Evolution of Durability and Mechanical Behaviour of Mud Mortar Stabilized with Oil Shale Ash, Lime, and Cement

The investigation into earthen construction technologies and materials is now acknowledged as a crucial area requiring further research. Earthen mortars are prevalent in both modern and traditional construction due to the abundance of earth material, their favorable thermal properties, and their low embodied energy. The objective of this study is to support the use of natural materials collected from north Jordan to enhance the mechanical properties and durability of mud mortar. The local soil was stabilized using Oil Shale Ash (OSA), Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), and lime for producing mud mortar. Particle size analysis, plastic limit, liquid limit, XRD, and XRF were applied to assess the geotechnical characterization and mineral composition of the earthen stabilizers and local soil. In order to examine the mechanical properties (specifically compressive strength) and durability characteristics (such as water absorption and shrinkage) of mud mortar, a total of 8 mixtures were prepared. One of these mixtures served as a control, while the others were created by substituting soil with varying proportions of OSA, cement, and lime. The results show that the mud mortar contained 10% OSA and 10% cement, which exhibited the highest compressive strength. Moreover, an increase in the proportion of OSA in the soil led to a decrease in absorption and linear shrinkage, indicating that OSA is an effective stabilizing agent for mud mortar. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2023-09-09-06 Full Text: PD

Herpes zoster in the radial nerve distribution in an 8 years old healthy child-a case report

Varicella zoster is an omnipresent virus which commonly affects childhood as chicken pox. Although the primary infection is self-limiting and seldom severe, the virus remains dormant in the body. The virus resides in the dorsal root or cranial nerve ganglion and reactivation may occur years later as herpes zoster or "Shingles". Herpes zoster (HZ) can occur at any age but is rare in childhood and adolescents. Old aged and immunosuppressed subjects are at risk for developing the disease. The most common area involved in HZ is the trunk (dermatomes innervated by the thoracic nerves) and rarely presents exclusively in the upper extremity. We report a case of HZ isolated to the radial nerve distribution in a healthy 8 years boy. The reported case reveals the importance of considering zoster infection in young age, or uncommon sites when evaluating the onset of pain in a dermatomal distribution specially if associated with vesiculobullous rash

Rhizobacteria-mediated Induced Resistance in Barley against Cochliobolus sativus under Field Conditions

The effect of four rhizobacterial strains on the severity of spot blotch disease caused by cochliobolus sativus was evaluated for two growing seasons under rainfed conditions. Three barley genotypes were used as host plant. All strains reduced C. sativus severity, with effect more pronounced when Pseudomonas putida BTP1 and Bacillus subtilis Bs2508 were used. The disease reduction was up to 56% in Arabi Abiad / P. putida BTP1. The grain yield was not obviously affected by the presence of the rhizobacteria, except some signifitive increase in season 2. Raising the resistance by soaking seed with rhizobacterial strains might be of ultimate value in agriculture

A Green Way of Producing High Strength Concrete Utilizing Recycled Concrete

Multiple studies have investigated the influence of recycled aggregates derived from concrete waste on the efficacy of structural concrete manufactured in recent times. By utilizing recycled aggregates obtained from construction and demolition debris, it is possible to safeguard natural aggregate resources, reduce the demand for landfill space, and promote the utilization of sustainable building materials. However, compared to natural aggregate, bonded cement mortar on recycled concrete aggregate exhibits higher porosity, greater water absorption capacity, and lower strength. The mechanical and durability characteristics of freshly poured and hardened concrete made from recycled concrete aggregate are adversely affected as a result. This study presents comprehensive experimental research aimed at examining the residual mechanical properties and resistance to acid attack of normal and high-strength mixes of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) using the compressible packing model. Recycled aggregate was employed as both coarse and fine aggregate. The recycled concrete samples were prepared in a manner that corresponded to the proportions of both the coarse and fine aggregates. Twelve mixtures were designed and cast, and their performance was evaluated based on various strength parameters (compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength) as well as acid attack resistance properties (porosity and ultrasonic pulse velocity). The findings indicate that recycled concrete aggregate can be utilized in the production of high-strength concrete, with mechanical property values that are significantly acceptable compared to concrete containing natural aggregates. Moreover, the addition of Silica Fume as a cement replacement in concrete plays a crucial role in enhancing sulphate resistance. In terms of concrete product utilization, recycled concrete and its significance in this study played a crucial role in environmental preservation. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2023-09-10-08 Full Text: PD

Evaluation of Self-Assessed State of Health and Vitamin D Knowledge in Emirati and International Female Students in United Arab Emirates (UAE)

© Copyright © 2020 Abboud, Rizk, Papandreou, Hijazi, Al Emadi and Waszak. Introduction: Globally, vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies, affecting nearly half the world’s population. The objective of this survey was to assess and compare the knowledge about vitamin D and the perceived state of health in Emirati and international tourist female students in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that took place in universities in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This survey consisted of 17 multiple choice questions and was adapted from a study recently conducted in Poland. The first part of the survey assessed levels of supplementation, diet and UV exposure. Another section evaluated the participants’ self-assessed state of health in terms of vitamin D testing, symptoms related to vitamin D deficiency and general welbeing. The collected data were statistically analyzed using SPSS statistics for windows version 26.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, United States). Statistical significance was set at P \u3c 0.05. Results: 105 respondents were Emiratis and 65 were international students. The average age was 21, with an average BMI 23.3 kg/m2. Almost one-third of each group reported using Vitamin D supplements once weekly. The vast majority of both groups reported rarely getting tanned. Almost all participants in both groups reported regular consumption of Vitamin D rich foods. In both groups, more than half reported consuming milk and cheese regularly and up to one-third reported consuming fish in a regular manner. Although more than half of the students rated their health as good; more than two-thirds reported experiencing muscle pain; only half reported having their blood Vitamin D levels measured once; half reported experiencing problems with concentration and more than three-quarters reported experiencing bad mood in the past month. The prevalence of these symptoms was almost similar across different categories of vitamin D supplementation, tanning habits, dietary intake, or nationality. No statistically significant differences were noted between the Emirati and International tourist students regarding any of the studied variables. Conclusion: Notably, more Emirati students were aware of the association between vitamin D and osteoporosis than International tourist students (40% vs. 21.9%, respectively; p \u3c 0.05). On the other hand, both groups had lower knowledge about the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and depression, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Hypertension, and the optimal vitamin D level; however, no statistically significant differences were noted regarding this knowledge of Emiratis and international students

Ethylene responsive transcription factor ERF109 retards PCD and improves salt tolerance in plant

Semi-quantitative RT-PCR for tobacco VIGS lines of 13 knocked down TFs induced 2 h post oxalic acid treatment (20 mM) as compared to their WT and VIGS line with empty pTRV2 (V2) plants. Amplicon sizes of different genes and primers used are shown in Additional file 5: Table S3. The Nbactin gene was used as the house-keeping control. Gene codes refer to those indicated in Additional file 3: Table S2. (DOCX 684 kb

Evaluación del efecto terapéutico del aceite crudo de Nigella sativa y su mezcla con aceites ricos en ácidos grasos omega-3 en un modelo de síndrome hepatorenal modificado en ratas

In the present study, the hepato and reno-protective effect of Nigella sativa crude oil and its binary blend with omega-3 fatty acid-rich oils (fish and flaxseed oils) was studied in a modified hepatorenal syndrome model (MHRS) in rats. MHRS was induced through feeding a high fructose diet followed by an intraperitoneal injection of galactosamine hydrochloride. Nigella oil and its different blends were given as a daily oral dose to MHRS rats. Two control groups of MHRS and normal healthy rats were run. Different biochemical and nutritional parameters were assessed. The induction of MHRS produced liver and kidney dysfunction, and elevated oxidative stress, an inflammatory biomarker, endothelin 1, and plasma cholesterol. Reduced plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol, albumin and Ca and elevated urinary N-acetyl-β-D-Glucosaminidase and liver fats were noticed. The administration of Nigella crude oil that originally had 0.2% total omega-3 fatty acids or its blend with fish oil (17.9% omega-3) or flaxseed oil (42.1% omega-3) significantly improved all biochemical parameters of MHRS. There was no significant difference in the biochemical parameters among the different oil treated groups regardless of the omega-3 fatty acid content. This may point out to the potential profound effect of the volatile oil fraction of Nigella crude oil which may compensates for its low omega-3 content.En el presente estudio, el efecto hepato- y reno-protector de aceites crudos de Nigella sativa y su mezcla binaria con aceites ricos en ácidos grasos omega-3 (pescado y aceites de linaza) fue estudiado en un modelo modificado de síndrome hepatorenal (MHRS) en ratas. MHRS fue inducido a través de la alimentación de una dieta alta en fructosa seguido de la inyección intraperitoneal de clorhidrato de galactosamina. Diferentes aceites fueron suministrados como dosis oral diaria a ratas con MHRS. Se realizaron dos grupos de control de MHRS y ratas sanas normales. Se evaluaron diferentes parámetros bioquímicos y nutricionales. La inducción de la MHRS produce disfunción hepática y renal, elevado estrés oxidativo y biomarcadores inflamatorios, endotelina 1, y colesterol en plasma. Se observó una reducción del colesterol plasmatico de lipoproteínas de alta densidad, albúmina y Ca, elevación en orina de N-acetil-β-D-glucosaminidasa y de la grasa del hígado. La administración de aceite crudo de Nigella que tiene un 0,2% de ácidos grasos omega-3 totales o su mezcla con aceite de pescado (17,9% de omega-3) o aceite de linaza (42,1% de omega-3) mejoró significativamente todos los parámetros bioquímicos de MHRS. No hubo diferencia significativa en los parámetros bioquímicos entre los diferentes grupos tratados con los aceites ensayados independientemente del contenido de ácidos grasos omega-3. Con esto se puede resaltar el potencial efecto de la fracción volátil del aceite crudo de Nigella

Transcriptomic and metabolic responses of Calotropis procera to salt and drought stress

Background: Calotropis procera is a wild plant species in the family Apocynaceae that is able to grow in harsh, arid and heat stressed conditions. Understanding how this highly adapted plant persists in harsh environments should inform future efforts to improve the hardiness of crop and forage plant species. To study the plant response to droμght and osmotic stress, we treated plants with polyethylene glycol and NaCl and carried out transcriptomic and metabolomics measurements across a time-course of five days. Results: We identified a highly dynamic transcriptional response across the time-course including dramatic changes in inositol signaling, stress response genes and cytokinins. The resulting metabolome changes also involved sharp increases of myo-inositol, a key signaling molecule and elevated amino acid metabolites at later times. Conclusions: The data generated here provide a first glimpse at the expressed genome of C. procera, a plant that is exceptionally well adapted to arid environments. We demonstrate, through transcriptome and metabolome analysis that myo-inositol signaling is strongly induced in response to drought and salt stress and that there is elevation of amino acid concentrations after prolonged osmotic stress. This work should lay the foundations of future studies in adaptation to arid environments

Molecular Screening of <i>VAX1</i> Gene Polymorphisms Uncovered the Genetic Heterogeneity of Non-Syndromic Orofacial Cleft in Saudi Arabian Patients

Objective: Nonsyndromic orofacial cleft (NSOFC) including cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL±P) and cleft palate (CP) are multifactorial developmental disorders with both genetic and environmental etiological factors. In this study we investigated the association between CL±P and CP, and two polymorphisms previously determined using genome-wide association studies, as well as the association between consanguinity and CL±P and CP. Methods: DNA was extracted from saliva specimens from 171 triads consisting of affected individuals and their parents, as well as 189 control triads (matched for age, gender, and location) that were recruited from 11 referral hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Two polymorphisms, rs4752028 and rs7078160, located in the VAX1 gene were genotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction. A transmission disequilibrium test was carried out using the Family-Based Association Test and PLINK (genetic tool-set) to measure the parent-of-origin effect. Results: Significant differences were found between affected individuals and the control group. In the case of the rs4752028 risk allele in cleft, the phenotypes were: CL±P (fathers: odds ratio [OR] 2.16 [95% CI 1.38–3.4]; mothers: OR 2.39 [95% CI 1.53–3.71]; and infants: OR 2.77 [95% CI 1.77–4.34]) and CP (fathers: OR 2.24 [95% CI 1.15–4.36] and infants: OR 2.43 [95% CI 1.25–4.7]). For CL±P and the rs7078160 risk allele, the phenotypes were: (fathers: OR 1.7 [95% CI 1.05–2.86]; mothers: OR 2.43 [95% CI 1.49–3.97]; and infants: OR 2.34 [95% CI 1.44–3.81]). In terms of consanguinity, we found significant association between consanguinity and the rs4752028 polymorphism minor allele among CL±P compared with controls (p = 0.001). Conclusion: This is the first study to find a relationship between these two loci on 10q25 (rs4752028 and rs7078160) and NSOFC in a population with high levels of consanguinity

CADASIL in Arabs: clinical and genetic findings

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is increasingly recognized as an inherited arterial disease leading to a step-wise decline and eventually to dementia. CADASIL is caused by mutations in <it>NOTCH3 </it>epidermal growth factor-like repeat that maps to chromosome 19. CADASIL cases have been identified in most countries of Western and Central Europe, the Americas, Japan, Australia, the Caribbean, South America, Tanzania, Turkey, South Africa and Southeast Asia, but not in Arabs.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We studied three families from Saudi Arabia (Family A), Kuwait (Family B) and Yemen (Family C) with 19 individuals affected by CADASIL.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The mean age of onset was 31 ± 6 and the clinical presentation included stroke in 68%, subcortical dementia in 17% and asymptomatic leukoariosis detected by MRI in 15%. Migraine and depression were frequently associated, 38% and 68% respectively. The mean age of death was 56 ± 11. All <it>NOTCH3 </it>exons were screened for mutations, which revealed the presence of previously reported mutations c.406C>T (p.Arg110>Cys) in two families (family A&B) and c.475C>T (p.Arg133>Cys) mutation in family C.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>CADASIL occurs in Arabs, with clinical phenotype and genotype similar to that in other ethnic groups.</p