Effects of Oily Vehicles on the Bio-availability of Orally Administered, Sodium Salicylates in Rabbit.

The bioavailability of sodium salicylate administered in aqueous, glycerin and oily vehicles was compared in rabbits. Glycerin formulation was compared with both aqueous and oily formulations using a two - way crossover test in eight rabbits, in each study. The results indicate that the oily formulation gave a lower rate of absorption and a greater extent of absorption than the other formulations. No significant difference in the rate and extent of absorption was shown between glycerin and aqueous formulations Possible reasons for the differences are discussed with particular reference to the effects of oils on the gastric emptying rate

Language of Instruction Policy in Science Programs: Science University Students’ Voices

The language of instruction policy in science university programs is chosen by different stakeholders. The voice of science university students (SUSs) has been neglected in many science programs around the world. A review of the literature shows that among all stakeholders, SUSs are influenced most—both positively and negatively—by the medium of instruction policy. This study analyzed the perspectives of 186 SUSs regarding the use of the country’s official language as the medium of instruction (OLMI) and a foreign language as the medium of instruction (FLMI) in science undergraduate programs. The results showed that the majority of the participants were negatively affected by the policy of using FLMI and that their voices have been neglected. Most of the SUSs supported changing the policy to OLMI. Thus, there were contradictions between the objectives of the current policy and its real outcomes. The policy reduced the achievement of learning outcomes in science programs. The study recommended an in-depth investigation of the outcomes of the medium of instruction policy among SUSs. Neglecting the voice of science students hindered their learning outcomes

Previsão da demanda de água nos setores agrícola, da construção civil e residencial utilizando um modelo de aprendizado de máquina baseado no conceito de gestão do conhecimento

In contemporary times, the focus of water resource management has shifted from constructing novel water supply systems to the proficient management and utilization of pre-existing systems. Knowledge management is one of the most powerful tools in management science, which is very useful for identifying experimental solutions to this issue. Owing to the fact that machine learning techniques provide ideas for predicting complex phenomena, this study employed the ANFIS model to predict water demand in agriculture, construction, and residential sectors in Mecca Province, Saudi Arabia. Data spanning from 2000 to 2021 was utilized for this purpose. To achieve enough data, the Diz method is utilized for the seasonalization of annual data. The present study assessed and compared the efficacy of water recycling as a means to enhance productivity in the agriculture, construction, and residential sectors in response to water demand management. The findings indicate that the implementation of a water management and recycling strategy can potentially lead to a reduction of 4%, 6%, and 0.8% in water consumption by the agriculture, construction, and residential sectors respectively, by the year 2025. In the absence of management techniques and productivity measures aligned with projected water demand in 2025, the annual consumption levels for the agriculture, construction, and residential sectors are estimated to increase by 20.0, 0.5, and 1.0 MCM, respectively.En la actualidad, el enfoque de la gestión de los recursos hídricos ha pasado de la construcción de nuevos sistemas de suministro de agua a la gestión y utilización eficientes de los sistemas preexistentes. La gestión del conocimiento es una de las herramientas más poderosas de la ciencia de la gestión, que resulta muy útil para identificar soluciones experimentales a este problema. Debido a que las técnicas de aprendizaje automático proporcionan ideas para predecir fenómenos complejos, este estudio empleó el modelo ANFIS para predecir la demanda de agua en los sectores agrícola, de la construcción y residencial en la provincia de La Meca, Arabia Saudita. Para este propósito, se utilizaron datos que abarcan desde 2000 hasta 2021. Para obtener datos suficientes, se utiliza el método Diz para la estacionalización de los datos anuales. El presente estudio evaluó y comparó la eficacia del reciclaje de agua como medio para mejorar la productividad en los sectores agrícola, de la construcción y residencial en respuesta a la gestión de la demanda de agua. Los hallazgos indican que la implementación de una estrategia de gestión y reciclaje del agua puede conducir potencialmente a una reducción del 4%, 6% y 0,8% en el consumo de agua en los sectores agrícola, de la construcción y residencial respectivamente, para el año 2025. En ausencia de técnicas de gestión y medidas de productividad alineadas con la demanda de agua proyectada en 2025, se estima que los niveles de consumo anual para los sectores agrícola, de la construcción y residencial aumentarán en 20,0, 0,5 y 1,0 MCM, respectivamente.Nos tempos contemporâneos, o foco da gestão de recursos hídricos mudou de construir novos sistemas de abastecimento de água para a gestão e utilização eficiente dos sistemas já existentes. A gestão do conhecimento é uma das ferramentas mais poderosas na ciência da gestão, sendo extremamente útil para identificar soluções experimentais para essa questão. Considerando que as técnicas de aprendizado de máquina fornecem ideias para prever fenômenos complexos, este estudo empregou o modelo ANFIS para prever a demanda de água nos setores agrícola, da construção civil e residencial na Província de Meca, na Arábia Saudita. Foram utilizados dados de 2000 a 2021 para esse propósito. Para alcançar uma quantidade suficiente de dados, o método Diz foi utilizado para a sazonalização dos dados anuais. O presente estudo avaliou e comparou a eficácia da reciclagem de água como uma forma de aumentar a produtividade nos setores agrícola, da construção civil e residencial em resposta à gestão da demanda de água. Os resultados indicam que a implementação de uma estratégia de gestão e reciclagem de água pode potencialmente levar a uma redução de 4%, 6% e 0,8% no consumo de água pelos setores agrícola, da construção civil e residencial, respectivamente, até o ano de 2025. Na ausência de técnicas de gestão e medidas de produtividade alinhadas com a demanda projetada para 2025, os níveis de consumo anual para os setores agrícola, da construção civil e residencial devem aumentar em 20,0, 0,5 e 1,0 MCM, respectivamente

First Emergence of Resistance to Macrolides and Tetracycline Identified in Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida Isolates from Beef Feedlots in Australia

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) causes high morbidity and mortality in beef cattle worldwide. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) monitoring of BRD pathogens is critical to promote appropriate antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary medicine for optimal treatment and control. Here, the susceptibility of Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multicoda isolates obtained from BRD clinical cases (deep lung swabs at post-mortem) among feedlots in four Australian states (2014-2019) was determined for 19 antimicrobial agents. The M. haemolytica isolates were pan-susceptible to all tested agents apart from a single macrolide-resistant isolate (1/88; 1.1%) from New South Wales (NSW). Much higher frequencies of P. multocida isolates were resistant to tetracycline (18/140; 12.9%), tilmicosin (19/140; 13.6%), tulathromycin/gamithromycin (17/140; 12.1%), and ampicillin/penicillin (6/140; 4.6%). Five P. multocida isolates (3.6%), all obtained from NSW in 2019, exhibited dual resistance to macrolides and tetracycline, and a further two Queensland isolates from 2019 (1.4%) exhibited a multidrug-resistant phenotype to ampicillin/penicillin, tetracycline, and tilmicosin. Random-amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) typing identified a high degree of genetic homogeneity among the M. haemolytica isolates, whereas P. multocida isolates were more heterogeneous. Illumina whole genome sequencing identified the genes msr(E) and mph(E)encoding macrolide resistance, tet(R)-tet(H) or tet(Y) encoding tetracycline resistance, and blaROB-1 encoding ampicillin/penicillin resistance in all isolates exhibiting a corresponding resistant phenotype. The exception was the tilmicosin-resistant, tulathromycin/gamithromycin-susceptible phenotype identified in two Queensland isolates, the genetic basis of which could not be determined. These results confirm the first emergence of AMR in M. haemolytica and P. multocida from BRD cases in Australia, which should be closely monitored

Correction: Alhamami et al. First emergence of resistance to macrolides and tetracycline identified in Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida isolates from beef feedlots in Australia. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 1322

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper..

Iron-modified biochar improves plant physiology, soil nutritional status and mitigates Pb and Cd-hazard in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Environmental quality and food safety is threatened by contamination of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) heavy metals in agricultural soils. Therefore, it is necessary to develop effective techniques for remediation of such soils. In this study, we prepared iron-modified biochar (Fe-BC) which combines the unique characteristics of pristine biochar (BC) and iron. The current study investigated the effect of pristine and iron modified biochar (Fe-BC) on the nutritional values of soil and on the reduction of Pb and Cd toxicity in wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.). The findings of present study exhibited that 2% Fe-BC treatments significantly increased the dry weights of roots, shoots, husk and grains by 148.2, 53.2, 64.2 and 148%, respectively compared to control plants. The 2% Fe-BC treatment also enhanced photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2, chlorophyll a and b contents, by 43.2, 88.4, 24.9, 32.5, 21.4, and 26.7%, respectively. Moreover, 2% Fe-BC treatment suppressed the oxidative stress in wheat plants by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) by 62.4 and 69.2%, respectively. The results showed that 2% Fe-BC treatment significantly lowered Cd levels in wheat roots, shoots, husk, and grains by 23.7, 44.5, 33.2, and 76.3%. Whereas, Pb concentrations in wheat roots, shoots, husk, and grains decreased by 46.4, 49.4, 53.6, and 68.3%, respectively. Post-harvest soil analysis showed that soil treatment with 2% Fe-BC increased soil urease, CAT and acid phosphatase enzyme activities by 48.4, 74.4 and 117.3%, respectively. Similarly, 2% Fe-BC treatment significantly improved nutrients availability in the soil as the available N, P, K, and Fe contents increased by 22, 25, 7.3, and 13.3%, respectively. Fe-BC is a viable solution for the remediation of hazardous Cd and Pb contaminated soils, and improvement of soil fertility status

Integrating Metabolomics, Histopathology, and Cardiac Marker Analysis to Assess Valsartan’s Efficacy in Mitigating Dasatinib-Induced Cardiac Toxicity in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Khalid Alhazzani,1 Hanan Mohammed,1 Mohammad M Algahtani,1 Khaldoon Aljerian,2 Ali Alhoshani,1 Homood M As Sobeai,1 Syed Rizwan Ahamad,3 Moureq R Alotaibi,1 Abdullah S Alhamed,1 Fawaz Alasmari,1 Mohammed Alqinyah,1 Hussain N Alhamami,1 Ahmed Z Alanazi1 1Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Ahmed Z Alanazi, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia, Email [email protected]: Dasatinib (DASA) is associated with cardiotoxic effects, posing risks to patients. Valsartan (VAL) may offer protective benefits against these effects. This study evaluates the impact of DASA, VAL, and their combination on cardiac health.Methods: Wistar rats were treated with DASA, VAL, and a combination of VAL and DASA intraperitoneally every other day for 14 days. Body weight and survival rates were monitored. Serum levels of cardiac biomarkers (CPK, LDH, AST) were analyzed. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses assessed myocardial architecture and apoptosis-related protein expression. Metabolomic profiling was conducted using GC-MS to identify metabolic changes across treatment groups.Results: The DASA group experienced significant weight loss and a 50% mortality rate, while the combination group had no mortality. Cardiac biomarkers like CPK, LDH, and AST were elevated in the DASA group but significantly reduced in the VAL + DASA group. Histopathological examination showed significant myocardial injury in the DASA group, with improved cardiac tissue morphology in the combination group. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed altered expression of apoptosis-related proteins, including caspase-3 and BCL-2, with improved levels in the combination group compared to DASA alone. Metabolomic profiling identified significant metabolic shifts, with 15 metabolites differentiating the treatment groups, and the VAL + DASA group mitigated the metabolic disturbances caused by DASA.Conclusion: The study suggesting VAL’s potential therapeutic role in managing DASA-induced cardiac toxicity. The combination of VAL with DASA not only improved survival rates and reduced cardiac biomarker levels but also preserved myocardial architecture and normalized metabolic profiles. These findings highlight the importance of integrated approaches in evaluating drug efficacy and suggest VAL as a promising candidate for protecting cardiac function in preclinical models of DASA therapy.Keywords: cardiac toxicity, dasatinib, valsartan, metabolomics, histopatholog

Psychometric Features of the Arabic Version of the Children’s Communication Checklist (CCC2)

Munassir Alhamami,1 Ahmed Alduais,2 Fawaz Qasem,3 Muhammad Alasmari3 1Department of English, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Human Sciences (Psychology), University of Verona, Verona, Italy; 3Department of English Language and Literature, College of Arts and Letters, University of Bisha, Bisha, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Munassir Alhamami, English Department, Faculty of Languages and Translation, King Khalid University, New Campus at Greger, POB 9100, Abha, Saudi Arabia, Email [email protected]; [email protected]: The Children’s Communication Checklist-Second Edition (CCC-2) uniquely assesses overlooked communication elements such as pragmatics and context use, which are rarely addressed by conventional language assessments. This study focuses on the psychometric assessment of the CCC-2’s Arabic version, tailored to evaluate communication challenges in Arabic-speaking children.Aim: This study aims to validate the Arabic version of CCC-2 by testing its reliability and validity specifically for three higher-order constructs: Specific Language Impairment (SLI), Social Communication Disorder (SCD), and Impaired Behaviour within the Arabic-speaking population.Methods: A total of 121 participants in Saudi Arabia, showcasing diverse age and gender distributions, participated in the validation process. The study employed a Reflective-Reflective Higher-Order Construct (R-R HOC) model using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to ensure content validity and cross-cultural adaptation of the translated items. Metrics such as Cronbach’s alpha for reliability and Average Variance Extracted (AVE) for convergent validity were specifically examined.Results: The study confirmed the reliability and validity of the Arabic CCC-2, demonstrating robust psychometric properties, with Cronbach’s alpha and AVE scores indicating satisfactory reliability and convergent validity across constructs. Structural model evaluation further supported the strong interrelations among the constructs of SLI, SCD, and Impaired Behaviour.Conclusion: The results substantiate the Arabic CCC-2 as a reliable and valid tool for assessing communication challenges in Arabic-speaking children, particularly for diagnosing SLI, SCD, and Impaired Behaviour.Implications: The validated Arabic CCC-2 has significant potential for application in clinical and educational settings and suggests directions for future research to explore its utility further in diverse clinical populations.Keywords: Children’s Communication Checklist-Second Edition, psychometric validation, language impairments, psychometric properties, construct validit

Energy assessment of BIPV system in code-compliant residential building in cooling-dominated climates.

This study investigates the effects of climate and geographical location on the building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). An existing residential building was simulated by using IES-VE software for five different climatic zones of Saudi Arabia, which was in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 169-2021 and Saudi Building Codes (SBC) 601/ 602. The results showed that the annual energy production of rooftop PV systems ranged from 49,810.29 kWh to 60,204.29 kWh, with cities such as Najran and Tabuk having higher energy production due to higher solar radiation and better performance of PV systems. The average annual global radiation ranged from 188.15 kWh/m2 to 212.52 kWh/m2, with cities such as Najran and Tabuk having the highest radiation levels. The study found that solar radiation, temperature, cloud cover and regional climate patterns significantly influence monthly energy generation, with cities closer to the equator experiencing higher solar radiation and longer daylight hours. The study also highlighted the importance of considering angular, spectral, temperature and low radiation losses, which range from 2.47% to 2.71%, 0.84% to 1.36% and 8% to 15.4%, respectively for the studies locations. This study would shed light on the impact of climate and location on the performance of PV systems and would therefore be of great interest to policy makers, energy planners and solar industry professionals to make informed decisions about the deployment of rooftop PV systems in different climate regions meet. Enabling a more sustainable energy strategy and a successful transition to a low-carbon future