Komar University of Science and Technology

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in communication, social interaction, and behavioral patterns. Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in improving developmental outcomes; however, existing diagnostic procedures remain time-intensive, rely heavily on subjective clinical observations, and require extensive professional expertise. This study presents a fully automated computer-aided diagnosis framework that leverages facial-image analysis to support early ASD screening. The proposed approach introduces a hybrid feature-extraction pipeline that integrates Canny edge detection with frequency-domain analysis using the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). This combination enhances discriminative facial patterns by preserving salient structural boundaries while capturing global frequency characteristics, an approach that, to the best of our knowledge, has not been previously applied to ASD detection. A publicly available dataset of pediatric facial images was used, covering both autistic and non-autistic subjects. The images underwent standardized preprocessing, followed by extraction of spatial features (GLCM, LBP) and hybrid edge-enhanced frequency features. Three machine-learning classifiers: Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), were trained and evaluated using multiple performance metrics, including Accuracy, Sensitivity, Specificity. Experimental results demonstrated that the hybrid Canny+DFT feature set significantly improved classification performance, achieving a highest accuracy of 92.5% using the SVM classifier. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of integrating spatial and frequency information for automated ASD screening using facial imagery. The proposed approach offers a computationally efficient, interpretable, and non- invasive tool that may complement traditional diagnostic assessments and contribute to accessible early intervention strategies.

Abstract This study reports the successful synthesis of two novel metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), Co-L MOF and Ni-L MOF, using a custom-designed Schiff base linker, 4-(((2E,3Z)-4-hydroxy-4-phenylbut-3-en-2-ylidene)amino)benzoic acid (LH). The frameworks were thoroughly characterized using a suite of techniques, including FTIR, XPS, PXRD, FESEM-EDX, BET, and TGA, which confirmed their porous structures, specific coordination geometries (square planar for Co(II) and octahedral for Ni(II)), and thermal stability. The antibacterial efficacy of both MOFs was evaluated against clinical strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Results demonstrated that both MOFs exhibited significant antibacterial activity, with Co-L MOF showing superior performance, as evidenced by larger inhibition zones (20 mm for both strains) and lower minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs: 0.64 mg/ml for E. coli and 0.32 mg/ml for S. aureus). This enhanced activity is attributed to its geometry and higher surface-to-volume ratio, which facilitates better bacterial interactions. The proposed antibacterial mechanism involves the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and electrostatic interactions, leading to damage to the bacterial cell membrane. These findings underscore the potential of Schiff base-derived MOFs as promising antibacterial agents.

Introduction:A significant proportion of under-five diarrhea-related morbidity and mortality can be reduced by timely initiation of treatment. This study assessed determinants of timely treatment-seeking behavior for diarrheal disease among caregivers with under-five children in public hospitals in Sidama region, Ethiopia.Methods:A facility-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among public hospitals. Data were collected using KOBO Collect with a smartphone and analyzed using SPSS 26.Results:Three hundred two cases and 302 controls were included. Being urban resident (AOR = 0.251 (95% CI, 0.157, 0.401, p = 0.000)), mothers with no formal education (AOR = 0.397 (95% CI, 0.222, 0.713, p = 0.002)), child age < 24 months (AOR = 0.210 (95% CI, 0.121, 0.364, p = 0.000)), above 120 min walking distance from nearby health facility [AOR = 0.426 (95% CI, 0.211, 0.861, p = 0.017)] were negatively associated. Whereas, reported cost of treatment easy to pay (AOR = 7.988 (95% CI, 3.734, 17.091, p = 0.000)), community-based health insurance (CBHI) membership (AOR = 4.940 (95% CI, 3.124, 7.812, p = 0.000)), and a history of previous diarrhea (AOR = 1.702 (95% CI, 1.021, 2.837, p = 0.041)) were positively associated with timely treatment seeking behavior.Conclusion:Being urban residents, caregivers’ educational status, child age <24 months, and long walking distance from nearby health facility, low-cost of treatment, being a CBHI member, and a child with a history of previous diarrhea were independently associated with timely treatment-seeking. Therefore, it is important to design strategies to improve these factors by involving relevant stakeholders. Future researchers should consider strong designs like prospective cohort involving multiple health facilities to identify causal factors for timely treatment-seeking behavior.

Introduction: Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is a T-cell mediated disorder characterized by the presence of thyroid autoantibodies, particularly thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab), which serve as specific biomarkers of thyroid autoimmunity. The relationship between TPO-Ab and thyroid hormones is influenced by several confounding factors, potentially leading to inconsistent findings across studies. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated 47 patients with AITD (35 women, 12 men; mean age 40 years) receiving levothyroxine (LT4) therapy, all with serum TPO-Ab ≥16 IU/mL. Anthropometric, glycemic, and lipid indices were measured alongside thyroid function tests, and correlations were assessed using zero-order and partial correlation analyses. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between TPO-Ab and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (r = 0.510, p &lt; 0.001). Adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, HbA1c, and LDL-c reduced this correlation, while controlling for triglycerides (TG) and HDL-c increased it. Similar trends were observed between TPO-Ab and free thyroid hormones. Multivariate regression showed that 29.1 % of TPO-Ab variability was explained by the tested covariates, highlighting the interplay between metabolic and immunological factors. The influence of lipid parameters suggests that lipid metabolism may directly modulate autoimmunity and thyroid function. Moreover, the use of exogenous LT4, known to lower TG and HDL-c, further complicates the interpretation of antibody-hormone interactions. Conclusion: In conclusion, applying partial correlation analysis provides a more accurate assessment of the link between TPO-Ab and thyroid hormones compared to simple correlations, and supports the need for controlling metabolic and demographic covariates in both clinical practice and research to avoid misleading associations in autoimmune thyroid disease.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite advances in surgery and adjuvant therapy, recurrence after curative resection remains a major challenge, and current surveillance tools such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and imaging lack sensitivity for detecting minimal residual disease (MRD). Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as promising biomarkers due to their stability in plasma and disease-specific expression profiles. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical relevance of four circulating cell-free miRNAs-miR-155, miR-221, miR-34a, and miR-143-for monitoring tumor clearance following surgery in CRC patients. Plasma samples were obtained from CRC patients at multiple perioperative time points and compared with samples from healthy controls. Expression levels of the selected miRNAs were quantified using real-time PCR, normalized to cel-miR-39, and analyzed in relation to clinicopathological features. Dynamic postoperative changes and diagnostic performance were assessed, including ROC curve analysis. Circulating miR-155 and miR-221 were significantly upregulated in CRC patients compared with controls, whereas the tumor suppressor miRNAs miR-34a and miR-143 were markedly downregulated. Postoperative samples showed progressive normalization of these markers, though variability persisted in a subset of patients. The combined four-miRNA panel achieved excellent diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.999), outperforming CEA in distinguishing CRC from controls. No independent predictive effect of individual miRNAs was demonstrated in multivariate models, but biologically consistent trends were observed. Circulating miR-155, miR-221, miR-34a, and miR-143 demonstrate dynamic early postoperative changes and hold promise as minimally invasive biomarkers of short-term tumor clearance after colorectal cancer surgery. While the combined panel shows strong diagnostic performance at baseline, longer-term prospective studies with multi-year follow-up are required to establish their role in recurrence surveillance alongside established markers such as CEA and ctDNA.

Using seismic data is the most relevant and sound method to indicate the folding type in anticlines. However, when seismic data are not available or not allowed for use, then structural data are recommended to indicate the folding type of any anticline. Such usage is known and considered worldwide with excellent results. We have adopted a sound and published opinion of using structural data to indicate the folding type, and applied the method on three anticlines, namely, Qara Boutaq, Korek, and Mateen. We have selected the three anticlines from three different tectonic zones in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, which is located in the northern and northeastern parts of Iraq, and forms the northeastern part of the Arabian Plate. The plate has been colliding with the Eurasian Plate since the Late Cretaceous and is still in collision; accordingly, all the existing anticlines are developed. We used satellite images to measure the required structural parameters, including aspect ratio, fold symmetry index, and Mountain Front Sinuosity Index in these anticlines. We also measured the dip amounts along the three anticlines from satellite images, where there are no dip measurements in the geological maps, to indicate the geometrical type of the three anticlines. Part of the interpreted data was checked and confirmed in the field, wherever it was accessible. Accordingly, we indicated the folding type to be Detachment Fold for the Qara Boutaq and Korek anticlines and Fault-bent Fold for the Mateen anticline.

Adherence to an appropriate diet is among the most effective strategies for managing patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) was developed to provide a comprehensive assessment of dietary quality on a global scale. The present study aimed to investigate the association between the DQI-I and non-invasive markers of liver function in adults. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 6,484 adults who participated in Ravansar Non-Communicable Diseases (RaNCD) cohort study in western Iran. The Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) score was calculated based on participants' dietary data obtained from a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). NAFLD predictor indices including Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI), Fatty Liver Index (FLI), fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), and Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI), were calculated using established formulas. The association between DQI-I score and its subgroups with NAFLD predictor indices was assessed using linear regression models adjusted for potential confounders. The findings of this study indicated that in the adjusted model (Model 2), SGPT (β = 0.0020, P = 0.003), HSI (β = 0.0014, P < 0.001), and FLI (β = 0.006, P < 0.001) levels showed a significant positive association with the total DQI-I score. Although these positive associations may appear counterintuitive, they could be influenced by confounding factors such as higher BMI in participants with higher DQI-I scores. Additionally, a one-unit increase in total DQI-I score was associated with a decrease in FIB-4 (β = -0.0018, P = 0.004), AST/ALT ratio (β = -0.0020, P < 0.001), and no significant change in APRI (β = -0.0007, P = 0.222). Among the DQI-I subgroups, a one-unit increase in both the variety and adequacy components was associated with a significant increase in SGPT, HSI, and FLI, whereas FIB-4, APRI, and AST/ALT ratio decreased on average. In the moderation subgroup, a one-unit increase was associated with a non-significant change in FIB-4 (β = -0.0008, P = 0.374). According to our results, there was a statistically significant inverse association between DQI-I scores and fibrosis-related indices, while paradoxically showing a positive association with steatosis-related markers.

Periodontal disease (PD) and cognitive disorders (CDs) are common in older people, and these variables appear to be linked. The aim of this article was to assess this association using an umbrella meta-analysis. PubMed and MEDLINE were searched for records until June 2025. The groups were compared using odds ratio (OR) and relative risk (RR). A total of 20 meta-analyses were included. Individuals with PD and its consequences had higher chances of having/developing all-type CDs: periodontitis (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.37-1.97, p = < 0.0001), tooth loss (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.32-1.71, p = < 0.0001). The risk was much higher for patients with severe periodontitis: (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 2.26-3.20, p = < 0.0001). Pooled analysis for cohort studies was (RR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.20-1.32, p = < 0.0001). PD is associated with CDs with low to moderate certainty of evidence measured by GRADE.

ABSTRACTBackgroundDental caries and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are prevalent especially in developing children. There seems to be an association between these two variables.ObjectiveTo evaluate this association among children and adolescents using a systematic review and umbrella meta‐analysis technique.MethodsThe PRISMA reference databases like PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched for all records published before January 2025. Meta‐analyses that evaluated the association among < 18‐year‐olds were included. Parameters like odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) with the 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to compare between the groups. I² and Cochran's Q (χ²) tests were used for measuring heterogeneity, whereas Egger's test was utilised to measure publication bias. A Measurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) was used to assess the quality of the meta‐analyses. The degree of certainty of the outcomes was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool.ResultsA total of five meta‐analyses were included. Children with IDA were significantly over three times more likely to have dental caries than children without anemia (OR = 3.64, 95% CI: 2.45 to 5.40, p < 0.0001. Heterogeneity: I² = 80%, p = 0.007. Publication bias: p = 0.14. GRADE: Moderate). The pooled analysis for serum ferritin showed a tendency toward lower ferritin level in children with caries; but without statistical significance (MD = −3.96, 95% CI: −8.48 to 0.57, p = 0.087. Heterogeneity: I² = 66.3%, p = 0.031. Publication bias: p = 0.003. GRADE: Very low). Children with dental caries had lower haemoglobin levels, but the finding was not significant with high level of heterogeneity and publication bias (MD = −2.20 g/dL, 95% CI: −4.59 to 0.19, p = 0.071. Heterogeneity: 80.%, p = 0.006. Publication bias: p = 0.005. GRADE: Very low). Children with caries had lower MCV, but this result was non‐significant with evidence of heterogeneity and publication bias (MD = −1.96 fL, 95% CI: −4.02 to 0.10, p = 0.062. Heterogeneity: I² = 57.2%, p = 0.096. Publication bias: p = 0.041. GRADE: Very low).ConclusionDental caries was more prevalent among anemic children compared to non‐anemic ones with a low level of certainty.