokha usage is linked to the onset of several chronic illnesses including cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Medwakh smoking is reported to increase the risk of inflammation in the lower respiratory tract owing to oxidative burden.

Effect of overweight and obesity on live birth rate in single euploid frozen embryo transfers.

Research Question: Does endometrial preparation using a natural cycle lead to higher live birth rates (LBR) in single euploid frozen embryo transfers (FET) compared with programmed cycles, for women who are normal weight, overweight and obese.

Design: Retrospective study of 845 single euploid FETs from 688 couples. Patients were stratified by body mass index (BMI) into normal weight, overweight and obesity class I/II categories.