bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emerging contaminants in the environment and bioremediation control strategies – A review
Authors: Geethamani R. , Soundara B. , Kanmani S. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Rapid increase in population and emergence of many industries led to the emergence of contaminants from various sources such as domestic, industrial and agricultural activities etc. These contaminants reach the groundwater, surface water, municipal wastewater and food sources from agricultural fields. These pollutants contaminate the soil and in long term contaminate the groundwater sources due to transportation phenomena. Once the soil and groundwater are contaminated, the environment becomes a threat to the living beings. The objective of this article is to give an overview of the various types of contaminants, their emerging sources, their effect on the environment and suitable remediation techniques with emphasis on bioremediation techniques such as phytoremediation, phycoremediation, mycoremediation, bioventing, bioleaching, landfarming, bioreactor, composting, bioaugmentation, rhizofiltration, and biostimulation for treatment of these contaminants.This chapter mainly focusses on the fate of the contaminants emerging from various activities, their effects on the environment, remediation techniques and in specific the environmental friendly techniques to remediate the contaminated soil and water.
Hot air assisted Microwave Drying on Moringa leaves, Spinach leaves, Lemongrass, Banana, and Ginger: Drying Characteristics and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Deivasigamani Ananthi , Kavivarshini K 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Moringa leaves, spinach, lemongrass, banana, and ginger have various bioactive phytochemicals, micronutrients, and health-improving pharmacological effects. The main objective of the present study is to dry moringa leaves, spinach, lemongrass, banana, and ginger using a hot air-assisted microwave drier and the effect of microwave power on activation energy, effective moisture diffusivity, drying rate, and antioxidant activity. The hot air temperature is maintained at 50°C with airflow rate is 2 m/s. For moringa leaves, spinach, lemongrass, and ginger, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 kW microwave power was used. But for banana, 0.35, 0.45, 0.55 kW microwave power was used. Nine drying models were used to validate the experimental data obtained during drying. To get the best fit model, MATLAB software version 11 was used. At 0.6 kW microwave power, effective moisture diffusivity, drying rate, and antioxidant activity increased while activation energy and drying time decreased. The study result revealed that the samples dried at 0.6 kW for moringa leaves, spinach, ginger, lemongrass and 0.35kW for banana showed the highest antioxidant activity. From the result, the study concluded that hot air-assisted microwave drying can be used for drying moringa leaves, spinach, lemongrass, banana, and ginger.
Waste to Wealth: A Futuristic Outlook for Waste Utilization in India
Authors: Balaganesh P. , Vasudevan M. , Natarajan N. , Uppuluri Kiran Babu , Balasubramani R. , Gopi K. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
India, having one of the largest agro-basedeconomies in the world, produces a significant amount of wastes, both from farming activities and agro-based industries. These wastestreams pose critical environmental and public health challenges that necessitate efficient management strategies.The present review examines the current status and future perspectives of waste utilization in India. We have attempted to criticallyidentify the most prominent features of effective waste management and the constraints in resource recovery for achieving the sustainable development goals. This review provides an overview of the prevailing practices in waste utilization, highlighting various methods employed and the types of industries that can benefit from this approach. In particular, techniques such as co-processing, recycling, waste-to-energy conversion, and industrial symbiosis to be extensivley made accessible to maximize the value derived from wastes. Some of the major challenges we identified include limited awareness, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory gaps, which can significantly hinder the optimal utilization plans. To address these challenges, the review proposes potential strategies such as awareness campaigns, infrastructure development, technology transfer, and policy strengthening both at community and organizational levels. The findings of this review canshed light on the current landscape of waste utilization in India and present pathways for a more sustainable and efficient approach in the near future.
A novel perfusion bioreactor promotes the expansion of pluripotent stem cells in a 3D-bioprinted tissue chamber
Authors: Komosa Elizabeth R , Lin Wei-Han , Mahadik Bhushan , Bazzi Marisa S , Townsend DeWayne , Fisher John P , Ogle Brenda M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
While the field of tissue engineering has progressed rapidly with the advent of 3D bioprinting and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), impact is limited by a lack of functional, thick tissues. One way around this limitation is to 3D bioprint tissues laden with hiPSCs. In this way, the iPSCs can proliferate to populate the thick tissue mass prior to parenchymal cell specification. Here we design a perfusion bioreactor for an hiPSC-laden, 3D-bioprinted chamber with the goal of proliferating the hiPSCs throughout the structure prior to differentiation to generate a thick tissue model. The bioreactor, fabricated with digital light projection, was optimized to perfuse the interior of the hydrogel chamber without leaks and to provide fluid flow around the exterior as well, maximizing nutrient delivery throughout the chamber wall. After 7 days of culture, we found that intermittent perfusion (15 s every 15 min) at 3 ml min−1 provides a 1.9-fold increase in the density of stem cell colonies in the engineered tissue relative to analogous chambers cultured under static conditions. We also observed a more uniform distribution of colonies within the tissue wall of perfused structures relative to static controls, reflecting a homogeneous distribution of nutrients from the culture media. hiPSCs remained pluripotent and proliferative with application of fluid flow, which generated wall shear stresses averaging ∼1.0 dyn cm−2. Overall, these promising outcomes following perfusion of a stem cell-laden hydrogel support the production of multiple tissue types with improved thickness, and therefore increased function and utility.
Quadrupole transitions and quantum gates protected by continuous dynamic decoupling
Authors: Martínez-Lahuerta V J , Pelzer L , Dietze K , Krinner L , Schmidt P O , Hammerer K 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Dynamical decoupling techniques are a versatile tool for engineering quantum states with tailored properties. In trapped ions, nested layers of continuous dynamical decoupling (CDD) by means of radio-frequency field dressing can cancel dominant magnetic and electric shifts and therefore provide highly prolonged coherence times of electronic states. Exploiting this enhancement for frequency metrology, quantum simulation or quantum computation, poses the challenge to combine the decoupling with laser-ion interactions for the quantum control of electronic and motional states of trapped ions. Ultimately, this will require running quantum gates on qubits from dressed decoupled states. We provide here a compact representation of nested CDD in trapped ions, and apply it to electronic S and D states and optical quadrupole transitions. Our treatment provides all effective transition frequencies and Rabi rates, as well as the effective selection rules of these transitions. On this basis, we discuss the possibility of combining CDD and Mølmer–Sørensen gates.
Sustaining Mammography Image Quality With a Technologist Coaching Program in the Era of the Enhancing Quality Using the Inspection Program (EQUIP)
Authors: Kozlov Andrew , Larson David , DeMartini Wendy B , Pal Sunita , Cowart Patricia , Strain Audrey , Ikeda Debra M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the ability of a long-term technologist coaching program to sustain gains in mammography quality made by a previously implemented quality improvement (QI) initiative.

Methods
Mammography quality metrics from July 2014 to June 2020 were reviewed. Numbers of screening mammograms performed/audited, monthly average mammogram overall quality pass rates, changes in facilities/staffing, and technical recall rates were evaluated. Performance metrics at baseline (July 2013), during the improvement (July 2014 to January 2015), postimprovement (February 2015 to August 2015), and sustained coaching periods (after initiation of the technologist coaching model, from September 2015 to June 2020) were compared.

Results
During the postimprovement and sustained coaching periods, 93% (501/541) and 90% (8902/9929) of audited mammograms, respectively, met overall passing criteria, achieving or exceeding the QI goal of 90%, and results for both periods were significantly higher than that during the improvement period (74%, 1098/1489), at P &lt; 0.0001 and P &lt; 0.0001, respectively. The technical recall rates during the improvement and postimprovement periods were 2.6% (85/3321) and 1.7% (54/3236), respectively; the rate during the sustained coaching period was significantly lower than these, at 1.2% (489/40 440) (P &lt; 0.0001 and P = 0.0232, respectively). Sustained quality passing rates and lower technical recall rates were observed despite statistically significantly increases in screening volumes.

Conclusion
A technologist coaching program resulted in sustained high mammographic quality for almost 5 years.
GLIOMA-04 BRIDGING THE GAP ON ADULT GLIOMA IMAGING, DIAGNOSIS AND FOLLOW UP IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Authors: Kwikima Ugumba 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Cerebral Gliomas are the most common and devastating primary brain tumors.
Prior to 2016 WHO CNS tumor classification update, the grading of gliomas, mainly relied on histological features, including cellularity, nuclear atypia, mitotic activity, vascularity, and necrosis, observed on light microscopy with the aid of immunohistochemistry. A number of studies confirmed that diffuse gliomas demonstrates different growth pattern, clinical behavior, and prognostication based on their genomic alterations, these findings necessitated incorporation of molecular subtypes in glioma classification, and leads to 2016 WHO CNS tumors Classification update. Introduction of molecular criteria into the classification of gliomas has given rise to interesting, wide-ranging implications regarding glioma management. In the current classification, all diffuse gliomas have been grouped based on their growth pattern, clinical behavior, and specifically sharing of the mutational state of the gene that codes for isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) in its isoforms (IDH1 and IDH2). Regardless of grade, the first phase in glioma molecular characterization is IDH testing. Mutations in IDH1 and IDH2 are associated with significant increase in progression free survival and overall survival. Immunohistochemistry, Molecular subtyping, Both FISH and genetic sequencing have significant implications in gliomas management and clinical outcome, yet they are not available in our low resource settings. Advanced MRI techniques (DTI, MR Perfussion, MR Spectroscopy, and Functional MRI) have a significant impact in presurgical planning and follow up of glioma patients after surgery and chemo radiation treatment. Radiographic findings can bridge the gap on accurate glioma diagnosis in sub-Saharan Africa through predicting Glioma Molecular subtypes based on clinical presentation and utilizing conventional MRI as a radio genomic tool. Also to emphasis in the utilization of available advanced MRI techniques (DTI, MR Perfussion, and MR spectroscopy) for presurgical planning and follow up of patients after Glioma treatment.
MENINGIOMA-01 HISTOPATHOLOGICAL PATTERN OF MENINGIOMA IN IBADAN, SOUTHWEST NIGERIA: A 15-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: Ogunsanya Temitope 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Meningiomas are common primary tumours of the central nervous system (CNS) derived from the arachnoidal cells of leptomeninges (coverings) of the brain and the spinal cord. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and histological grade of Meningioma in Ibadan and to correlate this with age, sex and anatomic location.

METHOD
This is a 15year retrospective study of all cases of meningiomas seen in the Department of Pathology, University College Hospital, Ibadan. The clinicopathological data were obtained from the department’s records for the given period. Haematoxylin and eosinstained sections obtained from formalinfixed paraffinembedded (FFPE) tissue blocks were examined to confirm the diagnosis.

RESULT
Ninety-nine cases of meningiomas were reviewed over the study period. Thirty-one of these occurred in males, while sixty-eight occurred in females given an approximate male-to-female ratio of 1:2.2. The ages ranged from 18 years to 82 years. The mean age at diagnosis was 48.2 ± 13.6 years and the median age was 47 years. The majority (97%) of meningioma cases had their tumours located in the cranial cavity, while the remaining 3% had their tumours located in the spinal canal. The spinal canal cases (3) were all in females and they all occurred at the thoracic region of the spine. The majority of cases (81.8%) were WHO Grade I tumours. The most common histological subtype in this study was meningothelial meningioma (37.4%) followed by the transitional subtype (32.3%).

CONCLUSION
Meningiomas are not uncommon among Nigerian patients. The vast majority of cases were WHO grade I, and the commonest histological subtype in this study was meningothelial subtype. To enhance prediction of their clinical behavior, there is now need to interrogate progesterone receptor (PR) expression and proliferative index (Ki-67) in combination with WHO grade.
MENINGIOMA-02 A RADIOLOGY- PATHOLOGICAL CORRELATION OF HYPEROSTOSIS AMONG PATIENTS WITH INTRACRANIAL MENINGIOMAS AT THE KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL.
Authors: Marjorie Adagi , Wekesa Vincent , Musau Christopher , Okemwa Parmenas , Boore John 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Meningiomas account for 34.4% of all central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms in Kenya. Hyperostosis has been described in 25% to 44% of meningiomas. According to Simpson et al, complete bony removal is associated with a 9% recurrence rate over a ten year period. Prior traumatic injury, activation of osteoblastic cells, synthesis of bone fragments and vascular abnormalities brought on by the neoplasm are all factors that may contribute to hyperostosis. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether hyperostosis in cases of meningiomas are solely attributed to tumor invasion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
This prospective study included all patients with a diagnosis of meningioma with radiological evidence of hyperostosis. Preoperatively, a computed tomography (CT) scan was done by a consultant radiologist in all patients and reviewed by two neurosurgeons for associated bony hyperostosis. Intra-op, a sample of the bone measuring 2cm by 2cm by 2cm displaying features of hyperostosis was harvested. Bone samples were decalcified with 10% formic acid. A consultant neuropathologist thereafter microscopically evaluated the samples to check for bone invasion.

RESULTS
Radiological evidence of hyperostosis was present in 22 (61.1%) patients out of 36 patients. Out of the 22 patients, female patients were 17(77.3%) while male patients were 5(22.7%). The median age of the patients at the time of surgery was 45.5 years (range 20-65 years; mean 44.3 ± 11.9 years). On histopathological examination, Meningothelial meningioma was the most common variant (59%). Microscopic tumor invasion of the bone was seen in 13 (59.1%) patients.

CONCLUSION
A significant number of patients with radiological hyperostosis had tumor invasion of the bone. The findings of this study show that one should remove the bone flap whenever possible in order to achieve total excision of the tumor, reduce recurrence rates and perform titanium mesh/ hydroxypartite cement cranioplasty for calvarial reconstruction.
MENINGIOMA-04 PATTERN OF KI67 INDEX IN RELATION TO ANATOMICAL, HISTOLOGICAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS AMONG PATIENTS WITH MENINGIOMA SEEN AT KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL
Authors: Kivuva Antony , Magoha Michael , Okemwa Parmenas , Kitunguu Peter 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Meningioma remains the most frequently reported primary intracranial tumor that is indicated in the brain or spinal cord. It is relatively under-studied in Kenya, and hence literature and data are scarce on its immunohistochemically expression as well as its correlated clinical outcomes. The role of Ki-67 in the prognosis of meningioma’s has been indicated to be still debatable.

METHODOLOGY
Using a cross-sectional study design, patients who presented with meningioma were recruited through consecutive sampling. Data collected age, sex and the location of the tumor. Samples archived in the laboratory after surgery were retrieved, and Ki67 testing done to assess outcomes.Data analysis: SPSS version 26 was used. The Chi-square test was used to test the association between categorical exposure variables and the occurrence of Ki67. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS
The study showed the average age of patients with new onset meningioma, as identified by histology, was 48.4 years. Our study found a higher percentage of female participants (79.5%) compared to male (20.5%). Meningothelial was the most common histological subtype, accounting for 34.1% of cases and classified as Grade 1 according to the WHO Grade system. 26.5% of grade 1 meningiomas had Ki67 labeling index of above 4%. The atypical type was the most significantly associated with Ki67 with a p-value of 0.012. The expression of Ki-67 labeling index was associated with WHO grade 2, and patients with this grade had a 6 times greater chance of having a Ki67 labeling index of more than 4%. The AUC model performance was 67.8%. This study found age, gender and location of tumor has no influence on mean Ki 67 labelling index.

CONCLUSION
High level of Ki-67 expression is associated with high pathological WHO grade II meningioma. 26.5% of grade 1 meningiomas had high Ki67 labeling index above 4%.
OTHER-08 CONCORDANCE OF INTRAOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS AND FINAL DIAGNOSIS IN NEUROPATHOLOGY: A SINGLE INSTITUTION EXPERIENCE.
Authors: Gakinya Samuel , Cheserem Beverly , Mogere Edwin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Intraoperative diagnosis is key in the management of patients with certain central nervous system diseases. Its role includes determination of adequacy of biopsy especially important when performing stereotactic biopsies and determination of neoplastic or non-neoplastic pathology. The intraoperative diagnosis guides the surgeon on the best plan of management for the patient. The techniques used for intraoperative diagnosis include touch prints, smears, and frozen sections. The aim of this study is to assess the concordance rate of intraoperative diagnosis and final diagnosis for patients managed for neurological diseases at the Aga Khan University Hospital. It is a retrospective study. All patients who underwent neurosurgical operations from January 2019 to May 2023 and had intraoperative diagnosis will be identified. The intraoperative and final diagnosis will be established from the laboratory information system and the rate of agreement determined.
OTHER-14 NEURO-ONCOLOGY STAFF MEETING: EXPERIENCE OF 4 YEARS
Authors: Drogba Landry , Djonde Grace , Gbazi Marc , Okamon Jean Marcel , Diaby Raissa , Ghomsi Nathalie 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The management of patients with cancer involving the central and peripheral nervous system is complex requiring a coordinated team of specialists. Multidisciplinary neuro-oncology team meeting started in Ivory Coast at March 2019. The staff concerns neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, oncologists, radiotherapists and neuropathologists. The aim of this report was to describe our neuro-oncology staff meeting, to evaluate its impact on clinical management decisions and discuss perspectives. We did retrospective evaluation of the cases discussed at our neuro-oncology staff meetings, from March 2019 to March 2023. Demographic, clinical, radiological, pathological and other specifics data were extracted. We collected 150 patients, with a mean of 7.1 patients presented by meeting. The median age was 39.8 years, with a sex ratio of 1.3. Supratentorial tumors were the most common (50%), and the most common histological types were glial tumors3(29.33), carcinomas (26%) and meningiomas (10%). Therapeutic modalities were surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Postoperative radiotherapy was institued in 19.33% of patients. 23 patients died. Benefits of neuro-oncology staff meetings include efficient coordination of multiple providers, direction for complicated cases, open communication amoung care teams, education, increased adherence to published guidelines, and clinical trial access. Although the prognosis remains relatively poor in our countries, neuro-oncology staff meetings remain a hope for improving the prognosis and management of patients.
OTHER-15 ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY FOR PATHOLOGIES OF SKULL BASE: ABOUT A SERIES OF CASES
Authors: Jaradat Thameen , Hakkou Elmehdi , Ouadghiri Yassad , Melhaoui Adyl , Boutarbouch Mahjouba , Arkha Yasser , El Ouahabi Abdessamad 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery (TS) is currently the reference method for the treatment of pathologies affecting the sellar region. It is a relatively safe technique, with low per and postoperative morbidity. We report through this retrospective study the experience of the neurosurgery department of the HSR in this field.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
We have collected the records of 176 patients operated endoscopically (TS), since the advent of the technique in the service in January 2016 until March 2022. Epidemiological, radiological and endocrine clinical data were analyzed by jamovi software version 1.6.

RESULTS
Over 6 years, 176 interventions were performed endoscopically transsphenoidal, these were 66 men and 110 women sex ratio = 1.66. The average age at surgery was estimated at 42 years. Several pathologies were treated by TS route, namely: pituitary adenoma (80%), and the other pathologies were divided between meningiomas; craniopharyngiomas; chordomas; pituitary abscess and OMB. Symptoms were dominated by: intracranial hypertension syndrome, optochiasmatic syndrome, endocrine syndrome. The diagnosis was based on imaging all our patients benefited from an injected brain MRI, as well as the anatomo-pathological examination the endocrine balance was disrupted in 9 patients (5.3%) Postoperative follow-up was favorable in 128 patients (75%),15 patients required revision surgery, 8 patients developed transient or prolonged diabetes Insipidus (4%), 5 cases of rhinorrhea (2%), 11 patients had meningitis (6%), new pituitary deficiency constituted 3.20%, hemorrhages and Epistaxis found in 6% of patients, no cases of ophthalmic complication were reported, deploring the death of 2 patients postoperatively.

CONCLUSION
The usage of Endoscopic Surgery (TS) in our department is the result of several efforts developed by different generations of neurosurgeons. Currently we operate about thirty patients per year by adopting this technique, with a significant reduction in hospitalization days as well as complications.