Concavity principles for nonautonomous elliptic equations and applications

In the study of concavity properties of positive solutions to nonlinear elliptic partial differential equations the diffusion and the nonlinearity are typically independent of the space variable. In this paper we obtain new results aiming to get almost concavity results for a relevant class of anisotropic semilinear elliptic problems with spatially dependent source and diffusion

Coating of Polyvinylchloride for Reduced Cell / Bacterial Adhesion and Antibacterial Properties

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)A Polyvinylchloride surface was modified by coating a biocompatible, hydrophilic and antibacterial polymer by a mild surface modification method. The surface was first activated and then functionalized, followed by coating with polymer. The surface functionality was evaluated using cell adhesion, bacterial adhesion and bacterial viability for polymers with antibacterial properties. 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells were used for cell adhesion, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus were used for bacterial adhesion in the first study, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were used for bacterial adhesion and antibacterial activity in the second study. Chapter 2 reports how we synthesized, immobilized and evaluated a novel hydrophilic polymer with anti-fouling properties onto surface of polyvinylchloride via an effective and mild surface coating technique. The polyvinylchloride surface was first activated by azidation as well as amination, and then tethering a newly synthesized hydrophilic and biocompatible polyvinylpyrrolidone having pendent reactive succinimide functionality onto the surface. Results show that the coated hydrophilic polymer significantly reduced the 3T3 fibroblast cell adhesion as well as the adhesion of the three bacterial species. Chapter 3 reports how we prepared, immobilized and evaluated an antibacterial and anti-fouling polymer onto polyvinylchloride surface following an efficient and simple method of surface modification. The surface coated with a terpolymer constructed with N-vinylpyrrolidone, 3,4-Dichloro-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone derivative and succinimide residue was evaluated with cell adhesion, bacterial adhesion and bacterial viability. Surface adhesion was evaluated with 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells and two bacterial species. Also, antibacterial activity was evaluated by bacterial viability assay with the two bacterial species. Results showed that the polymer-modified polyvinylchloride surface exhibited significantly decreased 3T3 fibroblast cell adhesion and bacterial adhesion. Furthermore, the modified polyvinylchloride surfaces exhibited significant antibacterial functions by inhibiting bacterial growth with bactericidal activity. Altogether, we have successfully modified the surface of polyvinylchloride using a novel efficient and mild surface coating technique. The first hydrophilic polymer-coated polyvinylchloride surface significantly reduced cell adhesion as well as adhesion of three bacterial species. The second hydrophilic and antibacterial polymer-coated polyvinylchloride surface demonstrated significant antibacterial functions by inhibiting bacterial growth and killing bacteria in addition to significantly reduced 3T3 fibroblasts and bacterial adhesions

Identification of potential risk factors for lower limb injuries in female team-sport athletes: a prospective cohort study

Supplementary material: Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/24733938.2023.2181386#supplemental-material-section .Objectives: The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to assess the associations between lower limb injuries in female team-sport athletes and a number of factors. The potential risk factors explored included (1) lower limb strength, (2) history of life-event stress, (3) family history of ACL injuries, (4) menstrual history, and (5) history of oral contraception use. Methods: One hundred and thirty-five female athletes aged between 14 and 31 years (mean: 18.8 ± 3.6 years) from rugby union (n = 47), soccer (n = 72), and netball (n = 16) volunteered to participate in this study. Demographics, history of life-event stress, injury history and baseline data were obtained prior to the competitive season. The following strength measures were collected: isometric hip adductor and abductor strength, eccentric knee flexor strength and single leg jumping kinetics. Athletes were then followed for 12 months, and all lower limb injuries sustained were recorded. Results: One hundred and nine athletes provided one-year follow-up injury data, of whom, 44 suffered at least one lower limb injury. All athletes who reported high scores for negative life-event stress sustained lower limb injuries. Non-contact lower limb injury was positively associated with weak hip adductor strength (OR: 0.88; 95%CI: 0.78–0.98; p = 0.017), and between-limb adductor (OR: 5.65; 95%CI: 1.61–19.7.; p = 0.007) and abductor (OR: 1.95; 95%CI: 1.03–3.71; p = 0.039) strength asymmetries. Conclusion: History of life event stress, hip adductor strength, and between-limb adductor and abductor strength asymmetries offer potential novel avenues for investigating injury risk factors in female athletes.The work was supported by the University of South Wales [Scholarship]

Acceptance and Attitude towards Digital Rectal Examination for the Evaluation of Anorectal Conditions in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Objectives:Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) is crucial for diagnosing various medical conditions, including prostate and colorectal cancer. Our study aims to assess the knowledge and acceptance of DRE among the Saudi population.Methodology:This cross-sectional study used a bilingual online survey distributed among Saudi residents in the Eastern Province. The survey included 22 questions on demographics, DRE awareness, and acceptance. Data was analyzed using SPSS.Results:Out of 443 participants, 65.2% were male, and 53.7% were aged 18-25 years. Awareness of DRE was high (65.7%), but only 21.7% had undergone the procedure. 56.0% would agree to a DRE if recommended by a doctor, but 57.0% cited shame and disgust as barriers. Pain (61.4%), mass sensation (57.1%), and bleeding (53.7%) were key symptoms prompting acceptance. Cultural and traditional factors were significant barriers for 57.6% of participants, and 49.0% would consider traditional medicine for anal and rectal diseases. Knowledge about hemorrhoids was varied, with 46.2% correctly identifying them as dilated anal blood vessels, and preventive measures included dietary and behavioral adjustments.Conclusions:There is a need for educational efforts to improve DRE acceptance in Saudi Arabia. Addressing cultural barriers and misconceptions can enhance preventive healthcare practices and early disease detection

Harnessing Fe2O3 to improve HAP composites: Investigating radiation shielding, mechanical attributes, and magnetic field effects

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) bio-composites play a prominent role in addressing the reparative and replacement needs of human bone and dental tissues. Despite the suboptimal mechanical characteristics inherent in pure HAP, strength and durability enhancements have been achieved by incorporating various alloys and materials. The provided study delves into the radiation shielding and mechanical attributes of Fe2O3-reinforced HAP composites intended for use as implants, featuring Fe2O3 concentrations at 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 wt%. In addition, by leveraging the robust FLUKA Monte Carlo simulation code, the study explores the composites' response to the magnetic field. The findings suggest that augmenting the Fe2O3 content improves radiation shielding and mechanical properties in the chosen samples. Furthermore, in the absence of a magnetic field, the particles' spatial distribution (contour curves) exhibits symmetry along the X-axis. Nonetheless, a discernible pattern becomes apparent upon exposure to a magnetic field of Bx = 5 micro Tesla. The data extracted from this article can be used for medical and therapeutic applications and subsequent studies. © 2024 Elsevier LtdPrincess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, PNU, (PNURSP2024R111); Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, PNUThe authors express their gratitude to Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Researchers Supporting Project (Grant No. PNURSP2024R111), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Natural Radionuclide Levels and Radiological Hazards of Khour Abalea Mineralized Pegmatites, Southeastern Desert, Egypt

Arranged from oldest to youngest, the main granitic rock units exposed in Khour Abalea are metagabbros, cataclastic rocks, ophiolitic melange, granitic rocks, pegmatite and lamprophyre dykes. The presence of radioactivity associated with the heavy bearing minerals in construction materials—like granite—increased interest in the extraction process. As it turns out, granitic rocks play an important economic part in the examination of an area’s surroundings. The radionuclide content is measured by using an NaI (Tl)-detector. In the mineralized pegmatites, U (326 to 2667 ppm), Th (562 to 4010 ppm), RaeU (495 to 1544 ppm) and K (1.38 to 9.12%) ranged considerably with an average of 1700 ppm, 2881.86 ppm, 1171.82 ppm and 5.04%, respectively. Relationships among radioelements clarify that radioactive mineralization in the studied pegmatites is magmatic and hydrothermal. A positive equilibrium condition confirms uranium addition to the studied rocks. This study determined226Ra,232Th and40K activity concentrations in pegmatites samples and assessed the radiological risks associated with these rocks. The activity concentrations of226Ra (13,176 ± 4394 Bq kg−1 ),232Th (11,883 ± 5644 Bq kg−1 ) and40K (1573 ± 607 Bq kg−1 ) in pegmatites samples (P) are greater than the global average. The high activity of the mineralized pegmatite is mainly attributed to the presence of uranium mineral (autunite), uranophane, kasolite and carnotite, thorium minerals (thorite, thorianite and uranothorite) as well as accessories minerals—such as zircon and monazite. To assess the dangerous effects of pegmatites in the studied area, various radiological hazard factors (external, internal hazard indices, radium equivalent activity and annual effective dose) are estimated. The investigated samples almost surpassed the recommended allowable thresholds for all of the environmental factors. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ 4.0/).The authors express their gratitude to Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Researchers Supporting Project number (PNURSP2022R111), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Subacute toxicity of Chrozophora Tinctoria extract: biochemical and histopathological changes in rats

Abstract The increasing use of medicinal plants in traditional and modern therapies necessitates thorough toxicological evaluations to ensure their safety. Chrozophora genus includes 7-8 species that belong to the Euphorbiaceae family, distributed in Pakistan, India, West Africa, and the Mediterranean with four species found in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study evaluates the subacute toxicity of the ethyl acetate extract (EtOAcE) of Chrozophora tinctoria in male and female rats. Over 14 days, rats were daily administered the extract at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg. Mortality was observed at a rate of one rat per group. Female rats showed a significant reduction in body weight, while organ weights remained unaffected. Kidney function tests revealed significant increases in bilirubin and creatinine levels in male rats at 200 mg, and uric acid levels in female rats at the same dosage. Liver enzyme analysis indicated significant elevations in ALP, ALT, and GGT levels in both sexes at various dosages. Glucose levels increased significantly in female rats at 200 mg/kg, with no significant changes in cortisol levels in either sex. Histopathological examinations demonstrated notable abnormalities in liver, kidney, spleen, and small intestine tissues. These data demonstrate the essentiality of careful evaluation and monitoring when considering C. tinctoria for medicinal use, highlighting the need for further studies on its long-term safety and therapeutic index

Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles (MISEV2023): From basic to advanced approaches

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), through their complex cargo, can reflect the state of their cell of origin and change the functions and phenotypes of other cells. These features indicate strong biomarker and therapeutic potential and have generated broad interest, as evidenced by the steady year-on-year increase in the numbers of scientific publications about EVs. Important advances have been made in EV metrology and in understanding and applying EV biology. However, hurdles remain to realising the potential of EVs in domains ranging from basic biology to clinical applications due to challenges in EV nomenclature, separation from non-vesicular extracellular particles, characterisation and functional studies. To address the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field, the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) updates its 'Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles', which was first published in 2014 and then in 2018 as MISEV2014 and MISEV2018, respectively. The goal of the current document, MISEV2023, is to provide researchers with an updated snapshot of available approaches and their advantages and limitations for production, separation and characterisation of EVs from multiple sources, including cell culture, body fluids and solid tissues. In addition to presenting the latest state of the art in basic principles of EV research, this document also covers advanced techniques and approaches that are currently expanding the boundaries of the field. MISEV2023 also includes new sections on EV release and uptake and a brief discussion of in vivo approaches to study EVs. Compiling feedback from ISEV expert task forces and more than 1000 researchers, this document conveys the current state of EV research to facilitate robust scientific discoveries and move the field forward even more rapidly

Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles (MISEV2023): From basic to advanced approaches

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), through their complex cargo, can reflect the state of their cell of origin and change the functions and phenotypes of other cells. These features indicate strong biomarker and therapeutic potential and have generated broad interest, as evidenced by the steady year-on-year increase in the numbers of scientific publications about EVs. Important advances have been made in EV metrology and in understanding and applying EV biology. However, hurdles remain to realising the potential of EVs in domains ranging from basic biology to clinical applications due to challenges in EV nomenclature, separation from non-vesicular extracellular particles, characterisation and functional studies. To address the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field, the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) updates its ‘Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles’, which was first published in 2014 and then in 2018 as MISEV2014 and MISEV2018, respectively. The goal of the current document, MISEV2023, is to provide researchers with an updated snapshot of available approaches and their advantages and limitations for production, separation and characterisation of EVs from multiple sources, including cell culture, body fluids and solid tissues. In addition to presenting the latest state of the art in basic principles of EV research, this document also covers advanced techniques and approaches that are currently expanding the boundaries of the field. MISEV2023 also includes new sections on EV release and uptake and a brief discussion of in vivo approaches to study EVs. Compiling feedback from ISEV expert task forces and more than 1000 researchers, this document conveys the current state of EV research to facilitate robust scientific discoveries and move the field forward even more rapidly

Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles (MISEV2023): From basic to advanced approaches

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), through their complex cargo, can reflect the state of their cell of origin and change the functions and phenotypes of other cells. These features indicate strong biomarker and therapeutic potential and have generated broad interest, as evidenced by the steady year-on-year increase in the numbers of scientific publications about EVs. Important advances have been made in EV metrology and in understanding and applying EV biology. However, hurdles remain to realising the potential of EVs in domains ranging from basic biology to clinical applications due to challenges in EV nomenclature, separation from non-vesicular extracellular particles, characterisation and functional studies. To address the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field, the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) updates its ‘Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles’, which was first published in 2014 and then in 2018 as MISEV2014 and MISEV2018, respectively. The goal of the current document, MISEV2023, is to provide researchers with an updated snapshot of available approaches and their advantages and limitations for production, separation and characterisation of EVs from multiple sources, including cell culture, body fluids and solid tissues. In addition to presenting the latest state of the art in basic principles of EV research, this document also covers advanced techniques and approaches that are currently expanding the boundaries of the field. MISEV2023 also includes new sections on EV release and uptake and a brief discussion of in vivo approaches to study EVs. Compiling feedback from ISEV expert task forces and more than 1000 researchers, this document conveys the current state of EV research to facilitate robust scientific discoveries and move the field forward even more rapidly