bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigating Aflatoxin in Rwanda
Authors: Herrman Timothy J , Hoffmann Vivian , Kamaraba Illuminee , Konlambigue Matieyedou
Published: April 2023

On August 18th, 2021, the International Growth Centre and the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture organised a webinar under the theme Market Driven Strategies for Mitigating Aflatoxin in Rwanda. The webinar highlighted Rwanda's progress towards mitigating aflatoxin and showcased innovative approaches used by neighbouring countries. The event was an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss Rwanda’s key challenges in post-harvest management and assess the evidence on approaches that have (not) worked in similar contexts.
https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v09i2kamaraba
A national probabilistic characterization of local crop proximity and density for refining US screening level exposure estimates of pesticides in surface water arising from agricultural use
Authors: Holmes Christopher M , Desmarteau Dean , Ritter Amy , Hendley Paul
Published: April 2023

Rising world population and changing diets are increasing the need for efficient and effective food and fiber production. Pesticides are used across the US to control pests and improve food yield and quality, but these benefits are offset by their potential to reach and possibly impact aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems. Regulatory agencies rely on prospective exposure models that often start with conservative simplifying assumptions that are refined with additional information if needed. The USEPA ecological risk assessment framework for pesticides assumes, at screening level, that 100% of the area draining to a water body is cropped. However, at the grower’s real-world scale, this simplifying assumption is generally not realistic and should be refined for higher tier assessment. The present study developed a US-wide spatially explicit analysis of crop density and proximity to surface waters to characterize the potential for pyrethroid insecticides to enter flowing surface waters. Reliable, transparent, and publicly available government spatial cropping and hydrology datasets were employed at the catchment-scale across the full extent of agricultural production in the US were used to generate fifteen novel crop-specific probabilistic distributions describing the extent and proximity of each crop to the flowing water body defining small catchments. These were used to refine estimated environmental concentrations using USEPA standard regulatory scenarios to evaluate the importance of considering agricultural landscapes when refining aquatic pesticide concentrations. Incorporating these real-world probabilities of crop occurrence and proximity showed that, while potential maximal aquatic exposure concentrations are unchanged, the probability of exceeding regulatory decision-making concentration endpoints is much lower than predicted by standard assumptions (e.g., 1.9 to ~50-fold reductions by crop for 90% of catchments). Additionally, we show that the relative ranking of crops by their aquatic pesticide exposure potential may change from that indicated when cropping density and proximity are considered.
The American Spice Trade Association’s response to New York State’s new regulatory policies for heavy metals in spices
Authors: Kelly Shannen , Shumow Laura , Scrafford Carolyn , Beru Nega
Published: April 2023

Not Applicable
Regulatory policies for heavy metals in spices – a New York approach
Authors: Ishida Maria L. , Greene Virginia , King Thomas , Sheridan Robert , Luker John , Oglesby Debra  V. , Trodden Jennifer , Greenberg Jon
Published: April 2023

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSAGM) Division of Food Safety and Inspection (NYSAGM-FSI), observed high levels of heavy metals in spices through its routine food surveillance program. There are no federal action levels for heavy metals in spices. In consultation with the NYSAGM Food Laboratory (NYSAGM-FL) and using results from a devised targeted sampling plan, NYSAGM-FSI instituted a State Class II action level of 1 ppm for Pb, arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) and a State Class I action level of 25 ppm for Pb in spices. In 2018, NYSAGM and the New York State Department of Health’s Bureau of Toxic Substance Assessment (NYSDOH-BTSA) created the Center of Excellence on Food Research to determine actionable limits of contaminants commonly found in spices, particularly heavy metals. NYSDOH-BTSA performed an assessment of relevant literature published and derived health-based guidance values for As, Cd, chromium (Cr), and Pb in spices. Consequently, NYSAGM lowered the State’s Class II action levels for Pb, As and Cd in spices by a factor of almost 5 times and is the first State in the nation to establish action levels for heavy metals in spices providing better protection to New York State consumers.
https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v10i1ishida
Regulatory Compliance and Quality Programs: Constraints and Opportunities for Integration
Authors: Freer Brian , Fiene Richard
Published: April 2023

Management systems for regulatory compliance and quality programs are examined in this paper from the standpoint of their potential integration and in terms of the concept of a process. The paper identifies five common drags on management system optimization and outlines a scoring system that organizations may use to evaluate their management systems for potential adoption of an integrated process-based program.
Standardization and the Role of Regulatory Science
Authors: Herrman Tim
Published: April 2023

Advancing the science of creating tools, standards and approaches to assess the safety, efficacy, quality and performance of FDA-regulated products, a working definition for Regulatory Science by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), aligns closely with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Intertwined within this definition and implicit within FSMA is a focus on standardization for industry and regulatory agencies alike.   As food establishments seek to conform to regulatory requirements within this Act, a parallel activity is underway within the regulatory community involving standardization.
Detection and Isolation of Salmonella spp. in Animal Feeds from 2007-2011
Authors: Hsieh Yi-Cheng , Lee Kyung-Min , Poole Toni , Runyon Mick , Jones Ben , Herrman Timothy J
Published: April 2023

Salmonella species (spp.) are zoonotic pathogens that contaminate animal ingredients and finished feed and represent a significant hazard as identified by the Codex Animal Feed Taskforce. The United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) promulgated regulations prohibiting Salmonella contamination in feed and has since published a draft guidance document expressing their current strategy involving regulatory oversight of Salmonella contamination in feed. The Office of the Texas State Chemist (OTSC) initiated the broad surveillance of Salmonella spp. in 2007 in response of a Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium outbreak in frozen rodents, which are subject to the agency’s regulatory oversight as defined by the Texas Commercial Feed Control Act. From calendar years of 2007-2011, 2622 total feed samples were collected and subsequently evaluated for Salmonella contamination using multiple first-line methods, the accuracy of which was assessed with DNA-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and automated immunoanalysis. Three hundred and five out of 2622 tested samples with 78 different serotypes were identified as Salmonella-contaminated products. Results also indicated a steady increase in Salmonella incidence, along with a corresponding increase in Salmonella isolate and serotype diversity since 2007. This prevalence of Salmonella-contaminated feed stocks presents a potential risk to public health.
Isolation and Identification of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Associated with Tattoo-related Outbreaks
Authors: Chou Kyson , Van Khanh , Chen Kai-Shun , Torres Selene , Williams-Hill Donna , Martin William B.
Published: April 2023

Recently, there have been several tattoo-related outbreaks of nontuberculous mycobacterial skin infections in the United States. In an eort to halt the outbreaks and to prevent similar events from occurring, FDA conducted an investigation to determine the source of the contamination. During the investigation, environmental and water samples were collected from tattoo parlors and manufacturers of tattoo ink. These samples were subjected to isolation of mycobacteria at Wadsworth Center of the New York State Department of Health and at FDA PRLSW followed by species identification of the isolates at PRLSW. In order to conduct the investigational studies in a time-sensitive manner, a two-step screening and classification procedure was devised. In this scheme, suspect mycobacterial colonies were screened using multiplex real- time PCR coupled with melting curve analyses specific for the genus Mycobacterium and for dierentiating the species within the M. chelonae-M. abscessus group. Mycobacterial isolates were subsequently identified via sequencing analysis within the coding regions of both 16s rRNA and RNA polymerase subunit beta. In total, 45 colonies of Mycobacterium were isolated and identified as M. chelonae, M. immunogenum, and M. mucogenicum. The isolates from each set of samples contained the corresponding species of Mycobacterium recovered from outbreak patients. Our results suggested that both unsanitary manufacturing processes during production of tattoo ink and the use of non-sterile water for dilution of tattoo ink were possible causes for outbreaks of skin infection in clients of the aected parlors. In addition, the two-step approach taken for screening and identifying mycobacterial colonies in the current study facilitated rapid investigation of tattoo-related outbreaks of nontuberculous mycobacterial infection, thereby enhancing FDAs ability to better protect public health.
STUDY ON THE STATUS OF INDIAN BLUE PEAFOWL (PAVO CRISTATUS) IN SELECTED AREAS AT KUMBAKONAM, THANJAVUR DISTRICT
Authors:   PG & Research Department of Zoology, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Kumbakonam-612 002, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India., C. Subramanian , S. Micheltyson ,   PG & Research Department of Zoology, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Kumbakonam-612 002, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India., G. Kalaiyarasi ,   Department of Biotechnology, Rajagiri Dawood Batcha College of Arts and Science, P.B. No. 4 Papanasam-614 205, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.
Published: April 2023

The overall peafowl abundance were found 247. It was 93 cocks, 93 fowls and 61 chicks (sex ratio (1:1) in the study areas. The peafowl abundance were recorded in different habitats such as Paddy, Sugarcane, Banana plantation, Bamboo vegetation, aquatic Grasses (Grass vegetation). The highest abundance was noticed in Banana plantation (n=61) and the lowest abundance was recorded in Bamboo vegetation (n=35). Meanwhile, Sugar cane habitat (n=50), Paddy field (n=48), and aquatic grasses (n=55). The study was carryout from October 2021 to April 2022. A total of 7 months were studied for peafowl abundance in different area in and around Innambur village, Kumbakonam Taluk. The monthly variation were noticed for peafowl abundance. The maximum sightings of peafowl was obtained in the month of Feb (n=13). The minimum sightings of peafowl was recorded in the month of November and March respectively (n=7). The highest sightings of peafowl was observed in Eragaram area (n=35 male 18 Female 11 and chick 6). The sightings of Indian peafowl were expressed in number (Number of sighting / km walked in the study area). The habitats includes Paddy, Sugarcane, Banana plantation, Bamboo vegetation and aquatic grasses. The overall sightings of Indian peafowl in the study area was 247. The highest sightings was estimated in the Banana plantation habitat.The minimum sightings was recorded in Bamboo vegetation. It was showed the moderate number of sightings of Indian peafowl in the other habitats.
CLINICAL PROFILE OF ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY IN ACUTE FEBRILE ILLNESS WITH THROMBOCYTOPENIA
Authors:   Post Graduate, Department of General Medicine, Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute of Medical Sciences, Bommakal, Karimnagar, 505001, Telangana, India., N.V Niveditha , Kumar Pavan ,   Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine, Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute of Medical Sciences, Bommakal, Karimnagar, 505001, Telangana, India., H.K Sanjay ,   Professor and HOD, Department of General Medicine, Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute of Medical Sciences, Bommakal, Karimnagar, 505001, Telangana, India.
Published: April 2023

Background:Acute febrile illness is defined as an acute febrile syndrome with oral temperature over 37.5 degree Celsius within last 24 hours and less than 2 weeks of duration with non-specific Symptoms that will not help us to localize to a particular system. Aim:The aim of this study was to- Study the Incidence and Spectrum of acute kidney injury in acute febrile illness with Thrombocytopenia. Materials and Methods:Observational cross sectional study of admitted patients who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria in Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, from admission to discharge. Results:Stage I acute kidney injury accounts for 84 cases, stage II accounts for 14 cases & stage III accounts for 2 cases. Stage I(84%) acute kidney injury is the most common and majority of cases among the various acute febrile illness with thrombocytopenia compared to stage II(14%) and stage III (2%). Conclusion: Most of the cases had stage I acute kidney injury and recovered completely at discharge. Dengue fever is the most common cases in this study Out of 100 patients >90 mL/min/1.73 m2 is seen in 70 patients, >60 mL/min/1.73 m2 is seen in 16 patients, >15 mL/min/1.73 m2 is seen in 13 patients and 1 patient died.
Accuracy of CAD/CAM and 3D printing in the treatment of feline femoral neck fracture
Authors: TRĘBACZ PIOTR , BARTECZKO ANNA , KURKOWSKA ALEKSANDRA , PAWLIK MATEUSZ , GALANTY MAREK
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a CT scan provides accurate bone surface information for feline bone model development. The second part of study consisted of 3D printing of feline femoral bone models with and without femoral neck fractures (31-B1 and 31-B2 in AO VET classification), as well as the development and 3D printing of drill guides for treatment of femoral neck fractures. The study was carried out on eight models of femoral bones and four drill guides. Initially, trial models of the right and left femurs without neck fractures and trial drill guides were used. Radiographs showed that the use of the prototype guides made it possible to drill holes in the axes of the necks of the femurs. Then, after assessing the correct operation of the guides and improving their adhesion to the bone surface by smoothing the inner surfaces of the guide bases, final bone models without femoral neck fracture, models with fractures 31-B1 and 31-B2, and final drill guides were printed. All models featured a 2.7 × 30 mm positional cortical screw. Radiographs of the models, made after inserting screws, showed that the implants were placed as intended. Also in the longitudinal sections of the heads and necks of the femoral bones of the models without fractures, the implants were positioned in the intended places.
Causes of goiter in goats
Authors: NOWEK ZOFIA , MICKIEWICZ MARCIN , BIERNACKA KINGA , FIK AGATA MOROZ- , SZALUŚ–JORDANOW OLGA , CZOPOWICZ MICHAŁ , MARKOWSKA-DANIEL IWONA , BAGNICKA EMILIA , KABA JAROSŁAW
Published: April 2023

A normal thyroid gland is difficult to distinguish from the surrounding tissues. Its enlargement, referred to as goiter, is most often found in newborn kids, less often in adult animals. Feeding errors, such as incorrect iodine content in the ration or the presence of goitrogens, may contribute to its formation. The occurrence of goiter may also have a genetic basis. Mutation within the TG gene leads to abnormal synthesis of thyroglobulin – a protein essential in the synthesis and storage of thyroid hormones. In Poland, the most common problem is congenital goitre, with a genetic background, caused by an increase in inbreeding in the herd.
Tumors of the reproductive system of bitches - based on the description of selected own clinical cases and literature data
Authors: BRODZKI PIOTR , WOLNIACZYK KAROLINA , GŁODKOWSKA KATARZYNA , BRODZKI NIKODEM
Published: April 2023

Tumors of the reproductive system in bitches can affect any of its anatomical structures. The predominant lesions are those appearing in the vagina and vulva, accounting for about 2.4-3% of all tumors in bitches, followed by ovarian tumors – 0.5-1.2%, while uterine tumors are rare and it is difficult to even estimate their incidence. The most common type of ovarian tumor is granulosa cell tumor (GCT), which originates from the granulosa cells of the Graff follicle. In the uterus, vagina and vulva, the most common is smooth-cell myoma (leiomyoma), along with its malignant types (leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma), derived from mesenchymal tissue. Diagnosis of these lesions is mainly based on a detailed clinical examination, vaginoscopy, imaging tests (ultrasound, X-ray, CT) and evaluation of sex hormone levels. However, accurate differentiation of tumors is possible only by histopathological examination. The most effective method of treatment is the surgical removal of diagnosed tumors. The paper presents our own clinical cases of tumors of different parts of the reproductive system in bitches: ovarian tumors (GCT); uterine tumors (leyomyoma); and tumors of the vagina and vulva (fibromyoma, leyomyoma). Moreover, the numerous illustrations included in the paper, documenting the mentioned cases, are a valuable addition to the publication.
Comparative evaluation of major milk quality parameters of Holstein and Simmental cows at different lactation stages under similar environmental conditions
Authors: KAYA UFUK , ÖZKAN HÜSEYİN , YAZLIK MURAT ONUR , ÇAMDEVİREN BARAN , GÜNGÖR GÜVEN , KARAASLAN İREM , DALKIRAN SEVDA , KEÇELİ HASAN HÜSEYİN , AKÇAY AYTAÇ , YAKAN AKIN
Published: April 2023

e aim of this study was to evaluate the composition and quality parameters of Simmental and Holstein cows’ milk with different lactation stages under the same environmental conditions. Multiparous Holstein and Simmental cows from different lactation stages (n = 210) were included in the present study. MDA, SCC, composition, and fatty acid analyzes were performed from the collected milk samples. To determine the effect of breed, lactation stage and their interactions, linear mixed models were applied to these parameters. Among the breeds, only milk fat and pH were determined statistically significant as composition parameters. While C15:0 and C17:1 n8 were observed to be statistically significant for the breed factor, C18:2 n6 trans were statistically significant only for the lactation stage factor. Moreover, the fatty acids of C4:0, C6:0, C8:0, C10:0, C11:0, C12:0, C13:0, C16:0, C18:1 n9, C20:0 and C22:6 n3 were determined to be statistically significant in terms of interactions. For the fatty acid indices, SCFA, MCFA, n3 and n6/n3 were statistically significant in terms of interactions while SFA, MUFA, UFA and AI were statistically significant in terms of breeds. On the other hand, new studies are needed to investigate the differences between these breeds at the molecular level for milk quality and fatty acid synthesis.
Networked Iterative Learning Control Under Changing Operating Mode of Agents and Configuration of Information Network
Authors:   Arzamas Polytechnic Institute of R.E. Alekseev, Koposov Anton Sergeevich ,   Nizhny Novgorod State Technical University
Published: April 2023

The paper considers the iterative learning control (ILC) design problem of a network system under changing operating mode of subsystems (agents) and configuration of information network. The network system consists of identical agents, which are discrete linear dynamic plants operating in a repetitive mode. The operating modes of agents depend on their parameters and the reference trajectory, which must be tracked with required accuracy at output of system. The configurations of information network define the group of functioning agents and the type of information exchange between them. The mode and the configuration change takes place in accordance with certain external rules. The control design is based on the divergent method of the vector Lyapunov function. For reducing the transient error caused by the mode change and the connection of new agents, a special rule for switching the ILC law is proposed. The results of modeling the obtained control law for a group of manipulators with flexible link are presented.
Impacts of illegal solid waste dumping on the water quality of the Mthatha River
Authors: Bangani Lazola , Kabiti Hlekani Muchazotida , Amoo Oseni , Nakin Motebang D.V. , Magayiyana Zendy
Published: April 2023

The world faces problems such as improper waste disposal that have spread to include disposal near water bodies. It is getting difficult to find fresh water everywhere. Given that surface sources provide around one-third of the world's drinking water needs, their contamination exacerbates the issue. This paper aims at evaluating the impacts of solid waste on water quality along the Mthatha River. During the rainy and dry seasons of 2021, Hanna probe instruments were used to assess the physicochemical quality of water before and after identified illegal dump sites. To compare the measured mean values of water quality parameters data were analysed using ANOVA in SPSS version 22. In terms of temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrite, conductivity, and Escherichia coli, the water quality in the sampling points after the illegal dump sites revealed deterioration, which was more severe in the rainy season and moderate in the dry season. The study's findings suggest that illegal dump sites along water bodies negatively impact the water quality. Diverse research on water pollution shows that declining water quality endangers aquatic species and is unsafe for human consumption. This paper recommends strengthening of laws against improper waste handling, and frequent waste collection to prevent contamination of water bodies.
Impact of water resources pricing mechanism on global agricultural economy based on CGE model
Authors: Liu Biao , Liang Yaming
Published: April 2023

Water resource (WR) is a complex and interrelated system, which integrates human development and environment. Water price research is gradually carried out under the background of resource economy research, which is an important part of natural resource price research. The main goal of the water price mechanism is to solve the problem of water resource allocation under the pressure of water supply and demand and realize the sustainable development of agricultural economy (AE). Faced with the dual pressure of rising water demand and declining water supply, many regions have begun to reform the water price mechanism and use the CGE model for scientific and reasonable resource allocation. To this end, this paper analyzed the drawbacks and the factors of WR pricing mechanism and used the CGE (Computable General Equilibrium for short here) model to study the upper limit of the pricing of resources, and then analyzed the problems of WR CGE model in agriculture, and finally optimized the problems. According to the experimental analysis, the pricing mechanism of WR under the CGE model can reasonably allocate resources, reduce water demand and promote the development of AE.
Suspended solid removal efficiency of plate settlers and tube settlers analysed by CFD modelling
Authors: Abeyratne W. M. L. K. , Weerakoon S. B. , Neluwala Panduka , Ratnaweera Harsha
Published: April 2023

Removal of suspended solids from raw water is an essential process in water treatment plants. Conventional sedimentation tanks in water treatment plants occupy a large area and become expensive in urban areas. The use of plate settlers or tube settlers in sedimentation tanks to increase the efficiency and hence reduce the footprint of sedimentation tanks is an economical solution in water treatment. This study investigated the effectiveness of plate and tube settlers compared to conventional settlers in a water treatment plant. A three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model was set up using ANSYS-CFX 17.2. Seven cases (a conventional settler, three plate settlers and three tube settlers) were analysed to compare the settler performances. The maximum removal efficiencies of all solid classes were approximately equal in plate and tube settlers with the same plate spacing and tube depth: around 100%, 67%, 28% and 9% for the solid classes with particle diameters of 41, 17, 9.5 and 5.0 µm, respectively. The settling efficiency remained unchanged with the increase of the plate settling area beyond 60% of the conventional settler area under the given tank and flow conditions. The tube cross-section shape does not affect the particle removal efficiency of a tube settler.
Development of a mathematical model for a microbial denitrification co-culture system comprising acetogenic bacterium Sporomusa ovata and denitrifying bacterium Pseudomonas stutzeri
Authors: Pei Haoyi , Chen Dan , Jiang Hongxia , Xiao Zhixing
Published: April 2023

Previous study has shown that co-culturing acetogenic bacterium Sporomusa ovata (SO), with denitrifying bacterium Pseudomonas stutzeri (PS), is a promising strategy to enhance the microbial denitrification for nitrate-contaminated groundwater remediation. However, the mutual effects and reaction kinetics of these two bacteria in the co-culture system are poorly understood. In this study, a mathematical model for this co-culture system was established to fill this knowledge gap. Model simulation demonstrated that SO had a significant effect on the kinetics of denitrification by PS, while PS slightly affected the kinetics of acetate production by SO. The optimal initial HCO3-/NO3- ratio and SO/PS inoculation ratio were 0.77–1.48 and 67 for the co-culture system to achieve satisfied denitrification performance with less acetate accumulation. Finally, the minimum hydrogen supply was recommended when the initial bicarbonate and nitrate concentrations were assigned in the range of 2–20 mM and 2–4 mM for simulating the natural nitrate-contaminated groundwater treatment. These findings could provide useful insights to guide the operation and optimization of the denitrification co-culture system.
Apuntes sobre el estado (bio)ético de las tecnologías de mejoramiento humano
Authors: Toscano Daniel
Published: April 2023

La presente reflexión analiza los aspectos bioéticos inherentes a las tecnologías de mejoramiento humano (TMH), esto es, las implicaciones éticas que conlleva la intervención genética, la transformación bioquímica y el modelamiento del cuerpo y del cerebro por medios tecnológicos. Para llevar a buen puerto este objetivo, primero se plantea el problema del “analfabetismo emocional”, expresión acuñada por Günter Anders y que que tomamos de este autor con el fin de presentar la dificultad con la que tropezamos al reflexionar sobre la tecnología en general, y las tecnologías de mejoramiento humano en particular. En segundo lugar, en relación con las TMH, se identifican los tópicos clave en disputa, y se reconstruyen los principales argumentos esgrimidos tanto por los abanderados (transhumanistas) como por sus críticos (conservacionistas). En tercer lugar, se plantea la pregunta por los límites éticos del uso de las TMh para, finalmente, analizar hasta qué punto y en qué medida existe o no un deber moral de intervenir tecnológicamente (TMH) en casos como el de la era de las crisis socioambientales.
Elevated Left Ventricular Filling Pressure as an Early Predictor of Progression
of White-coat Hypertension to Sustained Hypertension
Authors: Rao D. Srinivasa , Durugu Sasank
Published: April 2023

Background:

White-coat hypertension is commonly observed in subjects presenting with elevated office blood pressure measurements. Although white-coat hypertension does not require medication long-term, studies have observed progression to sustained hypertension in about 30% of individuals. Left ventricular diastolic abnormalities have been described in some individuals with white-coat hypertension and early hypertension. Objective: The present study is a prospective study of follow-up of individuals with white-coat hypertension and the correlation of left ventricular diastolic parameters as determinants of the development of sustained hypertension.

Materials and Methods:

Individuals diagnosed to have white-coat hypertension based on elevated office blood pressure measurements and normal ambulatory blood pressure measurements were included in the study and were evaluated by echocardiography for left ventricular diastolic function and filling pressures (E/A ratio, E wave deceleration time, E/E’ ratio). They were followed up for 1-year to assess for the development of sustained hypertension and to correlate with the initial echocardiographic parameters.

Results:

A total number of 32 individuals with white coat hypertension were followed up for 1 year period. Moreover, 25 (78.12%) subjects remained to be normotensive and 7 (21.88%) subjects developed sustained hypertension. There was no significant correlation between E/A, and E wave deceleration time in all the subjects. E/E’ ratio had a positive correlation (R-value 0.77) in subjects who developed sustained hypertension over a 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion:

Echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular filling pressure by E/E’ ratio can be considered as an early predictor for the development of sustained hypertension in white-coat hypertension in a long-term follow-up.
Sternoclavicular Joint Osteomyelitis Post Implantable Cardioverter
Defibrillator Insertion: A Case Report
Authors: AlQattan Hussain M. , Alghamdi Rawan A , Arafat Amr A. , Shalaby Mostafa , Adam Adam I
Published: April 2023

Background:

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator is a rare source of sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) infection. Management of SCJ infection is challenging because of the joint's proximity to major vascular structures.

Case Presentation::

We presented a case of SCJ infection two years post implantable cardioverter-defibrillator insertion in a 70-year-old gentleman. We managed the patient successfully with minimal surgical debridement, followed by negative pressure suction and antibiotic therapy for eight weeks.

Discussion:

Management of SCJ after implantable ICD is still challenging. Few cases reported the possibility of negative wound suction to manage this condition after wound debridement. Our case may support the conservative approach to managing SCJ infection.

Conclusion:

SCJ infection can occur for a long time following ICD insertion. Wound debridement followed by negative wound therapy could be beneficial in the management of this condition
Review of the Synthesis, Reactions and Pharmaceutical Potential of Pyrido
[2,3-d]Pyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: El Malah Tamer , Abdel Mageid Randa E. , Shamroukh Ahmed H.
Published: April 2023

The current review focused on the various methods for synthesizing pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives and the reactions of pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives with important pharmaceutical and biological activities.
Effect-Directed Assays and Biological Detection Approaches Coupled with
Thin-Layer Chromatography as an Evolving Hyphenated Technique: A
Comprehensive Review
Authors: Siddiquee Zoya , Parveen Rabea , Ahmad Sayeed
Published: April 2023

Background:

Bioautography is a technique for the detection of biological activity that
combines the elements of planar chromatography. Its hyphenated variants are widely used in the
screening of natural products possessing biological activity. It can be used in the activity-based
screening of phytochemical ingredients by employing various enzyme processes and reactions and
facilitates the rapid determination of bioactive compounds in pant samples.

Objective:

To give a comprehensive overview of effect-directed assays and biological detection
approaches used in conjugation with thin layer chromatography technique. The present review article
attempts to throw light on the various aspects of bioautography, including its types and applications,
thereby giving its concise overview and its relevance in the field of natural product screening.

Methods:

Various search engines were used for the literature survey, including Google Scholar,
Semantic Scholar, PubMed, ResearchGate and Scopus.

Results:

Bioautography has wide-ranging uses in the screening of compounds such as antioxidants,
antifungals, antimicrobials, estrogenic, antitumors, and various enzyme inhibitors compounds like
α and β-glucosidase inhibitors and α-amylase inhibitors.

Conclusion:

Bioautography serves to be an effective tool for the isolation of bioactive phytochemicals,
thereby allowing us to scientifically validate the biological activities of various compounds,
which can then be utilized for making potent medications for various diseases.
Identification of CLIC5 as a Prognostic Biomarker and Correlated
Immunomodulator for Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Bian Tingting , Zhang Wenyi , Wang Fengxu , Chu Xiuyu , Pan Xiaohui , Ruan Junpu , Yu Shali , Liu Lei , Sun Hui , Qiu Hongmei , Li Ye , Tang Juan , Zhao Xinyuan , Zhang Hongbing
Published: April 2023

Background:

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most common pathological
types of lung cancer. The gene Chloride Intracellular Channel 5 (CLIC5) has an important role in
neurophysiology, cardiovascular biology, and tumour biology. Here, we explored the prognostic
value and immune infiltration of CLIC5 expression in LUAD patients.

Methods:

We extracted transcriptional LUAD data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and
the University of Alabama Cancer Database to explore CLIC5 expression profiles and their relation
to CLIC5 and clinicopathological parameters. The relationship between CLIC5 and survival time
was explored using Kaplan-Meier Plotter. Then, we integrated the data from TCGA and the Gene
Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to perform univariate and multivariate Cox regression. We
performed CLIC5 immunohistochemical staining on 167 lung adenocarcinoma samples for further
verification. In addition, we analysed the Gene Ontology (GO) database, Kyoto Encyclopaedia of
Genes and Genomes pathways and network analysis of protein-protein interactions in lung tissue,
to explore the potential mechanism of CLIC5. To analyse the correlation between immune infiltration
and CLIC5 expression, we first compared the expression of immune cells in tumour tissues
and normal tissues based on the TCGA and GEO databases. We found 51 immunomodulators related
to CLIC5 and structured their enrichment pathways as well as those of 50 correlated genes.
We used a Cox regression model to identify multiple-gene risk prediction signatures. Finally, we
assessed the prognostic accuracy of the risk scores via receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results:

CLIC5 expression levels were significantly lower in LUAD tissue than in normal tissue.
Lower CLIC5 expression was negatively correlated to the overall survival of LUAD patients based
on survival analysis. We identified CLIC5 as an independent prognosis predictor. Functional network
analysis suggested that CLIC5 is related to multiple pathways. CLIC5 expression is closely
related to infiltration levels of many immune cells and immune marker sets in LUAD patients.
Furthermore, the risk score based on immunomodulators related to CLIC5 was an independent
prognosis predictor in the TCGA lung cohorts.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that CLIC5 is a promising molecular marker for the prognosis
and immune infiltration of LUAD patients.
Drug-gut Microbiome Interaction in Atherosclerosis Therapeutics
Authors: Zhang Hao-Jian , Wang Yan , Jiang Jian-Dong
Published: April 2023

Atherosclerosis (AS) is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease pathogenesis, and current
studies have found that the development of atherosclerosis is closely related to the intestinal microbiome. This review
describes the relationship between the development of atherosclerosis and the gut microbiome with its metabolites
and reviews the interactions between atherosclerosis-related drugs and the intestinal microbiome, especially the
in vivo metabolic effects of the intestinal microbiome on drugs related to the treatment of atherosclerosis, to provide
further understanding for the development of drugs based on the intestinal microbiome to treat atherosclerosis.
Plant-based Natural Products as inhibitors for Efflux Pumps to Reverse
Multidrug Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus: A Mini Review
Authors: Ramalingam Shalini , Chandrasekar Moola Joghee Nanjan , Krishnan Ganesh G.N. , Nanjan Moola Joghee
Published: April 2023

Wounds provide a favourable site for microbial infection. Wound infection makes the healing
more complex and does not proceed in an orchestrated manner leading to the chronic wound. Clinically
infected wounds require proper antimicrobial therapy. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are usually
prescribed first before going to targeted therapy. The current conventional mode of therapy mainly
depends on the use of antibiotics topically or systemically. Repeated and prolonged use of antibiotics,
however, leads to multidrug resistance. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common multidrugresistant
microorganism found in wounds. It effectively colonizes the wound and produces many toxins,
thereby reducing the host immune response and causing recurrent infection, thus making the
wound more complex. The overexpression of efflux pumps is one of the major reasons for the emergence
of multidrug resistance. Inhibition of efflux pumps is, therefore, a potential strategy to reverse
this resistance. The effective therapy to overcome this antibiotic resistance is to use combination therapy,
namely the combination of an inhibitor, and a non-antibiotic compound with an antibiotic for
their dual function. Many synthetic efflux pump inhibitors to treat wound infections are still under
clinical trials. In this connection, several investigations have been carried out on plant-based natural
products as multidrug resistance-modifying agents as they are believed to be safe, inexpensive and
suitable for chronic wound infections.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Antioxidant Activities of 2-(1-(Substituted phenyl)ethylidene)-1-(4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-2-yl)hydrazines
Authors: Sihag Monika , Soni Rinku , Rani Neha , Kinger Mayank , Choudhary Manjusha , Aneja Deepak Kumar
Published: April 2023

Background:

Pyrimidine and hydrazones are well known for their therapeutic applications.

Objective:

To investigate the antioxidant activities of compounds having pyrimidine and hydrazone motifs
in hope of finding molecules with robust antioxidant activities.

Methods:

Hydrazones were obtained by condensing pyrimidine hydrazine with aromatic ketones. The structures
of these compounds were established on the basis of NMR, FTIR and mass spectral data analysis.

Results:

All compounds were assessed for their antioxidant potential against DPPH, hydrogen peroxide,
nitric oxide and superoxide free radicals.

Conclusion:

A series of twelve 2-(1-(substituted phenyl)ethylidene)-1-(4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-2-yl)hydrazines
was synthesized and compounds 6d, 6e, 6h, and 6j found to have good antioxidant activities.
The Limping Child: A Guide for the Trainees
Authors: AlRohaimi Norah , Alkhalaf Hamad , Alqanatish Jubran
Published: April 2023

Limping is a common presenting complaint in children. Despite this, it remains to be a diagnostic challenge for treating physicians due to an expanded list of etiologies. It arises from a spectrum of disorders, ranging from physiological variations of gait at different stages of develop-ment to systemic causes, such as inflammatory diseases or musculoskeletal infections. On rare oc-casions, non-musculoskeletal causes could result in limping. The diagnostic challenge increases in younger age children where a detailed physical examination that helps identify the exact source of pathology may not be possible. In older patients who have a well-developed gait cycle, the physical assessment might be easier. Clinical assessment in a child presenting with a limp includes gait anal-ysis, which is essential to guide the appropriate request of diagnostic laboratory tests and imaging studies. In this paper, we provide a practical guide for a trainee in General Pediatric and Pediatric Rheumatology on an approach to a limping child, aiming to identify the common causes of limping and to describe normal and abnormal gait cycles. We also discuss other diagnostic considerations in the assessment of these children.
The Short-term Efficacy of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) and Gd-
EOB-DTPA-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Fusion Imagingguided
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Colorectal Liver Metastasis
(CRLM)
Authors: Li Lei , Zhang Lei , Han Xue , Li Xintong , Yang Huajing , Sun Ya-Nan , Cheng Wen
Published: April 2023

Objective:

This study is to explore the efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) / Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
fusion imaging-guided(fusion group)radiofrequency ablation (RFA) versus conventional ultrasound imaging-guided (conventional group) RFA for
colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM) in a short-term.

Methods:

From December 2020 to December 2021, patients who underwent imaging-guided RFA of CRLM at our hospital with available CT/MRI images
were enrolled consecutively. 22 patients with 46 lesions had undergone conventional group RFA whereas 29 patients with 63 lesions had
undergone fusion group RFA. The lesion detection rate, technical success, local tumor progression (LTP) and complications were calculated.

Results:

In this retrospective study, 51 patients with 130 lesions were diagnosed with CRLM. However, there were 12 lesions and 9 lesions invisible in the
conventional group and fusion group, respectively. The lesion detection rate on the fusion imaging was significantly higher than on the US or
CEUS in the fusion group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences of the detection rate between the conventional group and the fusion
group (P=0.207). In both groups, the technical success rate was 100%. For local tumor progression (LTP), there were no significant differences
between the two groups (P>0.05). The complications after ablation had no significant differences between the two groups (P=0.97).

Conclusion:

CEUS/ Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI fusion imaging is a safe and effective method for RFA in the management of CRLM patients, and it may
improve the therapeutic effect by detecting small lesions early.
Clinical Value of Deep Vein Thrombosis Density on Lower-Extremity CT
Venography: Prediction of Pulmonary Thromboembolism
Authors: Jung Jae Hyeop , Kim Jin Kyem , Kim Taeho , Kim Dong Kyu
Published: April 2023

Aim:

Diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) can be delayed if the signs and symptoms of patients are nonspecific.

Introduction:

To assess the clinical value of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) density on computed tomography (CT) venography for predicting PTE.

Methods:

From 2016 to 2021, patients with DVT diagnosed on lower-extremity CT venography were included. Of these patients, those without PTE were classified into ‘DVT-only group’ and those with PTE were classified into the ‘DVT with PTE group’. The DVT Hounsfield unit (HU) density was measured by drawing free-hand region-of-interests within the thrombus at the most proximal filling defect level. The risk factors associated with PTE were identified by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the value of DVT density for predicting the risk of PTE.

Results and Discussion::

This study included 177 patients with a mean age of 41.7 ± 10.3 years (DVT-only group: 105 patients; DVT with PTE group: 72 patients). DVT density was significantly higher in DVT with the PTE group than DVT-only group (66.8HU ± 8.7 vs. 57.9HU ± 11.1, p < 0.001). The ROC analysis revealed that the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity for predicting the risk of PTE were 0.737, 72.2%, and 66.7%, respectively, at a DVT density cutoff of 63.0 HU. On univariate and multivariate analysis, DVT density was the only significant risk factor associated with PTE.

Conclusion:

Higher DVT density was a significant risk factor for PTE. In addition, DVT density could be a predictive factor for PTE.
Volumetric Modulated Arc Radiotherapy Efficacy after Double Recurrences of
Cardiac Sarcoma
Authors: Rosario Pisani Antonio , Sardaro Angela , Maggialetti Nicola , Altini Corinna , Rubini Dino , Mammucci Paolo , Rubini Giuseppe
Published: April 2023

Background:

Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) has recently become a pivotal treatment of oncological diseases due to the high-precise delineation of target volume contours with sparing organs at risk. This procedure requires a high level of experience and precision and is achievable only with advanced diagnostic support. Magnetic Resonance (MRI) and multimodality imaging, such as 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT), are fundamental in implementing radiotherapy guidance.

Case Report:

A 54-year-old patient underwent surgery twice to remove primitive and recurrent cardiac sarcomas of the left atrium. The appearance of a further
relapse required radiotherapy as the only possible treatment. Cardiac MRI was then performed to define the degree of atrial mass invasiveness, and
18F-FDG PET/CT was performed to assess the activity and staging of the cardiac lesion. It revealed high 18F-FDG uptake not only in the left
atrium lesion but also in a pancreatic lesion with elevated 18F-FDG uptake (SUV max 5.5). The pancreatic biopsy performed a few days later
confirmed the myxoid sarcoma metastasis, and surgeons defined it as not operable due to the patient�s clinical condition. Radiotherapy was then
urgently performed with the VMAT technique. After 40 days, a cardiac MRI showed a reduction in the cardiac mass with improvement in the
respiratory and cardiac symptoms; then, the patient started chemotherapy. One year after diagnosis, the patient is still alive and is receiving
chemotherapy with gemcitabine and docetaxel with good compliance.

Conclusion:

The correct and timely management of a patient suffering from a rare oncological disease has allowed a better and longer survival, especially due to VMAT, a sophisticated procedure that requires high expertise. This case also demonstrates that cardiac MRI and whole-body imaging procedures, such as 18FDG PET/CT, can be useful in staging patients with oncological diseases.