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After the civil war in Syria, Turkey faced a massive refugee wave, making Turkey the top refugee-hosting country in the world. Besides the economic burden of this refugee population, various field surveys reveal that Turkish citizens have some negative perceptions about the refugees. One of the leading concerns on refugees is their possible effects on native family formation by affecting marriage and divorce rates. This study examines the effect of the Syrian refugees on family formation by comparing the trends in different geographical areas of Turkey. While border cities and relatively developed cities host a significant number of Syrians, there are few Syrians living in cities away from the border. By conducting spatial analysis, the study checks whether there is a change in divorce/marriage rates in cities with a high concentration of refugees compared to cities with fewer refugees. By considering the endogenous location choice of the refugees, the study proposes a distance-based instrument to overcome the endogeneity problem in a Difference-in-Differences setting. Results indicate that the refugees do not affect the existing trends in divorce rates and divorce cases. However, there is a limited adverse impact on official marriages. A 1% increase in the refugee ratio corresponds to a 0.03% reduction in official marriages.

Introduction Sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli sprouts), has been explored for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the therapeutic potentials of sulforaphane in schizophrenia. Methods We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central for studies from inception to April 2025. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of sulforaphane in schizophrenia. The primary outcomes were changes in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total and its subscales. Secondary outcomes included cognitive measures, metabolic markers, and safety. Results Four RCTs with 369 schizophrenia patients were included. Sulforaphane did not significantly improve PANSS total or positive symptom scores at the latest follow-up (ranging from 24 weeks to 18 weeks) or at a consistent 12-week time point. However, a modest improvement in negative symptoms was found at 12 week- time point (MD= -1.06; 95% CI: -1.95 to -0.16; p  = 0.02), which was not maintained at the latest follow-up. General psychopathology scores improved significantly (MD= -1.5; 95% CI: -2.78 to -0.23; p  = 0.02). No cognitive benefits were observed. Sulforaphane led to significant reductions in metabolic markers, including LDL, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Discontinuation rates were lower in the sulforaphane group (RR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.49 to 0.95; p  = 0.02). Conclusion The study provides initial insights into sulforaphane’s potential therapeutic effects in schizophrenia, showing modest improvements in general psychopathology and negative symptoms, with favorable metabolic changes and lower discontinuation rates. Due to limited data and heterogeneity, the study findings should be interpreted with caution. Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Boron carbide (B 4 C) and its in situ composites were synthesized via a simple bottom-up process using low-cost boric acid and a sucrose-based precursor solution with silicon (Si), titanium (Ti), or zirconium (Zr) species. The precursor solution was first dried at 250 °C and then heat-treated at 1650 °C for 90 min under argon and hydrogen gas flow. Free boron oxide phases appeared in the boric acid-rich precursor compositions, whereas free carbon appeared in the sucrose-rich compositions. The B 4 C particles exhibited a coarser and elongated morphology with boron-rich stoichiometric compositions (B/C:4/1), whereas the particles had a finer equiaxed morphology in carbon-rich compositions (B/C:2/1). As the carbon concentration increased in the precursor solution, the hexagonal lattice parameters of B 4 C and its corresponding lattice volume decreased. On the other hand, the addition of Si, Ti, or Zr species into the precursor solution resulted in the formation of a silicon carbide (SiC), a titanium diboride (TiB 2 ), or a zirconium diboride (ZrB 2 ) phase along with the B 4 C phase and was associated with an overall reduction in the average particle size and a more uniform size distribution. Moreover, the addition of these species increased the B 4 C lattice parameter with a corresponding increase in the lattice volume; this was most likely due to an elemental substitution into the B 4 C lattice. In addition, the data provide evidence that the formation of an ideal B 4 C lattice is possible when synthesized from carbon-rich precursors using this method, despite the potential presence of free carbon. Highlights Synthesis of pure B 4 C and in-situ composites of B 4 C–SiC, B 4 C–TiB 2 , and B 4 C–ZrB 2 from organic–inorganic hybrid precursor. Effects of C content and addition of Si, Ti, and Zr species on the morphology of different kinds of ceramic particles. Obtainment of standard B 4 C structure (JCPDS #35-0798) in C-rich precursor. The changes in lattice parameters of B 4 C depending on B/C ratio and Si, Ti, and Zr contents in precursor solution.

The aim of this work was to study the full F gene sequence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in regard to pathotyping and genotyping and to study the evolution of this NDV in Egypt. The present study was conducted using samples from seven suspected NDV flocks of vaccinated chickens during 2012-2016 from six governorates in Egypt. The NDV was successfully isolated from pathological specimens through inoculation in specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs. Pathogenicity of the NDV isolates has been estimated through intracerebral pathogenicity index and ranged from 1.66 to 1.73 which indicates the velogenic type of NDV isolates. Pathotyping and genotyping of these isolates were done through sequencing of full-length F gene. Results indicated that the seven NDV isolates showed characteristic cleavage site motif (112RRQKRF117) for the velogenic strains of NDV. Phylogenetic analysis of the F gene clustered these isolates within Group I of genotype VIId within Israeli strains NDV/IS/2015, NDV-Ch/SD883, and most of the Middle East strains. Six of seven sequenced isolates have six potential N-linked glycosylation sites. The neutralization epitope on the five antigenic sites of fusion is conserved in all Egyptian strains of this study except NDV-KFR-B7-2012 which has a substitution at D 170 N in epitope A4. In all our strains, 10 cysteine residues are recorded, except one loss of cysteine at residue 370 in both NDV-EG-35-2014 and NDV-GHB-328F-2016. All viruses in this study have 52 amino acid substitutions within fusion gene in compared with Lasota strain that reveals importance for its antigenic and structural function. The present work highlights the important need to sequence F gene of NDV genotype VIId to investigate the evolution of this NDV in Egypt.

Bu makale, kayıt dışılığın yüksek olduğu işgücü piyasalarında, asgari ücretin, ücretler ve istihdam üzerindeki etkilerini incelemektedir. Makale, birden çok asgari ücret ölçüm parametresini test etmekte ve asgari ücretin etkisini ölçmek için kullanılan parametre seçiminin, sonuçları önemli ölçüde etkilediğini göstermektedir. Çalışma, farklı ölçütlerin güvenilirliğini değerlendirmek amacıyla asgari ücret ölçüm parametresini kayıtlı ve kayıt dışı çalışanlar için farklılaştıran yeni bir yaklaşım önermektedir. Sonuçlar, asgari ücretin, kayıtlı çalışan ücretlerinde artışa yol açtığını göstermektedir. Ancak, kayıt dışı çalışanların ücretlerinin arttığına dair daha zayıf kanıtlar sunmaktadır. Asgari ücret artışları toplam istihdam üzerinde olumsuz bir etki yapmamakta, kayıtlı istihdamdan kayıt dışı istihdama geçişe neden olmaktadır. Ancak, kayıt dışı istihdamdaki artış kısmen artan işgücüne katılımdan kaynaklanmaktadır. Erkeklere göre daha az ücret aldıkları için hem ücret hem de istihdam etkileri kadınlar için daha güçlüdür. Asgari ücret aylık olarak belirlenmesine rağmen, kayıtlı ve kayıt dışı çalışanların çalışma saatlerinde asgari ücret artışı kaynaklı bir değişiklik gözlenmemektedir.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 virus was first detected in Egypt in late 2016. Since then, the virus has spread rapidly among different poultry sectors, becoming the dominant HPAI H5 subtype reported in Egypt. Different genotypes of the HPAI H5N8 virus were reported in Egypt; however, the geographic patterns and molecular evolution of the Egyptian HPAI H5N8 viruses are still unclear. Here, extensive epidemiological surveillance was conducted, including more than half a million samples collected from different poultry sectors (farms/backyards/live bird markets) from all governorates in Egypt during 2019–2021. In addition, genetic characterization and evolutionary analyses were performed using 47 selected positive H5N8 isolates obtained during the same period. The result of the conducted surveillance showed that HPAI H5N8 viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b continue to circulate in different locations in Egypt, with an obvious seasonal pattern, and no further detection of the HPAI H5N1 virus of clade 2.2.1.2 was observed in the poultry population during 2019–2021. In addition, phylogenetic and Bayesian analyses revealed that two major genotypes (G5 and G6) of HPAI H5N8 viruses were continually expanding among the poultry sectors in Egypt. Notably, molecular dating analysis suggested that the Egyptian HPAI H5N8 virus is the potential ancestral viruses of the European H5N8 viruses of 2020–2021. In summary, the data of this study highlight the current epidemiology, diversity, and evolution of HPAI H5N8 viruses in Egypt and call for continuous monitoring of the genetic features of the avian influenza viruses in Egypt.

The current study aimed to investigate the genetic characterization and evolution of low pathogenic avian influenza virus H9N2 in Egypt. Ten H9N2 viruses were recently isolated from samples collected between 2019 and 2023. Phylogenetic analysis of the haemagglutinin (HA) gene segment of the H9N2 isolates showed a relatedness with G1 H9 4.2 lineage and clustered within genotype III of the Egyptian strains identified earlier in 2018. The majority of H9N2 strains had seven and eight glycosylation sites in HA and neuraminidase (NA) respectively. All strains carried H191 and L234 residues in their hemagglutinin which are markers facilitating avian-to-human cross species barrier transmission. No stalk deletions were detected in NA gene. In addition, genetic analysis of the NA and M encoding proteins revealed the absence of substitutions associated with resistance to oseltamivir and amantadine. The NA showed S372A and R403W substitutions which were previously detected in H3N2 and H1N2 viruses that were reported in previous influenza pandemics in 1975 and 2001 respectively. Many mutations associated with virulence and mammalian infection were detected in internal proteins such as PB2(V504), PB1-F2(N66), PA (V127, L672, and L550), M2(S64), and NS1(42S). Analysis showed the presence of full-length PB1-F2 with 227 PDZ 230 motif which is associated with virus virulence and pathogenesis. Mammalian associated mutations such as PB2 (I 667, T64), PB1-P13, PB1-F2-S82, NP-K214, NP-Q398 and M1-I15 were detected. The HA gene was under positive selection pressure especially at sites 198 and 235 of RBS, while other internal genes were under negative selection pressure. The study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring of H9N2 virus to enable timely implementation of control measures in poultry populations in Egypt.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 and H5N8 have become endemic among domestic poultry in Egypt since 2006 and 2016, respectively. In parallel, the low pathogenic avian influenza H9N2 virus has been endemic since 2010. Despite the continuous circulation of these subtypes for several years, no natural reassortant has been detected so far among the domestic poultry population in Egypt. In this study, the HPAI (H5N2) virus was isolated from a commercial duck farm, giving evidence of the emergence of the first natural reassortment event in domestic poultry in Egypt. The virus was derived as a result of genetic reassortment between avian influenza viruses of H5N8 and H9N2 subtypes circulating in Egypt. The exchange of the neuraminidase segment and high number of acquired mutations might be associated with an alteration in the biological propensities of this virus.

Chicken anemia virus (CAV) is a widespread and economically significant pathogen in the poultry industry. In this study 110 samples were collected from various poultry farms in selected Egyptian provinces during 2021–2022 and were tested against CAV by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), revealing 22 positive samples with 20% incidence rate. Full sequence analysis of five selected CAV strains revealed genetic variations in VP1, VP2, and VP3 genes. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the Egyptian strains with reference viruses, mainly in group II, while vaccines like Del-Rose were categorized in group III. Recombination events were detected between an Egyptian strain (genotype II) and the Del-Rose vaccine strain (genotype III), indicating potential recombination between live vaccine strains and field isolates. To evaluate pathogenicity, one Egyptian isolate (F883-2022 CAV) and Del-Rose vaccine were tested in Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) chicks. Chicks in the positive group displayed clinical symptoms, including weakness and stunted growth, with postmortem findings consistent with CAV infection. The vaccine group showed milder symptoms and less severe postmortem changes. This study provides important insights into the genetic diversity of CAV in selected Egyptian poultry farms showing recombination event between field strain and vaccine strains, highlighting the need for advanced vaccination programs, especially for broilers.

For over two decades, avian influenza virus (AIV) has significantly impacted the Egyptian poultry population, with multiple subtypes and genotypes contributing to significant economic and agricultural losses. As part of an ongoing national surveillance effort, this study aimed to monitor and genetically characterize AIV circulation across various poultry sectors in Egypt. Between 2022 and 2024, a total of 446,790 swab samples were collected, representing commercial farms (  = 25,057), backyard flocks (  = 403), and live bird markets \"LBM\" (  = 1250) to assess the prevalence and genetic diversity of circulating AIV strains. A total of 173 sampling units were found positive for high pathogenicity (HP) AIV H5, including farms (  = 17), backyards (  = 11), and LBMs (  = 145). The HPAIV of H5N8 subtype was dominant (  = 75) over the H5N1 (  = 27) subtypes among all sectors and bird species (chickens, ducks, turkeys). Whole genome sequence analysis of positive H5 samples revealed high similarity with HPAIVs of clade 2.3.4.4b, which has been confirmed phylogenetically. Two distinct subtypes H5N1 (EA-2021-AB genotype) and H5N8 (EA-2020-A genotype) were identified, with two variants detected within the H5N8 viruses. Evolutionary analyses indicate that Egyptian H5N8 viruses are under strong selection pressure and exhibit a higher nucleotide substitution rate compared to the Egyptian H5N1 viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b. With the evolving HPAI H5 virus's situation in different locations around the globe, including Egypt, this study underlines the importance of active surveillance in the timely detection of emerging AIV genotypes, monitoring virus evolution, and refining risk assessments.