Load-dependent electrophysiological and structural cardiac remodelling studied in ultrathin myocardial slices.

Introduction: Myocardial slices are becoming an established system to study cardiac electrophysiology and pharmacological research and development. Unlike other preparations, cardiac slices are a multicellular preparation that has an intermediate, adequate complexity required for this research. Previous studies have successfully obtained slices from human biopsies and animal models, where the electrical and structural parameters could be maintained for several hours – a process which is comparable to other preparation types. Therefore, we aimed to use left ventricular myocardial slices obtained from rat models of mechanical unloading (HAHLT) and from two models of overload (TAC and SHR), to investigate electrophysiological and structural alterations in these models. Methods: Mechanical unloading was achieved by heterotopic abdominal heart and lung transplantation (HAHLT, 8 weeks) and overload was induced by thoracic aortic constriction (TAC, 10 and 20 weeks) in male Lewis rats. Spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) were also used as a second model of overload and were primarily induced by hypertension (3, 12 and 20 months). Brown Norway and Wistar Kyoto rats were used as the control groups for SHR. Myocardial slices from the left ventricle (LV) free wall were cut (300-350 µm thick) tangentially to the epicardial surface using a high-precision slow-advancing Vibratome and were point-stimulated using a multi-electrode array system (MEA), therefore, acquiring field potentials (FPs). Field potential duration (FPD) and conduction velocity (CV) were analysed locally and transmurally across the LV free wall. In addition, FPD heterogeneity within each slice was calculated. For the SHR group, the same slices used for the MEA recording were preserved and used subsequently to measure Cx43, Nav1.5 protein levels and fibrosis. Results: Slices obtained from normal rat hearts that are chronically unloaded were found to develop atrophy at a whole heart level. They showed an increase in FPD and its heterogeneity with preserved conduction properties when compared to controls. In TACs, an in vivo whole heart function assessment confirmed hypertrophy with no signs of cardiac dysfunction. Slices from TAC rats showed an increase in FPD at both 10 and 20 weeks after banding. FPD heterogeneity was increased at 10 weeks but normalised at 20 weeks. Changes in CV properties were observed in this group, showing a faster CV and longitudinal conduction velocity (CVL) at 10 weeks and no change at 20 weeks. Transverse conduction velocity (CVT) was unchanged in the TAC group. In SHRs, however, hypertrophy was confirmed and signs of dysfunction in the aged group (20 months) were observed due to the decrease in EF by 18%, especially when compared to the 12 months group. FPD and its heterogeneity was unchanged in SHR when compared to controls. Disease and age-related abnormalities in CV properties were observed in SHR and these were associated with changes in Cx43, Nav1.5 protein level and fibrosis. Conclusion: Myocardial slices are a suitable multicellular preparation to study electrophysiological remodelling obtained from different rat models of cardiovascular disease. In addition, it was possible to investigate the changes in CV and FPD transmurally in rats using this type of preparation method. Thus, this study supports the use of this multicellular preparation in understanding the mechanisms of cardiac disease and the testing of new treatments and therapeutic targets.Open Acces

Anemia and Dietary Behaviors among Young Adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Objective: The study sought to assess the prevalence and the risk factors associated with anemia among male and female young adults in (Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Saud University and Alfaisal University in September 2016 among young adults aged 18 to 28 years old. Data were collected using an interview questionnaire. Additionally, the respondents were evaluated clinically and via laboratory testing for anemia. Results: Our study population showed a higher percentage of men as compared to women participants. About half of our study sample had a lightly active lifestyle, and more than one-third of the study participants were overweight (34.7%). The average age of the respondents was 22.08 ± 1.98 years. The only factor significantly associated with anemia was gender, in that female gender showed a positive association with anemia. Conclusion:  The most explicit risk factor for anemia among Saudi individuals of college and young professional ages was the female gender. Dietary lifestyle, heavy menstruation, pregnancy, and intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were additional important risk factors among these individuals, but they were statistically not significant.   Article Type: Original Researc

Corrigendum to: Human Footprint on Natural Systems: Missing Post-war Scenario in the Urban Context of Damascus

All regions in Syria have witnessed a decline in green spaces due to the spread of illegal logging operations and a decline in interest in agricultural wealth due to the Systems. Missing post-war Scenario in the Urban Context of Damascus,” the author would like to revise the Acknowledgement and Credits sections to better reflect the contributions of collaborating institutions. The revised sections are provided below: Acknowledgement [A]FA has been collaborating with the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Damascus and the Damascus-based Reparametrize Foundation as part of their ongoing project Recoding Post-War-Syria, Zamalka. Students have been selected from each institution to participate in the lab. Credits [APPLIED] FOREIGN AFFAIRS, IoA, University of Applied Arts Vienna / Reparametrize Studio These revisions do not affect the scientific content, results, or conclusions of the article. The author and the editorial team regret the omission and have now rectified the record

Risk Analysis for Intermittent Water Supply Systems

Systémy s přerušovanou dodávkou vody jsou dnes běžně realizovány v některých rozvojových zemích a to z důvodu minimalizace problémů způsobených nedostatkem vody. Proměnlivé hydraulické podmínky v distribučních systémech, nízké tlaky, vysoké riziko kontaminace, plýtvání vodou, nárůst cen, které platí spotřebitelé a poskytovatelé vody, poruchy a problémy při měření spotřeby vody a nepříjemnosti pro spotřebitele s tím spojené, to jsou některé důsledky provozování takovýchto systémů. Za použití Studie nebezpečí a provozuschopnosti HAZOP (HAZard and OPerability technique) byla vyvinuta metodika rizikové analýzy pro systémy s přerušovanou dodávkou vody a byl vytvořen katalogový seznam potenciálních nežádoucích stavů (NS), které mohou nastat v systému tohoto typu. V této práci je také popsáno použití rozvinuté metodiky a Analýzy stromu poruchových stavů FTA (Fault Tree Analysis), která je použita k analýze pravděpodobností a důsledků včetně ohodnocení stupně rizika s nejistotou pro jeden z nežádoucích stavů NS_Nízký provozní tlakIntermitted Water Supply strategy is implemented commonly in some developing countries nowadays in order to minimize the water scarcity problems. Unstable hydraulic conditions in the distribution system, low pressure, high risk of water contamination, wasting water, rising costs paid by consumers and water providers, failures and problems with consumption metering and inconvenience to consumers are some of the consequences. Risk Analysis Methodology is developed to handle with intermittent water supply systems in developing countries conditions that include undesired events identification; risk estimation and risk evaluation and reduction plan, the catalogue list of potential undesired events (UE) which may occur in these types of systems have been also developed using the HAZard and OPerability technique (HAZOP). The developed methodology is implemented and tested in this research on one of the potential undesired events UE _ Low operational pressure

اللعان في الشريعة الإسلامية دراسة مقارنة بقانون الأحوال الشخصية

An oath of condemnation [Li’aan] or a sworn allegation of adultery committed by one’s spouse [Li’aan] is a provision of Islamic Sharia Law, provided in the Holly Quran in Surat An-Noor and the clarifications by the Messenger, may peace and blessings be upon him, explaining its conditions, modalities, sunnahs, rulings and effects. However, in order for the sworn allegation that the wife is slandered for adultery, in addition to the absence of four witnesses according to their conditions related to this matter, by the Islamic Sharia and Fuqahaa that explained this ruling, is required to be accepted. Accordingly, after the sworn allegation is said and done, the separation between the two parties who have been accused lies on the judge’s ruling, or simply the husband’s sworn allegation or both their sworn allegations, based on the different sayings of the Fuqahaa on this issue. Taking into consideration the possibility of an existing pregnancy or child, an important aspect that is related to the denial of the lineage of the pregnancy (the fetus) or the newborn, if any, would be ruled by the judge. The resulting separation is a type of divorce, and for what it entails, falls under the jurisdiction of the Sharia courts in Lebanon

Effect of Different Essential Oils on the Shelf Life of Concentrated Yogurt

Aims: The objective of this study is to use different essential oils (cinnamon, clove, rosemary, almond sweet, sesame, wheat germ, and cedar wood) in concentrated yoghurt as antimicrobial agents to increase shelf life of concentrated yoghurt. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Al-Quds University, Palestine, between January 2015 to August 2016. Methodology: Essential oils were added to concentrated yogurt at a concentration of 250 μl\kg. Antibacterial activity and properties of major borne bacteria such as total aerobic count bacteria, yeast, mold, Staphylococcus aureus, were evaluated by plate count method, (pouring plate method). All yogurt samples were sensory evaluated for flavor, body and texture, and appearance. Total solid content, and titratable acidity of different yogurt samples were also determined. Results: Total solids and pH of concentrated yogurt samples treated with essential oils were only slightly affected. The best three essential oils used in terms of influence on total bacterial viable count and mold count were found to be cinnamon, clove and rosemary. The most acceptable organoleptic properties of treated concentrated yogurt were those samples treated with sesame and rosemary oils. Conclusion: The addition of cinnamon, clove and rosemary essential oils could increase the shelf life of concentrated yogurt.The authors thank Al- Jibrini for food industries - Hebron, West Bank, Palestine

Use of cinnamon, wheat germ, and eucalyptus oils to improve quality and shelf life of concentrated yogurt (Labneh)

Three essential oils, namely cinnamon, eucalyptus, and wheat germ were added to concentrated yogurt (Labneh) at a concentration of 600 μL\kg. The chemical, microbiological and organoleptic properties of freshly prepared and stored Labneh at 5°C ± 1 for 6 weeks were determined. Addition of essential oils affected slightly the pH, acidity, total solids, and dry matter values of concentrated yogurt. Total viable counts, as well as counts of Streptococcus aureus, molds, and yeast in the treated Labneh were affected during storage period. The most acceptable organoleptic properties of treated Labneh were those samples treated with cinnamon, and eucalyptus oils, and to a lesser extent wheat germ oil. Cinnamon and eucalyptus oils were also found to inhibit yeast and mold count. It has been also found that cinnamon and eucalyptus essential oils decreased significantly the growth of S. aureus. No Coliforms or E. coli bacteria were detected in the treated Labneh, as well as in the positive control. This study showed that wheat germ oil had lesser effect compared to cinnamon, and eucalyptus. This study concluded that, addition of cinnamon and eucalyptus essential oils at 600 μL\kg could increase the shelf life of Labneh up to 6 weeks at 5 ± 1°C with acceptable taste, flavor and texture without addition of any chemical preservative.Acknowledgements The authors thank Al- Jibrini for food industries- Hebron, West Bank, Palestine. Funding The authors received no direct funding for this research

Exploring Novel Pharmacotherapy Candidates for Cannabis Use Disorder: Uncovering Promising Agents on the Horizon by Mechanism of Action

With rapid expansion of cannabis legalization worldwide, rates of cannabis use and cannabis use disorder (CUD) are increasing; the need for safe and effective medications to treat CUD is urgent. This narrative review evaluates evidence for promising pharmacotherapies to treat CUD from randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Pharmacotherapies for CUD are categorized based on compound targets (e.g., cannabinoid receptor 1 [CB1] agonists such as nabilone, serotonergic compounds such as bupropion, GABAergic compounds such as zolpidem) and outcomes are organized by predetermined withdrawal symptoms, cannabis craving, and cannabis relapse/use. Most promising pharmacotherapies for CUD are drugs that act on the endocannabinoid system and specifically at the CB1 receptor. Priority populations such as females, certain racial/ethnic groups, and age groups experience a different course of CUD progression, symptoms, and drug effects that are important to consider when evaluating outcomes related to CUD. Possible explanations for these disparities are explored, along with the clinical trials that explore these demographics in treating CUD with pharmacotherapies

First Cousin Marriages and the Risk of Childhood-Onset Vitiligo: Exploring the Genetic Background: A Cross-Sectional Study

Amr Molla,1 Abdulfatah M Alayoubi,2 Raed Jannadi3 1Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Family & Community Medicine &, Medical Education, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Amr Molla, Universities Road, P.O. Box: 344, Taibah, Madinah, 42353, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966504342992, Email [email protected]: Vitiligo, a condition characterized by depigmented skin, has been observed to have a higher incidence in patients with a family history of the disease. This study investigates the relationship between parental consanguinity, family medical history, and the onset of childhood vitiligo, hypothesizing that genetic factors play a significant role.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 382 people diagnosed with vitiligo in Saudi Arabia. The study assessed the prevalence of parental consanguinity and its correlation with the disease’s onset, employing statistical analysis to evaluate the data collected through medical records and family history questionnaires.Results: The findings reveal a significant association between parental consanguinity, particularly among first cousins, and the incidence of childhood-onset vitiligo. Additionally, a notable correlation was found between family medical history and the onset of the condition, with familial vitiligo being more prevalent in patients with adult-onset vitiligo.Conclusion: This study underscores the critical role of genetic predispositions in the development of childhood-onset vitiligo, highlighting the influence of parental consanguinity. The results advocate for increased awareness and screening in populations with high rates of consanguinity to facilitate early detection and management of vitiligo. Future research should focus on exploring the genetic mechanisms underlying this association to develop targeted interventions.Keywords: parental consanguinity, childhood-onset vitiligo, genetic factors, familial vitiligo, Saudi Arabia, cross-sectional stud