Search Results (37,453)

This essay argues that female representations at Qusayr Amra reflect a deliberate adaptation of pre-Islamic artistic traditions, expressing evolving Umayyad ideas of beauty, gender, and hierarchy. By analyzing the interplay between visual imagery and written texts, including the Qur’an, it reevaluates the significance of female figures and the representational choices made in 8th-century Umayyad palaces in Bilad al-Sham. Drawing on scholars such as Garth Fowden and Nadia Ali, and informed by contemporary gender studies, this essay foregrounds how artistic choices regarding female imagery negotiate social ideals of belief, gender, and power. The analysis begins by examining the development of figurative imagery in early Islam and its cultural context. It then offers a close reading of a key fresco challenging assumptions about modesty and figural representation. Through comparative analysis with another Umayyad site, this study highlights the complexities and meanings of female depictions, revealing diverse interpretations across contexts. While Patron Walid II was not the sole author of these choices, his patronage was crucial in enabling a bold engagement with Islamic visual culture. In doing so, this essay offers new insights into the complexities of early Islamic visual culture and its negotiation of social values. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by cholinergic deficits and neuronal damage, making acetylcholinesterase (AChE) a crucial therapeutic target. Cyanidin derivatives, sourced from the diet as anthocyanins, exhibit neuroprotective properties, yet comparative investigations are scarce. This research explored the neuroprotective impacts of five cyanidin derivatives, namely cyanidin-3-O-(trans-p-coumaroyl)-diglycoside (C3GG), cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside (C3R), cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside (C3A), cyanidin-3-O-sophoroside (C3S), and cyanidin-3-O-xyloside (C3X), utilizing an aluminum-chloride (AlCl₃)-induced zebrafish model of AD. The administration of these compounds ameliorated zebrafish locomotor impairments, suppressed AChE activity, decreased brain oxidative stress levels, upregulated AD-related gene expression, and mitigated brain tissue pathological changes. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations indicated that cyanidin derivatives exhibit robust binding affinity and stable binding to AChE. Particularly, C3R demonstrated the most potent multi-faceted neuroprotective effects among the tested derivatives, suggesting its potential as a promising lead compound for AD therapy. Full article

In this study, xanthan gum (XG)-modified coal-fly-ash-based cementitious materials were synthesized to realize the resource utilization of coal fly ash and to develop a low-carbon emission cementitious sealing material that can substitute cement-based sealing material to prevent coal fires. The optimal formulation for coal-fly-ash-based mining cementitious sealing material was developed using response surface methodology based on Box–Behnken Design. The optimized formulation was obtained with a coal fly ash-to-precursor ratio of 0.65, alkali-activator modulus of 1.4, and alkali-activator dosage of 7.5%. Under the optimal conditions, the initial and final setting time were 26 min and 31 min, respectively, fluidity was 245 mm, and the 7-day compressive strength approached 36.60 MPa, but there were still thermal shrinkage and cracking phenomena after heating. XG was then introduced to improve the thermal shrinkage and cracking of coal-fly-ash-based cementitious materials. Incorporating 1 wt.‰ XG was found to decrease the fluidity while maintaining the setting time and increasing the 1-day and 7-day compressive strength by 15.44% and 1.97%, respectively. The results demonstrated that the gels generated by XG cross-linking and coordinating with Al³⁺/Ca²⁺ were interspersed in the original C(N)-A-S-H gel network, which not only made the 1 wt.‰ XG modified coal-fly-ash-based cementitious material show minor expansion at ambient temperatures, but also improved the residual compressive strength, thermal shrinkage resistance and cracking resistance in comparison to unmodified cementitious material. However, due to the viscosity of XG and the coordination of Al³⁺ and non-terminal carboxyl groups in XG breaking the gel network, XG incorporation should not exceed 1 wt.‰ as the compressive strength and fluidity are decreased. Full article

Background/Objectives: The voltage-gated potassium channels of the Kv4 family (Kv4.1, Kv4.2, Kv4.3) regulate neuronal excitability and synaptic integration. The dysregulation of these channels has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), spinocerebellar ataxias, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), prion diseases, and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Current evidence is scattered across diverse models, and a systematic synthesis is lacking. This review seeks to compile and analyze data on Kv4 channel alterations in neurodegeneration, focusing on genetic variants, functional changes, and phenotypic consequences. Methods: A systematic search was conducted for peer-reviewed studies, including human participants, human-derived cell models, and relevant animal models. Studies were considered eligible if they investigated Kv4.1–Kv4.3 (encoded by gene encoding the Kv4.1-Kv4.3 α-subunit of voltage-gated A-type potassium channels (KCND1-KCND3)) expression, function, or genetic variants, as well as associated auxiliary subunits such as DPP6 (dipeptidyl peptidase–like protein 6) and KChIP2 (Kv channel–interacting protein 2), in neurodegenerative diseases. Both observational and experimental designs were considered. Data extraction included disease type, model, Kv4 subunit, functional or genetic findings, and key outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed in all included studies. Results: Kv4 channels exhibit significant functional and expression changes in various neurodegenerative diseases. In AD and prionopathies, reduced Kv4.1- and Kv4.2-mediated currents contribute to neuronal hyperexcitability. In spinocerebellar ataxias, KCND3 mutations cause loss- or gain-of-function phenotypes in Kv4.3, disrupting cerebellar signaling. In models of ALS and PD, Kv4 dysfunction correlates with altered neuronal excitability and can be modulated pharmacologically. Subunit modulators such as DPP6 and KChIP2 influence channel function and could represent therapeutic targets. Conclusions: Kv4 channels are crucial for neuronal excitability in multiple neurodegenerative contexts. Dysregulation through genetic or pathological mechanisms contributes to functional deficits, highlighting Kv4 channels as promising targets for interventions aimed at restoring electrical homeostasis and mitigating early neuronal dysfunction. Full article

Subacute combined degeneration (SCD) is a neurological disorder primarily caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. This condition leads to progressive demyelination and axonal damage, predominantly affecting the dorsal and lateral columns of the spinal cord. This review provides a comprehensive overview of SCD, detailing its complex etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation. We highlight the critical role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnostic process, discussing both the characteristic spinal cord findings and the more subtle intracranial abnormalities. Furthermore, we address the diagnostic challenges presented by conditions that mimic SCD in MRI, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We conclude by outlining current treatment pathways and identifying key areas for future research, including the use of advanced neuroimaging techniques and the potential for new therapeutic approaches. This updated synthesis aims to provide a clear framework for clinicians and researchers to better understand and manage SCD. Full article

Background: Cognitive difficulties involving memory and concentration significantly affect individuals’ daily functioning and quality of life, influenced by demographic, clinical, and socio-environmental factors. This study aimed to examine the national prevalence and distribution of cognitive difficulties in Saudi Arabia, explore regional and gender disparities, and identify demographic and clinical predictors. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2017 Saudi National Disability Survey, a population-based, cross-sectional study involving 20.4 million Saudi citizens. Twelve indicators related to cognitive difficulty—covering severity, educational and marital status, consanguinity, duration, causes, and regional distribution—were analyzed, integrating baseline population data from three national surveys. Results: Results indicated that 1.1% (224,408 individuals) reported cognitive difficulties, predominantly alongside other disabilities (1.0%), while only 0.2% reported it exclusively. Cognitive difficulties were significantly higher in Al-Riyadh and Makkah Al-Mokarramah, with residents of Aseer and Hail facing doubled odds compared to Najran. Gender disparities were evident; males predominated in extreme severity and congenital or accident-related cases, whereas females showed higher proportions of disease-related causes, mild severity, and prolonged disability (≥25 years). Independent predictors included severe and extreme severity, disease-related causes, consanguinity, and long duration. Conclusions: These findings highlight critical regional and gender-based inequities and underscore the need for targeted policies emphasizing early detection, gender-sensitive interventions, and region-specific resource allocation to meet Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives for inclusive health and social services. Full article

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal type of neurodegenerative disease marked by progressive and selective degeneration of motor neurons (MNs) present in the spinal cord, brain stem and motor cortex. However, the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying primary cell death pathways, including ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) mediating MN dysfunction in ALS, remain elusive. Ferroptosis, a novel type of iron-dependent cell death with the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products, stands distinct from apoptotic-related stress and other cell death mechanisms. Although growing advances have highlighted the role of iron deposition, apoptosis and alteration of antioxidant systems in ALS pathogenesis, there is little data at the systems biology level. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data by systematically comparing the gene expression profiles from iPSC-derived MNs of ALS patients and healthy controls using our datasets as well as from the GEO database to reveal the role of ferroptosis-related gene alterations in ALS, especially in selective MN vulnerability of FUSED IN SARCOMA (FUS) mutations. In this study, we first identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between FUS mutant and healthy controls. Subsequently, the crossover genes between DEGs and FRGs were selected as differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (DEFRGs). Functional enrichment and protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis of DEFRGs identified that DNA damage, stress response and extra cellular matrix (ECM) were the most significantly dysregulated functions/pathways in FUS-ALS causing mutations compared to healthy controls. While GSEA analysis showed enrichment of genes associated with apoptosis, the degree of ferroptosis and iron ion homeostasis/response to iron of FUS MNs was lower. Altogether, our findings may contribute to a better understanding of the relevant role of cell death pathways underlying selective vulnerability of MNs to neurodegeneration in FUS-ALS pathophysiology. Full article

In a 1987 article of the last author dedicated to the memory of a pioneer of classical plasticity Aris Philips of Yale, the last author outlined three examples of self-organization during plastic deformation in metals: persistent slip bands (PSBs), shear bands (SBs) and Portevin Le Chatelier (PLC) bands. All three have been observed and analyzed experimentally for a long time, but there was no theory to capture their spatial characteristics and evolution in the process of deformation. By introducing the Laplacian of dislocation density and strain in the standard constitutive equations used for these phenomena, corresponding mathematical models and nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) for the governing variable were generated, the solution of which provided for the first time estimates for the wavelengths of the ladder structure of PSBs in Cu single crystals, the thickness of stationary SBs in metals and the spacing of traveling PLC bands in Al-Mg alloys. The present article builds upon the 1987 results of the aforementioned three examples of self-organization in plasticity within a unifying internal length gradient (ILG) framework and expands them in 2 major ways by: (i) introducing the effect of stochasticity and (ii) capturing statistical characteristics when PDEs are absent for the description of experimental observations. The discussion focuses on metallic systems, but the modeling approaches can be used for interpreting experimental observations in a variety of materials. Full article

Background/Objectives: Differentiating Type 1 from Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM vs. T2DM) remains clinically challenging, especially in early-onset cases with overlapping features. This study assessed the diagnostic utility of diabetes-related autoantibodies in an Omani cohort and evaluated their predictive performance using machine learning. Methods: Clinical and laboratory data from 448 patients (aged ≥ 2 years) in Al Batinah North, Oman, were retrospectively analyzed. We assessed autoantibody positivity (anti-GAD, anti-islet, anti-TPO, anti-tissue), age, sex, and HbA1c. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and a neural network model were used to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. Results: Anti-GAD and anti-islet antibodies were significantly more prevalent in T1DM (69.0% and 64.1%) than T2DM (7.4% and 3.8%; p < 0.0001). HbA1c was elevated in both subtypes but lacked discriminatory specificity. Nearly half (48.5%) of T1DM patients showed multiple antibody positivity, especially in younger age groups. Anti-TPO and anti-tissue antibodies were more frequently detected in T1DM, suggesting broader autoimmunity. ROC analysis showed strong predictive value for anti-islet (AUC = 0.835) and anti-GAD (AUC = 0.827). Neural network modeling identified anti-GAD, anti-islet, and age as the most informative predictors, achieving over 92% classification accuracy. Importantly, antibody positivity in a subset of insulin-treated T2DM patients suggested potential latent autoimmune diabetes (LADA) misclassification. Conclusions: This is the first study in Oman to combine autoantibody screening with AI-based modeling to refine diabetes classification. Our findings highlight the value of immunological profiling in early diagnosis, uncover possible misclassification, and support AI integration to guide individualized management. Full article

Metals are essential for the physiological and biochemical processes in the human brain. However, their accumulation can cause neurotoxic effects, including the generation of reactive oxygen species and structural changes in biomolecules. This study aimed to assess the presence and distribution of metals in the human globus pallidus internus using Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX). Post-mortem brain tissue samples from six individuals without clinical neuropathological findings were analysed. PIXE analysis revealed the presence of Fe, Cr, Al, Zn, Pb, and Ca. SEM-EDX analysis provided the qualitative elemental composition of an observed aggregate, revealing C, N, O, Na, Ca, Al, Si, S, K, Mg, Cl, Fe, Ni, and Cr. Our findings suggest that metal accumulation in the brain can result from environmental pollution and protein aggregation, as well as biomineralisation processes that sequester metal ions to mitigate their harmful effects. A deeper understanding of these accumulation pathways could contribute to improved therapeutic strategies for neurological diseases associated with metal toxicity. Full article