HCV Treatment Failure in the Era of DAAs

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has six well‐known genotypes in worldwide and has a very high genetic diversity. Introduction of DAAs leads to improvement of treatment results with SVR rates exceeding 95%. Development of HCV treatment resistance is a problematic issue that needs sufficient solutions. Many hosts, viral, and drug factors are implemented in the process of treatment resistance. Lack of clinical trials on treatment failure leads to lag in development of certain consensuses for retreatment

Effects of sulpher foam and mycorrhizal fungi on Eggplant infested with Nematode(Meloidogyne javanica) at seed or seedling stage

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and sulphur foam added either at direct seeding or at transplanting decreased the effects of nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) on eggplant growth, and improved plant health. Experiments were conducted to study the possible interactions between the Mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus mossae and Gigaspora spp.) and sulphur foam to control M. javanica on eggplant at seed or seedling stage. Experiment at seed stage treated with Mycorrhiza or sulphur foam alone or together stimulated the growth and reduced Nematode infestation significantly. Treated plant at seedling stage increased plant growth and reduced the number of galls /gm of root system. The interaction between Mycorrhiza and sulpher foam treatments was not significant

Using Diatom Indices to Evaluate Water quality In Abu-Zirig Marsh Thi-Qar Province /south of Iraq

تتضمن الدراسة الحالية تقييم نوعيه المياه في هور ابو زرك باستعمال مجتمع الدايتومات الملتصقة على النباتات لتقييم نوعيه المياه.استعملت الأدلة الحيوية الدايتوميه }دليل الدايتوم الأغتذائي(TDI),دليل الدايتوم (DI), دليل الدايتوم العام (GDI){ لإعطاء المعلومات النوعية عن حاله المسطح المائي العذب(جيد ,متوسط ,عالي التلوث). خلال الدراسة جمعت الدايتومات الملتصقة على نباتي القصب والبردي من هور ابو زرك داخل مدينة ذي قار بثلاث مواقع في فصلي الخريف 2018والشتاء2019 وشخصت بطريقه تحضير السلايدات الدائمة, أظهرت النتائج سيادة بعض الانواع من الدايتومات Cyclotella meneghiniana, Gomphonema angustatum, Cocconies placentula, Cymbella affinis, Navicula cryptoephala, Nitzschia linearis, N. dissipata, Surirella ovalis. , .وفره الدايتومات تكشف الحاله الاغتذائيه للهور حيث كانت قيمه IPS(10-12.5)متوسطة التلوث ,DI(2.9-3.4)من عالي الى متوسط التلوث,TDI(47.2-60.8)والذي يظهر الحالة الأغتذائيه للهور بين (oligo-mesotrophic-eutrophic) أما GDI(11.6-13.7)كان متوسط التلوث خلال الدراسة. أثبتت النتائج قدرة ألاله الحيوية الدايتوميه (DI,IPS,TDI,GDI) في تقييم نوعية المياه في هور ابو زرك . نتيجة الى قله الدراسات المحلية عن الطحالب الملتصقة على النباتات واستخدامها كدليل حيوي لتقييم نوعيه المياه في هور ابو زرك ,اقترحت هذه الدراسة .The study attempts to assess water quality in Abu-Zirig Marsh which used epiphytic Diatom community for assessing water quality. Many of Diatom indices {Trophic diatom index (TDI), Diatom index (DI), Generic diatom index (GDI) have been used to give qualitative information about the status of the freshwater ecosystem(good, moderate, high pollution). In this study, the epiphytic diatoms on both host aquatic plants Phragmites australis and Typha domengensis were collected from Abu-Zirig Marsh within Thi-Qar Province at three sites in Autumn, 2018 and winter, 2019. Epiphytic diatoms were Identified by the preparation of permanent slides method, some species of epiphytic diatom showed dominance such as Cyclotella meneghiniana, Gomphonema angustatum, Cocconies placentula, Cymbella affinis, Navicula cryptoephala, Nitzschia linearis, N. dissipata, Surirella ovalis. Abundant diatoms indicated trophic conditions of the Marsh. The results of diatom indices revealed  that  IPS (10-12.5)  is a moderate pollution condition of marsh, DI (2.9-3.4) range from high to moderate pollution condition, TDI (47.2-60.8) indicates trophic condition ranging from (oligo-mesotrophic to eutrophic) condition of marsh while GDI a range between (11.6-13.7) moderate pollution condition, the aim of the study  that is about evaluating water quality of Abu-Zirig Marsh by using Diatom indices (IPS,DI,TDI and GDI), as well as due to  scarce local previous studies of epiphytic diatoms and used as bio-indicator of  water quality  in Abu-Zirig Marsh, therefor suggested this study 

A Study of Epiphytic and Epipelic Algae in Al-Dora Site/Tigris River in Bagdad Province- Iraq

There is a scarcity of data regarding algal flora of Tigris River in the territory of Baghdad. The present study deals with Tigris River in Al-Dora site in Baghdad province from November 2014 to June 2015 in order to shed light on its epiphytic Algae on (Phragmites australis) and epipelic algae. An amount of 183 and 154 species of epiphytic and epipelic algae are identified respectfully. The Bacillariophyceae (diatoms) are the dominant algal group followed by Cyanophyceae and Chlorophyceae. Moreover, 90 species are shared between two groups of algae (epiphytic and epipelic) and identified at the study site. Additionally, the seasonal variations and diversity of algal species are noticed. The highest number of epiphytic algae is 772.05 x 104 (cell/gm) in winter and the lowest number is 161.13 x 104 (cell/gm) in Summer; where as the highest number of epipelic algae is 20.07 x 104 (cell/ cm²) in Winter and the lowest number is 6.53 x 104 (cell/ cm²) in Summer

Screening of Epiphytic Algae on the Aquatic Plant Phragmites australis inhabiting Tigris River in Al-Jadria Site, Baghdad, Iraq

The present work included qualitative study of epiphytic algae on dead and living stems, leaves of the aquatic plant Phragmitesaustralis Trin ex Stand, in Tigris River in AL- Jadria Site in Baghdad during Autumn 2014, Winter 2015, Spring 2015, and Summer 2015. The physical and chemical parameters of River’s water were studied (water temperature, pH, electric conductivity, Salinity, TSS, TDS, turbidity, light intensity, dissolve oxygen, BOD5, alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium and plant nutrient). A total of 142 isolates of epiphytic algae were identified. Diatoms were dominant by 117 isolates followed by Cyanobacteria (13isolates), Chlorophyta (11 isolates) and Rhodophyta (1 isolate), Variations in the isolates number were recorded on different parts of macrophyte host as well as, indifferent seasons. Eight new algal isolates (Achnanthesexigue var. heterovalvata Krasske, Navicula exilissima Grunow, Navicula falaisiensis var lanceola Grunow, Navicula microcephalo Grunow, Pleurosigma obscurum W. Smith, Stauroneis amphioxys var. amphioxys Gregory, Stenopterobia intermedia Lewis and Audouinella hermannii Roth).were identified as new records

eHalalCosmetics4u: combining faith and beauty in crafting the perfect makeup for Muslim women

This paper proposes a customer to customer or C2C service platform, named eHalalCosmetics4u. This trusted conceptual platform serves Muslims to sell and buy variety of quality and Halal cosmetic products at affordable price through online as well as through network of mosques. This platform has the ability to provide convenience, secured and friendly interfaces to advertise, sell and buy halal cosmetics products. Literature reviews, nine (9) blocks of Business Model Canvas (BMC) and Value Proposition Design Canvas (VPC) framework and interviews are used as methodology for this paper

Smoking cessation in early-pregnancy, gestational weight gain and subsequent risks of pregnancy complications

OBJECTIVE: Smoking cessation is associated with weight gain. We first examined the associations of smoking cessation in early-pregnancy with gestational weight gain and subsequently evaluated the risks of pregnancy complications among women who quit smoking in early-pregnancy according to their gestational weight gain. METHODS: In a population-based prospective cohort study among 7,389 women, we measured weight in each pregnancy period. Information on smoking and pregnancy complications was obtained from questionnaires and medical records. RESULTS: As compared to continued smoking during pregnancy, smoking cessation in early-pregnancy was not associated with gestational weight gain. Smoking cessation in early-pregnancy was associated with decreased risks of delivering small-for-gestational-age infants (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.52 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.37, 0.75)), but with increased risks of pre-eclampsia (OR 2.07 (95 % CI 1.01, 4.27)) and delivering large-for-gestational-age infants (OR 2.11 (95 % CI 1.45, 3.09)). Among women who quit smoking in early-pregnancy with >12 kg weight gain, the risks of pre-eclampsia and delivering large-for-gestational-age infants were slightly increased. CONCLUSION: As compared to continued smoking during pregnancy, smoking cessation in early-pregnancy is not associated with increased gestational weight gain. Among women who quit smoking in early-pregnancy, higher gestational weight gain does not strongly affect their risks of pregnancy complications

Considerations for hormonal therapy in migraine patients:a critical review of current practice

Introduction: Migraine, a neurovascular headache disorder, is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Within the multifaceted pathophysiology of migraine, hormonal fluctuations play an evident triggering and exacerbating role, pointing toward the need for identification and proper usage of both existing and new hormonal targets in migraine treatment. Areas covered: With a threefold higher incidence of migraine in women than in men, the authors delve into sex hormone-related events in migraine patients. A comprehensive overview is given of existing hormonal therapies, including oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, transdermal and subcutaneous estradiol patches, gnRH-agonists, oral testosterone, and 5α reductase inhibitors. The authors discuss their effectiveness and risks, noting their suitability for different patient profiles. Next, novel evolving hormonal treatments, such as oxytocin and prolactin, are explored. Lastly, the authors cover hormonal conditions associated with migraine, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and transgender persons receiving gender affirming hormone therapy, aiming to provide more personalized and effective solutions for migraine management. Expert opinion: Rigorous research into both existing and new hormonal targets, as well as the underlying pathophysiology, is needed to support a tailored approach in migraine treatment, in an ongoing effort to alleviate the impact of migraine on individuals and society.</p

Short Paper: Automatic Configuration for an Optimal Channel Protection in Virtualized Networks

Data confidentiality, integrity and authentication are security properties which are often enforced with the generation of secure channels, such as Virtual Private Networks, over unreliable network infrastructures. Traditionally, the configuration of the systems responsible of encryption operations is performed manually. However, the advent of software-based paradigms, such as Software-Defined Networking and Network Functions Virtualization, has introduced new arms races. In particular, even though network management has become more flexible, the increased complexity of virtual networks is making manual operations unfeasible and leading to errors which open the path to a large number of cyber attacks. A possible solution consists in reaching a trade-off between flexibility and complexity, by automatizing the configuration of the channel protection systems through policy refinement. In view of these considerations, this paper proposes a preliminary study for an innovative methodology to automatically allocate and configure channel protection systems in virtualized networks. The proposed approach would be based on the formulation of a MaxSMT problem and it would be the first to combine automation, formal verification and optimality in a single technique