bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Mutagenicity and Apoptotic Effects of Teucrium polium L. Essential Oil in HT29 Cell Line
Authors: Hashem-Dabaghian Fataneh , Shojaii Asie , Asgarpanah Jinous , Entezari Maliheh
Published: September 2020

Objectives: Regarding the high prevalence of cancer in Iran and the cytotoxic properties of T. polium, the current study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic and anti-mutagenicity effect of T. polium essential oil (TpEO) on human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (HT29). Methods: HT29 cells were cultured in L-glutamine, RPMI Sigma (1640), with 10% of FBS (fetal bovine serum). Then, the cultures were incubated with 5% CO2 at 37°C, and MTT assay was used to recognize cell proliferation under the inhibitory influence of TpEO. The cell cycle progression was monitored by Sub-G1 apoptosis assay using flow cytometry. Eventually, the anti-mutagenicity property was evaluated using the Ames test employing TA100 and exposure to sodium azide as the carcinogenic substance. Results: The cytotoxic effect of TpEO on HT29 cells was 66.867 ± 1.37 µg/mL. Cultured HT29 cells treated with TpEO exhibited morphological features of apoptosis. TpEO preventive effect was about 78.18%. Conclusions: This study showed that TpEO may be useful for treating colon cancer.
Clinical Profile and Predictors of Outcome for Pediatric Scrub Typhus at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Muthukrishnan Kiruthika , Tarikere Shruthi , Sivaraman Rajakumar Padur , Sankaranarayanan Shuba , Prabaharan Krithika , Kothandam Balaji Thiruvengadam
Published: September 2020

Background: Scrub typhus is an important cause of acute undifferentiated fever. It is currently one of the most covert re-emerging infections and the most common rickettsial infection caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. Untreated cases can have mortality rates as high as 30-35%. Objectives: This study was done to study demographical data, clinical profile, and predictors of outcome for scrub typhus in children who were admitted to our institution, a tertiary care hospital in south India. Methods: In this retrospective study, children diagnosed with scrub typhus based on IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), between January 2012 and June 2019 were included. Detailed history, clinical examination findings, laboratory profile, complications, and outcome were analyzed. Results: A total of 120 patients were identified, of whom 84 (42 males- and 42 females) cases satisfied the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. About 80 (95%) cases had a complete recovery, whereas 4 patients (5%) died of multiple complications. Hypotension, hypoxia, altered sensorium, hypoalbuminemia, elevated liver enzymes, azotemia, and deranged coagulation on admission were considered as poor predictors of outcome for scrub typhus. Conclusions: Pediatric scrub typhus is a common infection and should be suspected in cases with fever for more than 5 days and non-specific signs and symptoms. Early detection and timely management lead to a higher recovery rate. Hypotension, hypoxia, azotemia, altered sensorium, and bleeding manifestations on admission were associated with unfavorable outcomes.
Editor’s Note: Things I Miss in the Pandemic
Authors: Verbeten Sharon
Published: September 2020

In a year when 20/20 was supposed to mean clear vision, everything has been discombobulated! Here’s a list of things I miss most in 2020—how about you?
More Than a Story: Engaging Young Learners Virtually
Authors: Eastman Jaime , Hargrove Laura
Published: September 2020

The content of this article was originally developed as a presentation for the Texas Library Association Annual Conference in March 2020. We intended to share about the importance of intentional early literacy-based programs, staff training, and using programming templates to create sustainable programming outlines. In light of current events, we have adapted our content to include strategies for shifting to a virtual programming environment while continuing to support early literacy and caregiver engagement.
Words in the Age of Corona
Authors: Cummins Julie
Published: September 2020

What would we do without words to express ourselves, whether in print, vocally, audibly, or with our hands? Dictionaries add and delete words responding to usage, both current and archaic.
Appraising the Impact of Naraj Barrage on Sedimentation of Chilika Lagoon; the Soft Computing Model for Prediction
Authors: Mishra Siba Prasad , Ojha Ananta Charan
Published: September 2020

Estimation of suspended sediment transport in a catchment area is very important to manage water resources, construction of dam and barrage, as well as to protect the surrounding environment. The daily monsoon sediment and flow were observed physically and quantity of total sediment input by the two major rivers of the south Mahanadi deltaic rivers to Lagoon Chilika were calculated during pre Naraj barrage (FY 2000 to 2003) and post Naraj Barrage period (FY’s 2004, 2012, 2013) establishing an observatory in the rivers the Daya and the Bhargovi.[b] The non-linear complex relationship between quantity of suspended sediment transport and volume of river-discharge inflicts challenge to the estimation process. In this paper, two southern-most distributaries, the Daya and the Bhargovi of the Mahanadi River System which flow into Chilika lagoon are studied. Random Forest, an ensemble machine learning algorithm is used to estimate the transport of sediment by these two distributaries using predictive modeling. Predicted figures based on the gathered data from these distributaries during pre-barrage period 2000-2003 have been compared with the observed data gathered in post-barrage years 2004, 2012 and 2013. Comparative data suggests that the construction of Naraj barrage has significantly reduced the concentration of sediment influx into Chilika lagoon while controlling the discharge through effective barrage management.
Antimicrobial Efficacy of Toothpastes Containing Fluoride against Clinically Isolated Streptococci mutans
Authors: Ajaegbu Eze E. , Ezeh Calister U. , Dieke Adaobi J. , Onuora Adaora L. , Ugochukwu Jane I.
Published: September 2020

Dental caries is one of the prevalent oral diseases which affect all ages. Many chemical substances with antimicrobial properties, are effective against microorganisms causing dental caries. The objective of this study was to check the antimicrobial efficacy of some toothpastes  found in Enugu metropolis, Nigeria more specifically against clinically isolated Streptococci mutans. The antimicrobial efficacy of different brands of toothpastes marketed in Enugu metropolis  was assayed against Streptococci mutans using the agar well diffusion method. The clinical Streptococci mutans used for this study were taken from carious lesions of patients that  attended the clinic at Federal College of Dental Therapy and Technology, Trans Ekulu, Enugu, Nigeria and were isolated and cultivated using traditional laboratory methods. The present  study has shown that toothpaste which contains mint extract as herbal constituent and sodium fluoride had the highest antimicrobial activity, followed by toothpastes containing only sodium monofluorophosphate. Herbal toothpaste with mint can be a safe and effective alternative in the prevention of dental caries.
Protein Isolates from Fermented Melon Seeds Promoted Differential Expression in Liver and Pancreas of Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Iyoriobhe A. O. , Abiola A. O. , Adedigba P. A. , Fagbenro P. H. , Adebisi T. A. , Idowu F. A. , Ogunbowale A. S. , Abisogun O. A. , Adeniyi S. A. , Adu O. B. , Elemo B. O.
Published: September 2020

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common endocrine disorder of human. However, the anti-diabetic activity of protein isolates from fermented plants seed for DM remains enigmatic. The prevalence of diabetes in Africa is exponentially increasing with more deaths occurring directly from diabetes mellitus or from its associated complications. The current study investigated the effect of Protein isolate from fermented melon seeds (Ogiri; OPI) of Cucumeropsis manni on blood glucose, hepatic and pancreatic protein profile, histopathological parameters, identification and characterisation of expressed proteins in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Thirty Male wistar rats were divided into nondiabetic control, STZ-diabetic control, STZ-Ogiri protein isolate supplemented group (STZ-OPI; 200 mg/kg diet), STZ-Ogiri protein isolate supplemented group (STZ-OPI; 600 g/kg diet) and STZ-glibenclamide treated group (STZ-GBN; 0.5 mg/kg diet). Diabetes was induced by a single injection of STZ (60 mg/kg BW) freshly dissolved in 0.1 mol/L citrate buffer (pH 4.5) into the intraperitonium. Diabetes was confirmed by measuring the fasting blood glucose concentration 48-h post-injection. The rats with blood glucose level above 290 mg/dL were considered to be diabetic. Ogiri protein isolates was supplemented in the diet for 6 weeks. The supplementation OPI reduced (P< 0.05) the blood glucose concentration of the STZ-induced diabetic rats. OPI supplemented groups had significantly higher percentage body weight gain. The high dose OPI supplemented group had a lowest liver protein concentration (19.39 mg/dl) but a significantly (P< 0.05) higher pancreas protein concentration when compared to all the diabetic control. Histological sections of examined tissue revealed accumulation of fat in the liver of diabetic rats and necrosis of the islet of Langerhans were observed in the pancreas. 1DE SDS-PAGE of hepatic and pancreatic tissue homogenates revealed differential expression of 150 kDa proteins in rats treated with 200 mg/kg body weight of OPI only and 20-25 kDa proteins in rats treated with 600 mg/kg body weight of OPI respectively. This result show that OPI supplementation may impose a direct or indirect inhibitory or post translational modification on specific proteins implicated in hyperglycemia and diabetes and as such be a potential antihyperglycemic agent in the management of diabetes.
An Assessment of Water Sourcing Technologies and Stakeholder Stratagems Applied in the Balikumbat Highland Community of Ndop Plain, Cameroon
Authors: Billa Sabastian Ande , Fogwe Zephania Nji
Published: September 2020

When a bourgeoning population faces water supply scarcity dilemma, stakeholders and interests emerge to offer multivariate water harvesting systems to affected communities. Stakeholder provision of water resources have deployed varied indigenous and exogenous technologies for domestic uses from natural surface to ground water stores. Community technological prowess and stratagems are functions of relief and climatic traits within a socio-political setting and that is why this paper sets out to assess indigenous and exogenous technologies of stakeholder in community water harvesting systems. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected for water sources, water demands, stakeholders, harvesting systems, technologies of extraction and water management through field observations, questionnaires and interviews. Findings revealed that few inhabitants have exogenous water supply technology and greater proportions depend on low technologies which paradoxically proved to be more sustainable than the high technologies. Stakeholder involvement motifs self-pride and politically driven and so the dearth of village water committees accounting for very derisory participation rates in water sourcing and management. The development and rehabilitation of alternative water sources is vital for sustainable water resource management and not just reliance on technological knowhow in Balikumbat.
Effect of Ferrous Iron Stress to West Sumatera Paddy Rice (Oryza nivara) Growth on Nutrient Culture Media
Authors: Dwipa Indra , Yusniwati . , Hirza Rahma Silvia
Published: September 2020

Aims: The research aimed to study the response of West Sumatera brown rice growth on nutrient culture media.

Study Design:  Factorial design with 2 factors in completely randomized design.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted in Laboratory of Tissue Culture, Laboratory of Seed Technology and Shade net house, Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University, Padang, Indonesia from May to July 2019.

Methodology: Factorial design with 2 factors in completely randomized design was used in the research. The first factor was brown rice genotypes (Talang Babungo, Sigambiri, Pido Manggih, Labuh Baru, Balingka, Situjuah, Banuhampu, Pulen Talao, Ladang Talamao and Sikarujuik. The second factor was FeSo2 concentrations (0 ppm, 250 ppm, 500 ppm and 750 ppm). The data was analysed using F test  5% and continued by Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) 5%.

Results: The result showed that there was interaction between brown rice genotypes and Fe concentrations to plant height and root dry weight in early growth stage. According the stress sensitivity index, Sigambiri and Ladang Talamao were the tolerant genotypes to high Fe stress and Talang Babungo and Banuhampu were moderately tolerant genotype in high concentration of Fe stress.

Conclusion: High Fe concentration affected the brown rice growth. This result can be a consideration to cultivate brown rice in high iron content land.
Optimal Lethal Dose Determination for Gamma Rays and EMS Induced Mutagenesis in TMV7 and SVPR1 Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Varieties
Authors: Parthasarathi G. , Pillai M. Arumugam , Kannan R. , Kumari S. Merina Prem , Binodh Asish K.
Published: September 2020

In the present study two sesame varieties viz., TMV7 and SVPR1 were treated with varying doses of gamma rays (250, 300, 350, 400 and 450 Gy) and Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (EMS) of different concentrations viz.,0.20, 0.40 and 0.60%. The seed germination percentage was greatly affected by mutagenic treatment of gamma rays and EMS which showed a negative dose dependent relationship in both the varieties. The expected LD50 values were calculated through probit analysis. The LD50 values for TMV7 and SVPR1 were fixed at 416.86 Gy and 389.04 Gy for gamma rays and 0.490 % and 0.349% for EMS. The germination percentage of SVPR1 was greatly reduced (17.80 & 20.55 %) and the lethal dose to kill fifty per cent of mutated population was lower (6.68% & 28.78%) than that of TMV7 in both gamma ray and EMS treatment. EMS treatment exhibited significant reduction in seed germination (62.16 % & 66.67 %) than gamma irradiation (56.76 % & 54.55 %) in TMV7 and SVPR1 respectively. The study concluded that both the mutagens are effective to produce significant variations in sesame which can be further explored for mutation mapping.
To Determine the Structure and Function of Bhagar Oxbow Lake in Dumraon, Buxar, South Bihar, India
Authors: Prasad Suday , Kumar Subodh , Gorai Tapan , Kumar Ajay
Published: September 2020

The paper deals with the structure, function, and fisheries resources of Bhagar lake, South        Bihar, one of the oxbow lakes in Dumraon (un-reported and un-described), from February           2018 to January 2020 under the state non plan research project. This lake is spread from          Nauki par (Chakki) to Nainijore (Brahampur), Dumraon, (Buxar) with a large size wetland in dimension of 20 km length & 1 km width. Bhagar oxbow lake is U shaped, hydrological closed lentic type meander of the Ganga river, it is fed by the monsoon runoff and ingress of flood water from the river Dharmawati. The water depth of lake ranges between 1.5 to 3 meters in summer and depth 4 to 6 meters during the Monsoon months. Water temperature ranged from 16°C (January) to 30°C (August) whereas the pH value of lake water was found within 7.0 to 7.8. In aspect of biological properties of the lake, it was highly infested with submerged vegetation with dominancy of Hydrilla cillata and floating aquatic weeds (water hyacinth) such as Eichhormia crassipes with approximately 30 percent area coverage. This lake is rich sources of fishes with identified forty four species with example of annual fishes like Mystus spp., Puntius spp., Channa spp., Carps spp., small Macrobrachium spp. and several seasonal fishes, providing livelihood support to more than sixty five household, socio-cultural importance. It also gives protection to many wild mammals like Blackbucks (Antelope cervicapra), swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii) and Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) during summer time. This lake is also wintering ground of the migratory birds such as Heron and Crane.
BRRI dhan80: High Yielding Jasmine Type Aromatic Rice Variety for Wet Season of Bangladesh
Authors: Kader Md. Abdul , Aditya Tamal Lata , Majumder Ratna Rani , Hore Tapas Kumer , Haq Md. Ehsanul
Published: September 2020

A newly released jasmine type, aromatic, high yielding, long slender grain and exportable rice variety viz., BRRI dhan80, suitable for rain-fed low land ecosystem of Bangladesh is advancement over existing premium quality rice varieties. The variety has reasonably conceded the Proposed Variety Trial (PVT) conducted at the farmer’s field. As a result National Seed Board (NSB) of Bangladesh has sanctioned this variety for its commercial cultivation in the wet season (Transplanted Aman season) in 2017. It has modern plant type with 120 cm plant height and matures by 130-135 days. The salient feature of this variety is like jasmine as having good quality grain, aroma, ten days earlier maturing than check variety. The proposed variety exposed around 1.0 t/ha higher yield than check variety namely BRRI dhan37. Isolating characters of this variety are deep blackish green leaf, erect to semi erect flag leaf, long slender aromatic grain with colored tip and presence of anthocyanin pigmentation/coloration on stem nodes. Its grain yield producing range is 4.5-5.0 t/ha grain yield. It has long and erect flag leaf with deep green color, brownish root and strong stem. Thousand grain weight of the variety is 26.2 gm and it has colored grain tip and pointed awn. This variety has 23.6% amylose content and 8.5% protein content. The jasmine type, exportable, aromatic rice variety (BRRI dhan80) is a superb variety for cultivating in the wet season and therefore, farmers can be economically more benefited if they will prefer BRRI dhan80 for its cultivation at large scale.
Modeling the Impacts of Climate Change on Groundwater Resources: A Review
Authors: Ali Syed Rouhullah , Khan Junaid N. , Pandey Yogesh , Dar Mehraj U. Din , Shafi Mudasir , Hassan Ishfaq
Published: September 2020

Global atmospheric general circulation models (GCMs) were developed to simulate the current climate and are used to predict climate change. Several Global Climate Models (GCM’s) are available for understanding and projecting climate change. GCM requires to be downscale on a basin-scale and combined with applicable hydrological models considering all components of the hydrologic process. The performance of such coupling models, such as groundwater recharge quantification, should help to make correct adaptation strategies. Climate change has the ability to affect both the quality and quantity of available groundwater, mainly through impact on recharge, evapotranspiration, pump-age and abstraction. As a consequence, groundwater is a significant contributor to the streamflow in areas with fairly shallow water resources, knowing how climate change could impact groundwater supplies is crucial for long-term water resource management. The effect of climate change on groundwater systems is very difficult to predict. Part of the uncertainty of climate predictions is embedded of possibilities. Better insights, a more profound knowledge of mechanisms and modeling skills are required to determine this critical resource’s potential in the face of predicted climate change.
Model Selection in Describing Disease Progress Curve of Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum F.SP. Sesami) Disease in Sesame Varieties
Authors: Kebede Assefa Abadi , Golla Weres Negash
Published: September 2020

An epidemic of disease is the progress of the disease in time and space. The objectives of the present study are to understand and compare the four nonlinear models for disease progress curves of five sesame varieties. The regression parameters estimation, standard error, R-square, Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) were estimated. The lowest values of standard error and the highest values of R-square were calculated from the monomolecular model. Also, the result showed that; the disease progress curve better fitted within the monomolecular model for each varieties with the smallest AIC and BIC values. This model is appropriate for modelling epidemics where there is a monocycle within a growing season. The Monomolecular model allows the estimation of the disease progression rate and an area under the disease progress curve was carried out to know the level of reaction to the disease. The lowest rate of fusarium wilt disease was recorded from Hirhir followed by Setit-2. However, the highest value was recorded from Setit-3 followed by Setit-1. A highest value of area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated from Setit-3. However, the lowest was calculated from Hirhir. Varieties with low disease incidence could be useful in breeding programs aimed at developing varieties with higher resistance to Fusarium wilt disease.
Effect of Soil Particle Sizes on Determination of pH, Oxidizable Organic Carbon and Available Phosphate
Authors: Tamang Amrit , Tarafder Hriday Kamal , Tamang Sagar , Basak Ranjan Kumar
Published: September 2020

Soil analysis is integral part of present agricultural farming, where soil samples are particularly determines with 2 mm sieved soil. It is highly related that finer particles pass through 80 mesh (0.2 mm) size had better interaction with concentrated chemical solution or extractant. Total 136 number of soil sample were collected from different agricultural land of Terai region of West Bengal to conducted the study on effect of soil particle sizes passes through 20 mesh (2 mm) and 80 mesh (0.2 mm) sieve on soil pH, oxidizable organic carbon and available phosphate. Thus, each sample was portioned into two particle size classes. Such as ‘80 mesh soil particles’ and ‘20 mesh soil particles’. The pH, oxidizable organic carbon (OCC) and available phosphate contents of two particle sizes of each soil sample were determined and compared. The maximum difference of 0.2 unit was recorded in case of pH analysis with both sieve sizes. The mean organic carbon content of soil particles that passed through 20 mesh 80 mesh sieve was 0.674 and 0.683 respectively, which further signifies organic carbon content value of 80 mesh soil particle size was slightly greater than that of 20 mesh soil particle size. The value of P content by different sieve size had maximum difference 0.2 kg P2O5 ha-1 and for some soils there was no difference. The difference mean of phosphate values of two particle sizes was 0.134 only. This difference is neglected for crop production. Thus, soil sieved through two sieve sizes 20 mesh 80 mesh sieve had no effect with soil pH, little influence on OCC and negligible effect on available phosphate content.
A Review of Nigerian Potential Hop Substitutes in Beer Brewing: 1983-2020
Authors: Okafor Vincent Nwalieji , Tabugbo Ifeyinwa Blessing , Anyalebechi Regina Igwe , Okafor Ugochukwu Wilson , Obiefuna Joy Ngozika
Published: September 2020

The Nigerian economy depended mainly on crude oil during the era of oil boom of 1973 which lasted up till1983. Agriculture was grossly neglected by successive governments. Following the economic recession that occurred years after and due to fall in crude oil price, the Nigerian government began to advocate for economic diversification. Consequently, agriculture became the area of interest and priority for industrial raw material sources. Unfortunately, Nigeria had imbibed the tradition of importing raw materials for all her industrial productions thereby creating unfavourable balance of trade between Nigeria and her foreign trading partners thus resulting in increase in the prices of finished products. Beer production is not exempted from the price increase since its raw materials are equally imported with their attendant problems on Nigeria’s foreign exchange. One of such raw materials is hops. The hop (Humulus lupulus L.) is a perennial dioecious climbing plant of hemp (cannabis) family and belonging to the order (urticales) which are grown in the temperate regions of the world, solely to meet the demand of the brewing industry. Hop extracts give beer its bitter taste, improve foam stability and act as antiseptics towards microorganisms. The quest to substitute hops with some tropical bitter vegetables in Nigeria’s brewing industry dates back to 1983 and since that time, many have compared hop extracts with those of Nigerian bitter plants such as Garcinia kola, Azadirachta indica, Vernonia amygdalina and Gongronema latifolium. This review takes a critical look on the efforts made so far since 1983 in investigating the potentiality of using Nigerian bitter plant extracts as suitable substitute for those of hop in the Nigerian brewing industry with special emphasis on Gas Chromatography Mass–Spectrometry (GC–MS) and Gas Chromatography–Flame Ionization Detector (GC–FID) techniques. It was concluded that none of the Nigerian plants has perfect potential as suitable substitute for hops in the Nigerian brewing industry. Consequently, further research efforts in the area of mixtures/blends of extract of plant species which mimic hop taste is strongly recommended.
Beneficial Effects of Biochar on Agriculture and Environments
Authors: Yazhini G. , Abishek R. , Ilakiya T. , Shanmugapriya S. , Piriya R. Sangeetha
Published: September 2020

Crop residue management becomes the challenging issue to farmers for balancing between the economic and sustainable environment. Though burning is the easiest way of destroying the crop waste it not only causes drastic changes in green house gas but also large amount of nutrients are removed from soil by plants. Hence the technique which protects the environment along with enhancing soil quality is needed. Therefore pyrolysis of crop residue can become an alternate technique against past strategies. The heterogeneous characteristics of the biochar can be produced through the pyrolysis process and that would be employed as a soil amendment. The biochar application ameliorates the problems which persist in soil and enhance the crop production in environmentally sound way. And largely involved in the carbon sequestration thereby sustain the soil quality. However there is lack of information available on effects of long term application of biochar and durability of persistence in soil. Thus in those things made to review on brief account of biochar such as, biochar production, characteristics, impacts on soil properties, crop growth, reduction of green house gases and heavy metal remediation. Moreover, in this review discusses about what are all the challenges and future trust in the application of biochar. So, the deep understanding on biochar and its interaction with soil can bridge the gap prevailed in the scientific field and crop improvement.
Blunt Hohman-Lever Technique for Reduction of Intertrochanteric Fracture – A Surgical Technique
Authors: A. Raviraj , Sugumar K. Abhishek , Maalepati Vidyasagar , Savsani Vivek Kumar N. , Anand Ashish
Published: September 2020

We present a 60 years old patient who presented to us with history of domestic fall and sustained injury to the right hip and was diagnosed with trochanteric fracture right side. As closed reduction was not acceptable and bone spike was not available in the set, we designed our own technique of using a bone lever introduced from the same incision from where reaming/nail insertion was done. To the best of our knowledge this technique has never been described before in english literature. Since our first case we have tried it in 6 other patients and without any issues.
Comparing the Effect of Methods of Rat Euthanasia on the Brain of Wistar Rats: Cervical Dislocation, Chloroform Inhalation, Diethyl Ether Inhalation and Formalin Inhalation
Authors: Aguwa U. S. , Eze C. E. , Obinwa B. N. , Okeke S. N. , Onwuelingo S. F. , Okonkwo D. I. , Ogbuokiri D. K. , Agulanna A. E. , Obiesie I. J. , Umezulike A. J.
Published: September 2020

Contentions still exist as to the most humane method of sacrificing experimental animals. Beyond humaneness, there is also the issue of appropriateness of a method of sacrifice with regards to organ safety. This study compared four common methods of rodent sacrifice used in Nigeria and their effects on the brain. Twenty male Wistar rats weighing 150 to 180g were randomly separated into four groups of five rats each. After a two week period of acclimatization, the animals were sacrificed; Group A by Cervical dislocation (CD) which also served as control, Group B by chloroform inhalation (CI), Group C by diethyl ether inhalation (DEI) and group D by Formalin inhalation (FI).  The time taken for the animals to pass out was documented and the brains were harvested. Four of the brains from rats in each group were homogenized in phosphate buffer solution and centrifuged at 10000rpm. The supernatant were used for antioxidant studies. The remaining one brain from each group were fixed in 10% formal saline and after 48 hours, the cerebellum (CB) and hippocampus (Hp) were used for histological studies using the H & E method. Our results show although CD was the quickest, it gave the least quantity of blood. Meanwhile CI was the most humane, gave the most blood and saved time compared to DEI and FI. None of the methods of sacrifice showed adverse effect on the antioxidant parameters of the rats. However, histological studies showed that while CD and CI showed no adverse effects on the hippocampus, only CD was completely safe for the CB. The other methods showed various levels of cell death. It is therefore expedient to consider these factors in making the choice of an appropriate method of sacrifice and to use the most humane and safest method with reference to the organ studied.
Upgrading Die Attach Machine Capability for Micro Electromechanical Systems Package
Authors: Capili Michael D.
Published: September 2020

The paper discussed the study and challenges of the Die Attach process, the critical characteristics of the product structure and the demand for the MEMS product. Upgrading the current machine mechanical and software to improve the machine's capabilities and overcome the criticality of the product structure, such as; 30 microns Die Placement accuracy, can process Wafer with dual Die Orientation 0 and 180 degrees, capable of detecting incorrect die orientation and finally can process thin substrate with 130 microns thickness. After machine upgrades, statistical validation using Two Proportion tests was used to help validate the machine's performance efficiently. The new upgraded machine has the same capability and performance as the new die attach machine model, therefore the upgrade and enhancement on the old model Die Attach machine are effective and efficient.
Comparative Analysis of Antidyslipidemic Effects of Fenugreek Seed Extract and Standard Pharmacological Therapy in Diet Induced Animal Model of Dyslipidemia: An Experimental Study
Authors: Zahid Nisha , Shaheen Shehla , Memon Zahida , Ali Akhtar , Zafar Urooj , Agha Faiza
Published: September 2020

Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the antidyslipidemic effects of fenugreek seed extract in comparison to standard drugs used for dyslipidemia in an animal model of dyslipidemia.

Methods: It was an experimental study conducted on 42 male, 9 weeks old Wistar albino rats for a period of 7 weeks. Animals were randomly divided into 7 groups, out of which 6 groups were given lipid rich diet to induce dyslipidemia for 28 days while one group served as control given normal diet. After 28 days standard drugs alone as well as in combinations (statins 10 mg/kg and fibrates 100 mg/kg) and fenugreek seed extract in two different doses, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg were administered once a day for 21 days to all the respective groups except positive (lipid rich diet) and negative control groups (on normal diet), both were administered normal saline. Baseline body weights of all groups of animals were measured at the start of the study. At the end of the study period, body weights of all groups of animal groups were measured again and their blood was drawn through cardiac puncture for the assessment of TC, LDL-C, HDL, TGs, D/B, I/B and ALT. All the intervention groups were compared on the basis of above mentioned parameters and changes in weight.

Results: Amongst all the groups, lipid parameters (TC, LDL, TGs) showed a significant reduction and increase in HDL in the group on FSE in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, FSE also showed significant decrease in the levels of liver enzymes including ALT, D/B and in body weight when compared to other groups. While we did not find any significant change for urea, creatinine and I/B amongst all the groups.

Conclusion: It is concluded that the fenugreek seed extract showed superior effects when compared to traditional pharmacological therapy against dyslipidemia.
Toughness Factors Reflections ONM-40 CC by Part Ousting Cement by SCBA & Adding Siyali fibre
Authors: Behera Rajashree P. , Mishra Siba Prasad , Nayak Sipalin , Panda Sagarika , Siddiqui Mohammad
Published: September 2020

Globally, the concrete is the vastly used material in the construction sector. It is a product of naturally available materials with the some chemical processes that generates solid waste, and GHG gases from the factory that pollutes soil, air and water. The demand for cement is gradually rising due to urbanization, industrialization and modernizations, and augmented it is short supply. The sustainable partial or fully replaced products used for  replacement of cement is to be invented to  obtain from recycled wastes and must be  non-pollutant of atmosphere and ecofriendly. Researches must be made with the low cost waste materials like red mud, GGBS, fly ash and many others. The present research is the ousting element sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as a partial replacement of cement. To improve the tensile properties of concrete, attempts are made to add small closely space out and evenly discrete natural organic Siyalifibre with the SCBA concrete which can provide better properties to concrete like crack remover and mends some static/dynamic characteristics of concrete. The concrete composites made from SCBA and Sialifibre are both environment friendly materials having both cementing and fibre reinforcing properties. Present study is to prepare of a concrete composite with a mix design of M40 grade and study compressive, tensile and split tensile strengths. The study should try with a composite concrete with Sialifibre and SCBA at various proportions and verify its crack resistant and strength improving/ deteriorating properties.  For the present work of concrete, it is found to be advantageous with 10% ,20% SCBA with a partial substitute of cement and Siyali Fiber at various dosages like 0%, to 2.0% with increment of 0.5%added to cement volume.
Feasibility of bronchial wall quantification in low‐ and ultralow‐dose third‐generation dual‐source CT: An ex vivo lung study
Authors: Zhang Lin , Pelgrim Gert Jan , Yan Jing , Zhang Hao , Vliegenthart Rozemarijn , Xie Xueqian
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To investigate image quality and bronchial wall quantification in low‐ and ultralow‐dose third‐generation dual‐source computed tomography (CT).

Methods

A lung specimen from a formerly healthy male was scanned using third‐generation dual‐source CT at standard‐dose (51 mAs/120 kV, CTDIvol 3.41 mGy), low‐dose (1/4th and 1/10th of standard dose), and ultralow‐dose setting (1/20th). Low kV (70, 80, 90, and Sn100 kV) scanning was applied in each low/ultralow‐dose setting, combined with adaptive mAs to keep a constant dose. Images were reconstructed at advanced modeled iterative reconstruction (ADMIRE) levels 1, 3, and 5 for each scan. Bronchial wall were semi‐automatically measured from the lobar level to subsegmental level. Spearman correlation analysis was performed between bronchial wall quantification (wall thickness and wall area percentage) and protocol settings (dose, kV, and ADMIRE). ANOVA with a post hoc pairwise test was used to compare signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), noise and bronchial wall quantification values among standard‐ and low/ultralow‐dose settings, and among ADMIRE levels.

Results

Bronchial wall quantification had no correlation with dose level, kV, or ADMIRE level (|correlation coefficients| < 0.3). SNR and noise showed no statistically significant differences at different kV in the same ADMIRE level (1, 3, or 5) and in the same dose group (P > 0.05). Generally, there were no significant differences in bronchial wall quantification among the standard‐ and low/ultralow‐dose settings, and among different ADMIRE levels (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The combined use of low/ultralow‐dose scanning and ADMIRE does not influence bronchial wall quantification compared to standard‐dose CT. This specimen study suggests the potential that an ultralow‐dose scan can be used for bronchial wall quantification.
Machine learning prediction of the adverse outcome for nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage patients
Authors: Yu Duo , Williams George W. , Aguilar David , Yamal José‐Miguel , Maroufy Vahed , Wang Xueying , Zhang Chenguang , Huang Yuefan , Gu Yuxuan , Talebi Yashar , Wu Hulin
Published: September 2020

Objective

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is often devastating with increased early mortality, particularly in those with presumed delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). The ability to accurately predict survival for SAH patients during the hospital course would provide valuable information for healthcare providers, patients, and families. This study aims to utilize electronic health record (EHR) data and machine learning approaches to predict the adverse outcome for nontraumatic SAH adult patients.

Methods

The cohort included nontraumatic SAH patients treated with vasopressors for presumed DCI from a large EHR database, the Cerner Health Facts® EMR database (2000–2014). The outcome of interest was the adverse outcome, defined as death in hospital or discharged to hospice. Machine learning‐based models were developed and primarily assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

A total of 2467 nontraumatic SAH patients (64% female; median age [interquartile range]: 56 [47–66]) who were treated with vasopressors for presumed DCI were included in the study. 934 (38%) patients died or were discharged to hospice. The model achieved an AUC of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.84–0.92) with only the initial 24 h EHR data, and 0.94 (95% CI, 0.92–0.96) after the next 24 h.

Interpretation

EHR data and machine learning models can accurately predict the risk of the adverse outcome for critically ill nontraumatic SAH patients. It is possible to use EHR data and machine learning techniques to help with clinical decision‐making.
Maintenance of Sustained Low Disease Activity or Remission in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated With Etanercept Monotherapy: Results from the Corrona Registry
Authors: Pappas Dimitrios A. , Shan Ying , Lesperance Tamara , Kricorian Greg , Karis Elaine , Rebello Sabrina , Hua Winnie , Accortt Neil A. , Stryker Scott
Published: September 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate maintenance of remission/low disease activity (LDA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who achieved remission/LDA with etanercept (ETN) plus a conventional synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD) and to compare patients who discontinued csDMARD to receive ETN monotherapy (Mono) with those remaining on combination therapy (Combo).

Methods

Patients from the Corrona RA registry between October 1, 2001, and August 31, 2017, were eligible. The index date for the Mono cohort was the csDMARD discontinuation date; the index visit for the Combo cohort was estimated from time between ETN initiation and csDMARD discontinuation in the Mono cohort. The main outcome calculated was maintenance of remission/LDA. Patients were censored if they switched to or added a biologic DMARD, discontinued ETN, when a csDMARD was reintroduced (Mono), or if methotrexate increased more than 5 mg/d (Combo). Trimming was used to balance demographic and clinical characteristics between groups. Cox regression models were adjusted for the remaining differences across groups.

Results

We identified 182 Mono and 403 Combo patients; 120 Mono and 207 Combo patients remained after trimming. Most patients (approximately 80%) were biologic medication–naive before initiating ETN. At 24 months postindex, modeled percentages of patients remaining in remission/LDA were 75% for Mono and 86% for Combo (overall adjusted P = 0.057). More patients were censored for therapy change in Mono than in Combo groups (37% versus 5%), largely due to reintroduction of csDMARDs in the Mono group.

Conclusion

Many patients with RA who achieved remission/LDA on combination therapy maintained remission/LDA with ETN monotherapy for 2 years after csDMARD discontinuation. ETN monotherapy may be a viable option for patients who discontinue csDMARDs after achieving LDA/remission.
Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing of Metal Powder‐Based Inks Enabled by Carrageenan Rheology Modifier
Authors: Pack Robert Cody , Compton Brett Gibson
Published: September 2020

A new carrageen‐based route to produce metal powder‐based inks tailored for direct ink write additive manufacturing is presented. Aqueous‐based inks are formulated with carrageenan, a red seaweed‐derived polysaccharide, that serves as both a binder and viscosifier, along with 316L stainless steel or nickel powders and dispersants. Thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and rheological measurements are performed to characterize carrageenan burnout, metal particle morphology, and formulated ink behavior, respectively. Simple (rectangular) and complex (honeycomb and lattice) metallic architectures are 3D‐printed via material extrusion, dried, and pressurelessly sintered in an inert argon atmosphere to produce densified structures. 316L structures exhibit up to 94% theoretical density, attributed to a high solids loading (spherical particle morphology) compared with nickel samples, which display up to 88% theoretical density due to lower solids loading (irregular particle morphology). Micro‐hardness testing and microstructure evaluation are conducted on sintered samples to investigate material properties and sintering behavior. This new carrageenan‐based route is not only simple and non‐toxic but also robust and highly versatile, showing potential to expand application of metal and metal hybrid 3D printing.
Iridium‐Catalysed Reductive Deoxygenation of Ketones with Formic Acid as Traceless Hydride Donor
Authors: Yang Zhiheng , Zhu Xueya , Yang Shiyi , Cheng Weiyan , Zhang Xiaojian , Yang Zhanhui
Published: September 2020

An iridium‐catalysed deoxygenation of ketones and aldehydes is achieved, with formic acid as hydride donor and water as co‐solvent. At low catalyst loading, a number of 4‐(N,N‐disubstituted amino) aryl ketones are readily deoxygenated in excellent yields and chemoselectivity. Numerous functional groups, especially phenolic and alcoholic hydroxyls, secondary amine, carboxylic acid, and alkyl chloride, are well tolerable. Geminally dideuterated alkanes are obtained with up to 90% D incorporation, when DCO2D and D2O are used in place of their hydrogenative counterparts. The activating 4‐(N,N‐disubstituted amino)aryl groups have been demonstrated to undergo a variety of useful transformations. The deoxygenative deuterations have been used to prepare a deuterated drug molecule Chlorambucil‐4,4‐d2.

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Controlling reaction rate of phase transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone by application of low external electric field
Authors: Wang Nan , Allgeier Alan M. , Weatherley Laurence R.
Published: September 2020

The controllable mass transfer and reaction rate for phase transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone across a well‐defined boundary were investigated. The effect of solvent was found important and 1‐butanol exhibited the best performance among the five investigated homologous alcohol solvents, consistent with its higher solubility in water and greater dielectric constant. Initial reaction rates increased with increasing electric potential, consistent with enhanced mass transfer across the aqueous/organic boundary. At longer reaction times, deactivation was apparent. It correlated with increasing voltage and is ascribed to lower equilibrium concentration of reactive species at the interface. External control over reaction rate was demonstrated by switching the applied electric potential over the course of the reaction. Effects of external electric field on enantioselectivity were also explored with reversal field direction. The changes correlate with catalyst decomposition.
Visible Light Induced Bifunctional Rhodium Catalysis for Decarbonylative Coupling of Imides with Alkynes
Authors: Min Xiang‐Ting , Ji Ding‐Wei , Guan Yu‐Qing , Guo Shi‐Yu , Hu Yan‐Cheng , Wan Boshun , Chen Qing‐An
Published: September 2020

Transition metal catalyzed decarbonylation offers a distinct synthetic strategy for new chemical bond formation. However, the π‐backbonding between CO π* orbitals and metal center d‐orbitals impedes ligand dissociation to regenerate the catalyst under mild reaction conditions. Developed here is visible light induced rhodium catalysis for decarbonylative coupling of imides with alkynes under ambient conditions. Initial mechanistic studies suggest that the rhodium complex simultaneously serves as the catalytic center and photosensitizer for decarbonylation. This visible light promoted catalytic decarbonylation strategy offers new opportunities for reviewing old transformations with ligand dissociation as a rate‐determining step.
Using Radiofrequency Technology to Prevent Retained Sponges and Improve Patient Outcomes
Authors: Primiano Mike , Sparks Deb , Murphy Jill , Glaser Kathleen , McNett Molly
Published: September 2020

Retained items (eg, sponges, sharps) after surgical procedures are reportable errors that can result in patient harm or death and increased patient and health care system costs. Perioperative use of radiofrequency (RF) technology may decrease the number of retained sponges and reduce hospital costs. We sought to determine whether the use of RF technology may be associated with fewer retained sponges, improved patient outcomes, and decreased hospital costs. We completed a retrospective evaluation of incident reports before and after implementing the use of an RF system for retained surgical sponges. We found that using RF technology was associated with fewer retained sponges and improved outcomes at our facility. We also determined that mortality rates before and after RF technology implementation were similar, and we estimated that our hospital’s costs were reduced.
Spectrally encoded microspheres for immunofluorescence analysis
Authors: Sankova Natalya , Shalaev Pavel , Semeykina Viktoriya , Dolgushin Sergey , Odintsova Elena , Parkhomchuk Ekaterina
Published: September 2020

A modern immunofluorescence analysis based on spectrally encoded microspheres has found numerous and constantly growing applications in disease diagnosis, environmental supervision, and fundamental science. Here we present an overview of microsphere‐based methods of multiplex immunofluorescence analysis and consider such important parameters of beads, that are crucial in most microsphere‐based immunoassays, as size distribution, fluorescence stability, magnetic properties, and particle material. The preparation methods of the microspheres with tunable diameter, the introduction of various types of fluorochromes, and magnetic particles into the microspheres are discussed in details. This review also addresses the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to implement technically bead‐based immunofluorescence analysis.