Assessing Ecosystem Responses to Land-Use Changes by Soil Quality Index

The change in land use from natural land regarding land used by humans in various areas is critical to the global ecosystem, which in turn affects soil conditions. In order to improve our understanding of land use, our study focuses on soil health assessment and it depends on long-term environmental research area near Wadi Nar in Al-Ubeidiya to assess the ecosystem response to land use, including tillage practice. The aim of this study is to evaluate of the effects of tillage on soil health for each system (natural, pastoral A, pastoral B) by using soil quality index. Three systems are studied: natural (no tillage), tillage with the removal of plants (pastoral A) and tillage without the removal of plants (pastoral B). In order to assess soil health, the chemical, biological and physical parameters of the soil must be analyzed. During our study, soil quality is assessed using the method of registration in each index using the SQI soil quality index, which determines the level of soil degradation, by collecting data on selected chemical, physical and biological indicators for each soil. Numerous statistical calculations were performed, including the PCA analysis, which shows the correlation between transactions in all systems at a given depth. Soil health assessment was used in detail for each laboratory of chemical, physical and biological indicators based on Cornell's book. The result of soil quality index for natural land is 16, where a number of indicators have been adopted to determine the quality of the soil. The pastoral system A achieves 15.4 while pastoral B has the highest value of 16.3. The result shows that according to the soil quality index, management types including tillage and plant retention, can improve soil quality. The higher the values are, the better the soil quality is. The best soil quality index in our study is 39 and the lowest value is 10 based on the equation used to calculate the soil quality index

Fibrous dysplasia and aneurysmal bone cyst of the skull base presenting with blindness: a report of a rare locally aggressive example

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) and aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) are uncommon benign intraosseous lesions. Simultaneous occurrence of both lesions is extremely rare. We present an example of concomitant FD and ABC in a 7 year-old with left eye blindness and discharge of one month duration. Physical examination revealed a proptotic left eye and bulging of the hard palate. CT and MRI are consistent with FD and ABC that involved the sphenoid and ethmoidal bones bilaterally. Incomplete combined endonasalcranial resection was performed. The patient presented five months postoperatively with a large recurrence and subsequent follow up was lost. Concomitant FD with ABC may occur in paranasal sinuses and may develop rapidly and exhibit locally aggressive behavior

Impact of dynamic capabilities on competitive performance: A moderated-mediation model of entrepreneurship orientation and digital leadership

This research aims to provide a logical and experimental framework that helps organizations achieve goals in turbulent environments by examining the impact of dynamic capabilities on competitive performance with the conditional indirect effect of entrepreneurship orientation and digital leadership. A conceptual framework was derived from well-established theories in strategic management, along with empirical evidence based on a survey conducted on a sample of 102 leaders and managers in the entrepreneurial companies in Jordan. This study demonstrates the positive impact of dynamic capabilities in developing competitive performance. Moreover, the entrepreneurship orientation mediates the relationship between dynamic capabilities and competitive performance and digital leadership has a positive moderating role in this relationship. This research recommends leaders and managers in entrepreneurial organizations to define clear standards for measuring competitive performance that enable identifying and correcting deviations in a timely manner and invites them to focus on creating value in turbulent environments by exploiting advanced technological capabilities and adopting innovative strategies and business models

Invasive and Ultrasound Based Monitoring of the Intracranial Pressure in an Experimental Model of Epidural Hematoma Progressing towards Brain Tamponade on Rabbits

Introduction. An experimental epidural hematoma model was used to study the relation of ultrasound indices, namely, transcranial color-coded-Doppler (TCCD) derived pulsatility index (PI), optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), and pupil constriction velocity (V) which was derived from a consensual sonographic pupillary light reflex (PLR) test with invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) measurements. Material and Methods. Twenty rabbits participated in the study. An intraparenchymal ICP catheter and a 5F Swan-Ganz catheter (SG) for the hematoma reproduction were used. We successively introduced 0.1 mL increments of autologous blood into the SG until the Cushing reaction occurred. Synchronous ICP and ultrasound measurements were performed accordingly. Results. A constant increase of PI and ONSD and a decrease of V values were observed with increased ICP values. The relationship between the ultrasound variables and ICP was exponential; thus curved prediction equations of ICP were used. PI, ONSD, and V were significantly correlated with ICP (r2=0.84±0.076, r2=0.62±0.119, and r2=0.78±0.09, resp. (all P<0.001)). Conclusion. Although statistically significant prediction models of ICP were derived from ultrasound indices, the exponential relationship between the parameters underpins that results should be interpreted with caution and in the current experimental context

Prevalence And Risk Factors of Eye Allergies Among Adults In Ksa: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: To determine the prevalence of eye allergies and associated risk factors among adults in KSA. Methods: This research employs a cross-sectional study design to assess the prevalence and risk factors of eye allergies among adults in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). A cross-sectional approach allows for the collection of data at a single point in time, providing a snapshot of the condition's status within the study population. Results: The study included 640 participants. The most frequent age among them was 18-28 years (n= 331, 51.7%), followed by 40-50 years (n= 139, 21.7%). The most frequent gender among study participants was female (n= 389, 60.8%) followed by male (n= 251, 39.2 The most frequent nationality among study participants was Saudi (n= 613, 95.8%) followed by non-Saudi (n= 27, 4.2%). The educational level among study participants with most of them being the university (n= 553, 86.4%) followed by the school (n= 85, 13.3%). The work nature among study participants with most of was inside the building. Participants were asked if they had an eye problem that affected their daily life. The most frequent answer was moderately (n= 309, 48.3%) followed by never (n= 271, 42.3%), and the least was a lot (n=60, 9.4%).  Conclusion: The results of the study showed that most of the study participants are Saudis and most of them work inside the building. The majority have university education, and the largest percentage of participants are women. Most of the participants are non-smokers. Most study participants had good social communication

Cyclodextrin nanoparticles in targeted cancer theranostics

The field of cancer nanotheranostics is rapidly evolving, with cyclodextrin (CD)-based nanoparticles emerging as a promising tool. CDs, serving as nanocarriers, have higher adaptability and demonstrate immense potential in delivering powerful anti-cancer drugs, leading to promising and specific therapeutic outcomes for combating various types of cancer. The unique characteristics of CDs, combined with innovative nanocomplex creation techniques such as encapsulation, enable the development of potential theranostic treatments. The review here focuses mainly on the different techniques administered for effective nanotheranostics applications of CD-associated complex compounds in the domain of cancer treatments. The experimentations on various loaded drugs and their complex conjugates with CDs prove effective in in vivo results. Various cancers can have potential nanotheranostics cures using CDs as nanoparticles along with a highly efficient process of nanocomplex development and a drug delivery system. In conclusion, nanotheranostics holds immense potential for targeted drug delivery and improved therapeutic outcomes, offering a promising avenue for revolutionizing cancer treatments through continuous research and innovative approaches

Carotenoids: Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases Remediation

Numerous factors can contribute to the development of neurodegenerative disorders (NDs), such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Oxidative stress (OS), a fairly common ND symptom, can be caused by more reactive oxygen species being made. In addition, the pathological state of NDs, which includes a high number of protein aggregates, could make chronic inflammation worse by activating microglia. Carotenoids, often known as “CTs”, are pigments that exist naturally and play a vital role in the prevention of several brain illnesses. CTs are organic pigments with major significance in ND prevention. More than 600 CTs have been discovered in nature, and they may be found in a wide variety of creatures. Different forms of CTs are responsible for the red, yellow, and orange pigments seen in many animals and plants. Because of their unique structure, CTs exhibit a wide range of bioactive effects, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The preventive effects of CTs have led researchers to find a strong correlation between CT levels in the body and the avoidance and treatment of several ailments, including NDs. To further understand the connection between OS, neuroinflammation, and NDs, a literature review has been compiled. In addition, we have focused on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of CTs for the treatment and management of NDs

Burden of musculoskeletal disorders in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 1990–2013: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013

Moradi-Lakeh M, Forouzanfar MH, Vollset SE, et al. Burden of musculoskeletal disorders in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 1990–2013: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2017;76(8):annrheumdis-2016-210146

The Burden of Mental Disorders in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 1990-2013

Charara R, Forouzanfar M, Naghavi M, et al. The Burden of Mental Disorders in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 1990-2013. PLOS ONE. 2017;12(1): e0169575.The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is witnessing an increase in chronic disorders, including mental illness. With ongoing unrest, this is expected to rise. This is the first study to quantify the burden of mental disorders in the EMR. We used data from the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD) 2013. DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) allow assessment of both premature mortality (years of life lost-YLLs) and nonfatal outcomes (years lived with disability-YLDs). DALYs are computed by adding YLLs and YLDs for each age-sex-country group. In 2013, mental disorders contributed to 5.6% of the total disease burden in the EMR (1894 DALYS/100,000 population): 2519 DALYS/100,000 (2590/100,000 males, 2426/100,000 females) in high-income countries, 1884 DALYS/100,000 (1618/100,000 males, 2157/100,000 females) in middle-income countries, 1607 DALYS/100,000 (1500/100,000 males, 1717/100,000 females) in low-income countries. Females had a greater proportion of burden due to mental disorders than did males of equivalent ages, except for those under 15 years of age. The highest proportion of DALYs occurred in the 25-49 age group, with a peak in the 35-39 years age group (5344 DALYs/100,000). The burden of mental disorders in EMR increased from 1726 DALYs/100,000 in 1990 to 1912 DALYs/100,000 in 2013 (10.8% increase). Within the mental disorders group in EMR, depressive disorders accounted for most DALYs, followed by anxiety disorders. Among EMR countries, Palestine had the largest burden of mental disorders. Nearly all EMR countries had a higher mental disorder burden compared to the global level. Our findings call for EMR ministries of health to increase provision of mental health services and to address the stigma of mental illness. Moreover, our results showing the accelerating burden of mental health are alarming as the region is seeing an increased level of instability. Indeed, mental health problems, if not properly addressed, will lead to an increased burden of diseases in the region