bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profile of Musculoskeletal Tumor in Saiful Anwar General Hospital Malang from January 2011 until December 2018
Authors: Irsan Istan Irmansyah , Isma Satria Pandu Persada , Aziz Abdul , Bimadi Muhammad Hilman , Oktafandi I Gusti Ngurah Arga Aldrian
Published: October 2020

Abstract: Musculoskeletal tumors are relatively rare, with 0.2%-0.5% of all malignant tumors in all ages. The geographic distribution of musculoskeletal tumors varies significantly around the world. This study aims to describe the musculoskeletal tumor profile in Saiful Anwar General Hospital. All data were obtained from the department of orthopaedic and traumatology database, Saiful Anwar general hospital. Thus, patients who were diagnosed with either bone tumor or soft tissue tumor between January 2011 to December 2018 were selected for the present study. The clinical-pathological conference (CPC) was carried out to ensure the validity of all the registered data. A total of 577 patients with tumors from January 2011 to December 2018 was obtained. Out of all the cases, 439 (76%) cases are bone tumors, and the remaining 138 (24%) cases are soft tissue tumors. The most frequent locations of the musculoskeletal tumors are the long bones of the thigh and lower leg. This study shows an increasing trend in musculoskeletal tumors incidence, despite decreasing numbers in several years. This result goes along with a rising trend in malignancy cases with a higher amount compared to the benign one. Moreover, MBD and osteosarcoma were found to be the most common tumor and primary bone tumors, respectively. However, the fact that there is some data loss in the study limited the study for a more accurate result.   Keywords: Musculoskeletal tumor; Bone tumor; Osteosarcoma; Malang; East Java
Identification of Bacteria, Fungi, and Most Probable Coliform around Temporary Disposal Site at Gadang Village Banjarmasin
Authors: Heriyani Farida , Budiarti Lia Yulia , Rafina Nurlaili , Novianti Normaida , Sella Puspa Astri
Published: October 2020

Abstract: Temporary Disposal Site (TDS) of Gadang Village Banjarmasin is one of the temporary landfills in Banjarmasin. The negative effects of waste can pollute the environment, including water and air. The purpose of this study was to identify airborne contaminant bacteria and fungi as well as the Most Probable Number (MPN) of Coliform value of piped water in the residential houses around Gadang TDS Banjarmasin. The research method is descriptive observational. The sample of this study were air and piped water. Air sampling is done by open plate and MPN Coliform sampling was obtained by purposive sampling method. The results of this study showed the air contaminant bacteria in the house were Staphylococcus aureus (55.56%) and Escherichia coli (44.44%) in the environment around the TDS all results were obtained with the same percentage. Aspergillus niger was dominantly found at a distance of 20-30 m and 40-50 m while Aspergillus flavus was mostly found at the distance around 30-40 m. MPN Coliform in piped water showed coliform bacteria contamination with MPN coliform index of 2.0-7.5/100ml water samples. In conclusion, Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is more common than Escherichia coli. Most fungi species found in this study was Aspergillus niger. In the piped water examination for all samples MPN Coliform was found in the low risk category. Keywords: Air contaminant bacteria, air contaminant fungi, piping water MPC coliform, Temporary Disposal Site
Stage 4 Lung Cancer with Brain and Pericardial Metastases Which Are First Considered as Pulmonary Tuberculosis Infection and Heart Failure
Authors: Haryati Haryati , Riska Marsheilla
Published: October 2020

Abstract: Lung cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis become a global problem in the world. The similarities of clinical symptoms and radiological appearances often complicates diagnosis especially in TB endemic countries. A 43-year-old man presented with shortness of breath for 6 months, accompanied by intermittent cough mixed with blood streaks. He had been taking anti-tuberculosis for 2 months, but there’s no improvement. On physical examination, ronchi were heard in the lower 2/3 of the right lung and heart sounds diminished. Motoric movement of the left hand was difficult to grasp hard. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the head revealed hyperdense multiple nodules. Chest X-ray showed cardiomegaly with right lung consolidation and a primary malignant right lung mass accompanied by pericardial effusion at thoracic CT scan. Cytology and EGFR examination of pericardial effusion found adenocarcinoma metastasis with exon 18 and 21 mutations. Evaluation of clinical symptoms and radiological examination during tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy showed improvement. Lung cancer can resemble pulmonary tuberculosis in various manifestations. Adenocarcinoma with positive EGFR mutations is more commonly found in Asians. Cytology and EGFR examination of pericardial effusion became the basis of diagnosis in this case. He was given TKI therapy. Re-evaluation must be carried out in patients who do not improve with antibiotics or anti-tuberculosis. Patient reported a good response after consuming EGFR-TKI. Keywords: lung cancer, tuberculosis, tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Diagnostic Approaches and Management of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis in Children
Authors: Hidayah Nurul , Wijaya Andreas Budi
Published: October 2020

Abstract: Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the central nervous system, especially in the population of children and early adolescents, due to persistent measles virus infection. The incidence of SSPE is quite rare, and data shows that in developing countries it is still quite high compared to developed countries. Diagnosis is based on clinical, supporting examinations such as EEG, as well as increased antibodies against measles virus in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Symptoms can include changes in behavior, myoclonus, memory problems, and persistent pyramidal or extrapyramidal movements. Management to date has not provided satisfactory results and is individualized. Most SSPE patients experience a progressive and gradual course, leading to death within 1-3 years. The challenge of SSPE in children is the approach to diagnosis and management. Until now, the approach to treating SSPE in children is still based on the pathophysiological mechanisms from several existing research studies. That why therapy guidelines for children with SSPE are still varied. This paper aims to discuss the topic of SSPE in children with a major focus on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches based on the latest scientific evidence. Keywords: Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), children, diagnosis, therapy
Nootropic Effect of Fenugreek Seed Extract against Scopolamine Induced Cognitive Decline in Experimental Mice
Authors: Mohamed Hussain Shalam , Almutairi Nayef , Alrakaf Fahad , Aljameli Mohammed , Alshammari Mohammad , Alnasser Sulaiman
Published: October 2020

Background: Alzheimer’s disease affecting about 24 million people world-wide. The socio-economic burden on world-economies costing more than 172 billion US $ annually for the US alone. Objectives: To prepare aqueous extract of T. foenum graecum seeds (FSE) to explore the possible treatment for cognitive deficit in experimental animals. Materials and methods: FSE was subjected to preliminary phytochemical evaluation and antioxidant effect using free radical scavenging method (DPPH). All the animal behavior was video recorded with no human intervention during observation and animal groupings were blinded to avoid investigator bias. Different doses of FSE (5%, 10% and 20%), control, standard (Piracetam, 200 mg/kg, IP.) were given for male albino mice a period of 15 days followed by cognitive assessment in elevated plus maze and novel objection recognition tests. Ttransfer latencies and time exploring novel and familiar objects were recorded in respective tests. Retention of this learned-task was examined again 24 h later and inflexion ratio (IR) and discriminative index (DI) were calculated respectively. Next in the second set of experiment same groups and treatments were continued but scopolamine was administered to all the groups except normal control one hour after the last dose and examined similarly. Results: FSE showed potential antioxidant effect and a dose dependent increase in transfer latency and improved DI indicating a nootropic effect. FSE at 20% showed significant reversal of scopolamine induced dementia in the second set of experiment. Conclusion: FSE improved memory as well as reversed the chemically induced memory deficits in experimental mice.
Comparative Physiological and Biochemical Mechanisms in Di, Tri, and Tetraploid Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) Grafted by Branches
Authors: Liu Wenge , Umer Muhammad Jawad , Gebremeskel Haileslassie , Mahmud Eftekhar , Diao Weinan , Yuan Pingli , Zhu Hongju , Zhao Shengjie , Lu Xuqiang , He Nan , Gong Chengsheng , Anees Muhammad , El-Eslamboly Ahmed , Kaseb Mohamed
Published: October 2020

Polyploid seeds production is laborious, complicated, and costly work. Tetraploid and triploid plants produce a fewer number of seeds/fruit, and triploid embryos are fairly weak, covered with a more hardened seed coat as compared to diploid seeds. Here we investigated the interactive effect of new grafting technique of polyploid watermelon scion onto rootstock on plants' survival rate, biochemical, and hormones contents. In this study, three different branches, apical meristem (AM), branch with 1 node (1N), and 2 nodes (2N) from di, Tri, and tetraploid watermelon plants, were used as scion and grafted onto squash rootstock. The results showed highly significant differences between polypoid watermelon when 1N using as a scion, tetraploid showed maximum survival rates, higher contents of hormones, and antioxidants (AOX) activities, compared to diploid, these may be the possible reasons for high compatibility in tetraploid and degrading the grafting zone in diploid. RTq-PCR results confirm that the expression of genes linked to compatibility is consistent with the hormonal and AOX activities. This study provides an alternative and economical approach to produce more tetraploid and triploid plants for breeding or seeds production by using branches as scions.
Comparative Physiological and Biochemical Mechanisms in Di, Tri, and Tetraploid Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) Grafted by Branches
Authors: Kaseb Mohamed , Umer Muhammad Jawad , Gebremeskel Haileslassie , Mahmud Eftekhar , Diao Weinan , Yuan Pingli , Zhu Hongju , Zhao Shengjie , Lu Xuqiang , He Nan , Gong Chengsheng , Anees Muhammad , El-Eslamboly Ahmed , Liu Wenge
Published: October 2020

Polyploid seeds production is laborious, complicated, and costly work. Tetraploid and triploid plants produce a fewer number of seeds/fruit, and triploid embryos are fairly weak, covered with a more hardened seed coat as compared to diploid seeds. Here we investigated the interactive effect of new grafting technique of polyploid watermelon scion onto rootstock on plants' survival rate, biochemical, and hormones contents. In this study, three different branches, apical meristem (AM), branch with 1 node (1N), and 2 nodes (2N) from di, Tri, and tetraploid watermelon plants, were used as scion and grafted onto squash rootstock. The results showed highly significant differences between polypoid watermelon when 1N using as a scion, tetraploid showed maximum survival rates, higher contents of hormones, and antioxidants (AOX) activities, compared to diploid, these may be the possible reasons for high compatibility in tetraploid and degrading the grafting zone in diploid. RTq-PCR results confirm that the expression of genes linked to compatibility is consistent with the hormonal and AOX activities. This study provides an alternative and economical approach to produce more tetraploid and triploid plants for breeding or seeds production by using branches as scions.
A Novel DNA Extraction Protocol from Frozen Blood of Normal Individuals and Patients Who Received Systemic Chemotherapy
Authors: Hashim Hayder O. , Al-Shuhaib Mohammed Baqur S.
Published: October 2020

Herein, we describe a highly efficient, non-complicated, and non-organic procedure to overcome the negative effect of chemotherapeutic drugs on the quality of the extracted DNA by applying several modulations in cell washing, suspension, and lysis of cells treated with these drugs. In this protocol, 500µl were extracted from patients who received systemic sessions of chemotherapy. The validity of this protocol for digestion with restriction endonucleases and both conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction were tested. This protocol proved obvious purity (1.8±0.02 and 2.1±1.2, for A260/280 and A260/230, respectively) and adequate yields (10±2.24) µg/100 ml. The positive results of validation experiments proved the validity of the extracted DNA for downstream applications of molecular biology. In addition to the proven efficiency of this protocol to extract DNA from normal samples, its validity was also confirmed from patients who were exposed to chemotherapy. This entails a novel approach to extract a molecular biology grade DNA without having inhibitors against enzymes used in digestion, amplification, and subsequent sequencing even after the systemic sessions with several doses of chemotherapy.
Dimethyl Fumarate and Its Esters: A Drug with Broad Clinical Utility?
Authors: Kourakis Stephanie , Timpani Cara , de Haan Judy , Gueven Nuri , Fischer Dirk , Rybalka Emma
Published: October 2020

Fumaric acid esters (FAEs) are small molecules with anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is the best characterised FAE and is approved and registered for the treatment of psoriasis and Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). Psoriasis and RRMS share an immune-mediated aetiology, driven by severe inflammation and oxidative stress. DMF, as well as monomethyl fumarate and diroximel fumarate, are commonly prescribed first-line agents with favourable safety and efficacy profiles. The potential benefits of FAEs against other diseases that appear pathogenically different but share the pathologies of oxidative stress and inflammation are currently investigated.
Personnel Well-being in the Helsinki University Hospital During the COVID-19 Pandemic – A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Haravuori Henna , Junttila Kristiina , Haapa Toni , Tuisku Katinka , Kujala Anne , Rosenström Tom , Suvisaari Jaana , Pukkala Eero , Laukkala Tanja , Jylha Pekka
Published: October 2020

On March 2020 strict measures took place in Finland to limit the COVID -19 pandemic. A majority of the Finnish COVID -19 –patients have been located in the southern Finland and consequently cared for in the HUS Helsinki University Hospital. During the ongoing pandemic, HUS personnel’s psychological symptoms are followed via an electronic survey, which also delivers information on psychosocial support services. The baseline survey in June 2020 was sent to 25494 HUS employees out of whom 4804 (19%) answered; altogether 62.4% of the respondents were nursing staff and 8.9% medical doctors. While the follow-up continues for a year and a half, this report shares the sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents and the first results of psychological symptoms from the baseline survey. Out of those who were directly involved in pandemic patients` care, 43.4% reported potentially traumatic COVID-19 pandemic-related experiences vs. 21.8% among the other (p < 0.001). While over a half of the personnel was symptomless, a group of respondents reported pandemic work –related traumatic events and concurrent depressive, insomnia and anxiety symptoms. This highlights the need to ensure appropriate psychosocial support services to all traumatized personnel and PTEs were present especially among nursing staff.
Institutional Framework for Assessing Water Availability and Allocation
Authors: Wurbs Ralph
Published: October 2020

Effective water resources management requires assessments of water availability within a framework of complex institutions and infrastructure employed to manage extremely variable stream flow shared by numerous often competing water users and diverse types of use. The Water Rights Analysis Package (WRAP) modeling system is fundamental to water allocation and planning in the state of Texas in the United States. Integration of environmental flow standards into both the modeling system and comprehensive statewide water management is a high priority for continuing research and development. The public domain WRAP software and documentation are generalized for application any place in the world. Lessons learned in developing and implementing the modeling system in Texas are relevant worldwide. The modeling system combines: (1) detailed simulation of water right systems, interstate compacts, international treaties, federal/state/local agreements, and operations of storage and conveyance facilities; (2) simulation of river system hydrology; and (3) statistical frequency and reliability analyses. The continually evolving modeling system has been implemented in Texas by a water management community that includes the state legislature, planning and regulatory agencies, river authorities, water districts, cities, industries, engineering consulting firms, and university researchers. The shared modeling system contributes significantly to integration of water allocation, planning, system operations, and research.
Assessing the Influence of Soil Quality on Rainfed Wheat Yield
Authors: Nabiollahi Kamal , Heshmat Eskandari , Mosavi Amir , Kerry Ruth , Zeraatpisheh Mojtaba , Taghizadeh-Mehrjardi Ruhollah
Published: October 2020

Soil quality assessment based on crop yields and identification of key indicators of it can be used for better management of agricultural production. In the current research, the weighted additive soil quality index (SQIw), factor analysis (FA) and multiple linear regression (MLR) method are used to assess the soil quality of rainfed winter wheat fields with two soil orders on 53.20 km2 of agricultural land in western Iran. A total of 18 soil quality indicators were determined for 100 soil samples (0-20 cm depth) from two soil orders (Inceptisols and Entisols). The soil properties measured were: pH, soil texture, organic carbon (OC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), electrical conductivity (EC), soil microbial respiration (SMR), carbonate calcium equivalent (CCE), soil porosity (SP), bulk density (BD), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), mean weight diameter (MWD), available potassium (AK), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), available Fe (AFe), available Zn (AZn), available Mn (AMn), and available Cu (ACu). Mean wheat grain yield for the two years for all of the 100 sampling sites was also gathered. The SQIw was calculated using two weighting methods (FA and MLR) and maps were created using a digital soil mapping framework. The soil indicators taken in the minimum data set (MDS) were AK, clay, CEC, AP, SMR, and sand. The correlation between the MLR weighting technique (SQI-M) and the rainfed wheat yield (r=0.62) was slightly larger than that the correlation of yield with the FA weighted technique (SQI-F) (r=0.58). Results showed that the means of both SQI-M and SQI-F and rainfed wheat yield for Inceptisols were higher than for Entisols although these differences were not statistically significant. Both SQI-M and SQI-F showed that areas with Entisols had lower proportions of good soil quality grades (Grade I and II), and higher proportions of poor soil quality grades (Grade IV and V) compared to Inceptisols. Based on these results, soil type must be considered for soil quality assessment in future studies to maintain and enhance soil quality and sustainable production. The overall soil quality of the study region was of poor and moderate grades. To improve soil quality, it is therefore recommended that effective practices such as the implementation of scientific integrated nutrient management involving the combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers in rainfed wheat fields be promoted.
Clays, Limestone and Biochar Affect the Bioavailability and Geochemical Fractions of Cadmium and Zinc from Zn-Smelter Polluted Soils
Authors: Lahori Altaf Hussain , Mierzwa-Hersztek Monika , Demiraj Erdona , Idir Rachida , Bui Thi Tuyet Xuan , Vu Dinh Duy , Channa Amanullah , Samoon Naeem Akhtar , Zhang Zengqiang
Published: October 2020

Ca-bentonite (CB) alone and in a mixture with limestone (L), tobacco biochar (TB) and zeolite (Z) on the fixation, geochemical fractions and absorption of Cd and Zn by Chinese cabbage in smelter heavily polluted (S-HP) and smelter low polluted (S-LP) soils were investigated. The results showed that the CB+TB and CB+L+TB treatments significantly immobilized Cd up to 22.03% and 29.68%, respectively, and reduced uptake by Chinese cabbage shoot to 35.98% with CB+Z+L and 61.35% with CB+L in S-HP and S-LP soils compared with the control. The CB+ Z+ L+TB treatment mobilized Cd up to 4.45% and increased absorption in the shoot by 9.85% in S-HP soil. The greatest immobilization of Zn was 53.18% and 58.20% with the CB+Z+L+TB treatment, which reduced Zn uptake in the plant shoot by 9.94% with CB + L and 58.04 with CB+Z+L+TB in S-HP and S-LP soils. The CB+Z+TB and CB+TB treatments mobilized Zn up to 35.40% and 4.80%, respectively, in both soils. Furthermore, the uptake of Zn in plant shoot was observed by 58.96% and 7.82% with application of CB+Z and CB+TB treatments, respectively, in S-HP and S-LP soils. Overall, our results suggest that Ca-bentonite alone and in mixtures with different amendments can be used to reduce the phyto-extraction of Cd and Zn in Zn-smelter polluted soils.
Estimating Plant Pasture Biomass and Quality from UAV Imaging Across Queensland’s Rangelands
Authors: Barnetson Jason , Phinn Stuart , Scarth Peter
Published: October 2020

The aim of this research was to test recent developments in the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to map pasture biomass yield and nutrient status, across a selected range of field sites throughout the rangelands of Queensland. Improved pasture management begins with an understanding of the state of the resource base, UAV based methods can potentially achieve this at improved spatial and temporal scales. This study developed predictive models of both pasture yield and pasture nutrient status. An automated pasture height surface modelling technique was developed, tested and used along with field site measurements of pasture yields, to predict further estimates across each field site. Both prior knowledge and automated predictive modelling techniques were employed to predict pasture yield and nutrition. Pasture height surface modelling was assessed against field measurements using a rising plate meter, results reported correlation coefficients (R2) ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 for both woodland and grassland field sites. Accuracy of the predictive modelling was determined from further field measurements of pasture yield and on average indicated an error of 0.8 t ha-1 in grasslands and 1.3 t ha-1 in mixed woodlands across both modelling approaches. Correlation analyses between measures of pasture quality, acid detergent fibre and crude protein (ADF, CP), and spectral reflectance data indicated the visible red (651 nm) and red-edge (759 nm) regions were highly correlated (ADF R2 = 0.9 and CP R2 = 0.5 mean values). These findings agreed with previous studies linking specific absorption features with grass chemical composition. These results conclude that the practical application of such techniques, to efficiently and accurately map pasture yield and quality, is possible at the field site scale, however further research is needed, in particular further field sampling of both yield and nutrient elements across such a diverse landscape, with the potential to scale up to a satellite platform for broader scale monitoring.
Chemical Composition and Bioactive Properties of Commercial and Non-Commercial Purple and White Açaí Berries
Authors: Matta Fernanda V. , Xiong Jia , Lila Mary Ann , Ward Neil I. , Felipe-Sotelo Mónica , Esposito Debora
Published: October 2020

Chemical composition analysis of açaí extracts revealed higher levels of total polyphenol content in purple açaí samples for both commercial (4.3 – 44.7 gallic acid equivalents mg/g) and non-commercial samples (30.2 – 42.0 mg/g) compared to white (8.2 – 11.9 mg/g) and oil samples (0.8 – 4.6 mg/g). The major anthocyanin compounds found in purple açaí samples were cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside with total concentrations in the range of 3.6 – 14.3 cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents mg/g. The oligomeric proanthocyanidins were quantified in the range of 1.5 – 6.1 procyanidin B1 equivalents mg/g. Moreover, açaí presented significant levels of calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc and copper, essential minor and trace elements, in comparison with other berries. All of the açaí extracts at 50 μg/mL potently inhibited the release of reactive oxygen species in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells, but none inhibited the release of nitric oxide. Furthermore, all the açaí samples demonstrated potential as wound healing agents due to the high levels of migration activity in human fibroblast cells.
A New Endemic of Concomitant Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Hanif Hira , Khan Muzammil , Ali Mukarram , Shah Pir , Satiya Jinendra , Lau Daryl , Aslam Aysha
Published: October 2020

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a global public problem despite the availability of effective vaccine. In the past decades, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has surpassed HBV as the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. The prevalence of concomitant chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and NAFLD, thus, reaches endemic in geographic regions where both conditions are common. Patients with CHB and NAFLD are at increased risk of liver disease progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Due to complexity of the pathogenesis, accurate diagnosis of NAFLD in CHB patients can be challenging. Liver biopsy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and determining the disease severity, but it is an invasive procedure with potential complications. There is a growing body of literatures on the application of novel noninvasive serum biomarkers and advanced radiological modalities to diagnose and evaluate NAFLD, but most have not been adequately validated especially for patients with CHB. Currently, there is no approved therapy for NAFLD though many new agents are in different phases of development. This review provides a summary of the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis and management of the NAFLD and highlights the unmet needs in the areas of CHB and NAFLD coexistence.
Synthesis and Application of Cationised Cellulose for Removal of Cr(VI) from Acid Mine-Drainage Contaminated Water
Authors: Etale Anita , Nhlane Dineo S. , Mosai Alseno K. , Mhlongo Jessica , Khan Aaliyah , Rumbold Karl , Nuapia Yannick
Published: October 2020

Cationised hemp cellulose was prepared by etherification with two quaternary ammonium salts: 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CHPTAC) and glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GTMAC) and examined for (i) the efficiency of Cr(VI) removal under acid mine-drainage (AMD) conditions, and (ii) antibacterial activity. Adsorbents were characterised by electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), CP-MAS 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, elemental composition and surface charge. FTIR and solid state 13C NMR confirmed the introduction of quaternary ammonium moieties on cellulose. 13C NMR also showed that cationisation decreased the degree of crystallisation and lateral dimensions of cellulose fibrils. Nevertheless, 47 % - 72% of Cr(VI) ions were removed from solutions at pH 4, by 0.1 g of CHPTAC and GTMAC-cationised cellulose, respectively. Adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second order model and isotherms were best described by the Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. When GTMAC-modified cellulose was applied to AMD contaminated water (pH 2.7), however, Cr(VI) uptake removal decreased to 22% likely due to competition from Al and Fe ions. Nevertheless, cationised materials displayed considerable antibacterial effects, reducing the viability of Escherichia coli by up to 45 % after just 3 hours of exposure. Together, these results suggest that cationised cellulose can be applied in the treatment of Cr(VI)-contaminated mine water particularly if pre-treatments to reduce Fe and Al concentrations are applied.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Hand and Oral Hygiene Behaviour among Adolescents in Dominican Republic, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: October 2020

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of oral hygiene (OH) and hand hygiene (HH) behaviour among school adolescents in three Caribbean countries. In all, 7,476 school adolescents (median age 14 years), from Dominican Republic, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago responded the cross-sectional “Global School-based Student Health Survey” (GSHS) in 2016-2017. The prevalence poor OH (tooth brushing <2 times/day) was 16.9%, poor HH (not always before meals) was 68.2%, poor HH (not always after toilet) was 28.4% and poor HH (not always with soap) was 52.7%. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, current cannabis use, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, poor mental health and low parental support increased the odds for poor OH. Rarely or sometimes experiencing hunger, trouble from alcohol use, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, poor mental health, and low parental support were associated with poor HH (before meals, and/or after toilet, and/or with soap). The survey showed poor OH and HH behaviour practices. Several sociodemographic factors, health risk behaviours, poor mental health and low parental support were found associated with poor OH and/or HH behaviour that can assist with tailoring OH and HH health promotion.
Light Trapping in Single Elliptical Nanowires
Authors: Liu Wenfu , Wang Yinling , Guo Xiaolei , Song Jun , Wang Xiao , Yi Yasha
Published: October 2020

Light trapping in single nanowires (NWs) are of vital importance for photovoltaic applications. However, circular NWs (CNWs) can limit its light-trapping ability due to high geometrical symmetry. In this work, we present a detailed study of light trapping in single NWs with an elliptical cross-section (ENWs). We demonstrate that the ENWs exhibit significantly enhanced light trapping compared with the CNWs, which can be ascribed to the symmetry-broken structure that can orthogonalize the direction of light illumination and the leaky mode resonances (LMRs). That is, the elliptical cross-section can simultaneously increase the light path length by increasing the vertical axis and reshape the LMR modes by decreasing the horizontal axis. We found that the light absorption can be engineered via tuning the horizontal and vertical axes, the photocurrent is significantly enhanced by 374.0% (150.3%, 74.1%) or 146.1% (61.0%, 35.3%) in comparison with that of the CNWs with the same diameter as the horizontal axis of 100 (200, 400) nm or the vertical axis of 1000 nm, respectively. This work advances our understanding of how to improve light trapping based on the symmetry breaking from the CNWs to ENWs and provides a rational way for designing high-efficiency single or self-assembled NW photovoltaic devices.
A New Kumaraswamy Generalized Family of Distributions with Properties, Applications and Bivariate Extension
Authors: Tahir Muhammad H. , Hussain Muhammad Adnan , Cordeiro Gauss , El-Morshedy Mahmoud , Eliwa Mohammed S.
Published: October 2020

For bounded unit interval, we propose a new Kumaraswamy generalized (G) family of distributions from a new generator which could be an alternate to the Kumaraswamy-G family proposed earlier by Cordeiro and de-Castro in 2011. This new generator can also be used to develop alternate G-classes such as beta-G, McDonald-G, Topp-Leone-G, Marshall-Olkin-G and Transmuted-G for bounded unit interval. Some mathematical properties of this new family are obtained and maximum likelihood method is used for estimating the family parameters. We investigate the properties of one special model called a new Kumaraswamy-Weibull (NKwW) distribution. Parameter estimation is dealt and maximum likelihood estimators are assessed through simulation study. Two real life data sets are analyzed to illustrate the importance and flexibility of this distribution. In fact, this model outperforms some generalized Weibull models such as the Kumaraswamy-Weibull, McDonald-Weibull, beta-Weibull, exponentiated-generalized Weibull, gamma-Weibull, odd log-logistic-Weibull, Marshall-Olkin-Weibull, transmuted-Weibull, exponentiated-Weibull and Weibull distributions when applied to these data sets. The bivariate extension of the family is proposed and the estimation of parameters is given. The usefulness of the bivariate NKwW model is illustrated empirically by means of a real-life data set.
Targeting Malaria Hotspots to Reduce Transmission Incidence in Senegal
Authors: Sallah Kankoe , Giorgi Roch , Ba El-Hadj , Piarroux Martine , Piarroux Renaud , Cisse Badara , Gaudart Jean
Published: October 2020

In central Senegal malaria incidences have declined from 2000 to 2010 in response to scaling-up of control measures and then remained stable, making elimination improbable. Additional control measures are needed to reduce transmission. We simulated chemoprophylaxis interventions targeting malaria hotspots, using a meta-population mathematical model based on differential equation framework and incorporating human mobility. The model was fitted to weekly malaria incidences from 45 villages. Three approaches for selecting intervention targets were compared: a) villages with malaria cases during the low transmission season of the previous year; b) villages with highest incidences during the high transmission season of the previous year; c) villages with highest connectivity with adjacent populations. Our modeling, considering human mobility, showed that the intervention strategies targeting hotspots would be effective in reducing malaria incidence in both targeted and untargeted areas. But whatever the intervention, pre-elimination stage (1-5 cases per 1,000 per year) would not be reached without simultaneously increasing vector control by more than 10%. Targeted interventions allow increasing overall malaria control and elimination potential.
Thickness Measurement of Metallic Film Based on a High-Frequency Feature of Triple-Coil Electromagnetic Eddy Current Sensor
Authors: Lu Mingyang , Chen Liming , Meng Xiaobai , Huang Ruochen , Peyton Anthony , Yin Wuliang
Published: October 2020

Previously, various techniques have been proposed for reducing the lift-off effect on the thickness measurement of the non-magnetic films, including the peak-frequency feature and phase feature in the Dodd-Deed analytical formulation. To realise a real-time feedback response on the thickness monitoring, the phase term in the Dodd-Deeds formulation must be taken off the integration. Previous methods were based on the slow change rate of the phase term when compared to the rest of the term – the magnitude term. However, the change rate of the phase term is still considerable for a range of working frequencies. In this paper, a high-frequency feature has been found. That is, the ratio between the imaginary and real part of the phase term is proportional to the integral variable under high frequencies. Based on this proportion relationship, the phase term has been taken out; and a thickness algorithm has been proposed. By combing the measured impedance from the custom-built sensor (three coils), the thickness of the metallic film can be reconstructed. Experiments have been carried out for the verification of the proposed scenario. Results show that the thickness of the metal film can be reconstructed with a small error of less than 2 %, and immune to a reasonable range of lift-offs.
Analyzing the Distribution of Mutations for Glycogen Storage Disease Type 1a in Turkey and Suggested Gene Therapy Methods for Its Treatment
Authors: Mantas Aysun , Ucaryilmaz Cemre , Demir Busra Seniz , Guler Fatma Nur , Mengi Sezgin , Inci Cemre Can , Kilic Ozum , Babar Hale Ahsen , Ceylaner Gulay , Ceylaner Serdar , Tastan Cihan
Published: October 2020

One of the rare diseases throughout the world is Glycogen Storage Disease, which appears due to problems in glycogen metabolism. Among various subtypes of GSD, GSD Type 1a is the most abundant one of GSD Type 1, seen in approximately 80% and caused by different kinds of mutations in the Glucose-6-Phosphatase Catalytic Subunit (G6PC) gene in human chromosome 17q21. G6PC gene encodes for glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) protein, which cleaves glucose-6-phosphate into glucose and inorganic phosphate (Pi), and GSD Type 1a patients fail to breakdown glucose-6-phosphate due to several mutations in the G6PC gene. In our study, we aim to create new therapeutic approaches for GSD 1a. We collected mutation data of 57 GSD Type 1a patients from Turkey. According to the data, 16 types of mutations were observed in the G6PC gene. Allele frequencies of these mutations are calculated as 59% for R83C/H, 11% for W160*, 7% for G270V, and 28% for others which have less frequency. Up to now, the tertiary protein structure of G6Pase has not been structured yet. To understand the possible impacts of these mutations, we statistically obtained possible tertiary structure predictions of G6Pase by running 5 different tools. At the end of the study, we suggest two effective and promising gene therapy methods for GSD Type 1a, Prime Editing for R83C/H mutations, and mRNA delivery for other mutations, in addition to a promising, commercially available drug suggestion for patients with W160*, W86*, and S15* mutations, although the drug belongs to another disease.
Determination of Cadmium in Some Cosmetic Products
Authors: Saleh Fuad A.F. , Saif Ramzi N.A. , Murshed Dina M.A. , Abdulmageed Basheer A.M.
Published: October 2020

Throughout the ages and times, the need to use everything that reflects women's beauty and helps them maintain their vision and health, and if the need to use the precious materials has been put in place, it is important that they produce the desired results without attention to the harmful chemicals and heavy metals that they contain. Over time, the toxicity of these heavy metals increases in our environment because of their long-term exposure to these pollutants, whether low or high-level in toxicity, animal-prednmost, environment, including air we breathe, water, food, etc. Cosmetics are one of these sources through which humans are exposed to heavy toxic metals. Heavy metals have been estimated in a number of previous studies, and in our study here, we aim to estimate the amount of cadmium metal and study it in various cosmetics such as Lipstick, Eye shadow, Face whitening cream. Two samples were taken from each of the locomoys and cadmium was estimated using the photometer of atomic absorption, one of the samples being expensive and the other low-cost, and purchased from the wholesale markets of Taiz City. Cadmium has been found prominently in these products and the highest rate found in the lowest cost-effective, Eye shadow, that the use of these cosmetic products exposes users to low- conc. heavy metals, which may pose a danger to their health. They are known to be clustered in their biological systems over time, resulting in an imbalance of body and environment. The results found that the low-priced color samples contained a higher concentration of cadmium than the high-price samples in low-priced samples, cadmium concentration was in order of eye shadow > lipstick = face whitening cream. The similar pattern are shown also for higher price product, which are lipstick > face whitening cream > eye shadow.
Eulerian and Lagrangian Comparison of Primary and Secondary Wind Jets in the Tokar Gap Region
Authors: Pratt Larry , Albright E. Jason , Rypina Irina , Jiang Houshuo
Published: October 2020

The Lagrangian and Eulerian structure and dynamics of a strong wind event in the Tokar Gap region are described using a WRF model hindcast for 2008. Winds in the Tokar Gap reach 25 m s-1 and remain coherent as a jet far out over the Red Sea, whereas equally strong wind jets occurring in neighboring gaps are attenuated abruptly by a jump-like hydraulic transition that occur just offshore of the Sudan coast. The transition is made possible by the supercritical nature of the jets, which are fed by air that spills down from passes at relatively high elevation. By contrast, the spilling flow in the ravine-like Tokar Gap does not become substantially supercritical and therefore does not undergo a jump, and also carries more total horizontal momentum. The Tokar Wind Jet carries some air parcels across the Red Sea and into Saudi Arabia, whereas air parcel trajectories in the neighboring jets ascend as they cross through the jumps, then veer sharply to the southeast and do not cross the Red Sea. The mountain parameter Nh/U is estimated to lie in the rage 1.0-4.0 for the general region, a result roughly consistent with a primary gap jet having a long extension, and supercritical jets spilling down from higher elevation passes. The strong event is marked by the formation of a cyclonic cell near the upstream entrance to the Tokar Gap, a feature absent from the more moderate events that occur throughout the summer. The cell contains descending air parcels that are fed into the primary and secondary jets. An analysis of the Bernoulli function along air parcel trajectories reveals an approximate balance between the loss of potential energy and gain of internal energy and pressure, with surprisingly little contribution from kinetic energy, along the path of the descending flow. All jets attain the critical wind speed nominally required to loft dust into the atmosphere, though only the Tokar Gap has a broad, delta region with plentiful deposits of silt.
Application of Real-Time Visual Feedback System in Balance Train-ing of the Center of Pressure with Smart Wearable Devices in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang I-Lin , Wang Li-I , Liu Yang , Xue Shi-Jie , Hu Rui , Su Yu , Ho Chun-Sheng
Published: October 2020

This study aims to explore the effect of real-time visual feedback (VF) information of the pres-sure of center (COP) provided by intelligent insoles on balance training in a one leg stance (OLS) and tandem stance (TS) posture. Thirty healthy female college students were randomly assigned to the visual feedback balance training group (VFT), non-visual feedback balance training group (NVFT), and control group (CG). The balance training includes: OLS, tandem Stance (dominant leg behind, TSDL), tandem stance (non-dominant leg behind, TSNDL). The training lasted 4 weeks, the training lasts 30 minutes at an interval of 1 days. There was a sig-nificant difference in the interaction effect between Groups*Times of the COP parameters (p<0.05) for OLS. There was no significant difference in the interaction effect between Groups*Times of the COP parameters (p>0.05) for TS. The main effect of the COP parameters was a significant difference in Times (p<0.05). The COP displacement, velocity, radius, and area in VFT significantly decreased after training (p < 0.05). Therefore, the visual feedback technology of intelligent auxiliary equipment during balance training can enhance the benefit of training. The use of smart wearable devices in OLS balance training may improve the visual and physical balance integration ability.
Recommendations for Epidemiological Research in ME/CFS from the EUROMENE Epidemiology Working Group
Authors: Mudie Kathleen , Estévez-López Fernando , Sekulic Slobodan , Ivanovs Andrejs , Sepulveda Nuno , Zalewski Pawel , Mengshoel Anne Marit , De Korwin Jean-Dominique , Hinic Capo Natasa , Alegre-Martin Jose , Castro-Marrero Jesus , Murovska Modra , Nacul Luis , Lacerda Eliana
Published: October 2020

The European Network on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (EUROMENE) was established after a successful grant application to the European Cooperation is Science and Technology (COST). This network aimed to assess the existing knowledge and/or experience on health care delivery for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in the European countries and worldwide, and to enhance coordinated research and health care provision in this field. The EUROMENE proposal, was based on the establishment of interrelated working groups (WGs), where the participants contributed with specific knowledge and viewpoints according to their specialties and/or areas of interest. In this paper we outline the work of a multidisciplinary team of researchers, including epidemiologists, clinicians, statisticians, biomedical scientist and heath economists, who set out their recommendations to guide data acquisition for ME/CFS research, aiming to standardise data collection and improve epidemiological research.
Docetaxel-loaded Poly(3HB-co-4HB) Biodegradable Nanoparticles: Impact of Co-polymer Composition
Authors: Fisol Faisalina Ahmad , Sonvico Fabio , Colombo Paolo , Abdullah Amirul Al-Ashraf , Wahab Habibah A. , Majid Mohamed Isa Abdul
Published: October 2020

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) co-polymers show relatively higher in vivo degradation rate compared to other PHAs thus they received a great deal of attention for a wide range of medical applications. Nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with poorly water soluble anticancer drug docetaxel (DCX) were produced using poly 3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate, P(3HB-co-4HB), co-polymers biosynthesised from Cupriavidus sp. USMAA1020 isolated from Malaysian environment. Three co-polymers with different molar proportions of 4-hydroxybutirate (4HB) were used: 16% (PHB16), 30% (PHB30) and 70% (PHB70) 4HB-containing P(3HB-co-4HB). Blank and DCX loaded nanoparticles were then characterized for their size and size distribution, surface charge, encapsulation efficiency and drug release. Pre-formulation studies showed that an optimised formulation could be achieved through the emulsification/solvent evaporation method using PHB70 with the addition of 1.0% PVA, as stabilizer and 0.03% VitE-TPGS, as surfactant. DCX-loaded PHB70 nanoparticles (DCX-PHB70) gave the desired particle size distribution in term of average particles sizes around 150 nm and narrow particle size distribution (PDI below 0.100). The encapsulation efficiencies result showed that at 30% w/w drug-to-polymer ratio: DCX- PHB16 NPs were able to encapsulate up to 42% of DCX; DCX-PHB30 NPs encapsulated up to 46% of DCX and DCX-PHB70 NPs encapsulated up to 50% of DCX within the nanoparticles system. Approximately 60% of DCX was released from the DCX-PHB70 NPs within 7 days for 5%, 10% and 20% of drug to polymer ratio while for the 30% and 40% drug to polymer ratios, an almost complete drug release (98%) after 7 days of incubation was observed.