Journals
2025 EN
Rahmani Ibrahim · Ferhati Hichem · Dibi Zohir
+1 more
Single‐gate metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistors (MOSFET) suffer from several basic physical and electrical limitations for further scaling in deep nanoscale domains, which are often known as short‐channel and reliability effects. The junctionless (JL) gate‐all‐around (GAA) MOSFET design is claimed to provide superior performance and scalability properties as well as reduced elaboration cost in comparison to that of double‐gate and Fin‐FETs. However, further improvements regarding the subthreshold slope (SS) and power consumption should be carried out to better minimize the problem of commutation speed and power dissipation of the nanoscale device. In this context, this work aims at investigating the performance of ferroelectric (FE) JLGAA MOSFET including the impact of the FE material variability on the subthreshold performances, such as subthreshold slope and threshold voltage ( V th ). In this framework, the transistor subthreshold properties will be analytically modeled, where accurate models of subthreshold current, SS and V th will also be derived and validated by technology computer‐aided design (TCAD)‐based numerical simulations. The investigated device is implemented to investigate the performance of a nanoelectronic inverter gate in the subthreshold regime. The proposed investigation can open new paths for developing efficient field effect transistor (FET)‐based low‐power nanoelectronic digital circuits.
Journals
2025 EN
Mohammed Aminu · Tajuddeen Nasir · Olatunde Ahmed
+6 more
ABSTRACT Macrovascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) are diseases of the peripheral and coronary arteries and the cerebrovascular system. Despite the availability of several conventional antidiabetic drugs, the macrovascular complications associated with DM remain a major health burden, partly because the focus of diabetes management has been glucocentric. Interestingly, phytochemicals, particularly flavonoids and other phenolics, were highly promising in the treatment of diabetes‐associated macrovascular complications. Herein, we reviewed the studies that reported the beneficial effects of flavonoids and other phenolics in the treatment of diabetes‐associated macrovascular complications. Quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol, curcumin, resveratrol, and cinnamaldehyde were well studied and demonstrated profound therapeutic activities in reducing the severity of diabetes‐associated macrovascular complications through the activation of Nrf2, P13K/Akt, PPARs, and PKC expressions with the suppression of NF‐κB, TGF‐β, VCAM, and ICAM. Despite strong potential to manage diabetes‐associated macrovascular complications in in vitro and in vivo (animal trials) studies, only two studies were reported on patients with diabetes. Hence, it is recommended that further high‐quality and in‐depth studies, particularly clinical studies, be conducted to unravel the efficacy and beneficial roles of the aforementioned flavonoids and other phenolics in the management of diabetes‐associated macrovascular complications.
Journals
2025 EN
Bouafia Zineb · Boudjelal Amel · BouazizTerrachet Souhila
+5 more
ABSTRACT In Algerian traditional medicine, Arisarum vulgare O. Targ. Tozz. (Araceae), locally known as “Elbgouga,” is widely used to treat eczema, wounds, and burns. The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time and by using in vivo and in silico molecular docking techniques, the possible effects of A. vulgare ultrasound‐assisted aqueous extract (AVAE) on wound healing. The phytochemical profile was elucidated by LC‐ESI‐MS/MS analysis. Wistar albino rats were used to evaluate the AVAE ointment's acute cutaneous toxicity and wound‐healing potential (1%, 2%, and 5% AVAEO). Through in silico investigations, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, MMP‐9, TGF‐β, VEGF, and EGFR were examined as possible therapeutic targets. Twenty‐seven phytochemicals, belonging mainly to the flavonoids and phenolic acids' class, were identified and semi‐quantified. The 5% AVAEO‐treated group showed a significantly greater ( p < 0.001) wound contraction (8–20 days) with respect to untreated and petroleum jelly groups, whereas no statistically significant difference was observed with respect to the Madecassol‐treated group. On the contrary, the two lower doses (1% and 2% AVAEO) showed no statistically significant effects. Docking studies showed that A. vulgare bioactive compounds may have therapeutic effects on wound healing by targeting with high affinity TNFα, IL‐1β, MMP‐9, TGF‐βR1, VEGF, and EGFR, counteracting inflammation, angiogenesis, and oxidative unbalance, and promoting wound repair. This study demonstrated that AVAE possesses in vivo wound healing properties and no dermal toxicity, shedding light also on the potential therapeutic targets involved.
Journals
2025 EN
Gunter Natalie Vivien · Teh Soek Sin · Jantan Ibrahim
+3 more
Abstract Oxidative stress is implicated in the initiation, pathogenesis, and progression of various gastric inflammatory diseases (GID). The prevalence of these diseases remains a concern along with the increasing risks of adverse effects in current clinical interventions. Hence, new gastroprotective agents capable of inhibiting oxidative stress by modulating cellular defense systems such as the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway are critically needed to address these issues. A candidate to solve the present issue is xanthone, a natural compound that reportedly exerts gastroprotective effects via antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and cytoprotective mechanisms. Moreover, xanthone derivatives were shown to modulate the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway to counter oxidative stress in both in vitro and in vivo models. Thirteen natural xanthones have demonstrated the ability to modulate the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway and have high potential as lead compounds for GID as indicated by their in vivo gastroprotective action–particularly mangiferin ( 2 ), α‐mangostin ( 3 ), and γ‐mangostin ( 4 ). Further studies on these compounds are recommended to validate the Nrf2 modulatory ability in relation to their gastroprotective action.
Journals
2025 EN
Ibrahim Saber · Fahmy Hager
ABSTRACT The accumulation of aluminium waste in landfills constitutes a significant environmental challenge due to its substantial presence as solid waste. Conventional disposal and recycling techniques have been employed to mitigate this issue; however, they often result in secondary environmental pollution. In this study, eco‐friendly and cost‐effective aluminium oxide nanoparticles (Al 2 O 3 ‐NPs) were synthesized via a green synthesis approach utilizing date palm seed extract. Flexible polystyrene (FPS) was fabricated through in‐situ polymerization in the presence of varying concentrations of Al 2 O 3 ‐NPs to develop active nanobiocomposite coatings. The physicochemical characteristics of the synthesized Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles were comprehensively analysed using multiple advanced techniques, including dynamic light scattering (DLS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD analysis confirmed a rhombohedral crystal structure with an average particle size of 32 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) further validated the structural composition of the synthesized Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed to assess the thermal stability of the FPS/Al 2 O 3 bionanocomposite coating, revealing excellent thermal resistance withstanding temperatures ≥ 240°C. DLS measurements indicated a uniform particle size distribution with stable zeta potential, while BET analysis demonstrated a substantial surface area ranging between 62 and 147 m 2 /g. Furthermore, the antimicrobial efficacy of Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles was investigated by determining their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The antimicrobial assessment revealed that Gram‐negative bacteria exhibited greater resistance compared to Gram‐positive bacteria and yeast. Migration analysis demonstrated that the percentage of migrated material was within acceptable limits as per European Commission (EC) regulations. These findings suggest that the developed flexible nanobiocomposite‐coated paperboard holds significant potential as an advanced active packaging material.
Journals
2025 EN
Maatouk Christopher · Germanos Orestis · Khattab Yousef
+9 more
ABSTRACT The Mediterranean Sea is the risky path utilized by migrants primarily seeking economic and physical security in Europe. Drowning is the most lethal among the many hardships they face on their way. In the pursuit of protecting individuals between countries of origin and destination, many European Union (EU) member states worked to decrease the number of migrants, most notably including the action involving the European agenda issued in 2015 when such migration peaked. Recognizing the nexus of migration and health policy underscores the imperative to develop comprehensive healthcare strategies that address the unique needs of migrant populations, promoting equitable access to healthcare services and safeguarding public health across borders. In an attempt to tackle the problem by its roots, European states established cooperation with third countries and provided multifaceted support, that is, economic assistance and personal safety, among others, to developing countries. They also relocated migrants to different parts of the region to decrease the stress faced by only selected countries. However, this plan, like other approaches, faced challenges. Despite their focus on enforcing the migration laws, the lack of unification of these laws hinders cooperation. Unifying the migration laws between EU members, a strict policy requiring the return of migrants at sea to their points of origin and making legal migration more accessible would render the process safer for all sides. A “New Pact on Migration and Asylum” has been proposed, but it still needs to be agreed on in full, and action must be taken. Moreover, these solutions could be joined by training programs in the countries of origin, in the hopes of securing employment in the country of destination, hence benefiting both countries. In addition, each EU country could partner with developing economies to create such job opportunities and build strong cooperative relations.
Journals
2025 EN
Khogali Alhadi · AbuKoura Rahaf · Abdelmagid Nada
+3 more
ABSTRACT Effective communicable disease surveillance is critical in Sudan to addressing the compounded health impacts of concurrent epidemics, health systems collapse and acute conflict. This article aims to map the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of Sudan's communicable disease surveillance systems before the current conflict to inform future health system rebuilding efforts. Despite existing for 50 years, little is published on Sudan's disease surveillance systems. We conducted a scoping review to map the existing evidence on Sudan's surveillance systems and utilized a strength, weakness, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis to identify current and future gaps and opportunities to improve the performance of these systems for communicable diseases in Sudan. Our review shows that, prior to the conflict, disease‐specific surveillance and response activities were fragmented across various divisions of the Federal Ministry of Health, hindering a clear national‐level hierarchy. Sudan has committed to strengthening its disease surveillance system as part of its national health sector policy. Efforts to bolster pandemic preparedness and response were and continue to be recognized as critical. Chiefly among them is the need to invest in a fit‐for‐purpose national surveillance system that can operate against a background of acute crisis. Greater transparency and data sharing, clear guidelines for communication and collaboration and a centralized data management system can enhance the effectiveness of Sudan's communicable disease surveillance systems. Investment in a consolidated national surveillance system can support more efficient and coordinated responses to outbreaks and other health emergencies, with a view to future health system reconstruction.
Journals
2025 EN
Azfar Hossain Syed · Ibrahim Muiz · Dzhusupov Kenesh
+3 more
ABSTRACT Introduction Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in Kyrgyzstan. The study aimed to explore the CVD prevalence depending on various risk factors across diverse ethnic groups in Kyrgyzstan. Materials and Methods A cross‐sectional study was carried out among six ethnic groups in Kyrgyzstan, aged 18 years and above. The sample was stratified for age, education, family status, and income. We used a questionnaire with 47 questions to explore the health status, behavior and lifestyle determinants, and prevalence of CVD. We used the chi‐square test to investigate differences between groups, and ANCOVA to determine differences between mean scores on analyzed variables. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Confounding variables were only included if they correlated with both the independent and dependent variables. Interaction analyses were conducted with logistic regression to investigate if there were any differences between the nationalities in the relationships between the independent and dependent variables. Results Our study confirmed that the CVD prevalence across diverse ethnic groups can be significantly different: In Kyrgyzstan, the most disadvantaged groups in this context were East European and the least—Western Asian. There was no difference between studied groups found in the ethnicity‐stratified prevalence of such CVD risk factors as low fruit and vegetable consumption, alcohol intake, smoking, and body mass index (BMI). There was no statistically significant association between educational attainment and CVD risk markers within the studied ethnic groups. The analysis of ethnicity‐stratified prevalence of CVD risk markers resulted in a significant difference in physical activity across ethnicity groups. Conclusion The study results provided an understanding of the ethnicity‐stratified prevalence of CVD risk markers in the population in Kyrgyzstan. They could serve as instrumental in tailoring targeted public health interventions to address the burden of CVDs in specific subpopulations.
Journals
2025 EN
Abdullahi Yakub Burhan · Ahmed Mohamed Mustaf · Abdi Yusuf Hared
+3 more
ABSTRACT Foodborne illnesses exert a substantial toll on public health and economic systems globally, with low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) like Somalia being disproportionately affected due to fragile health infrastructure, limited regulatory oversight, and high prevalence of informal food markets. This study assessed the prevalence and economic burden of foodborne diseases in Somalia by integrating regional epidemiological data and cost estimates to compensate for national data gaps. Cholera remains the most frequently reported illness, but evidence from sub‐Saharan Africa suggests a broader burden of pathogens such as Salmonella , Escherichia coli , and Campylobacter , whose surveillance remains underdeveloped in Somalia. Direct healthcare costs are substantial, ranging from outpatient care to the treatment of severe complications, such as Guillain–Barré syndrome and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Indirect costs include lost productivity, educational disruption, long‐term disability, and exacerbated poverty cycles. The impact on the livestock‐driven economy is also profound, with repeated export rejections and trade losses highlighting the vulnerability of Somalia's food system. This perspective underscores the urgent need for enhanced surveillance systems, regulatory harmonization, and investment in food safety infrastructure to reduce the disease burden and protect economic stability.
Journals
2025 EN
Rizk Anthony · Ibrahim Adella · Malaeb Diana
+11 more
ABSTRACT Background Dissociation, involving disruptions in cognition, perception, and identity, is closely linked to trauma and various psychiatric disorders but remains underrecognized, especially in non‐Western contexts. Although tools like the Dissociative Symptoms Scale—Brief (DSS—B) have improved assessment, validated Arabic‐language versions are lacking. Given rising mental health concerns and limited resources in the Arab world, this study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arabic‐translated DSS—B to support culturally appropriate diagnosis and research on dissociation. Methods In this cross‐sectional study, participants from KSA, Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan were recruited via snowball sampling and completed an online survey. The DSS—B was translated into Arabic using a forward‐backward method and reviewed by experts for cultural and semantic accuracy. Participants also completed validated Arabic versions of the Jong‐Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire‐4, and the Brief Irritability Test. Results Among 1494 participants (mean age = 24.97; 74.5% female), Palestinians showed the highest dissociative symptoms. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed good model fit, excellent reliability ( ω = 0.93; α = 0.92), and strong convergent validity average variance extracted (AVE = 0.70). Measurement invariance across genders and countries was supported, with no significant gender differences in scores. Dissociation was positively correlated with depression‐anxiety ( r = 0.57), irritability ( r = 0.51), and loneliness ( r = 0.45), confirming concurrent validity, while discriminant validity was also established. Conclusion This study validates the Arabic DSS—B as a reliable, valid, and culturally adaptable tool for assessing dissociation in Arab populations, reinforcing its clinical and research utility. Future research should explore its generalizability in underrepresented groups, use longitudinal and clinician‐based assessments, and investigate neurobiological underpinnings to deepen understanding and application of dissociation measurement globally.