The Protective Effect of Radish (Raphanus sativus) Seeds Against the Oxidative Stress Induced by Sodium Nitrite in Male Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect of Radish (Raphanus sativus) seed alcoholic extract 70% against oxidative stress induced by sodium nitrite NaNO2 Twenty five adult male rabbits were devided into five groups of (five rabbits in each group) and treated daily for 30 days. Group T1: intubated orally 20 mg/kg NaNO2, Group T2: intubated orally 20 mg/kg NaNO2 + 50 mg/kg of alcoholic extract from Raphanus sativus seeds, Group T3: intubated orally 20 mg/kg NaNO2 + 100 mg/kg of alcoholic extract from Raphanus sativus seeds, Group T4: intubated orally 20 mg/kg NaNO2 + 200 mg/kg of alcoholic extract from Raphanus sativus seed as well as Group C: control intubated orally distilled water. In comparison with normal rabbits there were significantly increase in the level of Methemoglobin (MetHb%) , lipid peroxidation indicator malondialdehyde (MDA), and significantly decrease in the level of glutathione (GSH) in the rabbits intubated NaNO2. In rabbits intubated NaNO2 + 50,100,200 mg/kg of alcoholic extract it was found there were significant decreased in the level of MetHb%, MDA, and increase in the level of GSH. In conclusion according to results obtained from this study approved that alcoholic extract of Raphanus sativus seeds in dose (50,100,200 mg/kg) have protective effect against oxidative stress induced by sodium nitrite in male rabbits

Classification of Different Shoulder Girdle Motions for Prosthesis Control Using a Time-Domain Feature Extraction Technique

Abstract—The upper limb amputation exerts a significant burden on the amputee, limiting their ability to perform everyday activities, and degrading their quality of life. Amputee patients’ quality of life can be improved if they have natural control over their prosthetic hands. Among the biological signals, most commonly used to predict upper limb motor intentions, surface electromyography (sEMG), and axial acceleration sensor signals are essential components of shoulder-level upper limb prosthetic hand control systems. In this work, a pattern recognition system is proposed to create a plan for categorizing high-level upper limb prostheses in seven various types of shoulder girdle motions. Thus, combining seven feature groups, which are root mean square, four-order autoregressive, wavelength, slope sign change, zero crossing (ZC), mean absolute value, and cardinality. In this article, the time-domain features were first extracted from the EMG and acceleration signals. Then, the spectral regression (SR) and principal component analysis dimensionality reduction methods are employed to identify the most salient features, which are then passed to the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classifier. EMG and axial acceleration signal datasets from six intact-limbed and four amputee participants exhibited an average classification error of 15.68 % based on SR dimensionality reduction using the LDA classifier

The Effectiveness of Task-Based Instruction on the Reading Comprehension Ability of EFL Students at the University of Tabuk

The present study examined the effectiveness of task-based instruction (TBI) in improving the reading comprehension ability of EFL students at the University of Tabuk. In order to conduct this study, 80 EFL students at the University of Tabuk, who have taken Placement Test (TUPT) as a pre-test, were chosen for the study. The participants of the study were selected randomly. The researcher used reading comprehension tasks and Placebo Task (Pre- / Post-test) as the research instruments of the study. The findings of this study revealed that students in the experimental group outperformed students in the control group. Thus, task-based instruction was considered to be effective in increasing the reading comprehension ability. Keywords: Tasks, Language learning development, Reading comprehension, EFL students DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/54-02 Publication date:March 31st 2019

Clinical Profile of Non-Motor Symptoms in Patients with Essential Tremor: Impact on Quality of Life and Age-Related Differences

Background: Identifying the clinical phenotypes of non-motor symptoms (NMSs) of essential tremor (ET) among different populations is necessary due to their impact on the quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to investigate the clinical phenotype and impact of NMSs on QoL in Egyptian patients with ET. Methods: Thirty ET patients were compared to 30 matched controls. Subjects were evaluated by the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale, Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep quality Index, and the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire. Both groups were divided into two subgroups of younger (45 years, 16 patients) groups, to investigate age-related differences. Results: ET patients showed significantly worse cognition, depression, anxiety, sleep and NMSS domains (p < 0.001), compared to controls, that negatively affected and predicted QoL. Older patients had more cognitive impairment (p = 0.003) and worse sleep/fatigue (p = 0.032) and sexual functions (p = 0.006), compared to younger group. Discussion: The study supports that NMSs are integral part of ET, negatively affect QoL, and similarly affect younger and older patients. Therefore, NMSs should be explored for proper care of ET patients

Enhancing Upper Limb Prosthetic Control in Amputees Using Non-invasive EEG and EMG Signals with Machine Learning Techniques

Amputation of the upper limb significantly hinders the ability of patients to perform activities of daily living. To address this challenge, this paper introduces a novel approach that combines non-invasive methods, specifically Electroencephalography (EEG) and Electromyography (EMG) signals, with advanced machine learning techniques to recognize upper limb movements. The objective is to improve the control and functionality of prosthetic upper limbs through effective pattern recognition. The proposed methodology involves the fusion of EMG and EEG signals, which are processed using time-frequency domain feature extraction techniques. This enables the classification of seven distinct hand and wrist movements. The experiments conducted in this study utilized the Binary Grey Wolf Optimization (BGWO) algorithm to select optimal features for the proposed classification model. The results demonstrate promising outcomes, with an average classification accuracy of 93.6% for three amputees and five individuals with intact limbs. The accuracy achieved in classifying the seven types of hand and wrist movements further validates the effectiveness of the proposed approach. By offering a non-invasive and reliable means of recognizing upper limb movements, this research represents a significant step forward in biotechnical engineering for upper limb amputees. The findings hold considerable potential for enhancing the control and usability of prosthetic devices, ultimately contributing to the overall quality of life for individuals with upper limb amputations

Enhancing the fertility of an acid sulfate soil for rice cultivation using lime in combination with bio-organic fertilizer

The acid sulfate soils contain pyrite (FeS2) which is due to oxidation results in the production of high amount of acidity, aluminum and iron significantly affecting rice growth.A glasshouse study was arranged to determine the effect of ground magnesium limestone (GML) in combination with bio-organic fertilizer (JITUTM) application on the chemical properties of soils and rice yield. Three rice seedlings were transplanted in pots which were previously amended with 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 t/ha GML with or without bio-organic fertilizer. The common rice varieties (MR 219 and MR 253) were cultivated for two seasons in the same pots. The critical Fe²⁺and Al³⁺ activities for MR 219 were 14.45 and 4.23 µM, while for MR 253 were 7.45 and 5.53 µM, respectively. However, without applying the amendments, rice grown on the soils was affected severely by the high acidity (Fe²⁺and Al³⁺toxicity). The soil pH increased to 5 and the higher grain yield of MR 219 (99.77 and 121.38 g/pot) and MR253 (98.63 and 112.60 g/pot) was in first and second season with the application of 2 t GML application combined with 0.25 t JITU−/ha respectively. In addition, 1000 grain weight, number of panicle, number of spikelets panicle⁻¹ and the percentage of filled spikelet, were also higher than without the soil amendments. Hence, the infertility of acid sulfate soils for sustainable rice cultivation in Malaysia can be improved by applying 2 t GML/ha combined with 0.25 t JITU−/ha for two seasons in long run

Global, regional, and national burden of meningitis and its aetiologies, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background: Although meningitis is largely preventable, it still causes hundreds of thousands of deaths globally each year. WHO set ambitious goals to reduce meningitis cases by 2030, and assessing trends in the global meningitis burden can help track progress and identify gaps in achieving these goals. Using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, we aimed to assess incident cases and deaths due to acute infectious meningitis by aetiology and age from 1990 to 2019, for 204 countries and territories. Methods: We modelled meningitis mortality using vital registration, verbal autopsy, sample-based vital registration, and mortality surveillance data. Meningitis morbidity was modelled with a Bayesian compartmental model, using data from the published literature identified by a systematic review, as well as surveillance data, inpatient hospital admissions, health insurance claims, and cause-specific meningitis mortality estimates. For aetiology estimation, data from multiple causes of death, vital registration, hospital discharge, microbial laboratory, and literature studies were analysed by use of a network analysis model to estimate the proportion of meningitis deaths and cases attributable to the following aetiologies: Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, group B Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, viruses, and a residual other pathogen category. Findings: In 2019, there were an estimated 236 000 deaths (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 204 000–277 000) and 2·51 million (2·11–2·99) incident cases due to meningitis globally. The burden was greatest in children younger than 5 years, with 112 000 deaths (87 400–145 000) and 1·28 million incident cases (0·947–1·71) in 2019. Age-standardised mortality rates decreased from 7·5 (6·6–8·4) per 100 000 population in 1990 to 3·3 (2·8–3·9) per 100 000 population in 2019. The highest proportion of total all-age meningitis deaths in 2019 was attributable to S pneumoniae (18·1% [17·1–19·2]), followed by N meningitidis (13·6% [12·7–14·4]) and K pneumoniae (12·2% [10·2–14·3]). Between 1990 and 2019, H influenzae showed the largest reduction in the number of deaths among children younger than 5 years (76·5% [69·5–81·8]), followed by N meningitidis (72·3% [64·4–78·5]) and viruses (58·2% [47·1–67·3]). Interpretation: Substantial progress has been made in reducing meningitis mortality over the past three decades. However, more meningitis-related deaths might be prevented by quickly scaling up immunisation and expanding access to health services. Further reduction in the global meningitis burden should be possible through low-cost multivalent vaccines, increased access to accurate and rapid diagnostic assays, enhanced surveillance, and early treatment. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Evaluation of alternative preservation treatments (water heat treatment, ultrasounds, thermosonication and UV-C radiation) to improve safety and quality of whole tomato

Previously optimised postharvest treatments were compared to conventional chlorinated water treatment in terms of their effects on the overall quality of tomato (‘Zinac’) during storage at 10 °C. The treatments in question were water heat treatment (WHT = 40 °C, 30 min), ultrasounds (US = 45 kHz, 80 %, 30 min), thermosonication (TS =40 °C, 30 min, 45 kHz, 80 %) and ultraviolet irradiation (UV-C: 0.97 kJ m−2). The quality factors evaluated were colour, texture, sensorial analysis, mass loss, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, peroxidase and pectin methylesterase enzymatic activities, and microbial load reduction. The results demonstrate that all treatments tested preserve tomato quality to some extent during storage at 10 °C. WHT, TS and UV-C proved to be more efficient on minimising colour and texture changes with the additional advantage of microbial load reduction, leading to a shelf life extension when compared to control trials. However, at the end of storage, with exception of WHT samples, the antioxidant activity and phenolic content of treated samples was lower than for control samples. Moreover, sensorial results were well correlated with instrumental colour experimental data. This study presents alternative postharvest technologies that improve tomato (Zinac) quality during shelf life period and minimise the negative impact of conventional chlorinated water on human safety, health and environment.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio