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Ramachandran T, Faruque MRI, Al-Mugren KS. Asymmetric metamaterial sandwich structure with NIM characteristics for THz imaging application. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6258. [PMID: 38491125 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56723-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
This study presented a unique, miniaturised asymmetric interconnected vertical stripe (IVS) design for terahertz (THz) frequency applications. Therefore, this research aimed to achieve a frequency response of 0 to 10 THz using a 5 × 5 µm2 Silicon (Si) substrate material. Meanwhile, various parametric examinations were conducted to investigate variations in the performance. For example, the unit cell selection process was carefully examined by using various design structures and modifying the structure by adding split gaps and connecting bars between vertical stripes. Furthermore, the proposed sandwich structure design was used to compute the absorbance and reflectance properties. All the analytical examinations were executed utilising the Computer Simulation Technology (CST) 2019 software. The introduced IVS metamaterial exhibits negative index behaviour and has a single resonance frequency of 5.23 THz with an acceptable magnitude of - 24.38 dB. Additionally, the quadruple-layer IVS structure exhibits optimised transmission coefficient behaviour between 3 and 6 THz and 7 to 9 THz, respectively. However, the magnitude of the transmission coefficient increased with the number of material layers. Besides that, the absorbance study shows that using a quadruple-layer structure obtains unique and promising results. Overall, the proposed asymmetric IVS metamaterial design achieves the required performance by using a compact structure rather than extending the dimensions of the design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayaallen Ramachandran
- Space Science Centre (ANGKASA), Institute of Climate Change (IPI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Rashed Iqbal Faruque
- Space Science Centre (ANGKASA), Institute of Climate Change (IPI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - K S Al-Mugren
- Physics Department, Science College, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Canli U, Aldhahi MI. The physiological and physical benefits of two types of concurrent training: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2024; 16:8. [PMID: 38169423 PMCID: PMC10762810 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-023-00798-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is widely acknowledged that aerobic exercise and strength training are crucial components of most workout programs. However, there is no consensus as to whether the effectiveness of exercises is affected by the sequence in which they are performed. Therefore, the overarching aim of the study was to understand the optimal order of two types of concurrent training program for 13 weeks by comparing the effectiveness of the training on body composition, predicated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), dynamic respiratory parameters and muscle strength in healthy middle-aged people. METHODS Thirty-three middle-aged individuals, who were categorized as moderately active based on their responses to International Physical Activity Questionnaires, underwent random allocation. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups: the Strength Training followed by Aerobic Training group (SAG, n = 16) and the Aerobic Training followed by Strength Training group (ASG, n = 17). Body composition, aerobic endurance, respiratory parameters, and upper and lower strength were assessed at baseline and after (post-test) a 13-week intervention. The chi-square test and the independent t-test were used to compare sociodemographic variables between the groups. A 2 × 2 analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures (group x measurement) was conducted. The study was retrospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov in May of 2023 (clinicaltials.gov identifier: NCT05862415; in 04/25/2023). RESULTS Findings showed no significant differences between the group in the VO2max, FVC or FEV1 (F = 1.122, 0.028, 0.06, 2.483; p > 0.05, respectively). Intragroup analysis revealed changes in PEF compared to baseline in the ASG (F = 5.895; p < 0.05). Increases were observed in all strength parameters for both training programs. CONCLUSIONS The concurrent training effect on muscle composition, oxygen consumption and muscle strength specifically 1RM, in middle-aged individuals are equivocal, regardless of the exercise order. The results indicate that both exercise sequences can elicit similar benefits in terms of cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and endurance. This lack of difference suggests that the order of exercise does not play a significant role in determining the effectiveness of the workout or the subsequent physiological adaptations. CLINICALTIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER NCT05862415. Date of registration: 04/25/2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umut Canli
- Sports Science Faculty, Tekirdag Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey
| | - Monira I Aldhahi
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU), P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia.
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Zhou L, Raza SHA, Gao Z, Hou S, Alwutayd KM, Aljohani ASM, Abdulmonem WA, Alghsham RS, Aloufi BH, Wang Z, Gui L. Fat deposition, fatty acid profiles, antioxidant capacity and differentially expressed genes in subcutaneous fat of Tibetan sheep fed wheat-based diets with and without xylanase supplementation. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2024; 108:252-263. [PMID: 37773023 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Xylanase, an exogenous enzyme that plays an essential role in energy metabolism by hydrolysing xylan into xylose, has been shown to positively influence nutrient digestion and utilisation in ruminants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of xylanase supplementation on the back-fat thickness, fatty acid profiles, antioxidant capacity, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the subcutaneous fat of Tibetan sheep. Sixty three-month-old rams with an average weight of 19.35 ± 2.18 kg were randomly assigned to control (no enzyme added, WH group) and xylanase (0.2% of diet on a dry matter basis, WE group) treatments. The experiment was conducted over 97 d, including 7 d of adaption to the diets. The results showed that xylanase supplementation in the diet increased adipocyte volume of subcutaneous fat (p < 0.05), shown by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Gas chromatography showed greater concentrations of C14:0 and C16:0 in the subcutaneous fat of controls compared with the enzyme-treated group (p < 0.05), while opposite trend was seen for the absolute contents of C18:1n9t, C20:1, C18:2n6c, C18:3, and C18:3n3 (p < 0.05). Compared with controls, supplementation with xylanase increased the activity of T-AOC significantly (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis showed the presence of 1630 DEGs between the two groups, of which 1023 were up-regulated and 607 were down-regulated, with enrichment in 4833 Gene Ontology terms, and significant enrichment in 31 terms (p < 0.05). The common DEGs were enriched in 295 pathways and significantly enriched in 26 pathways. Additionally, the expression of lipid-related genes, including fatty acid synthase, superoxide dismutase, fatty acid binding protein 5, carnitine palmytoyltransferase 1 A, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor A were verified via quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. In conclusion, dietary xylanase supplementation was found to reduce subcutaneous fat deposition in Tibetan sheep, likely through modulating the expression of lipid-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhou
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Sayed Haidar Abbas Raza
- Research Center for Machining and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhanhong Gao
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengzhen Hou
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Khairiah Mubarak Alwutayd
- Department of Biology College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah S M Aljohani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Al Abdulmonem
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ruqaih S Alghsham
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Bandar Hamad Aloufi
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zhiyou Wang
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Linsheng Gui
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai Province, People's Republic of China
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Khan SH, Alahmadi TJ, Alsahfi T, Alsadhan AA, Mazroa AA, Alkahtani HK, Albanyan A, Sakr HA. COVID-19 infection analysis framework using novel boosted CNNs and radiological images. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21837. [PMID: 38071373 PMCID: PMC10710448 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49218-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, a novel pathogen that emerged in late 2019, has the potential to cause pneumonia with unique variants upon infection. Hence, the development of efficient diagnostic systems is crucial in accurately identifying infected patients and effectively mitigating the spread of the disease. However, the system poses several challenges because of the limited availability of labeled data, distortion, and complexity in image representation, as well as variations in contrast and texture. Therefore, a novel two-phase analysis framework has been developed to scrutinize the subtle irregularities associated with COVID-19 contamination. A new Convolutional Neural Network-based STM-BRNet is developed, which integrates the Split-Transform-Merge (STM) block and Feature map enrichment (FME) techniques in the first phase. The STM block captures boundary and regional-specific features essential for detecting COVID-19 infectious CT slices. Additionally, by incorporating the FME and Transfer Learning (TL) concept into the STM blocks, multiple enhanced channels are generated to effectively capture minute variations in illumination and texture specific to COVID-19-infected images. Additionally, residual multipath learning is used to improve the learning capacity of STM-BRNet and progressively increase the feature representation by boosting at a high level through TL. In the second phase of the analysis, the COVID-19 CT scans are processed using the newly developed SA-CB-BRSeg segmentation CNN to accurately delineate infection in the images. The SA-CB-BRSeg method utilizes a unique approach that combines smooth and heterogeneous processes in both the encoder and decoder. These operations are structured to effectively capture COVID-19 patterns, including region-homogenous, texture variation, and border. By incorporating these techniques, the SA-CB-BRSeg method demonstrates its ability to accurately analyze and segment COVID-19 related data. Furthermore, the SA-CB-BRSeg model incorporates the novel concept of CB in the decoder, where additional channels are combined using TL to enhance the learning of low contrast regions. The developed STM-BRNet and SA-CB-BRSeg models achieve impressive results, with an accuracy of 98.01%, recall of 98.12%, F-score of 98.11%, Dice Similarity of 96.396%, and IOU of 98.85%. The proposed framework will alleviate the workload and enhance the radiologist's decision-making capacity in identifying the infected region of COVID-19 and evaluating the severity stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saddam Hussain Khan
- Department of Computer Systems Engineering, University of Engineering and Applied Science, Swat, 19060, Pakistan
| | - Tahani Jaser Alahmadi
- Department of Information Systems, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, 11671, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Tariq Alsahfi
- Department of Information Systems and Technology, College of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abeer Abdullah Alsadhan
- Computer Science Department, Applied College, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Alanoud Al Mazroa
- Department of Information Systems, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, 11671, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hend Khalid Alkahtani
- Department of Information Systems, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, 11671, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Albanyan
- College of Computer Engineering and Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hesham A Sakr
- Nile Higher Institute for Engineering and Technology, Mansoura, Egypt
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Abdeen HA, Helmy ZM, Elnaggar MI, Aldhahi MI, Taha MM, Marques-Sule E, Amin DI, Ibrahim BS, Abdel Aziz A, Castiglione V, Atef H. Different Continuous Training Intensities Improve Echocardiographic Parameters, Quality of Life, and Functional Capacity in Heart Failure Patients with Reduced Ejection Fraction. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:3933-3945. [PMID: 37670928 PMCID: PMC10475351 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s420933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple comorbidities and physiological changes play a role in a range of heart failure conditions and influence the most effective approach to exercise-based rehabilitation. This research aimed to examine and compare the outcomes of continuous training at three different intensities, focusing on left ventricular (LV) remodeling, functional capacity, and quality of life among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods In this randomized control trial, a total of 60 male patients (average age: 54.33 ±2.35 years) with HFrEF were randomly allocated into three groups: 1) High-intensity continuous training group (HICT), 2) Moderate-intensity continuous training group (MICT), and 3) Low-intensity continuous training group (LICT). All the training was performed on a bicycle ergometer 3 times/week for 12 weeks. Echocardiographic parameters (left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, left ventricular end-systolic dimension, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), quality of life (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire), and functional capacity (6-minute walking test) were assessed before and the end of the study. Results The HICT group demonstrated the greatest improvements in all measured variables when compared to the other two groups (P < 0.05). These findings were consistent across all measured outcomes. Conclusion It was determined that HICT appears to yield the most favorable outcomes in enhancing echocardiographic measures, NT-proBNP levels, quality of life, and functional capacity among HFrEF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba A Abdeen
- Department of Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular/Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, 11432, Egypt
| | - Zeinab M Helmy
- Department of Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular/Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, 11432, Egypt
| | - Moustafa I Elnaggar
- Faculty of Physical Therapy, Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development, Giza, Egypt
| | - Monira I Aldhahi
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Mohamed Taha
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elena Marques-Sule
- Physiotherapy in Motion, Multispeciality Research Group (PTinMOTION), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Doaa I Amin
- Basic Science Department, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | - Vincenzo Castiglione
- Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio; “Health Science” Interdisciplinary Research Center, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Hady Atef
- Department of Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular/Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, 11432, Egypt
- School of Allied Health Professions (SAHP), Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
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Elkholi SM, Aldhahi MI, Al Awaji NN. Exploring the Influence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on the Accessibility of Rehabilitation Services Provided to Children with Disabilities: A Cross-Sectional Study. Medicina (Kaunas) 2023; 59:medicina59050837. [PMID: 37241069 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Children with disabilities (such as cerebral palsy, autistic spectrum disorder, and Down syndrome) are the most vulnerable and marginalized subset of the population, representing 2.7% of the total population of Saudi Arabia. The COVID-19 outbreak might have disproportionately affected children with disabilities, augmented their isolation, and induced severe disruptions to the services on which these children rely. Limited research has been conducted in Saudi Arabia to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rehabilitation services provided to children with disabilities and barriers. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the lockdown implemented as a result of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the accessibility of rehabilitation services, including communication, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a survey was conducted between June and September 2020 during the lockdown in Saudi Arabia. A total of 316 caregivers of children with disabilities from Riyadh participated in the study. The accessibility of rehabilitation services provided to children with disabilities was assessed by designing a valid questionnaire. Results: A total of 280 children with disabilities received rehabilitation services before the COVID-19 pandemic and showed improvement following therapeutic sessions. However, during the pandemic, most children stopped receiving therapeutic sessions because of lockdown, which deteriorated their condition. This shows a significant reduction in the accessibility of the rehabilitation services provided during the pandemic. Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed a drastic decline in services provided to children with disabilities. This caused a notable deterioration in the abilities of these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safaa Mostafa Elkholi
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Monira I Aldhahi
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nisreen Naser Al Awaji
- Department of Health Communication Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
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Al Shahrani AS. Does COVID-19 Policy Affect Initiation and Duration of Exclusive Breastfeeding? A Single-center Retrospective Study. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2022; 15:27-36. [PMID: 35058722 PMCID: PMC8765603 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s343150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose It assessed the effect of a COVID-19 policy that involved maternal-neonatal separation on early initiation and duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at two weeks, three, and six months postpartum during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Patients and Methods This retrospective study included consecutive mother-newborn dyads with deliveries between mid-March and the end of December 2020 who agreed to participate and were eligible according to the following criteria: full-term pregnancy, singleton birth, and healthy newborn. Participants were called at least twice during the study period to inquire about exclusive breastfeeding status at two weeks, three, and six months postpartum. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify associated factors with EBF. Results A total of 454 eligible mother-infant dyads were included. Mean maternal age (in years), gestational age (in weeks), birth weight (in kilograms), and 5-min Apgar score was, respectively, 32±5.4 years, 39±1.3 weeks, 3.1±0.42 kg, and 9.24±0.6. Most of the mothers (86.1%) had no known chronic diseases and had a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery (NSVD, 91.4%). Approximately 44.7% of the sample initiated breastfeeding either directly or with expressed breastmilk during their hospital stay. Prevalence of EBF during the first two weeks, three, and six months postpartum was, respectively, 30%, 19.8%, and 31.7%. EBF was associated with birth weight, hospital breastfeeding and EIBF at early postpartum period, while EBF at six months was associated with parity and method of delivery. Conclusion During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of breastfeeding initiation and EBF in the first six months postpartum were low among Saudi mothers. However, multicenter, prospective, cohort studies with adjustment for known confounding factors are required to explore the impact of infection control policies on breastfeeding. Meanwhile, these policies should support early and safe breastfeeding practices, especially with new and evolving information regarding the current pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer Salem Al Shahrani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: Abeer Salem Al Shahrani Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, PO Box 84428, Riyadh11671, Saudi Arabia, Tel +9660118239031 Email
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