bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth of Nanostructured Zinc Oxide on Flexible Conductive Substrate: A Review
Authors: Ainun Rahmahwati Ainuddin , Ismail Siti Sarah Mohd , Zakiah Kamdi , Hussin Rosniza , Aida Ibrahim Siti
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a review on the structural and morphological of nanostructured zinc oxide (ZnO) fabricated on flexible conductive substrate, mainly indium tin oxide coated on polyethylene terephthalate (ITO/PET) via various fabrication method is reported. Besides fabrication method, the effect of fabrication condition such as immersion time of ZnO-ITO/PET via hydrothermal method, concentration of modification material of precursor solution via sol-gel method, value of applied cathodic voltage and value of current densities via electrochemical deposition are also discussed. XRD analysis showed that the growth of ZnO-ITO/PET are preferred on (002) or (101) planes. SEM analysis revealed various type of nanostructured ZnO when prepared by sol-gel, spin coating, HWT and hydrothermal method, highlighting ZnO nanorods as the main morphology of ZnO-ITO/PET. The diameter of ZnO nanorods ranges from 10 nm to 830 nm.
Optical and Structural Properties of Controlled pH Variation on Zinc Oxide Nanostructured via Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Ali Arlina , Ameram Nadiah Bte , Ter Teo Pao , Hidayani Jaafar , Syamsir Akmal , Rahimi Muhamud L.
Published: January 2022

Zinc oxide (ZnO) had been interested today because of their unique and good properties in electronic devices. ZnO nanostructured was synthesized via hydrothermal method by varied the pH value from 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. The effect of different pH values from 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 was changed the morphological, structure and optical properties. The samples characterized with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Ultraviolet- Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. SEM is to observe the morphology images of ZnO nanostructure grains. XRD revealed the detail information on the crystallographic structure and phase formation of the materials. Lastly, UV-vis spectroscopy is to measure the band gap of optical semiconductor. From SEM result, it had shown that the hexagonal nanorods was obtained at pH 7 and pH 11 whereas nanorods is obtain at pH 8, 9 and 10. XRD revealed that the ZnO nanostructure exhibits the hexagonal wurtzite structure and the average crystallite size of ZnO nanoparticle was calculated. UV-Vis spectroscopy shows the absorption of ZnO and band determination from Tauc Plot relation plotter using UV-vis. The resulted show the pH values affect the nanostructure growth of zinc oxide semiconductor properties.
Use of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Bottom Ash and Rice Husk Ash as Blended Cement
Authors: Che Amat Roshazita , Ismail Khairul Nizar , Ibrahim Norlia Mohamad , Malek Rohaya Abdul , Ahmad Khairel Rafezi
Published: January 2022

The issue related to disposing the waste material from the industries becomes one of a major problem to the environmental, economic, and social issue. However, natural resources consume worldwide, while at the same time increased amount and type of waste material has resulted in a waste disposal crisis with a growing consumer population. In this project, Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (MSWI) by-product which is bottom ash and rice husk ash were used as blended cement. This research paper is prepared to investigate the utilization of municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash in blended cement and designed for the strength of 15 MPa at 28 days will be evaluated for its early-stage properties. Rice husk ash is used to reduce the amount of cement in mortar and it helps to increase the durability of mortar while keeping up consistent workability. The percentage of replacement in cement is by 0% (control), (5% rice husk ash + 10% bottom ash), (10% rice husk ash + 10% bottom ash), and (15% rice husk ash + 10% bottom ash) The result of this research indicates that 5% of replacement of rice husk ash with 10% of bottom ash shows highest compressive strength with 17.79 MPa with density 2080 kg/mɜ and water absorption of 5.18% at 28 days. This study proved that the addition of bottom ash can increase the durability, workability, and strength of mortar containing rice husk ash as a replacement for cement.
Characterization of Thin Film PLA/PBAT Reinforced with Microcrystalline Cellulose Derived from Gigantochloa albociliata
Authors: Fatimah Mhd. Ramle Sitti , Jusoh Nur Hafizzah , Rahim Aqilah Abdul , Krishnan Tharani D.O. Radha , Rawi Nurul Fazita Mohammad
Published: January 2022

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) from bamboo is a natural biodegradable polymer that can be applied as barrier materials in the form of films. Bamboo contributes to 90% of the total mass of the dry weight comprised of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. In this study, Gigantochloaalbociliata (Buluh Madu) was chosen due to the fast-growing species, cheaper and abundance in Malaysia. This bamboo was undergone Kraft pulping process to get the pure cellulose and then continued with the acid hydrolysis process to produce microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). In this study, thin-film PLA/PBAT reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose derived from Gigantochloaalbociliata were produced. PLA is high in strength and ductility, but it is brittle while PBAT is elastic and strong. Therefore, PBAT is a great candidate for PLA hardness. The thin film was characterized with XRD, DSC and TGA to compare the thin film from microcrystalline cellulose derived from bamboo (B-MCC) with the commercial microcrystalline cellulose (C-MCC). The C-MCC was used as reference material. From the results, B-MCC has the same crystallinity index as C-MCC with a value of 51.3%. It can be concluded that B-MCC is can be one of the alternatives for the microcrystalline cellulose due to the abundance of bamboo as fast-growing species. Furthermore, it exists naturally, has low cost, is biodegradable, is a low-density compound, and fits best in the field of renewability.
AlCrN Coated WC by PVD at Various Deposition Temperatures
Authors: Rizali Sahril , Ling Chua Ling , Latif Afif Fiqhry Abdul , Nur Umi , Mat Yajid Muhammad Azizi , Abdullah Norazharuddin Shah , Wan Ali Wan Fahmin Faiz
Published: January 2022

An attempt is made in this work to improve the performance and tool life of the tungsten carbide (WC) coated aluminium chromium nitride (AlCrN) via physical vapor deposition (PVD) method. Various deposition temperatures ranging from 250, 350, 400, and 450 oC were investigated to evaluate the characteristic of coated carbide. Prior to the deposition process, WC surfaces were treated in Murakami’s solution for 15 minutes followed by Caro’s solution for 10 seconds to improve the coating adhesion on WC by the dissolution of cobalt (C); roughened the carbide surface. The thickness of the coated AlCrN increases proportional with higher deposition temperatures (from 1.14 μm to 2.18 μm) and homogenously coated. While XRD analysis observed the presence of AlN and CrN phases attributed to AlCrN coating. The hardness of the coated carbide was highest at 450 oC deposition temperature (1325 HV). The qualitative scratch test following ASTM D 3363 indicated that higher temperature (400 oC and above) provides good adhesion characteristics between AlCrN coating and WC.
Diffuse colonic lipomatosis presenting as acute abdomen with intraoperative resemblance of colonic carcinoma and concealed perforation
Authors: Ranaweera Rusiru Kalhara , Abayajeewa A. N. K.
Published: January 2022

No abstract available
A bibliography of Sri Lankan surgical research
Authors: Editorial  Team SLJS
Published: January 2022

No abstract available
Turnover of Murine Cytomegalovirus–Expanded CD8+ T Cells Is Similar to That of Memory Phenotype T Cells and Independent of the Magnitude of the Response
Authors: Baliu-Piqué Mariona , Drylewicz Julia , Zheng Xiaoyan , Borkner Lisa , Swain Arpit C , Otto Sigrid A , de Boer Rob J , Tesselaar Kiki , Cicin-Sain Luka , Borghans José A M
Published: January 2022

The potential of memory T cells to provide protection against reinfection is beyond question. Yet, it remains debated whether long-term T cell memory is due to long-lived memory cells. There is ample evidence that blood-derived memory phenotype CD8+ T cells maintain themselves through cell division, rather than through longevity of individual cells. It has recently been proposed, however, that there may be heterogeneity in the lifespans of memory T cells, depending on factors such as exposure to cognate Ag. CMV infection induces not only conventional, contracting T cell responses, but also inflationary CD8+ T cell responses, which are maintained at unusually high numbers, and are even thought to continue to expand over time. It has been proposed that such inflating T cell responses result from the accumulation of relatively long-lived CMV-specific memory CD8+ T cells. Using in vivo deuterium labeling and mathematical modeling, we found that the average production rates and expected lifespans of mouse CMV-specific CD8+ T cells are very similar to those of bulk memory-phenotype CD8+ T cells. Even CMV-specific inflationary CD8+ T cell responses that differ 3-fold in size were found to turn over at similar rates.
The effectiveness of home visiting programs for the prevention of child maltreatment recurrence at home: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Han Kyeongji , Oh Sumi
Published: January 2022

Purpose: This systematic review aimed to investigate the effectiveness of home visiting programs targeting parents who have maltreated their children on the prevention of child maltreatment recurrence.Methods: Major databases were searched (Ovid-Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and RISS). The frequency of maltreatment was measured for the meta-analysis, which was conducted using Review Manager 5.2 software. The effect size was measured using odds ratios (ORs).Results: Six studies were included in the analysis, none of which were conducted in South Korea. The meta-analysis demonstrated that the risk of child maltreatment recurrence significantly decreased after a home visiting program was implemented (OR=0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.29-0.68). Nurses were the most common intervention providers.Conclusion: Home visiting programs should be provided for families in which maltreatment has already occurred to prevent the recurrence of maltreatment and foster a home environment in which children can live safely. Since the rate of child maltreatment in Korea is increasing, further research is needed to develop and implement home visiting programs in which nurses play a major role in preventing the recurrence of child maltreatment.
Development of a protocol for guidance in the pediatric nursing practicum in South Korea: a methodology study
Authors: Koo Hyun Young , Lee Bo Ryeong
Published: January 2022

Purpose: Practical training in pediatric nursing gives students the opportunity to apply nursing knowledge to children in a realistic clinical context. Clinical practice faculty (CPF) and clinical nursing instructor (CNI) have played important roles in the pediatric nursing practicum. This study was conducted to develop a protocol to guide clinical practicum in pediatric nursing.Methods: A service design methodology was employed between August 2020 and May 2021 at four universities and four hospitals in South Korea. The participants were five CPFs, five CNIs, five nursing college graduates, and 60 nursing students. The service design process had four phases: discovery, definition, development, and delivery. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and observations. The data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive statistics.Results: The participants reported needs for providing concrete guidance and explanation, nursing practice experience, and a link between school and the clinical field. A protocol was developed to fulfill the participants' needs. The protocol comprised detailed information, teaching methodology, and partnership to guide students in the pediatric nursing practicum.Conclusion: The protocol developed in this study can be used to provide guidance for students' clinical practice in the field of pediatric nursing.
Analysis of research on developmentally supportive care for prematurity in neonatal intensive care unit: a scoping review
Authors: Lee Hanna , Park Ji Hyeon , Cho Haeryun
Published: January 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the gaps in research related to developmentally supportive care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The ultimate goal was to explore directions of further research on developmentally supportive care for premature patients.Methods: The Arksey and O'Malley scoping review method was used. Articles on developmentally supportive care for preterm infants in the NICU, written in English or Korean, were identified through electronic search engines. A total of 279 papers were identified in the initial search, of which 22 full-text papers were included in this review.Results: Several nursing studies have been published in the past 5 years. The important elements of developmentally supportive care were family-centered care and management of the NICU environment. The primary developmentally supportive care interventions were training programs to promote the care competency of NICU nurses.Conclusion: It is necessary to actively develop comprehensive developmental support interventions that consider the various elements of developmentally supportive care for preterm infants. Additional studies should be done to develop programs that provide direct intervention for premature infant and their families.
Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of silver diamine fluoride, chlorhexidine varnish with conventional fluoride varnish as a caries arresting agent. An in vivo sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis study
Authors: Chhattani Barkha , Kulkarni Parimala , Agrawal Nikita , Mali Shikha , Kumar Anup , Thakur Nidhi Singh
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is employed as an adjunct cariostatic agent in the management of dental caries in high-risk population. Other than fluorides, chlorhexidine (CHX) is the most potent antimicrobial and efficacious agent against Streptococcus mutans.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to evaluate and differentiate the efficacy of 38% silver diamine fluoride, CHX varnish, and fluoride varnish on carious primary teeth.

Materials and Methods:

Ninety children having a count of ≥1 carious lesion were recruited. Thirty-eighty percent silver diamine fluoride or fluoride varnish and CHX varnish were topically applied on the lesion. The primary outcome measured was the arrest of carious lesion (lesion rendered inactive as per the Nyvad criteria) after a follow-up of 14–21 days. Dental biofilm sample was obtained from each child and subsequently assessed for microbial composition by colony-forming unit method before and after treatment followed by protein analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis method.

Results:

Average proportion of arrested caries lesions in the SDF group was higher followed by CHX and fluoride varnish groups. Decreased total protein amount was found in SDF group. This proves that there is decrease in microbial load posttreatment in SDF group.

Conclusion:

Thirty-eight percent SDF is more effective than CHX varnish and fluoride varnish in arresting dentin carious lesions in young children.
Comparative evaluation of anesthetic efficacy of 4% articaine infiltration versus 2% lignocaine inferior alveolar nerve block for extraction of primary mandibular molars
Authors: Jain Khushboo , Katge Farhin , Chimata Vamsi Krishna , Patil Devendra , Ghadge Sanjana , Bhanushali Nikhil
Published: January 2022

Context:

Control of pain during dental treatment is an essential aspect of pediatric dentistry.

Aims:

This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the anesthetic efficacy of 4% articaine buccal infiltration with 2% lignocaine inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) for primary mandibular molar extractions.

Settings and Design:

The study was a prospective, split-mouth, randomized controlled trial.

Methods:

Bilateral symmetrical carious primary mandibular molar (n = 92) extractions in 46 healthy children aged 5–10 years were included in this randomized controlled trial. Extraction was performed on one side using 4% of articaine buccal infiltration and on the contralateral side using 2% lignocaine IANB in two subsequent appointments. Pain and behavior were assessed at baseline, during injection and extraction using Wong–Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, Modified Behavior Pain Scale (MBPS), and Frankl Behavior Rating Scale.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Values thus obtained were statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance test and compared using independent samples test.

Results:

According to MBPS, the mean value of pain experienced in the form of cry during injection was reported to be more for 2% lignocaine IANB (1.76) as compared to 4% articaine buccal infiltration (1.30), which was statistically significant (P = 0.024). Comparison of behavior depicted showed no statistically significant difference between the groups.

Conclusion:

Buccal infiltration with 4% articaine can be utilized as an effective alternative to 2% lignocaine IANB for primary mandibular molar extractions.
To study problematic eating behavior and its association with early childhood caries among 36–71-month-old children using children eating behavior questionnaire
Authors: Charak Neha , Pathak Anuradha , Sidhu Haridarshan Singh
Published: January 2022

Context:

Problematic eating behavior pattern prevalent in children can be a potential risk factor for Early Childhood Caries (ECC). Pediatric dentist must be vigilant to enquire about eating behavior pattern and guide parents comprehensively.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to find the association between problematic ECC among 36–71-month-old children.

Setting and Design:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2000 children from both the sex and various socioeconomic backgrounds.

Methods:

A questionnaire was made to assess the personal information and problematic eating behavior of the child using Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) which was filled by parents. Clinical examinations were performed on the date of questionnaire collection and caries diagnosis was done in the dentition status part of “WHO oral health assessment form 2013.”

Statistical Analysis Used:

The software used for the statistical analysis was SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software version 16.0.

Results:

The prevalence of ECC in the study sample was 42.6%. Out of eight domains into which problematic eating behavior was divided, domains Emotional Overeating (EOE), Satiety Responsiveness (SR), Slowness of Eating (SE), Desire to Drink, Food Fussiness, and Emotional Under eating were significantly associated with ECC.

Conclusion:

There is a positive correlation between problematic eating behavior and ECC; such behavior should be recognized at early stages and interrupted so that the risk of developing caries in permanent dentition could be prevented.
Impact of oral hygiene training to Anganwadi and Accredited Social Health Activist workers on oral health of young children in tribal regions of Rajasthan State, India
Authors: Khanna Suhani Rakesh , Rao Dinesh , Panwar Sunil , Ameen Safna
Published: January 2022

Context:

Early childhood caries is one of the most widespread diseases affecting children in urban and rural India. Community health workers can bring about a quantum of change in improving the oral health in children.

Aims:

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of oral health training imparted to Anganwadi and accredited social health activist (ASHA) workers on improving the oral hygiene of 148 children aged 1–6 years.

Settings and Design:

The preintervention followed by oral health training and postintervention assessment were done at three Anganwadi and ASHA centers of Rajasthan.

Methodology:

The preintervention data included Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth/decayed, extracted, and filled teeth, oral hygiene indices (Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified [OHI-S] and Oral Hygiene Index Simplified-Modified [OHIS-M]), plaque index, and caries activity using Oratest. The oral health training consisted of PowerPoint presentations, video presentations, live demonstrations on brushing technique, rinsing, plaque disclosure, and flossing technique. They were enlightened on deleterious oral habits, emergency protocol on trauma, etc. The postintervention data included outcome measures consisting of oral hygiene indices (OHI-S and OHIS-M), plaque index, and Oratest after 2 months to evaluate the impact of training.

Statistical Analysis used:

The data were analyzed using Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, independent t-test, paired t-test, and one-way analysis of variance test.

Results:

There was a significant improvement in toothbrushing practices and rinsing (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in debris index, calculus index, OHI-S/OHIS-M, plaque index, and Oratest after intervention (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Empowering Anganwadi and ASHA workers can be a feasible approach in India, where oral health is not a priority in primary health care as yet.
ELISA IgG Versus CMIA IgG for Detection of SARS-CoV-2-Specific Antibodies in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Sookaromdee Pathum , Wiwanitkit Viroj
Published: January 2022

COVID-19 is an important coronavirus infection. The detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies is important in laboratory medicine. Several serological tests are available. Some serological tests such as ELISA IgG versus CMIA IgG are used as standard references for rapid diagnostic immunoassay. Here, the authors reappraised on the diagnostic property of ELISA IgG versus CMIA IgG for the detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies in COVID-19 patients. According to the analysis, CMIA IgG has a higher sensitivity and ELISA IgG has a higher specificity. Therefore, CMIA IgG is more appropriate for screening purpose.
A Rare Case of Herpes Zoster in a Child Involving Dermatomes V1 and V2
Authors: Mohakud Nirmal Kumar , Jishnu K. R.
Published: January 2022

Herpes zoster (HZ) is rarely found in healthy children but may be attributed to immunocompromised children. Latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV) might have source from intrauterine exposure, chicken pox vaccination, or exposure to wild VZV. A 2 ½-year-old healthy boy presented with a painful red vesicular rashes with blisters on the right upper cheek, periorbital area, temporal and nasal area extending over the dermatomes V1 and V2 of 3 days' duration. There was an involvement of the right eye causing conjunctivitis. He had persistent frontal and temporal headache on the day 10 of the disease. Computed tomography scan of the brain reveals no abnormality. The child responded well to symptomatic management and routine skin care. Medications such as cetrizine, sup acyclovir, and local acyclovir ointment and emollients were given. Acyclovir was used orally in a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight every 6 hourly for 7 days. The patient recovered well in 10 days of treatment. HZ is a rare presentation in healthy children and needs a high index of suspicion to diagnose in cases with vesicular eruptions. In our case, the intrauterine infection is the source of latent VZV. HZ may not indicate that the child is immunocompromised.
Architectural Analysis of Modified Trabeculectomy Blebs Using Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in a Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Barua Nabanita , Goel Sonu , Ghosh Pramit , Mukherjee Sonai , Chakraborti Chandana
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT

Purpose:

Slit-lamp examination and intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring have been used as substitute marker for assessment of bleb functionality for ages. With the advent of optical coherence tomography (OCT), a noninvasive, fast imaging techniques, it can now being used to look for the internal morphology to predict the long-term functional viability of the bleb.

Materials and Methods:

It is a single centric, observational study analyzing 30 eyes with trabeculectomy and combined procedure (postoperative 2 months to 1 year). Any patient with resurgery, previous conjunctival disease, or systemic antimetabolite therapy was excluded. After all baseline evaluation, imaging of all blebs was done by spectral-domain OCT (RTVue Inc., Fremont, CA). The architecture was described and functional correlation was evaluated. The bleb wall thickness, vertical subconjunctival fluid height, and qualitative assessment of wall reflectivity were recorded for analysis. All data were analyzed Epi-info 7 software. Pearson’s correlation and scatter diagram were used to look for nature of correlation between two variables, P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

Sample was age and sex matched. The mean IOP was 12.5 ± 2.502 mmHg in functional bleb. We found a significant inverse correlation between vertical subconjunctival depths and bleb width by scatter diagram (P < 0.0001). In subgroup analysis, we found functional blebs had lower bleb wall thickness (P = 0.007) and larger vertical subconjunctival fluid pockets (P = 0.003).

Conclusions:

In vivo architecture of filtering blebs can be objectively described using spectral OCT. Various quantitative and qualitative parameters can be analyzed to document functionality of bleb. Functional blebs had thinner bleb wall and larger subconjunctival fluid, whereas nonfunctional blebs had thick wall with high reflectivity.
Assessment of Resistance to Second Line Anti-tubercular Drugs By Line Probe Assay at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Thosani Pratik , Agarwal Ashwini , Karade Santosh , Sen Sourav , Katoch C. D. S. , Jindamwar Prashant , Shergill S. P. S.
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT

Context:

Emergence and spread of extensively drug resistance (XDR) tuberculosis (TB) is a challenge in resource-limited settings. Although India accounts for one-fourth burden of multi-drug resistant cases of TB, the prevalence of XDR TB varies widely. Timely detection of resistance to anti-tubercular drugs is important for optimal case management.

Aims:

Characterization of resistance mutations to second-line anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) using line probe assay (LPA).

Materials and Methods:

In this cross-sectional, conducted at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Western Maharashtra, we assessed resistance to second-line antitubercular drugs in 100 consecutive sputum specimens from patients failing first-line ATT as per national guidelines by LPA.

Results:

Of the 100 specimens studied, a total of 94 assay results were valid. Of these, no resistance was seen in 52 specimens. Resistance to fluoroquinolones (FLQ) was detected in 30% of specimen with a predominance of gyrA gene mutations. A total of 12% isolates were resistant to aminoglycosides with mutations observed in rrs gene.

Conclusions:

The study demonstrates the utility of LPA as a tool to support the diagnosis of drug-resistant TB in clinical setting.
An Unusual Cause of Recurrence of Cholesteatoma in a Child
Authors: Saravanam Prasanna Kumar , Gajendran Aishwarya
Published: January 2022

Predicting the extent of cholesteatoma preoperatively in pediatric patients is a daunting task for the operating surgeons. Several times the operating surgeons come across unexpected findings that define the course of surgery inspite of appropriate preoperative workup. Bone wax is usually made of bee wax admixed and which is made pliable with paraffin or petroleum jelly. It is commonly used to achieve hemostasis during the course of ear surgeries in unexpected bleeding. In this case, we report a rare event in revision mastoid surgery where a large chunk of bone wax that was used in the previous surgery by another surgeon that had migrated into the external auditory canal and was a constant source of pain and discharge in the ear. Diagnostic difficulties and management of the same have been discussed.
A Comparative Analysis among Three World Health Organization Growth Charts
Authors: Borgaonkar Chaitali A. , Gokhale Chinmay N. , Solanki Mridula J. , Shanbhag Sunita S.
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

India is in a phase of nutrition transition. Child nutrition and growth monitoring services are provided under the state-run Integrated Child Development Scheme program. Classically, only one kind of growth chart is used to quantify nutrition status and categorize the children.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study involving 222 children was done to compare the outcome of nutritional status evaluated using three World Health Organization growth charts: weight-for-age, height-for-age, and weight-for-height. The results obtained by the use of these three charts were further compared and analyzed for concordance.

Results:

The three growth charts showed that 58% of children were underweight, 53% had stunting, and 35% were wasted among the study population. The comparisons using sensitivity/specificity, Kappa statistics, and ANOVA showed bidirectional disagreements between the three charts. Similar results could be deduced from large surveys done previously in Iraq and Congo.

Conclusion:

Hence, simultaneous use of three growth charts to categorize nutrition status is essential. This will help in preventing missing out cases of malnutrition and perhaps may aid in detecting child malnutrition at a relatively earlier stage.
Uric Acid Level and Its Correlation with Glycemic Control in Diabetics with Normal Renal Function
Authors: Latief Muzamil , Shafi Obeid , Hassan Zhahid , Farooq Summyia , Abbas Farhat
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

Limited studies have evaluated the relationship between uric acid and diabetes mellitus (DM), with different studies reporting varying findings. We aimed to investigate the association between levels of uric acid and glycemic control in type 2 DM (T2DM) in our patient cohort.

Materials and Methods:

We analyzed 200 consecutive patients in the age group of 30–70 years suffering from T2DM with normal renal functions (glomerular filtration rate >60 ml/min/1.73 m2), after excluding patients taking medications for lowering uric acid levels or diuretics. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), random blood glucose (RBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and serum uric acid levels were measured in all the patients.

Results:

The mean age of the study population was 55.25 ± 12.05 years. There was no statistically significant difference in mean age, FBG, RBG, serum uric acid, and HbA1c levels or between males and females in our study cohort. There was a statistically significant negative correlation (P < 0.05) between uric acid levels and HbA1c (r = −0.189) and FBG (r = −0.114).

Conclusion:

We report an inverse correlation between uric acid levels and glycemic control in diabetic patients with normal renal function, irrespective of gender.
Integrated miRNA and mRNA Analysis Identified Potential Mechanisms and Targets of Qianggan Extracts in Preventing Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Huang Jie , Li Meng , Zhoua Wen-Jun , Yao Ze-Min , Ji Guang , Zhang Li , Zhu Ming-Zhe
Published: January 2022

Objective:

Qianggan (QG) extract is a patented traditional Chinese medicine that has been widely used for the clinical treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, its mechanism remains unclear.

Methods:

The efficacy of QG was evaluated in mice with methionine-and-choline-deficient diet-induced NASH by measuring serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase levels and by H and E staining of liver sections. Microarray and bioinformatics analyses were performed to obtain hepatic microRNA (miRNA) and mRNA expression profiles and to mine potential mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Furthermore, representative miRNA and mRNA expression levels were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results:

QG extract significantly improved NASH. Twelve differentially expressed miRNAs and 1124 differentially changed mRNAs were identified as potential targets of QG extract. Integrated analysis detected 976 miRNA–mRNA regulatory pairs, and networks including 11 miRNAs and 427 mRNAs were constructed by Cytoscape. Hub nodes including miR-7050-5p, miR-212-3p, Bcl2l11, and Kras were filtered out. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses revealed that 427 mRNAs were enriched in pathways including apoptotic process, immune response, FoxO signaling pathway, and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. We also constructed a protein–protein interaction network with 254 nodes, and identified hub genes including Kras, Fasl, and Ncam1. Finally, the results of qRT-PCR were in good accordance with microarray data.

Conclusion:

This study identified important hub miRNAs and mRNAs involved in the mechanism of QG extract and which might provide potential therapeutic targets for patients with NASH.
Therapeutics of Integrative Medicine Ameliorate Immunological Disorders of the Nervous System
Authors: Ma Jin-Yun , Cruz Jennifer , Jin Jason , Peng Xiao-Yan , Zhang Ai-Ming , Cheng Xiao-Dong
Published: January 2022

Objective:

The objective of the study is to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of integrative medicine in the treatment of immunological disorders of the nervous system.

Methods:

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were adopted to conduct this study, which included randomized controlled trials with a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), myasthenia gravis (MG), and Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS), all of which were treated with integrative medicine. The effective rate, recurrent frequency, and disease score were used as the markers of outcome variables for the meta-analysis.

Results:

A total of 48 randomized control trials were included. The effective rates of treatment with integrative medicine were noticeably higher than those with Western medicine alone for the three diseases. The recurrence frequency for MS and the recurrence rate for MG treated with integrative medicine were reduced more than those with Western medicine alone. The Extended Disability Status Scale, acetylcholine receptor antibody, and Hughes scores for MS, MG, and GBS, respectively, treated with integrative medicine were significantly lower than those with Western medicine alone. The risks of bias in the literature evaluation showed that the quality of the included studies was not high.

Conclusions:

Compared to treatment with Western medicine alone, integrative medicine might ameliorate immunological disorders of the nervous system.
Engineered Production of Bioactive Natural Products from Medicinal Plants
Authors: Fidan Ozkan , Ren Jie , Zhan Jixun
Published: January 2022

Plant natural products have been particularly important due to their use in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. In particular, Traditional Chinese Medicine provides a precious potential for the discovery of bioactive natural products and development of novel modern medicines. However, the existing production methods for plant natural products such as chemical synthesis and plant extraction does not meet the current demand. Due to their environmental and economic concerns, engineered production of valuable natural products in microbial hosts has become an attractive alternative platform. This review covers the recent advances in the engineered production of plant natural products in microorganisms. A special focus was placed on the biotechnological production of plant-derived terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Some successful examples of engineered production of plant natural products (or their precursors) such as artemisinin, paclitaxel, naringenin, quercetin, berberine, and noscapine are summarized. This clearly indicates that the engineered production method is a promising approach with various advantages over current methods.
Concordance surgery and the Ozsváth–Szabó 4-manifold invariant
Authors: Juhász András , Zemke Ian
Published: January 2022

We compute the effect of concordance surgery, a generalization of knot surgery defined using a self-concordance of a knot, on the Ozsváth–Szabó 4-manifold invariant. The formula involves the graded Lefschetz number of the concordance map on knot Floer homology. The proof uses the sutured Floer TQFT, and a version of sutured Floer homology perturbed by a 2-form.
Smooth stationary water waves with exponentially localized vorticity
Authors: Ehrnström Mats , Walsh Samuel , Zeng Chongchun
Published: January 2022

We study stationary capillary-gravity waves in a two-dimensional body of water that rests above a flat ocean bed and below vacuum. This system is described by the Euler equations with a free surface. A great deal of recent activity has focused on finding waves with nontrivial vorticity

\omega

. There are now many results on the existence of solutions to this problem for which the vorticity is non-vanishing at infinity, and several authors have constructed waves with

\omega

having compact support. Our main theorem states that there are large families of stationary capillary-gravity waves that carry finite energy and exhibit an exponentially localized distribution of vorticity. They are solitary waves in the sense that the free surface is asymptotically flat. Remarkably, while their amplitude is small, the kinetic energy is

O

(1). In this and other respects, they are strikingly different from previously known rotational water waves.

To construct these solutions, we exploit a previously unobserved connection between the steady water wave problem on the one hand and singularly perturbed elliptic PDE on the other. Indeed, our result expands the study of spike-layer solutions to free boundary problems with physical relevance.
Finitely summable $\gamma$-elements for word-hyperbolic groups
Authors: Cabrera Jean-Marie , Puschnigg Michael
Published: January 2022

We present two explicit combinatorial constructions of finitely summable reduced “Gamma”-elements

\gamma_r\in KK(C^*_r(\Gamma),\mathbb{C})

for any word-hyperbolic group

(\Gamma,S)

and obtain summability bounds for them in terms of the cardinality of the generating set

S\subset\Gamma

and the hyperbolicity constant of the associated Cayley graph.
Split objects with respect to a fully invariant short exact sequence in abelian categories
Authors: Crivei Septimiu , Tütüncü Derya Keskin , Tribak Rachid
Published: January 2022

We introduce and investigate (dual) relative split objects with respect to a fully invariant short exact sequence in abelian categories. We compare them with (dual) relative Rickart objects, and we study their behaviour with respect to coproducts and classes all of whose objects are (dual) relative split. We also introduce and study (dual) strongly relative split objects. Applications are given to Grothendieck categories, module categories, and comodule categories.
Energy Performance Modeling of a Sugar Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Akinyemi Olasunkanmi O. , Oladunjoye Olusesi A.
Published: January 2022

Effective energy monitoring, reporting, and management strategies for wise energy usage is one of the objectives of Energy Management. Numerous researches have highlighted the extremely good profits of imposing business and industrial energy management measures. Notably, a number of those research display that extra financial savings may be found out in growing international locations. Unfortunately, industries in developing countries like Nigeria are lagging behind in the adoption of energy management measures and as such missing the benefits of implementation. This research study sets out to evaluate the energy consumption performance in manufacturing industry in order to showcase the gains of energy management in manufacturing industry. Data on weekly energy consumption (in MW) and weekly production of sugar (in Bags, 50kg/bag) were obtained from a sugar manufacturing company in southwestern Nigeria. Energy management data analysis and modeling was done using linear regression plot of energy consumption against production; energy intensity plot and cumulative sum of difference (CUSUM) plot respectively. The energy performance model was obtained from the linear regression plot and two parameters namely incremental energy consumed per bag (per kg) of sugar produced and “no-production” energy consumption are the performance measures. The model showed that the incremental energy consumed per bag (or per kg) is 0.00008 MW/Bag or 80W/Bag or 1600W/kg while the no-production energy consumption is 211.73 MW. Results also reveals that the no-production activities consumed energy more when compared with the actual energy used for production. CUSUM identified five periods when energy consumption gave higher and increased production thereby showing that CUSUM charts are more effective in detecting changes in energy consumption. The research study has shown how energy management data analysis can be helpful in taking decision that will enhance increased production and reduction of no-production energy consumption activities.

Keywords: Energy management, CUSUM, Performance model, Energy, No-production energy consumption
Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and Proximate Analyses of Leaf Extracts of Newbouldia laevis (Boundary Tree)
Authors: Ushie O. A. , Longbap B. D. , Ugwuja D. I. , Iyen S. I. , Azuaga T.I. , Uba M.
Published: January 2022

This work is designed to enrich the available scientific data on the phytochemistry and nutrient content of N. laevis leaves. The method of cold maceration was used in the extraction by serial exhaustive extraction method. The phytochemical screening of Newbouldia laevis was using through controlled experiment. Qualitative phytochemical screening and proximate analyses of Newbouldia laevis was studied using extracts of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol which were obtained extract from powdered plant part. The extracts were subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening using standard procedure and the results shows that all the phytochemicals screened for were revealed in various leaf extracts. Alkaloids and flavonoids are present in all the extracts except ethyl acetate that did not show the presence of alkaloids. Only phlobatannins and tannins were absent in all the extract, steroid is present only in acetone. The proximate analysis revealed the nutritional composition of Newbouldia laevis to be 6.03% of moisture, 7.96% of ash, 9.81% of crude protein, 16.50% of fat, 33.40%. The diversity of phytochemical present suggested that N. laevis could serve as a source of drugs.

Keywords: Newbouldia laevis, phytochemistry, Nutrients
Fertility Enhancing Effect of Diopyros mespiliformis (African Ebony) Stem Bark on Testes of Wistar Albino Rats: A hormonal study
Authors: Elijah S. , Garba S.H. , Zirahei J.V.
Published: January 2022

Diospyros mespiliformis (African ebony) is a plant that is highly recognized all over African and Asian countries, for its medicinal and curative properties. This study investigates the effects of Diospyros mespiliformis aqueous stem bark extract on the testis, epididymal weight and hormonal assay in Wistar albino rats at different doses. Thirty Adult Wistar rats were assigned into five groups of six rats each. With group I serving as control, while group (II, III, IV and V) were treated with 25mg/kg, 50mg/kg 100mg/kg and 100mg/kg (post treatment group) of the extract within the experimental period of twenty eight days. Twenty four hours after the last oral administration, the rats in groups (I- IV) were euthanized for tissue harvesting. The rats in group V were allowed to remain for fourteen days post-treatment and they were euthanized on day fifteen. Testes, epididymis tissues were harvested and weighed, blood samples were collected for hormonal analysis. Investigations revealed an increased in testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) serum level in groups (II, III and IV) when compared to groups (I and V). The testis and epididymis weight increased in groups (III and IV) when compared to the groups (I, II and V). The results of the study revealed that aqueous stem bark extract of Diospyros mespiliformis have fertility enhancing potentials on the testis, epididymis and hormonal serum level in Wistar albino rats.

Keywords: Diospyros mespiliformis, Epididymis, Fertility enhancers, Hormone, Weight
Leather and textile industries-strategic sectors for Ethiopia to gain capability of manufacturing for global market competitiveness: A literature review
Authors: Tsega Tenaw Tegbar , Thoben Klaus-Dieter , Nageswara Rao D.K. , Haile Bereket
Published: January 2022

Leather and textile industries have a vital role of transforming countries into industrialization-manufacturing led economy. There has been a focus on these industries in Ethiopia to bring manufacturing capability which can be scaled up in the future to produce other value-added products for global markets. However, there is lack of organized scientific information about the actions taken by the government to develop the industries, what the achievements are, and the challenges of the medium and large-scale manufacturing firms in the leather and textile industries. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to synthesize the available scientific and other reliable information by employing a qualitative systematic review method and come up with a new insight. Guided by the thematic literature synthesizing technique, this paper found that the medium and large- scale manufacturing firms in the leather and textile industries have penetrated the global market by improving the quality of products and increasing the quantity of production, although they have faced severe challenges to operate as per their design capacity mainly due to problems related to inputs. The paper presents the strategies implemented to stimulate the manufacture of leather and textile products, the performance improvement practices, the achievements, and challenges of the manufacturing firms in the leather and textile industries. Besides, it identified the existing gaps and the future lines of work.
New sweet blue lupin, Lupinus angustifolius L. varieties (Sanabor and Vitabor) for Ethiopia
Authors: Yeheyis Likawent , Mekonnen Wondimeneh
Published: January 2022

Though bitter white lupin is an ancient pulse crop to Ethiopia, sweet lupins are new to the country. Sanabor and Vitabor are recently introduced sweet blue lupin varieties to be used as multipurpose crop in the traditional lupin growing agro-ecologies of Ethiopia. These varieties were introduced from Germany and evaluated along with fourteen other varieties which have been tested in different locations of the country from 2009 to 2013. The varieties are registered at national level in 2014. The merits of the varieties are their low alkaloid content, high seed yield, resistance to anthracnose and fusarium, most importantly are palatable for livestock and can be used for human food. Thus, the varieties are recommended as multipurpose pulse crop for the traditional and new lupin growing areas.