Search Results (568)

Anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis is a potentially inexpensive and efficient source of hydrogen production as it uses effective low-cost catalysts. The catalytic activity and performance of nickel iron oxide (NiFeO_x) catalysts for hydrogen production in AEM water electrolyzers were investigated. The NiFeO_x catalysts were synthesized with various iron content weight percentages, and at the stoichiometric ratio for nickel ferrite (NiFe₂O₄). The catalytic activity of NiFeO_x catalyst was evaluated by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and chronoamperometry for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). NiFe₂O₄ showed the highest activity for the OER in a three-electrode system, with 320 mA cm⁻² at 2 V in 1 M KOH solution. NiFe₂O₄ displayed strong stability over a 600 h period at 50 mA cm⁻² in a three-electrode setup, with a degradation rate of 15 μV/h. In single-cell electrolysis using a X-37 T membrane, at 2.2 V in 1 M KOH, the NiFe₂O₄ catalyst had the highest activity of 1100 mA cm⁻² at 45 °C, which increased with the temperature to 1503 mA cm⁻² at 55 °C. The performance of various membranes was examined, and the highest performance of the tested membranes was determined to be that of the Fumatech FAA-3-50 and FAS-50 membranes, implying that membrane performance is strongly correlated with membrane conductivity. The obtained Nyquist plots and equivalent circuit analysis were used to determine cell resistances. It was found that ohmic resistance decreases with an increase in temperature from 45 °C to 55 °C, implying the positive effect of temperature on AEM electrolysis. The FAA-3-50 and FAS-50 membranes were determined to have lower activation and ohmic resistances, indicative of higher conductivity and faster membrane charge transfer. NiFe₂O₄ in an AEM water electrolyzer displayed strong stability, with a voltage degradation rate of 0.833 mV/h over the 12 h durability test. Full article

Gastric cancer traditionally affects older adults, and its precursor lesions and risk factors are well-documented in this population. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection remains highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia and contributes to gastric pathology. However, early-onset gastric cancer (EOGC), diagnosed in individuals aged ≤ 45 years, presents unique challenges and remains poorly understood in young populations. Therefore, we conducted an observational cohort study using a prospective longitudinal design (2021–2024) involving 1823 Saudi nationals aged 18–45 years who underwent zoom high-definition chromoendoscopy to evaluate the prevalence of premalignant gastric lesions (PGLs) and EOGC. We found a high H. pylori prevalence (78.0%) with PGLs in 1.9% of participants and EOGC-adenocarcinoma in 0.7% of patients. All EOGC cases arose from dysplasia, with most PGLs being classified as OLGA/OLGIM stage II/III. Multiple risk factorswere significantly associated with PGLs and EOGC, including H. pylori infection (p = 0.022), increasing age (p < 0.001), a family history of gastric cancer (p < 0.001), poor dietary habits (p < 0.001), obesity (p < 0.001), and smoking (p < 0.001). Additional EOGC risk factors include dage of 36–45 years (p = 0.018), EBV infection (p = 0.016), and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.001). These findings demonstrate the notable presence of PGLs and EOGC in young Saudi adults and emphasize the importance of early detection and risk factor management in this vulnerable population. Full article

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating due to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the predominant energy storage solution in EVs, offering high energy density, efficiency, and long lifespan. However, their adoption is overly involved with critical safety concerns, including thermal runaway and overheating. This review systematically focuses on the critical role of battery thermal management systems (BTMSs), such as active, passive, and hybrid cooling systems, in maintaining LIBs within their optimal operating temperature range, ensuring temperature homogeneity, safety, and efficiency. Additionally, the study explores the impact of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into BTMS on thermal performance prediction and energy-efficient cooling, focusing on optimizing the operating parameters of cooling systems. This review provides insights into enhancing LIB safety and performance for widespread EV adoption by addressing these challenges. Full article

Introduction: Esophagectomy for esophageal cancer traditionally involves delayed postoperative oral feeding due to concerns about complications like anastomotic leakage. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols favor early oral feeding (EOF), but its safety and benefits remain debated. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared EOF versus late oral feeding (LOF) after esophagectomy. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library through March 2025 for primary studies comparing EOF (≤7 days post-op) with LOF (>7 days or delayed) in adult patients after esophagectomy. Outcomes included anastomotic leakage, pneumonia, other complications, gastrointestinal recovery, length of hospital stay (LOS), quality of life (QoL), and mortality. Results: Twenty-nine studies involving 3962 patients were included. There was no significant difference in the risk of anastomotic leakage between the two groups (RR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.80–1.33, p = 0.82, I² = 0%). EOF was associated with a significantly shorter time to first flatus (Cohen’s d: −1.26, 95% CI: −1.93 to −0.58, p < 0.001) and first defecation (Cohen’s d: −0.87, 95% CI: −1.51 to −0.22, p = 0.01) and a shorter LOS (p = 0.01). No significant differences were found for other complications (acute respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS], chyle leak, conduit issues, ileus, sepsis, wound infection) or mortality rates (in-hospital, 30-day, 90-day, overall). QoL assessment suggested potential improvement in emotional function with EOF. Conclusions: EOF after esophagectomy appears safe, as it does not increase the risk of anastomotic leakage or other major complications compared to LOF. It is associated with faster gastrointestinal recovery and shorter hospital stays, supporting its use within ERAS protocols. Full article

Background/Objectives: The present study aims to assess the prevalence of burnout and associated factors among dental students, interns, and dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students, interns, and practitioners at Makkah Province, KSA. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) scale was used to assess burnout. The difference in mean scores was tested using a t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out for the independent variables and outcome variable of burnout syndrome. Results: The total number of participants was 302 (female = 25, male = 277). The mean age of study participants was 30.2 ± 10.1. A total of 66.2% of study participants presented with high emotional exhaustion, 48.7% with high depersonalization, and 38.7% with low personal achievement. Burnout level was 1.78 times (CI = 1.52–3.53, p = 0.032) higher among female participants than male participants. Burnout level was 1.53 times (C = 1.31–3.17, p = 0.043) higher among student participants compared to practitioners. Burnout level was 2.41 times (CI = 1.72–3.79, p = 0.023) higher among participants who worked more than 5 days per week compared to participants who worked ≤ 5 days per week. Conclusions: This study’s results showed burnout syndrome was high among dental students compared to interns and dental practitioners. A significant association was seen between increased working hours per week and burnout syndrome. There is a need for a proactive step to highlight the importance of burnout management, especially among dental students. Full article

Sewing is the major contributor to the manufacturing of protection wear for the survival of early human civilization against extreme weather conditions. Mechanized sewing witnessed developments during the middle of the 19th century, and tedious handwork was replaced by sewing machines. Despite the modernization of sewing machine technologies, speed, material thicknesses, automation, and the introduction of AI in sewing, there is a longstanding problem of heat loss along stitch lines. The sewing material is compressed by the sewing thread, and this compression results in a bridge between the human body and the external cold environment. Garment technologists identify this problem and due to the lack of any technological solution, the problem is solved through complex material handling methods. A new sewing technological solution has been developed to solve this problem, called spacer stitching, which addresses the problem of compression along stitch lines. Two baffled jackets with sewn-through methods are prepared, one with the spacer stitching technology and the other with conventional sewing. Thermal resistance and insulation efficiency are evaluated using the Thermetrics thermal manikin “Sonny” under dynamic (walking) conditions to analyze the thermal resistance difference between the two types of sewing methods as well as the effects of motion on insulation. The results reveal that the jacket made with spacer stitching demonstrates significantly higher thermal resistance and enhanced wearer comfort compared to that produced using conventional methods. Additionally, variations in thermal resistance are observed across different zones of the thermal manikin. These findings highlight the potential of spacer stitching to improve thermal insulation and revolutionize high-performance outerwear design. Full article

Background and Objectives: Stroke is a common and fatal condition impacting millions worldwide. Understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and consequences at an earlier stage, specifically in highly at-risk populations such as smokers, is crucial for mitigating the stroke burden. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia on more than 1000 smokers. The survey was randomly shared across the kingdom. Multiple logistic regression models were applied to assess the association and find the variables associated with poor stroke awareness. Results: The study included 1029 smokers, with 88% (904) being male. The majority (61%; 630) are between the ages of 18 and 30 years, with a university degree (84%, 862). Cigarettes (33.9%; 349), shisha (25.9%; 267), and e-cigarettes (40.1%; 413) were the most common smoking types. About 30% of smokers have never heard of stroke, and 44% were unaware that stopping smoking can prevent stroke. Smokers (55%) perceive smoking as the top risk factor, followed by heart disease (41%), and high blood pressure (40.8%), while 26% of the smokers did not identify any risk factors. Around 58% of the smokers did not identify any stroke symptoms. Only 20% of smokers were capable of identifying 50% of both stroke risk factors and symptoms. Around 8% reported all stroke-related consequences, whereas 44% were unable to identify any. Current smokers were more likely than ex-smokers to identify ≥1 stroke risk factor (OR = 1.95, p = 0.001), with no significant associations found for other variables. Males, university degrees, and current smokers were the only significant predictors for the identification of ≥1 stroke symptom. University education, current smokers, employment, and smoking types were significant predictors in identifying ≥1 stroke consequence. Compared to E-cigarette users, cigarette smokers exhibited twice the awareness of stroke consequences (OR = 2.01, p = 0.001), whereas shisha smokers demonstrated lower awareness (OR = 0.63, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Smokers’ awareness of stroke in Saudi Arabia is suboptimal. Targeted educational and smoking cessation initiatives are essential to address this gap and mitigate the impact of smoking-related strokes in Saudi Arabia. Full article

Multidisciplinary tumor boards (MTBs) are essential for optimizing cancer care through collaborative decision-making. However, the concordance between initial surgeons’ recommendations and MTB outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings, remains underexplored. This study evaluates the agreement between treatment plans proposed initially by surgeons and those finalized through MTB discussions conducted at the same stage of patient evaluation, with a focus on changes in treatment intent between curative and palliative care. A retrospective analysis of 216 patients discussed at bi-weekly MTB meetings between January 2021 and December 2023 at a tertiary care hospital was conducted. Statistical tests, including kappa statistics and concordance analysis were applied to assess the interrater agreement between surgeon-recommended and MTB-finalized decisions and to evaluate changes in treatment intent. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Strong concordance and significant perfect agreement were observed between curative versus palliative decisions of surgeons and MTBs, (Cohen’s kappa = 0.89, p < 0.001). MTB recommendations were added to the surgeons’ suggested plans in 38.4% (n = 83) of cases and replaced them entirely in 25.0% (n = 54) of cases. Shifts in treatment intent from curative to palliative or vice versa were infrequent (2.31%, n = 5), specifically in esophageal and stomach cancers. MTB decisions achieved a 100% implementation rate. This study underscores the critical role of MTBs in collaborative decision-making and their value as an essential tool for consistent, individualized, and evidence-based cancer care. Full article

Background/Objectives: The adherence to a healthy lifestyle is important for supporting healthy cognitive function as aging progresses. This study aimed to assess the association between a healthy lifestyle, specifically diet quality, physical activity, and smoking, and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among participants aged 45 and older with normal cognition. Participants’ cognitive performance was assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Dietary intake was assessed using a 24 h dietary recall, and diet quality was assessed using the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I). Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Participants were categorized as unhealthy (score ≤ 1), average (score 2), and healthy (score 3). Results: In this study, a total of 176 participants were recruited, 46% of them were classified as unhealthy, 40% was average, and 14% as healthy. Participants in the unhealthy group had lower performance in the naming cognitive domain compared to the other groups (p = 0.01). Participants in the average group scored significantly lower than the other groups in the orientation domain (p = 0.02). Performing moderate and high physical activity levels were significantly associated with higher scores of MoCA (p = 0.04) and in the naming domain (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Adopting a healthy lifestyle is associated with maintaining cognitive health among middle-aged and older adults, supporting the relevance of multidomain lifestyle interventions. Further longitudinal research is warranted to evaluate the long-term feasibility and effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in this population. Full article

The use of fiberglass blankets as fire suppression blankets to extinguish accidental cooking fires has been regulated and widely used, especially in homes and small firms and laboratories. Understanding the properties, which have significant effect on their performance, is essential for ensuring effective fire control and improving the quality of these blankets in fire suppression. This study examines key properties including toxicity, physical characteristics, thermal behavior, and fire suppression capabilities. Novel properties such as air permeability and spectroscopic structural analysis are explored, areas previously under-researched. The sample number S4 had Warp/weft count 21/12 with comparison to air permeability; it gave the lowest value among the selected samples. Thermal properties, including heat transfer and temperature dynamics, are also analyzed to understand how fire spreads through the material. The optimal performance of air permeability was observed to be below 650 L/m²/s. Blankets demonstrated over 45% heat blocking efficiency at low heat flux and more than 78% at high heat flux. Temperature rise within the first minute of fire exposure is a key determinant, with effective blankets maintaining temperatures below 300 °C after one minute and ensuring that the final temperature after three minutes does not exceed 390–400 °C. Additionally, a new classification system based on the toxicity of gases emitted during combustion was introduced, enhancing the safety profile of fiberglass blankets and improving their suitability for practical use. This research contributes valuable insights into both the performance and safety of fiberglass fire blankets Full article

Background: Breast cancer and chronic bacterial infections are pressing global health issues, and traditional treatments are often hampered by resistance and adverse side effects. This study sought to create silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through eco-friendly synthesis using Hibiscus rosa sinensis (HRS) flower extract and to assess their antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anticancer properties. Methods: HRS extract functioned as both a reducing and stabilizing agent in the synthesis of AgNPs. The nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Antibacterial and antibiofilm properties were evaluated against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria using agar well diffusion and XTT reduction assays. The cytotoxic effects on MDMB-231 breast cancer cells and normal splenocytes were measured using the MTT assay, whereas fluorescence microscopy was used to observe reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, and caspase-3 activation. Results: The synthesized HRS-AgNPs, primarily ranging from 10 to 50 nm, displayed a distinct surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 428 nm. They exhibit notable antibacterial activity, especially against gram-positive bacteria, and effectively disrupt bacterial biofilms. Cytotoxicity evaluations showed that HRS-AgNPs decreased the viability of MDMB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner, with minimal toxicity observed in normal splenocytes. The increase in ROS levels, reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential, and heightened caspase-3 activity collectively suggest apoptosis-driven cell death in cancer cells. Conclusions: HRS-AgNPs demonstrated dual functionality, with strong antibacterial and selective anticancer effects. Their environmentally friendly synthesis, stability, and significant biological activities suggest their potential for further development, including in vivo safety and efficacy assessments for clinical applications in treating infections and breast cancer. Full article

Disruption in macrophage polarization is linked to inflammatory diseases and metabolic disorders. Our study aimed to investigate how AHR activation by I3C and TCDD could impact glucose transporters and macrophage phenotypes and functions in human macrophages. Human monocyte-derived macrophages (hMDMs) and THP-1 cell-derived macrophage-like cells were treated for 24 h with 100 ng/mL LPS, 100 nM TCDD, and 10 ng/µL I3C. CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 expression was significantly increased in the I3C and TCDD treatments, with CYP1B1 showing a higher fold change in I3C compared to TCDD. The AHRR expression was the highest in the TCDD group. For macrophage polarization, I3C significantly elevated CD163 expression while reducing CD16 and CD86, indicative of M2-like polarization. Additionally, I3C promoted ARG1 expression and reduced NOS2 levels, while TCDD increased NOS2. A cytokine analysis revealed I3C-induced upregulation of IL-10 and TGF-β, while TCDD significantly elevated TNF-α and IL-12. I3C upregulated glucose transporter genes (GLUT1, GLUT3, GLUT6), in contrast to the downregulation observed in TCDD-treated cells. Our findings demonstrated that I3C distinctly modulates AHR activation genes, macrophage polarization, cytokine expression, and glucose transporter levels in THP-1 cells compared to the TCDD and LPS treatments. Our findings suggest that I3C favors an anti-inflammatory M2-like macrophage polarization coupled with enhanced metabolic activity. Full article

The growing adoption of supercomputers across various scientific disciplines, particularly by researchers without a background in computer science, has intensified the demand for parallel applications. These applications are typically developed using a combination of programming models within languages such as C, C++, and Fortran. However, modern multi-core processors and accelerators necessitate fine-grained control to achieve effective parallelism, complicating the development process. To address this, developers commonly utilize high-level programming models such as Open Multi-Processing (OpenMP), Open Accelerators (OpenACCs), Message Passing Interface (MPI), and Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA). These models may be used independently or combined into dual- or tri-model applications to leverage their complementary strengths. However, integrating multiple models introduces subtle and difficult-to-detect runtime errors such as data races, deadlocks, and livelocks that often elude conventional compilers. This complexity is exacerbated in applications that simultaneously incorporate MPI, OpenMP, and CUDA, where the origin of runtime errors, whether from individual models, user logic, or their interactions, becomes ambiguous. Moreover, existing tools are inadequate for detecting such errors in tri-model applications, leaving a critical gap in development support. To address this gap, the present study introduces a static analysis tool designed specifically for tri-model applications combining MPI, OpenMP, and CUDA in C++-based environments. The tool analyzes source code to identify both actual and potential runtime errors prior to execution. Central to this approach is the introduction of error dependency graphs, a novel mechanism for systematically representing and analyzing error correlations in hybrid applications. By offering both error classification and comprehensive static detection, the proposed tool enhances error visibility and reduces manual testing effort. This contributes significantly to the development of more robust parallel applications for high-performance computing (HPC) and future exascale systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hypoparathyroidism (HPT) is a common complication following thyroid surgery with an incidence reaching up to 29%, potentially resulting in significant long-term morbidity. To improve its early identification and patient outcomes, we investigated the prevalence and predictors of postoperative HPT. Methods: This retrospective, multicenter observational study included patients who underwent thyroid surgery from 2016 to 2022 in four centers located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. We analyzed demographic data, underlying thyroid or parathyroid conditions, surgical indications, types of procedures, pathology results, and preoperative corrected calcium and vitamin D levels, along with postoperative corrected calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. For data analysis, IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics 22 was used, with categorical variables presented as frequencies/percentages and non-normal continuous variables as the median/first quartile (Q1) and third quartile (Q3). Associations were tested with chi-square/Fisher exact tests, medians with Mann–Whitney U-tests, and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) via multivariate analysis with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 679 cases were included. The median age of patients was 43 years (with 48.9% of them aged 41–60 years), and 82% were female. HPT occurred in 228 cases (35.3%), with 115 (81.0%) experiencing transient HPT and 27 (19.0%) permanent HPT. Multivariate analysis identified total thyroidectomy (OR 2.7, p = 0.005), completion thyroidectomy (OR 8.4, p = 0.004), and low immediate postoperative PTH level (OR 3.1, p < 0.001) as independent predictors of HPT. Central lymph node dissection (CLND; OR 4.03, p = 0.004) and low postoperative PTH level (OR 2.56, p = 0.049) were significant predictors of permanent HPT. Conclusions: Key predictors of HPT include surgical extent and low postoperative PTH level, while CLND and low postoperative PTH level are the strongest predictors of permanent HPT. Careful assessment of these risks when determining the extent of surgery and avoiding unnecessary aggressive procedures can help to minimize the occurrence of HPT. Measuring the PTH level immediately after surgery may aid in identifying high-risk patients for early intervention and appropriate follow-up. Full article

This study aims to investigate the valorization of the wasted aerial parts of root vegetables (onion, white radish, red radish, carrot, and beetroot) as a source of minerals and antioxidant compounds. The findings revealed that the aerial parts of the plants contained valuable amounts of the total phenolic and total flavonoid content with high antioxidant activity, particularly those of carrots. Additionally, the contents of vitamin C, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and anthocyanin were found in appreciable amounts in most of the samples, except those parts of onion in which the lowest quantity of vitamin C and GABA were detected. Among the phenolic and flavonoid compounds, quercetin was recorded as the major phenolic compound, followed by kaempferol in beetroot, carrot, white radish, and red radish aerial parts. Interestingly, the extraction from the wasted parts of the studied plant exhibited high antimicrobial activity against several species of pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, these aerial wasted parts of the root vegetables had considerable Ca, Mg, Na, K, P, Zn, and Fe content with moderately high bioavailability. Overall, the aerial wasted parts of root vegetables are rich in bioactive compounds and minerals, paving the way for potential utilization in food and feed applications. Full article