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Background Trans-sphincteric fistula management is very challenging and everyday new techniques are introduced to reach the safest and the most effective technique. In this study two of the most effective techniques are compared based on their post-operative outcomes. Objective To compare the efficacy of high ligation of the inter-sphincteric fistula tract by lateral approach (modified LIFT) and Fistulotomy and primary sphincteroplasty (FIPS) in the management of high trans-sphincteric fistula regarding their post-operative outcomes in the form of post-operative pain, time of wound healing in weeks, wound infection, incontinence and recurrence within one year. Patients and methods : The current study is single-blind, prospective, randomized, controlled, single-center trial conducted from June 2020 to June 2022 in the colorectal surgical unit of Ain Shams University Hospitals, which included 80 patients presented with high trans-sphincteric perianal fistula 55 (68.75%) males and 25 (31.25%) including a one-year follow-up postoperative. Results There were 80 patients in our study 40 patients in each group. The mean age of group (I) is 46.65 with standard deviation 6.6. while, in group (II) the mean age is 45.85 with standard deviation 6.07 ( p  = 0.576). From the included 80 patients 55(68.7%) were males and 25 (31.25%) were females ( p  = 0.469). Regarding, postoperative wound infection occurred in 2(5%) Patients in group (I) and 7(17.5%) patients in group (II) ( p  = 0.154). There were no cases of incontinence in group I. However, there were 6(15%) cases of incontinence to gases only scored by Wexner score 3/20 in group II ( p  = 0.026) and its significant difference between the two techniques. Postoperative pain was assessed for one week duration by the visual analogue score (VAS) from 0 to 10 in which, zero is the least and 10 is the maximum. In group (I) 18(45%) patients scored their pain mild from 1 to 3, 20(50%) patients scored their pain moderate from 4 to 6 and 2(5%) patients scored severe pain from 7 to 9. While, in group (II) 14(35%) patients scored their pain mild from 1 to 3, 22(55%) patients their pain moderate from 4 to 6 and 4(10%) patients scored their pain severe from 7 to 9 ( p  = 0.275). Recurrence in one-year follow-up occurred in 13(32.5%) patients in group (I) about 7 patients had recurrence in the form of inter-sphincteric fistula and 6 patients in the form of trans-sphincteric fistula. While, in group II recurrence occurred in 1 (2.5%) patient in the form of subcutaneous fistula at the healing site ( p  = 0.001). Conclusion Fistulotomy and primary sphincteroplasty is an effective and preferred technique for the trans-sphincteric fistula repair with high statistically significant lower incidence of recurrence in one-year follow-up as compared to modified LIFT technique. Although, there is higher incidence regarding incontinence to gases only post-operative. This work recommends fistulotomy and primary sphincter reconstruction procedure in high trans-sphincteric perianal fistulas to be more popular, to be implemented as a corner stone procedure along various and classic operations for such cases as it’s easy, feasible.

We present the current status of the MATHUSLA (MAssive Timing Hodoscope for Ultra-Stable neutraL pArticles) long-lived particle (LLP) detector at the HL-LHC, covering the design, fabrication and installation at CERN Point 5. MATHUSLA40 is a 40 m-scale detector with an air-filled decay volume that is instrumented with scintillator tracking detectors, to be located near CMS. Its large size, close proximity to the CMS interaction point and about 100 m of rock shielding from LHC backgrounds allows it to detect LLP production rates and lifetimes that are one to two orders of magnitude beyond the ultimate reach of the LHC main detectors. This provides unique sensitivity to many LLP signals that are highly theoretically motivated, due to their connection to the hierarchy problem, the nature of dark matter, and baryogenesis. Data taking is projected to commence with the start of HL-LHC operations. We summarize the new 40m design for the detector that was recently presented in the MATHUSLA Conceptual Design Report, alongside new realistic background and signal simulations that demonstrate high efficiency for the main target LLP signals in a background-free HL-LHC search. We argue that MATHUSLA's uniquely robust expansion of the HL-LHC physics reach is a crucial ingredient in CERN's mission to search for new physics and characterize the Higgs boson with precision.

We present the Conceptual Design Report (CDR) for the MATHUSLA (MAssive Timing Hodoscope for Ultra-Stable neutraL pArticles) long-lived particle detector at the HL-LHC, covering the design, fabrication and installation at CERN Point 5. MATHUSLA is a 40 m-scale detector with an air-filled decay volume that is instrumented with scintillator tracking detectors, to be located near CMS. Its large size, close proximity to the CMS interaction point and about 100 m of rock shielding from HL-LHC backgrounds allows it to detect LLP production rates and lifetimes that are one to two orders of magnitude beyond the ultimate sensitivity of the HL-LHC main detectors for many highly motivated LLP signals. Data taking is projected to commence with the start of HL-LHC operations. We present a new 40m design for the detector: its individual scintillator bars and wavelength-shifting fibers, their organization into tracking layers, tracking modules, tower modules and the veto detector; define a high-level design for the supporting electronics, DAQ and trigger system, including supplying a hardware trigger signal to CMS to record the LLP production event; outline computing systems, civil engineering and safety considerations; and present preliminary cost estimates and timelines for the project. We also conduct detailed simulation studies of the important cosmic ray and HL-LHC muon backgrounds, implementing full track/vertex reconstruction and background rejection, to ultimately demonstrate high signal efficiency and \\(\\ll 1\\) background event in realistic LLP searches for the main physics targets at MATHUSLA. This sensitivity is robust with respect to detector design or background simulation details. Appendices provide various supplemental information.

We report on recent progress and next steps in the design of the proposed MATHUSLA Long Lived Particle (LLP) detector for the HL-LHC as part of the Snowmass 2021 process. Our understanding of backgrounds has greatly improved, aided by detailed simulation studies, and significant R&D has been performed on designing the scintillator detectors and understanding their performance. The collaboration is on track to complete a Technical Design Report, and there are many opportunities for interested new members to contribute towards the goal of designing and constructing MATHUSLA in time for HL-LHC collisions, which would increase the sensitivity to a large variety of highly motivated LLP signals by orders of magnitude.

Laurhydrazide N′-propan-3-one was used as an eco-friendly inhibitor for the corrosion of mild steel in 5 M HCl at elevated temperatures. Various electrochemical techniques and surface characterization methods were utilized in this study. In addition, the kinetics and thermodynamic parameters were calculated and discussed. Furthermore, a geometry optimization of LHP was performed and the time-dependent density functional theory was utilized to calculate the electronic absorption spectra. Finally, frequency calculations were, also, performed on the optimized geometry.

The challenge of optimizing battery operating revenue while mitigating aging costs remains inadequately addressed in current literature. This paper introduces a novel cost–benefit approach for scheduling battery energy storage systems (BESS) within microgrids (MGs) that features smart grid attributes. The proposed comprehensive approach accounts for fluctuations of real-time pricing, demand charge tariffs, and battery degradation cost. Using the dynamic programming technique, a novel high-speed BESS scheduling optimization algorithm that incorporates a LiFePO4 battery degradation cost model is developed, achieving substantial monthly operational cost savings for the MG with a fine-grained sampling interval of nine minutes and execution time under one minute. The algorithm utilizes day-ahead forecasts for MG load profiles and photovoltaic output power, enabling the prediction of BESS’s optimal power profile a day in advance. The algorithm’s rapid execution enables real-time adaptability, allowing BESS scheduling to dynamically respond to grid fluctuations. The proposed approach outperforms existing methods in the literature, delivering MG operational cost savings ranging from 33.6% to 94.8% across various scenarios. Consequently, this approach enhances MG operational efficiency and provides significant cost savings.

To evaluate central quadrantectomy and nipple resection with areola preservation (CQ-NR-AP) as a new reconstructive oncoplastic technique Versus Grisotti flap mammoplasty (GFM) in central malignant tumors of the breast extending to the nipple, in terms of time procedures, breast symmetry, patient satisfaction, postoperative complications, and local recurrence. The current study is a single-blind, single-center, randomized, controlled trial that was performed between May 2018 and May 2023 in the breast surgery unit of University Hospitals. This trial involved 40 individuals who had central breast lesions that extended to the nipple and were monitored for two years following surgery. As regards the mean intra-operative time in minutes, in the group (I) was 80.1 with a standard deviation of ± 13.9, and ingroup (II) was 138.9 with a standard deviation of ± 14.02 (p = 0.001). The seroma was detected in zero cases in group (I) and 2(10%) cases in group II (p = 0.487) and those two cases were managed by aspiration only. Regarding, the wound infection was found in one case (5%) in group (I) and 3(15%) cases in group II (p = 0.605). Regarding patient satisfaction and breast, symmetry was much better in the group (I). The safety and ease of central quadrantectomy and nipple resection with areola preservation were demonstrated in a two-year follow-up, with a lower incidence of complications compared to the Grisotti flap mammoplasty technique. Furthermore, this approach was associated with higher patient satisfaction, which is a significant achievement in the management of centrally located breast tumors.

Candida auris ( C. auris ) is a yeast that has caused several outbreaks in the last decade. Cell wall chitin plays a primary role in the antifungal resistance of C. auris . Herein, we investigated the potential of chitinase immobilized with UiO-66 to act as a potent antifungal agent against C. auris . Chitinase was produced from Talaromyces varians SSW3 in a yield of 8.97 U/g dry substrate (ds). The yield was statistically enhanced to 120.41 U/g ds by using Plackett–Burman and Box–Behnken design. We synthesized a UiO-66 framework that was characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, a particle size analyzer, and a zeta sizer. The produced framework had a size of 70.42 ± 8.43 nm with a uniform cubic shape and smooth surface. The produced chitinase was immobilized on UiO-66 with an immobilization yield of 65% achieved after a 6 h loading period. The immobilization of UiO-66 increased the enzyme activity and stability, as indicated by the obtained K d and T 1/2 values. Furthermore, the hydrolytic activity of chitinase was enhanced after immobilization on UiO-66, with an increase in the V max and a decrease in the K m of 2- and 38-fold, respectively. Interestingly, the antifungal activity of the produced chitinase was boosted against C. auris by loading the enzyme on UiO-66, with an MIC 50 of 0.89 ± 0.056 U/mL, compared to 5.582 ± 0.57 U/mL for the free enzyme. This study offers a novel promising alternative approach to combat the new emerging pathogen C. auris.

Background The global rise of antimicrobial resistance has accelerated the search for sustainable and eco-friendly therapeutic alternatives. This study evaluates fish gut waste (FGW) as a low-cost, renewable substrate for producing antifungal peptides through the proteolytic activity of Serratia liquefaciens NRC1. Result Optimization of protease production using statistical designs resulted in a fourfold increase in enzyme yield. The protease demonstrated stability at neutral pH and moderate temperatures (40–50 °C), and efficiently hydrolyzed complex proteins such as collagen and keratin. Peptides generated from FGW hydrolysis exhibited significant antifungal activity against Candida auris ( C. auris ), with a MIC₅₀ of 5.1 ± 0.08 mg/ml. Unlike fluconazole, repeated peptide exposure did not induce resistance, nor did it alter the expression levels of key resistance genes ( CDR1 , ERG11 ), as confirmed by qRT-PCR. Peptide profiling using MALDI-TOF/MS, coupled with in silico analysis via AMPfun, identified multiple candidates with predicted antifungal properties. Conclusion This research highlights the potential of fish gut waste-derived peptides as a sustainable and effective antifungal strategy against C. auris , offering an alternative to conventional antifungal drugs.

Mobile robots are increasingly integral to diverse applications, with path-planning algorithms being essential for efficient and secure mobile robot navigation. Mobile robot path planning is defined as the design of the least time-consuming, shortest-distance, and most collision-free path from the starting point to the endpoint for the mobile robot’s autonomous movement. This study investigates and assesses two widely used algorithms in artificial intelligence (AI)—Improved Particle Swarm Optimization (IPSO) and Improved Genetic Algorithm (IGA)—for path planning of mobile robot navigation problems. In this work Manhattan movements are proposed as a distance formula to modify both algorithms in the path planning of the mobile robot navigation problem. Unlike the traditional GA and PSO, which can use horizontal search, the proposed algorithm relies on vertical search, which gives us an advantage. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of these modified algorithms in barrier detection and obstacle avoidance. Six different experiments were run using both improved algorithms to show their ability to achieve their goal and avoid obstacles in various scenarios with different complexities. Across various scenarios, the tested AI algorithms performed effectively, regardless of the map scale and complexity. This paper proposes a complete comparison between the two improved algorithms in different scenarios. The results show that the algorithms’ performance is influenced more by the density of walls and obstacles than by the size or complexity of the map.