Nosignificant Difference Research Articles

Evaluating treatment effect on interferon-alpha in female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case-control study.

To assess the effect of treatment on interferon-alpha titer in the serum of female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The case-control study was conducted at the Rheumatology Unit of Baghdad Teaching Hospital from January 2022 to April 2022 and comprised female systemic lupus erythematosus patients and healthy controls matched for age. The treated patients formed group A, while the untreated patients were placed in group B, and the controls were in group C. The disease severity status was confirmed using the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index. The serum level of interferon-alpha was determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Of the 150 subjects, 5033.3%) were in each of the 3 groups. The mean age of patients was 32.3±9 years while that of the controls was 33.0±11 years. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, creatinine and aspartate aminotransferase were significantly higher in patient groups compared to the controls (p<0.05), while no-significant difference was noted between the treated and untreated groups (p>0.05). Interferon-alpha level was significantly high in group B compared to group A (p=0.037). The increase was more pronounced in those aged ≤50 years (p<0.05). Interferon-alpha was significantly high in group B patients with a disease duration of <1 year compared to group A (p=0.01). Interferon-alpha showed a significant increase in group B compared to the group A in patients with inactive systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index and with family history (p<0.05). Treatment had a direct impact on interferon-alpha protein level in the serum of female patients of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Peran Aviation Security dalam Pengawasan dan Penanganan Dangerous Goods dan Prohibited Item di Bandar Udara Tjilik Riwut Palangka Raya

Tjilik Riwut Palangka Raya Airport is the largest airpot in Central Kalimantan Privince. This airport has a runway size of 2,500 x 45cm. this airport is managed by PT.Angkasa Pura II. Aviation Security (AVSEC) based on the regulation of the Director General of Air Transportation with Number: SKEP 2756/XII/2010 concerning procedures for checking the security of passengers,aircraft officers,and luggage transported by aircraft and individuals. Thes purpose of this study is to determine the differences between Security Check Point1 and Security Check Point 2 and to determine the work system of supervision and handling of Dangerous Goods and Prohibited Item at Tjilik Riwut Palngka Raya Airport. This research is a qualitative research with data collection techniques,namely observasion,documentation,and interview. Data analysis techniques used are data collection,data reduction,data presentasion, and drawing conclusions. The results of the research conducted by the researcher showed that there was nosignificant difference between Security Check Point 1 and Security Check Point 2 and the work system of Aviation Security officers was in accordance with existing procedures in the supervision and handling of Dangerous Goods and Prohibited Item.

Abstract P434: Piezo2 Channels in JG cells do not Regulate Renin Expression or Renin Release to the Circulation

Kidneys are central to blood pressure regulation through the renin-angiotensin system. Renin-producing juxtaglomerular (JG) cells act as renal baroreceptors by controlling renin release according to the changes in perfusion pressure. Recent studies suggest that Piezo2 calcium channels may regulate the baroreceptor mechanism of renin release. However, our single-cell RNAseq and RNAScope analysis on adult kidneys showed a very low expression for Piezo2 in the JG cells. Since it is unclear if Piezo2 in the JG cells regulates renin expression and release, we defined the in vivo role of Piezo2 in the current study using Piezo2 conditional mutant mice. For this we generated Piezo2 fl/fl ;Ren1 d Cre, Piezo2 fl/del ;Ren1 d Cre and Piezo2 fl/fl ;Akr1b7.Cre-Er T2 mice. Though we detected an efficient deletion of Piezo2 by RNAScope in the JG cells of the mutant kidneys, we did not observe a significant difference in the renin signals between the control and the mutant groups by renin immunostaining. q-RT-PCR of the kidney cortices to measure renin mRNA levels and renin-specific ELISA to quantify plasma renin levels also indicated no significant differences (NS) between the control and the mutant groups ( Piezo2 fl/fl ;Ren1 d Cre - Relative renin mRNA levels: Control (n=11) 1.05±0.113 Mutants (n=6) 0.90±0.20, NS; Plasma renin levels (pg/ml): Control (n=11) 17472±3712 Mutants (n=6) 14934±3547, NS; Piezo2 fl/del ;Ren1 d Cre - Relative renin mRNA levels: Control (n=3) 0.98±0.13 Mutants (n=4) 1.04±0.19, NS; Plasma renin levels (pg/ml): Control (n=3) 20221±4303 Mutants (n=4) 15014±1901, NS). Furthermore, subjecting the mice to hypotension and volume depletion with captopril and a low salt diet for one week did not affect the renin expression due to Piezo2 deletion in the renin cells. Finally, our results from the aortic coarctation surgery model showed that Piezo2 deletion in the adult JG cells of Piezo2 fl/fl ;Akr1b7.Cre-Er T2 mice did not affect the changes in renin expression between the left and right kidneys in response to perfusion pressure (Relative renin mRNA levels: Control (n=11) LK-1.102 ±0.173 RK-0.316±0.046, p=0.002 Mutants (n=9) LK-1.191±0.266 RK-0.524±0.212, p=0.05). Collectively, our in vivo data shows that renin expression is unaffected during normal conditions and when homeostasis is threatened by hypotension, sodium depletion, or changes in blood pressure, indicating that Piezo2 channels are not necessary for renin synthesis and release to circulation in JG cells.

Comparison of Mood State Between Team Sports and Individual Sports among Middle Aged Female Athletes

The aim of this study was to compare the mood state between team sports and individualsports among middle aged female athletes. A total number of 289 (n=289) middle aged female athleteswho participated in National Masters championship 2019 competition were recruited in the present study.The participants were asked to answer the Brunel of Mood Scale (BRUMS) one hour prior to thecompetition. Mann-Whitney Test were used to compare the mood state between team and individualsports among middle age female athletes. Result showed that there was a significant difference betweenteam and individual sports on anger (p=.001), confusion (p=.048) and vigor (p=.001), while there is nosignificant difference on depression (p=.067), fatigue (p=.732) and tension (p=.195) among middle agedfemale athletes. Anger is significantly higher in Individual sports as compared to team sports, Teamsports shown significantly lower level of confusion as compared to individual sports, whereas vigor issignificantly higher in individual sports as compared to team sports.

Efficiency of Fulvic Acid for Improving Physico-Chemical Properties of Albic Black, Gansu Desert and Shahjiang Black Soils

Fulvic acids are a crucial component of soil that influence various chemical, biological, and physical aspects of soils as well as increase nutrient availability. We examined that application of plant-derived liquid (PDL) fulvic acid on three low obstacle, typical Chinese soil can improve the soil fertility and enhance the plant growth and nutrients uptake. The pot experiments were carried out on three different Albic (AL), Irrigated Desert (IR) and Shahjiang Black (SH) soils, the Plant-derived Liquid (PDL) fulvic acid (FA) was applied at rates of 0.50% as well as control applied at 0% along with three replications. The results showed that PDL FA significantly increases the SOC content in three soils highest SOC was detected at SH, however the SOC fractions were significantly decreased in AL, SH and no-significant difference was recorded at IR. Similarly, the soil pH was significantly increased in AL and decreased at IR and SH, however, the electrical conductivity of IR decreased and increased in AL and SH comparing with initial soil pH and electrical conductivity. The results also examine that available nitrogen, phosphorus of AL, IR and SH soils were increased, however, available potassium content was decreased in IR and increased at AL and SH comparing with initial values. The highest Ca and Mg content was observed in SH and organic degree compound were found 26.7% AL, 49.2% IR and 18.2%, SH soil, conversely the organic-inorganic composite was observed lower. This study suggests that the PDL FA significantly increases the nutrient content of AL, IR and SH soils comparing with initial soil properties.

Clinical outcomes of conduction system pacing compared to biventricular pacing in patients with mid-range ejection fraction.

There is a paucity of data comparing conduction system pacing (CSP) to biventricular pacing (BiVP) in patients with heart failure (HF) with mid-range left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Compare the clinical outcomes of patients with mid-range LVEF undergoing CSP versus BiVP. Patients with mid-range LVEF (> 35 to 50%) undergoing CSP or BiVP were retrospectively identified. Lead performance, LVEF, HF hospitalization, and clinical composite outcome including upgrade to cardiac resynchronization therapy and mortality were compared. A total of 36 patients (20 BiVP, 16 CSP--14 His bundle pacing, 4 left bundle branch area pacing) were analyzed. The mean age was 73 ± 15, 44% were female, and the mean LVEF was 42 ± 5%. Procedural and fluoroscopy time was comparable between the two groups. QRS duration was significantly shorter for the CSP group compared to the BiVP group (P < 0.001). During a mean follow-up of 47 ± 36months, nosignificant differences were found in thresholds or need for generator change due to early battery depletion. LVEF improved in both groups (41.5 ± 4.5% to 53.9 ± 10.9% BiVP, P < 0.001; 41.6 ± 5.3% to 52.5 ± 8.3% CSP, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in HF hospitalizations (P = 0.71) or clinical composite outcomes (P = 0.07). Among patients with HF with moderately reduced ejection fraction, CSP appears associated with similar improvements in LVEF and had similar clinical outcomes as BiVP in mid-term follow-up.

Fundoplication vs. gastric fixation for the management of emergency hiatal hernia repairs: aretrospective cohort study.

There is a paucity of literature comparing safety outcomes between formal fundoplication and gastric fixationproceduresfor hiatal hernia repairs, especially in the emergency setting. The objective of this study was to evaluate 30-day clinicaloutcomes between fundoplication and gastric fixation performed in emergency hiatal hernia repairs. A retrospective cohort study using the National Surgery Quality Improvement Program(NSQIP) database from 2011 to 2021 was conducted. The study population was determined usingICD9/10 codes describing diaphragmatic hernia without obstruction or gangrene, with obstruction,and with gangrene. Elective cases were excluded. CPT codes were used to group fundoplicationprocedures and gastric fixation procedures. The primary outcome was the 30-day complication rate. Secondary outcomes included 30-day readmission, reoperation and mortalityrates. A multivariablelogistic regression analysiswas used to adjust for clinically relevant confounding variables. A total of 971 and 346 were in the fundoplication and gastric fixation groups, respectively.Fundoplication was associated with a significantly lower (p < 0.05) 30-day complication, reoperation and mortality rates. There was no statistically significantdifference with respect to readmission. After adjustment, fundoplication was significantlyassociated with a decrease in odds of 30-day complications (OR 0.53,p < 0.001 95% CI0.40-0.71) and mortality (OR 0.55,p = 0.033 95% CI 0.32-0.95). However, there was nosignificant difference with respect to 30-day readmission (OR 0.86,p = 0.449 95%CI 0.59-1.27) and reoperation (OR 0.66,p = 0.063 95% CI 0.42-1.02). Patients with hiatal hernias that underwent emergent repair with fundoplication had asignificantly lower 30-day complication and mortality rates compared to those who underwent gastricfixation procedures. Fundoplication is a safe and feasible approach to manage hiatal hernias in the emergency setting for select patients.

Role of Rural Women in Production and Marketing of Agricultural product in Khormal Sub-District- Halabja Governorate

The aim of this study was to determine the role of rural women in production and marketing of agricultural products in Zalm village, and identify the differences in production and marketing of agricultural products of rural women’s role according to some variables (Age, Level of Education, Marital status, number of family, Standard of Living, Profession and Women’s income). The research population involved all women in zalm village included (50) women. The data was collected through personal interviews; questionnaire was prepared for this purpose, to confirm the validity the questionnaire was reviewed by some experts. The results showed that the Role of rural women’s in Agricultural production was medium tend to low, while the Role of rural women’s in marketing of agricultural products was low tend to medium. The results indicated significant differences in women’s role of agricultural production according to (Level of Education, Standard of Living, and profession), while no-significant differences according to (age, Marital status, number of family, Women’s income), also The results appeared significant differences in women’s role of agricultural marketing according (Level of Education, and profession), while no significant differences according (age, Marital status, number of family, Standard of Living, Women’s income). Depending on the results we conclude that the work in the agricultural sector has changed due to the lack of government support for farmers in terms of providing agriculture Requirements for production or marketing of their products. The result shows that the level of education affects the role of women in production and marketing, as well as educational levels leads to an increase in their awareness and culture, and the expanding their knowledge of the importance of the agricultural sector. The Researcher recommended encouraging and supporting rural women to engage in agricultural work by the responsible authorities, and increasing their awareness of the importance of working in this field through the use of various extension methods, as well as working to provide agricultural production and marketing requirements so that their potential is properly exploited for the development of the agricultural sector.

Efficacy of Melatonin as an Adjunctive Therapy in Hospitalized Patients with Mild to Moderate COVID-19: A Randomized, Double-blind Clinical Trial

Background: Melatonin has proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may address the pathophysiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, the current study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of melatonin in COVID-19. Methods: In this single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 96 adults hospitalized with mild to moderate COVID-19 were recruited. The participants were allocated into the melatonin and the placebo groups, randomly (1:1 ratio). Results: The primary outcomes were a reduction in the length of hospital stay, the rate of ICU admissions, intubation/mechanical ventilation, and mortalities within 14 days of starting the treatment compared to the placebo group. After two weeks of follow-up, the blood oxygen saturation and the respiratory rate significantly improved in the melatonin group. C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, Ferritin, and D-dimer levels were significantly decreased in the melatonin group. Conversely, these markers were considerably increased in the placebo group. These serum marker levels also showed a significant difference in between- group comparison. The comparison of clinical endpoints between the two groups showed no significant difference. Conclusion: This clinical trial study indicated that the combination of oral melatonin tablets and standard treatment could substantially improve blood oxygen saturation and inflammatory factors in mild to moderate hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

The effect of educational level of females on their dental caries expedence

This study was designed to evaluate the influence of education levels of femaleson their dental caries experience.Two hundred sixty seven (267) single females were selected randomly in thisstudy, with an age of 18-39 years old. The educational level were classified to live code(illiterate, primary, intermediate, secondary, college and postgraduate). Caries experiencewere diagnosed and recorded according to the criteria suggested by WHO (1997). Thedecayed, missing and filled surface (DMP S) index was used to assess the cariesexperience.The result show that the females in the high level of education have slightly lowerDMP S seen than other levels of education with no significant differences between them.The study indicated that the mean decay surface in low education level have higher meansignificantly than the high education level. For the missing surface, the result show thatthe high education level (college degree) has lower mean tha.n the other levels with nosignificant differences between them while for the filled surface, the study demonstratedvery high significant difference between low and high education levels

Evaluating the indicators ofaheart rate variability analysis indogs using Poincaré plots.

Heart rate variability analyses using Poincaré plots can beuseful for evaluating the autonomic nervous system function. However, the interpretation ofthe quantitative indicators ofPoincaré plots remains controversial. Thus, few studies have verified the effectiveness ofthe quantitative indicators inveterinary medicine. This study aimed toverify the reliability ofPoincaré plot indicators using pharmacological models indogs. Four healthy beagles were used inthis study. Each dog was treated with propranolol, atropine, and propranolol-atropine toblock the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and sympathetic-parasympathetic functions, respectively. The quantitative indicators ofthe Poincaré plots were calculated based ondata from 300electrocardiogram beats collected before and after the administration ofeach drug and statistically analysed. The quantitative indicators ofthe Poincaré plots, such asthe standard deviation perpendicular tothe major axis (SD1), standard deviation along the major axis (SD2), and SD1×SD2, significantly decreased after the drug administration inboth the parasympathetic and sympathetic-parasympathetic blockade models. However, nosignificant differences were observed inSD1/SD2 between the groups. The Poincaré plots reflected the changes inthe autonomic nervous system ofdogs. Indogs, SD1, SD2, and SD1×SD2 can detect astate inwhich parasympathetic nerve activity issuppressed.

Evaluation of Shear Bond Strength Between Zirconia Core and E. Maxpress with Veneering Porcelain by Different Surface Treatment

This in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different surface treatment (sandblasting with 50µm of Al2O3, etching with 5% of hydrofluoric acid and a combination of 50 µm of Al2O3and 5% of hydrofluoric acid) on the shear bond strength of veneering ceramic to zirconia and e.max press substructures .&#x0D; Eighty rectangular specimens (9mm length ×4mm width×4mm height) were fabricated and divided into two major groups(zirconia and e.max press), Forty specimens for each group. Then, each group was subdivided into four subgroups according to surface treatment (control group, sandblasting by 50µm of Al2O3,etching with 5% of hydrofluoric acid and a combination of 50 µm of Al2O3 and 5% of hydrofluoric acid),10samples for each group. then, they veneered with their corresponding veneering ceramic material (Vita VM9 ,E.max ceram) according to manufacturer's instructions.&#x0D; The results of shear bond strength test revealed that the highest mean was for a combination treatment groups followed by sandblasting groups then etching with acid groups and finally untreated groups. One-way ANOVA test showed there is highly significant difference among each subgroups. While, LSD test for zirconia subgroups showed, there is no-significant difference between acid etching (ZHF) and untreated (ZC) groups. Also, LSD test for e.max press subgroups showed there was non-significant difference between acid etching (EHF) and sandblasting (ESB) groups. student's t-test between two major groups showed, higher significant difference among untreated groups and sandblasting groups. While, there was significant difference among acid etching groups and a combination treatment groups for each major group.&#x0D; A combination of two surface treatments represented an effective method on the bond strength due to the cumulative effect of these treatments

Level of Oral Reading Fluency of Learners: Basis for An Intervention Plan

This study aimed to determine the level of oral reading fluency of Grade 4 learners in Culban Elementary School, District 10 in the Division of Himamaylan City during the 3rd grading period of SY 2019-2020. The variables included were sex, parents’ highest educational attainment and size of the family. The study covered the following areas: Speed, Accuracy and Prosody. The result of the study showed that the oral reading fluency of learners’ according showed the following results: Speed – Frustration level, Accuracy – Independent and for Prosody, Approaching Fluency. The oral reading fluency of learners’ when grouped according to aforementioned variables showed these results: Speed – Frustration level, Accuracy – Independent and for Prosody, Approaching Fluency. There was a significant difference in the oral reading fluency of learners when grouped and compared according to sex; there was no-significant difference when grouped according to parent’s highest educational attainment and size of the family.

Occlusal Contact Surface Changes and Occlusal Force Distribution Between Vacuum-Formed Retainers and Other Retainers: A Systematic Review.

The present systematic review was done to assess the available literatures on changes in the number of occlusal contacts (NOC), occlusal contact surface areas, and occlusal force distribution (OFD) with vacuum-formed retainers (VFRs) or clear overlay retainers during retention and to compare them with other retainers. Six electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Lilacs, and Google Scholar) were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials(CCTs) reporting on occlusal contact changes with VFRs were included. A total of nine articles were included in this review: three RCTs, five prospective controlled trials (PCTs), and one CCT. The Cochranerisk of biastool and ROBINS-I tool were used for risk of bias assessment. The three RCTsshowed moderate risk of bias, and out of five CCTs, four showed low risk of bias, and one showed moderate risk of bias. One CCT showed a low risk of bias in the ROBINS-I tool. Two out of four studies reported improved occlusal surface area (OSA) with VFRs when assessed at the end of six months and 12 months; one out of four studies reported improved NOC; and one study reported a decrease in OFD anteriorly and an increase in OFD posteriorly after two months of retention. On comparison between the groups, the other retainer groups showed more NOCs compared to VFRs. The limited available evidence suggests an increase in OSA andno change in NOCs and OFD with VFRs during retention. Nosignificant differences between VFRs and other retainers for OSA and OFD were noted, and more NOCs were noted for other retainer groups.

Assessing miR-146a-5P with IL-6 and TLR-4 serum levels in diabetic mellitus patients with or without urinary tract infection

Introduction and Aim: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that affects glucose levels. This condition increases blood sugar and weakens immunity, damaging neutrophil function and urine antibacterial activity. IL-6 and TLR-4 are involved in inflammation and immune system control, while miR-146-5p may be a biomarker for diabetes. This study examines IL-6, TLR-4, and miR-146-5p in diabetics with and without UT infection. Materials and Methods: In this study, blood samples were collected from 100 diabetic mellitus patients suffering from UTI in addition to 100 individuals apparently healthy as control. The serum levels of IL-6 and TLR-4 were detected using commercial BTlab brand ELISA kits. The plasma RNA expression level of the miR-146a-5p was determined by real time-PCR using a specific primer for miR-146a-5p with the U6 gene utilized as a reference gene. Results: The results showed that diabetic patient’s group had a significantly higher response of IL-6 than controls (75.6 vs. 27.6). TLR-4 levels showed high levels in diabetic patients’ group (1.3) in comparison with the control group (0.441). Both IL-6 and TLR-4 levels showed a significant difference between the diabetic patients with UTI compared to control. The results revealed no-significant differences in the levels among both diabetic patients with UTI and patients without UTI. TLR-4 and IL-6 showed a significant inverse relationship while the relation between TLR-4 level and miR-146a-5p expression level showed a negative relationship. Conclusion: The levels of IL-6, TLR-4, and miR-146-5p expression were found to be considerably greater in individuals with diabetes having UTIs compared to patients with diabetes alone. An inverse relationship existed between IL-6 and TLR-4 levels as well as between TLR-4 and miR-146a-5p. The expression levels of IL-6 and miR-146-5p were nearly equal.

Comparison of Aspirin and P2Y12 Inhibitors for Secondary Prevention of Ischaemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

P2Y12 inhibitors have been widely used as an alternative to aspirin in clinical practice for secondary stroke prevention. We aimed to compare the efficiency and safety of P2Y12 inhibitors and aspirin for stroke prevention in patients with previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched. All randomized trials that compared P2Y12 inhibitors with aspirin among patients with stroke were included. The primary efficacy outcomes of our meta-analysis included stroke, vascular events, and all-cause death. The primary safety outcome was minor or major bleeding events. The search identified 4 randomized clinical trials comparing P2Y12 inhibitors with aspirin for secondary stroke prevention that collectively enrolled 24508 patients (12253 received P2Y12 inhibitor and 12255 received aspirin). Pooled results from the random-effects model showed that there were no significant differences in the risk of any stroke (OR 0.90 (0.78-1.04); I²=56.9%), vascular event (OR 0.91 (0.74-1.13); I²=78.3%), all-cause death (OR 0.98 (0.83-1.17); I²=0%), or minor or major bleeding (OR 1.13 (0.70-1.82); I²=79%) among patients who received a P2Y12 inhibitor or aspirin. P2Y12 inhibitors were associated with a significantly lower risk of recurrent ischaemic stroke (OR 0.84 (0.73- 0.96); I²=25%) than aspirin. This meta-analysis suggests that P2Y12 inhibitors are more effective than aspirin in preventing recurrent ischaemic stroke among ischaemic stroke patients despite the absence of any effect on a new ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke, a new clinical vascular event, all-cause death, and major or minor bleeding events.

Effect of adding different levels of Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) aqueous extract to Tris extender on the Motility, Viability and some characteristics of rams semen stored at 5 °C

This study was conducted to show the effect of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Artichoke ( Cynara scolymus L.) on Tris extender and its effect on the semen traits of Awassi rams after preservation at a cooling of 5° C for different periods (0, 24, 48 and 72 hours). This study was conducted in the animal field and laboratories of the Department of Animal Production, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad in Jadiriyah, from November 15, 2021 to April 25, 2022. Three local Awassi rams were used in this experiment. Their ages ranged from 2.5-3.0 years. The semen was collected from them by artificial vagina by one ejaculation/ram/week for 8 weeks. The semen of rams has been mixed in order to eliminate individual differences. The following tests were conducted to evaluate the semen characteristics for each motility, the percentage of viability sperm, total abnormalities, the integrity of the plasma membrane, and the acrosome's integrity. The current study showed that adding an aqueous extract from the leaves of the artichoke plant (Cynara scolymus L.) improved most of the studied traits when stored in preservation. The results indicated a highly significant (P&lt;0.01) for the treatments T1, T2 and T4, which amounted to (87.00 ± 1.86, 85.50 ± 2.02 and 86.87 ± 0.78%) compared to the control group (C), which amounted to (77.25 ± 2.11%), While the previous treatments did not differ significantly with treatment T3, which amounted to (81.87 ± 2.94%) in the percentage of live sperm during the 0 hour preservation period. At the same time, the results indicated no significant differences between treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 compared to the control treatment and for all periods (0, 24, 48 and 72 hours) in the individual motility of the sperm. As for measuring the biochemical traits of seminal plasma, The results of AST and ALT enzymes indicated that there was no significant increase between treatments during one period, while an arithmetic superiority occurred after 72 hours of preservation for treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 compared with the 0 hour preservation period. It is concluded from the current study that adding an aqueous extract of (Cynara Scolymus) artichoke leaves to Tris extender improved the semen quality of Awassi rams after preservation. Keywords: Ram; Semen; Antioxidants; Cooling; Artichoke; Cynara Scolymus.

Study the properties of ram semen preserved at 5°C for different periods after adding different levels of acai fruit extract.

This study was conducted to know the effect of adding an aqueous extract of Acai fruit (Euterpe oleracea Martius) to the semen extender of Awassi rams on semen Parameters after storage at cooling. This study was carried out in the animal field and laboratories of the Department of Animal Production-College of Agricultural Engineering University of Baghdad from November 15, 2021, to April 25, 2022. Three local Awassi rams were used in this experiment. Their ages were between 2.5 - 3 years, and they weighed Between 50-58 kg. Semen was collected from them using an artificial vagina to obtain one ejaculate from each ram per week. The samples were divided using Tris extender: 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 mg Acai extract / 1 ml Tris in addition to the control group. The necessary tests were performed to evaluate the semen in terms of estimating individual motility, the percentage of sperm viability, the percentage of abnormal sperms, the integrity of the plasma membrane and the acrosome integrity. There was a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in the percentage of sperm viability during the T3 treatment periods (48 and 72 hours) compared to the control group C for the same two periods; also there were no significant differences between all groups in the two periods (0 and 24 hours) of preservation in comparison with the control treatment C. Moreover T3 recorded a significant decrease (P &lt; 0.05) in the percentage of sperm abnormality after 24 hours of preservation when compared with the control group C in the same period, while there were no significant differences between groups T1, T2, T3 and T4 compared with the control group C in the periods 0, 48 and 72 hours. Keywords: ram semen, acai fruit, plant extracts

The Impact of Tele-Education on Family Medicine Clerkship Students' Learning Outcomes.

The COVID-19 pandemicnecessitated rapidchanges to medical educationfor student and patient protection. A dearth of published US studies examineresultingclinical education outcomesdue topandemic-induced curricula changes.We describe adaptations made toafamily medicine clerkship to move itfrom traditional in-person delivery to virtualonly,and then from virtualto hybrid;and compareeducationaloutcomes of students across delivery types. We stratified 386 medical students in their third year completing their 8-week family medicine clerkship bytype of content delivery,including in person, virtual only,and hybridinstruction.We examined the impact of these changes on three clerkship learning outcomes: the midblock assessment score,the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME)exam score,and the final numeric score(FNS). In our sample, 164 (42.5%) received content in person, 36 (9.3%) received virtual only, and 186 (48.2%) received hybridcontent.Studentsreceivingvirtual only (M=76.4, SD=9.1) had significantly higher midblock assessment scores (F=8.06,df=2,P=.0004) than studentsreceivinghybrid (M=71.7, SD=8.8) and in-person training (M=74.5, SD=7.2).Nosignificant differences existed in students' NBME exam scores or FNSs across deliverytypes. Students receiving virtual-onlyor hybrid contentperformed at least as well on threeclerkship-relatededucationaloutcomesas their pre-COVID peers participating in person.Further research is needed to understand how changes to medical education affected student learning and skill development.

Macro and microscopic maturation stage key of green crab (Carcinus maenas, Linnaeus 1758): Reproductive cycle and differences among estuarine systems

Gonadal histology is a helpful tool to validate species' macroscopic maturity stages in fisheries biology. Regardless of the many studies on Carcinus maenas, there are still few concerning gonads tissue histology and description of maturity stages. In Portugal, information regarding this species' biology to help support the regulation of crab fisheries, including the minimum landing size, has not yet been defined. In this work, the macro and microscopic characteristics of the reproductive cycle of C. maenas, oogenesis, and spermatogenesis development stages along the Portuguese coast are described, and a new macroscopic scale based on the histological analyses is suggested. During 2019 and 2020, adult C. maenas (both males and females) were collected from the Ria de Aveiro estuary, Rio Sado estuary, and Ria Formosa lagoon, respectively, North, Center, and South Portugal. No-significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in carapace width and individual weight between all systems. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in gonad weight, gonadosomatic index, and Fulton's condition index between the Rio Sado estuary and Ria Formosa lagoon. Furthermore, significant differences (P < 0.05) in the oocyte diameter between the northern and southernmost locations suggest a geographic variation related to the local environmental conditions of each system. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed maturity stage and carapace width an association, and a similar morphometry between Ria de Aveiro and Ria Formosa. Temperature was correlated to both maturity stage and carapace width in Ria de Aveiro and Ria Formosa. From the histological analysis and based on microscopic criteria, it was observed that females previously classified within the late macroscopic development stage 2 should be considered mature, so a classification change in the current ovary's developmental stage is proposed. These findings can allow fisheries researchers to reclassify the estimations of maturity ogives and help support the regulation of this species' fishery. The proposed macroscopic scale was validated by histological analyses and can be used elsewhere.