Explicit upper bound for the function of sum of divisors

we developed the result proved by A.Eviwhere he proved the following  theore

Engineering a microbiosphere to clean up the ocean – inspiration from the plastisphere

Plastic is a ubiquitous material that has become an essential part of our lives. More than one hundred million tons of plastic has accumulated in the world’s oceans as a result of poor waste management. This plastic waste gradually fragments into smaller pieces known as microplastics and nanoplastics. These small plastic particles can cause significant damage to marine ecosystems, and negatively impact human health. According to a recent review of international patents, the majority of ocean-cleaning inventions are limited to microplastics larger than 20 μm. Furthermore, such technologies are ineffective for nanoplastics, which measure less than 1000 nm, or even fibrous plastics. Alternative solutions need to be considered for the large-scale in situ removal of microplastics and nanoplastics from the ocean. In this perspective, we present the concept of engineering a microbial ecosystem, which we term the microbiosphere. The concept is based on key observations that have been made for natural plastic-based ecosystems known as plastispheres. These observations relate to the solid support material, self-sustainability, attachment to plastic, degradation of plastic, and risk of pathogenicity. Inspiration can be taken from the plastisphere whereby a novel microbial ecosystem could be designed and engineered as a bioremediation tool to rid the ocean of micro- and nanoplastics. Such an engineered system could outcompete pathogens for marine plastic waste and potentially reduce the risk of infectious diseases

Maternal Experiences of Providing Skin to Skin Contact to their Preterm Infants in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Jordan

Background: Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) has been known to improve the mother-infant attachment process with a variety of positive outcomes. Objectives: This qualitative study aimed at exploring the Jordanian mothers’ experiences in proving direct SSC to their preterm infants in one Jordanian NICU after the introduction of this care approach for the first time. Design and methods: A qualitative descriptive design using semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 10 Jordanian mothers who provided SSC to their preterm infants in a NICU. Results: Three themes emerged from the data analysis. The first described how SSC has the power of physical closeness, in which SSC created a change from anxiety to a serenity state, and a positive ‘back to the womb’ feeling for the mothers and their infants. The second theme described how SSC enhanced motherhood by promoting the mothers’ feelings as mothers, facilitating bonding, and promoting breastfeeding. The third theme identified was the barriers to providing SSC in Jordanian NICUs. Implications for nursing: SSC was found to have positive outcomes for both mothers and their neonates. SSC can enhance positive psychological (serenity and relaxation) and physiological (enhancing respiration of the neonates and promoting breastfeeding) outcomes. Ongoing support and counseling from the health care providers are essential to maximizing the benefits of SSC practice

Equation-Free Multiscale Computations in Social Networks: from Agent-based Modelling to Coarse-grained Stability and Bifurcation Analysis

We focus at the interface between multiscale computations, bifurcation theory and social networks. In particular we address how the Equation-Free approach, a recently developed computational framework, can be exploited to systematically extract coarse-grained, emergent dynamical information by bridging detailed, agent-based models of social interactions on networks, with macroscopic, systems-level, continuum numerical analysis tools. For our illustrations we use a simple dynamic agent-based model describing the propagation of information between individuals interacting under mimesis in a social network with private and public information. We describe the rules governing the evolution of the agents emotional state dynamics and discover, through simulation, multiple stable stationary states as a function of the network topology. Using the Equation-Free approach we track the dependence of these stationary solutions on network parameters and quantify their stability in the form of coarse-grained bifurcation diagrams

Comparison of Mycotoxin Contamination levels of Local and Imported Corn in Iraq

The study included determining pollution level of mycotoxin (aflatoxin, Ochratoxin, T2 / HT2) in local and imported corn in Iraq because it causes health damage and economic losses. In this study, 100 samples were collected from 50 samples of local corn, and 50 samples of imported corn and assed for mycotoxins test using ELISA technique and the results indicated the presence of the highest infection rates of mycotoxin in the local corn especially aflatoxin, where 28 sample at 56% were ranged between (20.1 - 157) ppb, which is higher than the allowable limits and 22 samples at (44%) were ranged between (5.1 to 2.9) ppb which is within the allowable limits , T2 / HT2 in 16 samples at (32%) of the total samples recorded less than (150) PPb which ranged between lowest value (25.8) ppb and the highest value (74.5) ppb and 34 samples at 68% with the value(0.0)ppb were is within the allowable limits, Ochratoxin, in 33 sample at 66% of the total samples less than(15) PPb recorded readings were  ranged between lowest value (1.5) ppb and the highest value (14.3) ppb, and 17 samples at  34% with the value (0.0)ppb,  which is also within the allowable limits in our country. Imported corn recorded readings in 24 samples at 48% as found by the three toxins and ranged the results of aflatoxin between the lowest value (0.8) PPb and the highest value (5.6) ppb and 26 samples at 52% with the value (0.0)ppb and T2 / HT2 results were ranged between the lowest value (3.1) ppb and the highest value (148) ppb and 26 samples at 52% with the value (0.0) ppb ochratoxin results were ranged between the lowest value (1.1) ppb and the highest value (5.7) ppb, and 26 samples at 52% with the value (0.0)ppb   and all of these results are within the allowable limits in our country. So we conclude from this study that the local corn was highest mycotoxin contamination than imported corn

Hair Trace Element and Electrolyte Content in Women with Natural and In Vitro Fertilization-Induced Pregnancy

The objective of the present study was to perform comparative analysis of hair trace element content in women with natural and in vitro fertilization (IVF)-induced pregnancy. Hair trace element content in 33 women with IVF-induced pregnancy and 99 age- and body mass index-matched control pregnant women (natural pregnancy) was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results demonstrated that IVF-pregnant women are characterized by significantly lower hair levels of Cu, Fe, Si, Zn, Ca, Mg, and Ba at p < 0.05 or lower. Comparison of the individual levels with the national reference values demonstrated higher incidence of Fe and Cu deficiency in IVF-pregnant women in comparison to that of the controls. IVF pregnancy was also associated with higher hair As levels (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant interrelation between IVF pregnancy and hair Cu, Fe, Si, and As content. Hair Cu levels were also influenced by vitamin/mineral supplementation and the number of pregnancies, whereas hair Zn content was dependent on prepregnancy anthropometric parameters. In turn, planning of pregnancy had a significant impact on Mg levels in scalp hair. Generally, the obtained data demonstrate an elevated risk of copper, iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium deficiency and arsenic overload in women with IVF-induced pregnancy. The obtained data indicate the necessity of regular monitoring of micronutrient status in IVF-pregnant women in order to prevent potential deleterious effects of altered mineral homeostasis

Mature cystic teratoma of mediastinum compressing the right atrium in a child: A rare case report

Teratomas or Germ cell tumours (GCTs) are interesting because of their obscure origin, bizarre microscopic appearance and unpredictable behaviour. Mediastinal teratoma is a slowly growing and rare tumour found in children that is diagnosed incidentally in asymptomatic patients. Most of the symptoms are related to mass compression effects such as chest pain, cough, respiratory distress and dysphagia. We report a 5-year-old male child who presented with a history of foreign body ingestion, sternal and left upper quadrant pain and vomiting without respiratory distress. The patient was incidentally found to have an anterior mediastinal mass compressing the right atrium and was diagnosed by histopathological examination as having a mature cystic teratoma of the mediastinum. The patient was successfully treated by the surgical resection of the tumour. Keywords: Anterior mediastinum, Children, Histopathology, Surgical treatment, Teratom

Prospective analysis methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus and its risk factors

Background: Since the early nineties, a new methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has existed in a form correlating with community health personnel. Community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) could be differentiated from healthcare-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) microbiologically, epidemiologically, and molecularly. Aims: To determine the prevalence, risk factors of MRSA infections in community and hospital. Settings: The incidence and risk factors for CA-MRSA and HA-MRSA among patients of medical, surgical, and pediatrics wards and ICU at a Kuwaiti teaching hospital between 1 March 2011 and 30 November 2011 were studied. Materials and Methods: Cultures for MRSA were taken from nasal (nostril), groin, axilla, wound, sputum, or throat, and the inguinal area in all enrolled patients upon admission. All preserved isolates were examined for their susceptibility to different types of antibiotics. Results and Conclusion: A total of 71 MRSA patients admitted to different hospital wards were examined. Among these patients, 52 (73.2%) were carriers of MRSA before they were admitted to the hospital. Nineteen patients (26.8%) were found to have acquired MRSA during their stay in the hospital. Twenty-nine patients (40.8%) were given mupirocin local skin antibiotic. Binomial and the t-test (paired) were used to compare the prevalence of CA-MRSA and HA-MRSA; significant correlation (P < 0.05) between the type of MRSA and different wards, sites, and lengths of hospital stay was found. The level of serum albumin that is routinely measured at hospital admission is a predictor to MRSA infection. This study suggests that S. aureus and MRSA should become a national priority for disease control to avoid outbreaks

The Protective Effect of Zingiber Officinale L. Extract on Kidney Tissues and Blood Factors of Kidney Functions After the Damage Caused by Azathioprine

The most commonly prescribed medication for autoimmune disorders is Azathioprine (AZA), which negatively affects renal function and tissue structure. The aim of this work was to measure the therapeutic impact of Zingiber officinale L. extract (ZOE) on improving the function and structure of AZA-induced renal damaged tissue. Methods: 70 rats with a weight range of 200±10&nbsp;g and an age of 95±5 days were chosen for this experimental study. The animals were grouped into seven groups of ten, with two groups receiving no treatment (control groups)&nbsp;and five groups receiving ZOE, AZA, “AZA + ZOE”, and normal saline. AZA was given intraperitoneally, and ZOE was given by gavage (i.e., nasogastric tube)&nbsp;for 21 days. Finally, urea, uric acid, creatinine parameters, and the diameter of some key or important parts of the kidney were measured in different animal groups. Results: it was found that the use of&nbsp;AZA (50 mg/kg) increased serum urea and creatinine concentrations, blood uric acid in comparison to the group&nbsp;of control (P&lt;0.05). Whereas injecting ZOE (200 mg/kg) induces a considerable decrease in the concentration of the compounds mentioned above as compared to control animals and animals given AZA (P&lt;0.05). Furthermore, the findings revealed that AZA caused inflammation and kidney tissue destruction, while ZOE improved, restored, and recovered&nbsp;the affected kidney tissue. Conclusion: according to the research findings, it can be decided that ZOE has a protective and therapeutic impact on kidney&nbsp;tissue owing to its strong antioxidant attributes and its ability to inhibit free radicals produced by azathioprin

The Protective Effect of Zingiber Officinale L. Extract on Kidney Tissues and Blood Factors of Kidney Functions After the Damage Caused by Azathioprine

The most commonly prescribed medication for autoimmune disorders is Azathioprine (AZA), which negatively affects renal function and tissue structure. The aim of this work was to measure the therapeutic impact of Zingiber officinale L. extract (ZOE) on improving the function and structure of AZA-induced renal damaged tissue. Methods: 70 rats with a weight range of 200±10&nbsp;g and an age of 95±5 days were chosen for this experimental study. The animals were grouped into seven groups of ten, with two groups receiving no treatment (control groups)&nbsp;and five groups receiving ZOE, AZA, “AZA + ZOE”, and normal saline. AZA was given intraperitoneally, and ZOE was given by gavage (i.e., nasogastric tube)&nbsp;for 21 days. Finally, urea, uric acid, creatinine parameters, and the diameter of some key or important parts of the kidney were measured in different animal groups. Results: it was found that the use of&nbsp;AZA (50 mg/kg) increased serum urea and creatinine concentrations, blood uric acid in comparison to the group&nbsp;of control (P&lt;0.05). Whereas injecting ZOE (200 mg/kg) induces a considerable decrease in the concentration of the compounds mentioned above as compared to control animals and animals given AZA (P&lt;0.05). Furthermore, the findings revealed that AZA caused inflammation and kidney tissue destruction, while ZOE improved, restored, and recovered&nbsp;the affected kidney tissue. Conclusion: according to the research findings, it can be decided that ZOE has a protective and therapeutic impact on kidney&nbsp;tissue owing to its strong antioxidant attributes and its ability to inhibit free radicals produced by azathioprin