Abstract:Ricinus communis and valacyclovir (VACV) were tested for their effects on the progression of skin observation and pain responses in mice infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The mice were infected with HSV-1 and treated with R. communis (8, 16, or 48 mg/kg) or VACV (15, 45, or 90 mg/kg) twice daily from days 2 to 8 post-infection. Skin lesion development and pain-associated reactions were assessed 27 days after infection. HSV-1 infection resulted in zosteriform skin observation and increased pain-related scores. Both R. communis and VACV demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in skin observation and pain-related ratings. The study also investigated the impact of the timing of R. communis and VACV administration on skin observation and pain responses and found that lesion scores were significantly reduced when R. communis treatment was initiated on day 2 post-infection. The inhibitory effects of R. communis and VACV on HSV-1 dissemination in the dorsal root ganglia were studied, showing a significant reduction in HSV-1 DNA replication number after the administration of both drugs. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the impact of R. communis and VACV on the expression levels of pain-associated mRNA in the spinal cord of HSV-1-infected mice. The study demonstrated that R. communis therapy exhibited an inhibitory effect on pain-related factors.
Abstract:Breast cancer is the second cancer-related death cause among women worldwide. Mammography is the main screening tool for breast cancer detection. This study introduces a simple yet effective deep-learning approach for distinguishing malignant from benign masses in mammography images. Utilizing unsupervised clustering algorithms to clear image noise, and preprocessing images with custom filters yielded exceptional outcomes for both digital and film scan images. The proposed methodology allowed us to build a robust model that achieved an accuracy of 96.6% overcoming the base model by 3%.
Abstract:In this paper the intelligent control of full automatic car wash using a programmable logic controller (PLC) has been investigated and designed to do all steps of carwashing. The Intelligent control of full automatic carwash has the ability to identify and profile the geometrical dimensions of the vehicle chassis. Vehicle dimension identification is an important point in this control system to adjust the washing brushes position and time duration. The study also tries to design a control set for simulating and building the automatic carwash. The main purpose of the simulation is to develop criteria for designing and building this type of carwash in actual size to overcome challenges of automation. The results of this research indicate that the proposed method in process control not only increases productivity, speed, accuracy and safety but also reduce the time and cost of washing based on dynamic model of the vehicle. A laboratory prototype based on an advanced intelligent control has been built to study the validity of the design and simulation which it�s appropriate performance confirms the validity of this study..
Abstract:Several mechanisms are included in the plant resistance against the phytopathogens. Among them are some proteins that may either components of the cell wall or produced as a result of infection; in addition to other organic compounds that can be produced in the root exudates. Such compound may act as a pathogen pectinase or cellulase inhibitor or toxic to the pathogen. The aim of this work was a screening for a new fungal pectinase or cellulase inhibitor that may be a protein constitute or produced by the roots of five tested plants against six phytopathogenic fungi. The root exudates and protein content of five plants (Vicia faba, Trigonella sp., Zea mays, Triticum aestivum and Hordeum vulgare) were preliminary screened for inhibition of six phytopathogens (Sclerotium cepivorum, Sclerotium rolfsii, Sclerotinia scelrotiorum, Rhizoctonia solani, Botrytis sp. and Fusarium oxysporum) in a medium containing either pectin or cellulose as a sole source of carbon. There was no inhibition obtained from all of the protein extracts and the root exudates of the tested plants against any of the tested fungi. On other hand, the growth of Botrytis sp. was enhanced by the root exudates of corn in the cellulose containing medium. This result reflected absence of pectinases and cellulases inhibitor in the protein content or root exudates of the tested plants against the tested fungi. In addition, presence of Botrytis sp. cellulase activator in the root exudates of corn..
Abstract:Abstract Background: Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system in which they are always at risk of developing occupational burnout. In Saudi Arabia, little is known about the level of burnout among nurses working 12 and 8 hours in medical-surgical wards. Methods: A descriptive correlational design was used to assess burnout among 205 nurses who were working 12 and 8 hours in medical-surgical wards in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using sociodemographic data and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The majority of the participants were between the age of 21 and 45 years old (M= 27.27, SD = 4.09), single (62.9 %) with no child (64.4%), had experienced from one to two years (60.5%), and 50.2 % of nurses reported that they worked eight-hour shift. The results showed that nurses who worked in the medical-surgical ward had a high burnout (M = 69.79, SD= 24.90). The level of burnout was significantly correlated with working hours (p = 0.011, r = 0.17). Conclusion: Burnout is a concept that has continued to be the concern of nurses and researchers for several decades. This concept is highly related to the workforce in general and nursing in particular. So, the effects of burnout on patient outcomes, patient safety, and quality of care are not well defined by evidence.
Abstract:Liver dysfunction or abnormal liver enzyme is common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE-related liver conditions include hepatitis (lupus hepatitis) and comorbidity of other liver diseases, such as autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs). AILDs comprise autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and IgG4-related cholangitis. The causal relationship between SLE and various AILDs is still unclear, with only few review articles discussing the comorbidity of SLE and AILDs. Herein, reported cases and studies regarding the comorbid AILDs in patients with SLE are reviewed and summarized.
Abstract:Abstract: Objective: to carry out cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Rangel@ instrument into Angolan Portuguese, with a view to preventing and controlling hemorrhage in the third stage of labor. Method: cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the instrument, using the procedures defined by Beaton. Results: the use of instruments designed in other countries requires, in addition to translation, cultural adaptation and validation. At the end of the translation of the instrument, eight terms or words were modified for Angolan Portuguese, such as: “registar”, “factores”, “planear”, “controlo”, “adoptar”, “activo”, “sub-involução” and “colectores”. Cross-cultural adaptation of an instrument for use in another country, culture or language requires a specific methodology, in order to achieve equivalence between the languages of origin. Conclusion: the instrument adapted here provides support for the clinical practice of professionals in terms of women’s health care in the pregnancy-puerperal cycle in Angola.
Abstract:The agricultural sector has experienced remarkable transformations fueled by technological advancements over the past 50 years, which have enhanced productivity and sustainability. Presently, agriculture is transitioning into a new era, driven by connectivity and data, known as Agriculture 4.0. This transition holds promise for further enhancing yield, optimizing resource utilization, and promoting sustainability and resilience. However, challenges such as population growth, resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and food waste persist and necessitate innovative solutions. Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) has emerged as a pivotal domain in urban agriculture, offering solutions to address these challenges. Several Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facilities, such as greenhouses, plant factories, and rooftop gardens, employ sophisticated methods to enhance plant growth and quality while reducing resource usage. Achieving optimal growth conditions within CEA facilities remains a challenge, necessitating the effective management of microclimates and root zone environments. Recent research has emphasized the role of intelligent systems, particularly artificial intelligence and deep learning, in addressing these challenges. Moreover, optimizing indoor growing environments requires careful consideration of factors, such as temperature, humidity, chemical balance, and photosynthetic photon flux. Despite these advancements, the global food supply chain faces significant inefficiencies and wastage, exacerbated by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. Climate-smart agriculture, which leverages technologies such as AI and genomic tools, offers promising avenues for enhancing crop resilience and productivity in the face of changing climatic conditions. The integration of information technologies has further revolutionized agriculture and offers potential solutions to mitigate the impact of climate.
Abstract:The challenges facing the global agricultural system in the twenty-first century, such as declining productivity and ecosystem sustainability, are worsened by predictions of a growing population, which is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. Factors related to climate change, such as rising temperatures and abiotic stresses, such as salinity and drought, put agricultural production at risk. Sustainable agriculture has become crucial, as it offers long-term environmental and social benefits by reducing the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. One promising solution for sustainable agriculture is the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). These bacteria, which are abundant in the rhizosphere, enhance plant growth both directly and indirectly by promoting root growth, biofertilization, and controlling phytopathogens. However, despite their potential, challenges still exist in terms of the inconsistent performance and mechanisms of PGPR, which limits their widespread adoption. Biofertilizers containing PGPR provide a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizers by enhancing nutrient availability and soil fertility. Additionally, the integration of nanotechnology holds promise in improving agricultural sustainability by facilitating efficient nutrient uptake and the controlled release of fertilizers, thus reducing environmental impacts. PGPR have been shown to be effective in various crops such as maize and sugarcane, offering solutions for soil nutrient deficiencies and pathogen control. Nevertheless, the beneficial effects of PGPR may be influenced by certain bacterial traits, underscoring the importance of selecting appropriate strains for optimal outcomes. In conclusion, the integration of PGPR and nanotechnology offers a comprehensive approach to sustainable agriculture, addressing the complex challenges.
Abstract:Forest fires are a widespread occurrence in ecosystems worldwide, impacting both vegetation and soil. The effects of forest fires, as well as prescribed fires, on forest soil are complex, influencing soil organic matter, macro and micro-nutrients, and physical properties such as texture, color, pH, and bulk density, along with soil biota. The magnitude of the impact on forest soil depends on factors such as fire intensity, fuel load, and soil moisture. The severity and frequency of fire determine whether it is beneficial or harmful to the soil. Low-intensity fires can enhance plant available nutrients through the combustion of litter and soil organic matter, promoting rapid growth of herbaceous plants and increased nutrient storage. Conversely, high intensity fires can lead to complete loss of soil organic matter, volatilization of vital elements (N, P, S, K), and microbial death. Additionally, intense forest fires generate hydrophobic organic compounds that result in water-repellent soils. Forest fires also have long-term effects on forest soil. This paper aims to review the impacts of forest fires on various soil properties crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.