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The usage of multicopter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has increased for various military and civilian purposes. The choice of propulsion system of such a vehicle is crucial to fulfill the intended mission requirements. The present study focuses on evaluating the efficiency of propulsion system by experimenting with different motor, propeller and battery combinations. The connection between the electronic speed controller (ESC) signal, current, power, thrust and torque in relation to propeller size is determined. It is observed that regardless of battery capacity or motor type, the thrust and torque produced for a given motor speed (RPM) for a specified propeller are similar. The higher capacity battery with 6000 mAh, denoted as B2 battery, consumes less current and can attain higher motor speed to produce the required thrust force than a lower capacity battery with 3300 mAh, denoted as B1 battery. The most efficient propeller, 12 inches in diameter (P4 propeller), is observed to achieve efficiency levels of 12.9 % for the B1 battery and 11.4 % for the B2 battery. Similarly, the most efficient motor, 700 KV motor (M1), is determined to exhibit efficiency of 64.29 % when coupled with the B1 battery and 62.01 % when coupled with the B2 battery. It is identified that using the B2 battery results in an increased payload capacity of 5.82 N, compared to 2.02 N with the B1 battery. Furthermore, when considering both scenarios with and without payload, greater endurance is observed when B2 battery is used as opposed to the B1 battery.

Due to the spread of COVID-19 across the world and the increased need for non-contact thermometers to prevent the spread of disease, a new electronic thermometer has been designed and implemented for measuring human body temperature from a distance. This device is currently in use at building entrances to measure the body temperatures of employees, students, and customers. This system is designed using low-cost easy-to-assemble open-source electronic components. The system consists of seven main parts: an Arduino UNO microcontroller, an infrared (IR) thermometer for non-contact temperature measurements (GY-906 MLX90614ESF module), an IR motion sensor (TCRT 5000) for the purpose of contactless initiation of the system, a graphic LCD to display results, a DS3231 clock module for a real-time clock and calendar, and a micro-SD storage board to store device audio instructions.

The enhanced thermal efficiency exhibited by Casson nanofluids offers significant practical applications across various industrial and engineering sectors. This study focuses on the mathematical investigation of the steady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) boundary layer flow of Casson nanofluid through a stretched/shrinking cylinder, taking into account the effects of suction and thermal radiation. The governing partial differential equations (PDEs) have been subjected to a similarity transformation, resulting in a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). These ODEs were solved numerically utilizing the code of bvp4c in the software of Matlab which offers high accuracy (4th order). The employed nanofluid model incorporates the effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis. The present study illustrates the graphical depictions of the impacts of different governing parameters, namely Hartmann (M) number, curvature (γ) parameter, Brownian motion (Nb) parameter, mass suction (S) parameter, thermal radiation (Rd) parameter, and thermophoresis (Nt) parameter, on heat transfer, flow, and mass transfer characteristics. Comprehensive determination and visual presentation of the coefficient of skin friction, local Nusselt number, and local Sherwood number were conducted for a range of estimates of applied parameters. Based on our examination, it has been determined that dual similarity solutions are present within a specific range of mass suction parameters. The relationship between the Casson parameter and various fluid dynamic properties, such as skin friction coefficient, heat transfer rate, and mass transfer rates, has been found to exhibit a decreasing trend. Furthermore, the stability analysis discovered that the first solution exhibits linear stability, whereas the second solution displays linear instability. Additionally, the motivation behind this study is to enhance industrial performance through the optimization of thermal power generation systems, thereby increasing their overall efficiency.

Summary: It is a significant challenge to assess the functions of many uncharacterized genes in human malaria parasites. Here, we present a genetic screening tool to assess the contribution of essential genes from Plasmodium falciparum by the conditional CRISPR-/deadCas9-based interference and activation (i/a) systems. We screened both CRISPRi and CRISPRa sets, consisting of nine parasite lines per set targeting nine genes via their respective gRNAs. By conducting amplicon sequencing of gRNA loci, we identified the contribution of each targeted gene to parasite fitness upon drug (artemisinin, chloroquine) and stress (starvation, heat shock) treatment. The screening was highly reproducible, and the screening libraries were easily generated by transfection of mixed plasmids expressing different gRNAs. We demonstrated that this screening is straightforward, robust, and can provide a fast and efficient tool to study essential genes that have long presented a bottleneck in assessing their functions using existing genetic tools.

We report the isolation of a rare Gram-positive coccobacillary bacterium from synovial fluids of a patient with periprosthetic joint infection on three occasions over an 8-month period. As routine microbiological methods were not able to identify the isolate definitely, sequence analyses of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene and whole genome were performed. Analysis of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene showed the highest similarity (98.1%) with that of Falsarthrobacter (previously known as Arthrobacter) nasiphocae, which was first isolated from the nasal cavities of common seals (Phoca vitulina). The genome size of the strain (designated as UM1) is 2.4 Mb. With a high G+C content (70.4 mol%), strain UM1 is phylogenetically most closely related to F. nasiphocae based on whole genome analysis. Strain UM1 was susceptible to vancomycin, linezolid, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, doxycycline, and intermediate to penicillin and ciprofloxacin. Ceftriaxone resistance was noted. The patient who was also on hemodialysis for his end stage kidney disease died approximately 3 weeks following implant removal and fusion with an external fixator. This study describes the first isolation of F. nasiphocae from human clinical samples. The use of emerging technologies has supported more definitive etiological diagnosis associated with rarely encountered organisms in periprosthetic joint infection.

This study employs the Tiwari and Das model to numerically evaluate the heat-transfer properties of a magnetized Casson sodium alginate-copper/alumina hybrid nanofluid flow over a permeable moving surface, taking into account the effects of viscous dissipation. Sodium alginate-alumina/copper hybrid nanofluids have garnered significant attention in modern society because of their potential uses in a variety of different industries. The key goal of the study is to examine the effect of the Casson parameter and copper solid volume fraction for skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number against velocity ratio parameter. Additionally, in the present study, velocity and temperature profiles for velocity ratio parameter, suction effect, magnetic parameter, Eckert number, and Prandtl number are also included. Using the bvp4c technique, the PDEs are converted into a set of non-linear ODEs with the use of suitable similarity variables. Dual approaches for controlling parameter using varied Casson fluid parameter and copper solid volume fraction quantities have been identified. Unique solutions, no solutions, and dual solutions exist in specific ranges of parameters. Consequently, beyond the critical values, no solution exists. The rate of heat transfer strengthened as the capacity of the Eckert number augmented. The temperature profile also diminished when the Prandtl number improved. The appearance of the boundary layer separation extension resulted from incorporating the copper solid volume fraction. Finally, stability analysis reveals that the first solution is stable, and the second solution is unstable.

Since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, the HIV virus has infected millions of people, and the count is on the rise with every passing day. This epidemic has affected not only the children and adults but also infants born to HIV positive mothers. Unfortunately, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS; however, early and accurate prediction methods are required for early treatment and would be helpful to decrease the spread of the disease. Previous studies have investigated the early prediction of HIV infection, mainly utilizing HIV positive patients' medical records. However, besides medical records, other characteristics, such as drug injection, sexual behavior, and other behavioral and biological factors, are also essential to consider while predicting the future acquisition of HIV. In this study, we developed and validated a prediction model for the probability of future HIV acquisition in high-risk groups. We developed prediction models using electronic medical records of patients from Nai Zindagi Trust (NZ), Pakistan. We analyzed the data for socio-demographic, behavioral (drug injection, sexual behavior), and biological features to predict the patients who are at high risk of acquiring HIV. State of the art data mining and machine learning techniques have been applied along with feature selection techniques for HIV risk prediction. The proposed model predicts HIV status with 82% accuracy having an improvement of 10–15% over dominant classifiers, i.e., SVM, Neural Network, J48, and PART. The new risk scores of HIV acquisition could assist health providers in counseling high-risk groups and in targeting intensified testing, treatment, and prevention to people at the greatest risk for HIV infection.

Summary: Sensitivity and linearity are two crucial indices to assess the sensing capability of pressure sensors; unfortunately, the two mutually exclusive parameters usually result in limited applications. Although a series of microengineering strategies including micropatterned, multilayered, and porous approach have been provided in detail, the conflict between the two parameters still continues. Here, we present an efficient strategy to resolve this contradiction via modulus difference-induced embedding deformation. Both the microscopic observation and finite element simulation results confirm the embedding deformation behavior ascribed to the elastic modulus difference between soft electrode and rigid microstructures. The iontronic pressure sensor with high sensitivity (35 kPa−1) and wide linear response range (0–250 kPa) is further fabricated and demonstrates the potential applications in monitoring of high-fidelity pulse waveforms and human motion. This work provides an alternative strategy to guide targeted design of all-around and comprehensive pressure sensor.

The field of two dimensional (2D) materials experienced a surge of discoveries after the isolation of graphene. Among these, the transition metal compounds of Molybdenum and tungsten have been the most extensively studied materials after graphene. More recently, their group member chromium has only recently come to the limelight after the discovery of its exciting magnetic properties. As such the body of work surrounding 2D chromium-based materials is growing. Here, we present an up-to-date summary of the chromium 2D materials showing the latest advances in their experimental synthesis, characterization and the applications of 2D Chromium-based compounds. Finally, we conclude with a perspective on the future of 2D chromium-based materials. We believe that this study will be helpful to understand the field of chromium-based 2D compounds.

The challenge of extending the sensor’s energy consumption is a key research issue in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). Recently, association rule mining has proven to be a potential candidate to prolong the lifetime of sensor nodes in WSN. However, temporal correlations of the contextual values are not taken into account which is useful for the sensors to conserve their energy. Similarly, association rules mining at different tiers of the network has not been considered to reduce the number of transmission messages, by avoiding redundant data which is the major cause of the energy drain of sensors. In this paper, a novel Hierarchical Energy Conservation Framework (HECF) is proposed which aims to conserver’s energy at each layer of a network by using the Hierarchical Temporal Association Rule Mining in multistory buildings. In hierarchal setup, each floor of the building can conserve energy locally at the local sink and conserve entire network energy at the global sink by using temporal association rule mining at different tiers of the network. The HECF is ideal for large multistory buildings where energy conservation is a major issue along with effective monitoring and system performance. The result shows that HECF outperformed other classical energy conversation methods such as LEACH-C and RR-Schedule-Buffer in terms of energy consumption. It extends 16% network lifetime, also 20% less number of messages during data transmission, which is a remarkable improvement for sensors energy conservation.

The influences of four types of brewing waters including tap water (TAP), alkaline ionized water (ALK), magnetized water (MAG) and mineral water (MIN), and two brands of commercial green tea (L and T) on quality characteristics of tea infusions were studied.The Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) values of the brewing waters was TAP > MAG, MIN > ALK. After brewing, all infusions showed a significant drop (p

Achromatopsia (ACHM) is a genetically heterogeneous visual disorder, also known as rod monochromatism, in which human get affected due to cone cells. Mutation in five genes viz. CNGA3, CNGB3, GNAT2, PDE6C, and PDE6H have been reported in ACHM. These genes encode essential constitutes of the cone-specific photo transduction cascade. Present study was focused on CNGB3 gene that accounts 40%-50% mutations of all ACHM cases. A new approach for analyzing drug-drug interactions based on modularity was adopted. This approach depends on the behavioral relationship of drugs against CNGB3 for ACHM, particularly the ADME and toxicity between drugs. Data of 2475 compounds were retrieved, out of which 185 were selected on the basis of Lipinski rule of five. In total, eight clusters were made for which the strongly interacted DDI networks were build based on their modularity values. Strong DDI and minimum toxic values indicates that 5 drugs are effective, but on the basis of docking only 2 drugs indicated no bumps, which shows that they are most appropriate for treating ACHM. Our findings revealed that drug-drug interactions disclose the intervention of drug nature and can also successfully diagnose new indications and more convincing drugs for other diseases as well. Keywords: Achromatopsia, CNGB3, In silico, Integrated drugs

Nanocomposites consisting of polyvinyl alcohol embedded with nanoparticles of Zn0.80Co0.1Ni0.1Fe2O4 and ZnFe2O4 were successfully synthesized by employing a facile two-steps process. The nanoparticles of Zn0.80Co0.1Ni0.1Fe2O4 and ZnFe2O4 were synthesized via a micro emulsion procedure and then embedded into a polyvinyl alcohol matrix by an ultrasound-assisted in-situ emulsion. The result showed that the prepared nanoparticles of Zn0.80Co0.1Ni0.1Fe2O4 & ZnFe2O4 diffuse homogeneously in a polyvinyl alcohol matrix, maintaining the particle shape and size of the Zn0.80Co0.1Ni0.1Fe2O4 nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscope images revealed that polyvinyl alcohol chains have encircled the Zn0.80Co0.1Ni0.1Fe2O4 & ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles. The interaction between the polyvinyl alcohol and the nanoparticles in the prepared nanocomposites was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy via the shifting of bands revealed from the Fourier-transform infrared spectra. Dielectric studies explained the decreasing trend by varying concentrations of nanoparticles with a constant polymer concentration. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss both revealed a decreasing trend by varying the concentration of the nanoparticles with a constant polymer concentration. This occurred due to the grain boundary effect which becomes dominant at low frequencies. The Transmission electron microscope images result shows that polycrystalline Zn0.80Co0.1Ni0.1Fe2O4 & ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles with an average size of 10–15 nm were incorporated with PVA to form nanocomposites. Keywords: Nanocomposites, Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Ultrasound-assisted, In-situ emulsions

Rambutan (Nephelium opossum L) is one of the most important tropical fruits that is originally found in Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Borneo and other countries in this region. The industrial processing of this fruit produces seeds and peels as waste materials. The aim of this work was to determine the flavor active compounds of rambutan seed fat (RSF) and its mixtures with cocoa butter (CB) after fermentation 6 days and roasting at 150 °C for 30 min in term of ester, alcohol, hydrocarbon, carboxylic acid, aldehyde, ketone and pyrazine compounds. The result showed total ester flavoring compounds increased in the range of 10.59%–16.49% in the RSF mixtures as compared to CB. Alcoholic flavoring compounds also found in the range of 10.03%–23.15% of the total flavor in CB and RSF mixtures respectively. The most important flavoring compounds, Pyrazine, 2,6-dimethyl (1.42% and 2.01%), Pyrazine, 2-ethyl-6-methyl (0.67% and 0.62%), Pyrazine, trimethyl (5.10% and 5.22%), Pyrazine, tetramethyl (14.34% and 14.72%), 2-Acetyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine (0.56% and 0.45%), 2-Isoamyl-6-methylpyrazine (0.34% and 0.34%) and Pyrazine, 2-butyl-3,5-dimethyl (0.34% and 0.27%) estimated in CB and RSF mixtures respectively. Rambutan seed fat up to 20% can be used with cocoa butter as a potential ratio of CB and RSF for the application in chocolate manufacturing as a cocoa butter alternative to improve and get the best quality aroma in final products. Keywords: Rambutan seed fat, Cocoa butter, Ester, Alcohol, Pyrazines

RNA silencing is a novel gene regulatory mechanism that confines the transcript level by either preventing translation or by the initiation of particular RNA degradation. Small interfering RNAs are regularly represented as the exogenously made or viral inducers of RNAi. Such small RNAs have been used in biomedical research for particular repression of genes. A small hairpin RNA is an artificially synthesized RNA molecule with a hairpin or loop like structure, that is inserted into the designed siRNA to induce interference. In this research work, computational techniques are used to design the siRNA and shRNA against the P53 gene. Approximately four target sites are identified in the p53 gene to which the siRNA and shRNA can bind, for each target site the siRNAs and shRNAs are designed as complementary sequence of the target site. Furthermore, a small hairpin RNA is inserted as a loop in the designed siRNA molecules for better results. This computational analysis of siRNA and shRNA can be further used with the help of in-vitro exploratory techniques to check efficacy and adequacy. Keywords: Gene silencing, Interference, Motifs, P53, siRNA, shRNA

Europium (Eu) doped spinel cobalt ferrites having composition CoEuxFe2−xO4 where x = 0.00, 0.03, 0.06, 0.09, 0.12 were fabricated by co-precipitation route. In order to observe the phase development of the ferrite samples, thermo-gravimetric analysis was carried out. The synthesized samples were subjected to X-ray diffraction analysis for structural investigation. All the samples were found to constitute face centered cubic (FCC) spinel structure belonging to Fd3m space group. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of nanocrystalline grains with spherical shape. Energy dispersive X-ray spectra confirmed the presence of Co, Eu, Fe and O elements with no existence of any impurity. The magnetic hysteresis curves measured at room temperature exhibited ferrimagnetic behavior with maximum saturation magnetization (Ms) of 65 emu/g and coercivity (Hc) of 966 Oe. The origin of ferrimagnetism in Eu doped cobalt ferrites was discussed in detail with reverence to the allocation of Co2+ and Fe3+ ions within the spinel lattice. The overall coercivity was increased (944–966 Oe) and magnetization was decreased (65–46 emu/g) with the substitution of Eu3+. The enhancement of former is ascribed to the transition from multi domain to single domain state and reduction in lateral is attributed to the incorporation of nonmagnetic Eu ions for Fe, resulting in weak superexchange interactions. Keywords: Europium doped cobalt ferrites, Co-precipitation, X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, Magnetic properties

Children are frequently reported as cases of foreign body ingestion, with fishbone ingestion being particularly prevalent in communities where fish consumption is common. Although many instances of foreign body ingestion resolve spontaneously, the ingestion of sharp objects like fishbones poses a greater risk of morbidity and mortality due to their propensity for causing complications. Furthermore, incidents of foreign body ingestion often present with nonspecific symptoms or may go unnoticed, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and complicating the clinical course. We present a case of a 2-year-old boy initially misdiagnosed with constipation and treated with laxatives due to intermittent progressive abdominal pain. Subsequently, he presented to the emergency department where radiological and laboratory investigations revealed signs of inflammation and localized abdominal fluid collection containing a linear hyperdense object, indicating complicated foreign body ingestion with perforation. Urgent laparotomy revealed an omental abscess, which was excised, and the perforation site was repaired with sutures. This case underscores the risk of misdiagnosis and the importance of timely recognition and management. It also emphasizes the critical role of imaging, particularly computed tomography, in accurate diagnosis and differentiation from other common conditions., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.)

Terrigenous carbon in aquatic systems is increasingly recognised as an important part of the global carbon cycle. Despite this, the fate and distribution of terrigenous dissolved organic carbon (tDOC) in coastal and oceanic systems is poorly understood. We have implemented a theoretical framework for the degradation of tDOC across the land to ocean continuum in a 3D hydrodynamical-biogeochemical model on the North West European Shelf. A key feature of this model is that both photochemical and bacterial tDOC degradation rates are age dependant constituting an advance in our ability to describe carbon cycling in the marine environment. Over the time period 1986-2015, 182±17 Gmol yr -1 of riverine tDOC is input to the shelf. Results indicate that bacterial degradation is by far the most important process in removing tDOC on the shelf, contributing to 73±6 % (132±11 Gmol yr -1 ) of the total removal flux, while 21±3 % (39±6 Gmol yr -1 ) of riverine tDOC was advected away from the shelf and photochemical degradation removing 5±0.5 % of the riverine flux. Explicitly including tDOC in the model decreased the air-sea carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) flux by 112±8 Gmol yr -1 (4±0.4 %), an amount approximately equivalent to the CO 2 released by the UK chemical industry in 2020. The reduction is equivalent to 62 % of the riverine tDOC input to the shelf while approximately 17 % of riverine input is incorporated into the foodweb. This work can improve the assumptions of the fate of tDOC by Earth System Models and demonstrates that the inclusion of tDOC in models can impact ecosystem dynamics and change predicted global carbon budgets for the ocean., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This study examined how selenium-supplemented diets affected the performance of naked neck chickens. The birds were fed both organic and inorganic selenium at 0.30 ppm, while the control diet did not include any additional selenium. A total of 225 one-day-old naked neck chicks were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups, each of which was replicated 5 times (replicates) and contained 15 birds. This was done using a completely randomized design. The data was collected after growth, meat quality, and blood profile parameters were assessed. The findings showed that the birds fed inorganic selenium in the diet displayed increased (P < 0.05) feed intake followed by those administered organic selenium and the control diet. On the other hand, birds fed organic selenium in the diet showed enhanced body weight gain and better feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). Similarly, organic selenium supplementation increased (P < 0.05) breast and thigh weight compared to inorganic selenium, but no other metrics, such as dressing percentage, drumstick weight, liver weight, gizzard weight, heart weight, or wing weight, significantly differed between treatments (P > 0.05). When compared to birds fed inorganic Se and control diet, the birds fed organic Se had greater (P < 0.05) blood levels of total protein and globulin. Additionally, it was discovered that organic Se-fed birds had greater (P < 0.05) blood Se concentrations than control and inorganic Se-fed birds. However, no differences between treatments were found in albumin, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, or uric acid (P > 0.05). In conclusion, adding Se-enriched yeast, as an organic selenium source, to diets may enhance the poor growth and slaughter characteristics of naked neck chicks without negatively affecting blood chemistry., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The present study was conducted to assess the growth performance, morphometric traits, muscle chemical composition and cholesterol content in four phenotypes of naked neck chicken (black, white-black, light brown and dark brown). A total of 320-day-old chicks, 80 from each phenotype, were randomly stratified into 20 replicates (16/replicate), according to a completely randomized design. The results showed higher final body weight, weight gain, and better FCR in both light brown and dark brown phenotypes whereas time of gains was found to be greater in dark brown phenotype. Keel length and shank circumference were greater in dark brown whereas wing spread was found to be higher in light brown phenotype. Drumstick circumference and body length did not show any significant differences (P > 0.05) across the phenotypes. Dry matter was found to be higher in white black, crude protein in black, white black and dark brown, moisture in light brown, and cholesterol content in black whereas ether extract and ash content were found to be greater in black and white black phenotypes. In conclusion, both light brown and dark brown phenotypes showed superior growth performance and morphometric traits. Similarly, from a health point of view, the dark brown and light brown phenotypes seem superior because their cholesterol content was low. Thus, it is strongly recommended that there should be a conscious effort to improve economically important traits of the light and dark brown birds to be used as dual-purpose slow growing chicken, especially in developing countries., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Phytochemical studies on the root of Abrus precatorius Linn. (Fabaceae), leads towards the identification of four undescribed (abruquinones M, N, O, and P), and seven known abruquinones, (abruquinones A, E, B, F, I, D, and G). Spectroscopic analyses (1D, and 2D NMR, HRESI-MS) were used in elucidating structures of the all compounds. Evaluation of anticancer activities of the isolated isoflavanquinones revealed that abruquinones M, and N showed cytotoxicity against oral CAL-27 (IC 50 values 6.48 and 5.26 μM, respectively), and colon (Caco- 2 ) cell lines (IC 50 values 15.79 and 10.33 μM, respectively). Abruquinone M also inhibited the growth of lung cancer cells (NCI-H460) with IC 50 of 31.33 μM. The isolated isoflavanquiones also showed potent anti-inflammatory potential through phagocyte oxidative burst and pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α inhibition in vitro. These findings suggest isoflavanquinones from A. precatorius roots as candidates for further research in cancer treatment., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Since 2003, 200 cases of bird flu (H5N1) cases have been reported with 168 death (case fatality rate: 84%) in Indonesia. Pandemics are unpredictable, but the threat is imminent. Therefore, pandemic preparedness, which includes full simulation exercises, is a key to reduce this threat. Responding to the challenges, Ministry of Health (MoH) Indonesia adopted WHO pandemic risk management guideline, developed contingency plan and conducted full scale epicenter influenza pandemic simulation., Method: The exercise outlines the Government of Indonesia operational plans for Avian Influenza (AI) control from the detection of AI cases (from poultry to human transmission) and containment of human to human transmission of novel influenza virus in influenza pandemic epicenter at Setu village South Tangerang. The simulation covers multiple locations in community, hospitals, point of entry and live bird market. 25 evaluators and around 800 observers involved in the exercise., Results: The full scale pandemic epicenter containment exercise has demonstrated Indonesia capacity in whole of society approach pandemic risk management in the overall national emergency response framework, covering command and coordination, animal health response surveillance, medical response, laboratory, risk communication, perimeter control, pharmaceutical interventions, non-pharmaceutical interventions and civil-military interoperability. It is served as a momentum to improve multisector commitment on pandemic preparedness. The outcome of this exercise has contributed to identification of gaps that require further strengthening of IHR core capacities in the country to reduce the threat of the next influenza pandemic., Conclusion: There is also a critical need for more evidence-based strategies and policy formulation to strengthen pandemic preparedness., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

We have tested the in vitro susceptibility to the neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors of 96 highly pathogenic clade 2.1 A(H5N1) viruses from Indonesia, isolated between 2008 and 2011. HPAI virus samples obtained through the Influenza Virus Monitoring (IVM) surveillance program in Indonesia were tested for susceptibility to oseltamivir and zanamivir. The NAs of four viruses were identified as extreme outliers to oseltamivir, based on statistical analysis by box plots, with IC 50 values ranging from 46 to 62 nM. The NAs of two of these viruses from Sumatra and Aceh, had an N294S substitution, while one virus from Sulawesi had an S246N NA substitution. The NAs of all four viruses showed a specific loss of slow binding to oseltamivir in an IC 50 kinetics assay. As observed in our previous surveillance, there was only a minimal effect on the sensitivity to zanamivir or peramivir for these mutants or any of the other isolates tested. The continued circulation of subtype H5N1 viruses in avian species poses an on-going zoonotic threat. The fact that we continue to identify avian isolates with naturally occurring mutations conferring reduced oseltamivir susceptibility remains a concern, given oseltamivir will be a key antiviral in the event of a new pandemic emerging., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Patellofemoral instability is a major cause of anterior knee pain. The aim of this study was to examine how the medial and lateral stability of the patellofemoral joint in the normal knee changes with knee flexion and measure its relationship to differences in femoral trochlear geometry., Methods: Twelve fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were used. Five components of the quadriceps and the iliotibial band were loaded physiologically with 175N and 30N, respectively. The force required to displace the patella 10mm laterally and medially at 0°, 20°, 30°, 60° and 90° knee flexion was measured. Patellofemoral contact points at these knee flexion angles were marked. The trochlea cartilage geometry at these flexion angles was visualized by Computed Tomography imaging of the femora in air with no overlying tissue. The sulcus, medial and lateral facet angles were measured. The facet angles were measured relative to the posterior condylar datum., Results: The lateral facet slope decreased progressively with flexion from 23°±3° (mean±S.D.) at 0° to 17±5° at 90°. While the medial facet angle increased progressively from 8°±8° to 36°±9° between 0° and 90°. Patellar lateral stability varied from 96±22N at 0°, to 77±23N at 20°, then to 101±27N at 90° knee flexion. Medial stability varied from 74±20N at 0° to 170±21N at 90°. There were significant correlations between the sulcus angle and the medial facet angle with medial stability (r=0.78, p<0.0001)., Conclusions: These results provide objective evidence relating the changes of femoral profile geometry with knee flexion to patellofemoral stability., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Jawarish Jalinoos (JJ) is a classical semisolid traditional Unani formulation clinically used for the treatment of weakness of vital organs, liver, and stomach. Although JJ has been widely used clinically for several decades, no scientific report is available for its safety., Methods: JJ and its sugar-free tablet version (SFJJ; formulated to target diabetic population) were assessed for safety in rats. Ninety-day repeated dose oral toxicity study was performed as per the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guideline 408. JJ was orally administered at the dose of 2000 mg/kg bw/d, whereas SFJJ was orally administered at the doses of 506 mg/kg body weight (bw)/d, 1012 mg/kg bw/d, and 2024 mg/kg bw/d for 90 days. The animals were periodically observed for clinical signs of toxicity, mortality, morbidity, body weight changes, and feed consumption. At the end of the study, hematology, clinical biochemistry, electrolytes, gross pathology, relative organ weight, and histological examination were performed., Results: Treatment with SFJJ and JJ showed no significant differences in body weight gain, feed consumption, hematology, clinical biochemistry, and serum electrolytes. No gross pathological findings and differences in relative organ weights were observed between control and drug treated rats. Histological examination revealed no toxicologically significant abnormalities related with SFJJ or JJ treatment., Conclusion: The 90-day repeated dose oral toxicity study demonstrates that the no observed adverse effect level of SFJJ and JJ is greater than 2024 mg/kg bw/d and 2000 mg/kg bw/d (p.o.) in rats, respectively. Both formulations were found to be safe up to the tested dose levels and experimental conditions, and therefore safe for clinical use as specified in the literature.

In this study an algal bloom event in fall 2013 in the Strait of Hormuz was thoroughly investigated using satellite remote sensing and hydrodynamic modeling. The motivation of this study is to deduce ambient conditions prior to and during the bloom outbreak and understand its trigger. Bloom tracking was achieved by sequential MODIS imagery and numerical simulations. Satellite observations showed that the bloom was initiated in late October 2013 and dissipated in early June 2014. Trajectories of bloom patches were simulated using a Lagrangian transport model. Model-based predictions of bloom patches' trajectories were in good agreement with satellite observations with a probability of detection (POD) reaching 0.85. Analysis of ancillary data, including sea surface temperature, ocean circulation, and wind, indicated that the bloom was likely caused by upwelling conditions in the Strait of Hormuz. Combined with numerical models, satellite observations provide an essential tool for investigating bloom conditions., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Halloysite is a clay mineral with chemical similarity to kaolin, a pharmaceutical ingredient. It consists of mainly aluminosilicate nanotubular particles in the size range of ∼ 200-1000 nm. Many studies have tried to empirically explore this novel clay for its potential in drug delivery systems but no work has yet studied its cytotoxicity from the perspective of oral drug delivery system. In this study, the halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were subjected to size distribution analyses, which reveal more than 50% of nanotubes in the size range of 500 nm and rest mainly in the sub micrometer range. HNTs were then evaluated for in-vitro cytotoxicity against HCT116 (colorectal carcinoma) and HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma) cells which represent the earliest entry point and the first accumulating organ, respectively, for nanoparticles en-route to systemic circulation after oral delivery. Moreover, HNTs were tested for their cytogenetic toxicity against human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Both these results collectively indicated that HNTs are generally safe at practical concentrations of excipients for oral dosage forms., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Transforming growth factor-beta3 (TGF-β3) plays a critical role in palatal epithelial cells by inducing palatal epithelial fusion, failure of which results in cleft palate, one of the most common birth defects in humans. Recent studies have shown that Smad-dependent and Smad-independent pathways work redundantly to transduce TGF-β3 signaling in palatal epithelial cells. However, detailed mechanisms by which this signaling is mediated still remain to be elucidated. Here we show that TGF-β activated kinase-1 (Tak1) and Smad4 interact genetically in palatal epithelial fusion. While simultaneous abrogation of both Tak1 and Smad4 in palatal epithelial cells resulted in characteristic defects in the anterior and posterior secondary palate, these phenotypes were less severe than those seen in the corresponding Tgfb3 mutants. Moreover, our results demonstrate that Trim33, a novel chromatin reader and regulator of TGF-β signaling, cooperates with Smad4 during palatogenesis. Unlike the epithelium-specific Smad4 mutants, epithelium-specific Tak1:Smad4- and Trim33:Smad4-double mutants display reduced expression of Mmp13 in palatal medial edge epithelial cells, suggesting that both of these redundant mechanisms are required for appropriate TGF-β signal transduction. Moreover, we show that inactivation of Tak1 in Trim33:Smad4 double conditional knockouts leads to the palatal phenotypes which are identical to those seen in epithelium-specific Tgfb3 mutants. To conclude, our data reveal added complexity in TGF-β signaling during palatogenesis and demonstrate that functionally redundant pathways involving Smad4, Tak1 and Trim33 regulate palatal epithelial fusion., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted in all states of Malaysia to determine the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension. A stratified two-stage cluster sampling design with proportional allocation was used., Methods: Trained nurses obtained two blood pressure measurements from each subject. Hypertension was defined as mean systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure >90 mmHg, or a self-reported diagnosis of hypertension and taking antihypertensive medication. All data were analysed using Stata 9.2 software and took the complex survey design into account. A two-sided P-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant., Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension for subjects aged 15 years was 27.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 26.9-28.8). The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in males (29.6%, 95% CI 28.3-31.0) compared with females (26.0%, 95% CI 25.0-27.1). Multivariate logistic regression showed that the odds of having hypertension increased with increasing age, in males, in subjects with a family history of hypertension, with increasing body mass index, in non-smokers and with decreasing levels of education. Only 34.6% of the subjects with hypertension were aware of their hypertensive status, and 32.4 were taking antihypertensive medication. Amongst the latter group, only 26.8% had their blood pressure under control. The prevalence of hypertension amongst those aged 30 years has increased from 32.9% in 1996 to 40.5% in 2004., Conclusion: In Malaysia, the prevalence of hypertension is high, but levels of awareness, treatment and control are low. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive integrated population-based intervention programme to ameliorate the growing problem of hypertension in Malaysians.

Tubedown-1 (tbdn-1) is a mammalian homologue of the N-terminal acetyltransferase subunit NAT1 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and copurifies with an acetyltransferase activity. Tbdn-1 expression in endothelial cells becomes downregulated during the formation of capillary-like structures in vitro and is regulated in vivo in a manner which suggests a functional role in dampening blood vessel development. Here we show that tbdn-1 is expressed highly in the vitreal vascular network (tunica vasculosa lentis and vasa hyaloidea propria) during the pruning and remodeling phases of this transient structure. The vitreal blood vessels of mice harboring a targeted inactivation of TGF-beta2 fail to remodel and abnormally accumulate, a phenomenon reminiscent of the ocular pathology resembling persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) in humans. Since suppression of normal tbdn-1 expression has been previously observed in retinal vessel proliferation, we analyzed vitreal vascular changes and tbdn-1 expression in TGF-beta2(-/-) eyes. The nuclei of vitreal vessel endothelial cells in TGF-beta2(-/-) eyes express proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and exhibit increased levels of active (P42/44)mitogen-activated protein kinase (phospho-(P42/44)MAPK), characteristics consistent with proliferative endothelial cells. In contrast to normal vitreal vessels, collagen IV expression exhibited a disorganized pattern in the TGF-beta2(-/-) vitreal vessels, suggesting vessel disorganization and possibly a breakdown of vessel basal laminae. Moreover, vitreal vessels of TGF-beta2(-/-) mice lack expression of pericyte markers (CD13, alpha smooth muscle actin) and show ultrastructural changes consistent with pericyte degeneration. The accumulating vitreal blood vessels of TGF-beta2(-/-) mice, while maintaining expression of the endothelial marker von Willebrand Factor, show a significant decrease in the expression of tbdn-1. We addressed the functional role of tbdn-1 in the regulation of vitreal blood vessels using an in vitro model of choroid-retina capillary outgrowth. Clones of the RF/6A fetal choroid-retina endothelial cell line showing suppression of tbdn-1 levels after overexpression of an antisense TBDN-1 cDNA display a significant increase in the formation of capillary-like structures in vitro compared with controls. These findings suggest that tbdn-1 inhibits capillary-like formation in vitro and may serve to dampen vitreal blood vessel formation preceding the regression of the vitreal vasculature during development. Our results also suggest that tbdn-1 may participate with TGF-beta2 in regulating normal development of the vitreal vasculature.

To examine the roles of TGFbeta isoforms on corneal morphogenesis, the eyes of mice that lack TGFbetas were analyzed at different developmental stages for cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis, and for expression patterns of keratin 12, lumican, keratocan and collagen I. Among the three Tgfb(-/-) mice, only Tgfb2(-/-) mice have abnormal ocular morphogenesis characterized by thin corneal stroma, absence of corneal endothelium, fusion of cornea to lens (a Peters'-like anomaly phenotype), and accumulation of hyaline cells in vitreous. In Tgfb2(-/-) mice, fewer keratocytes were found in stroma that has a decreased accumulation of ECM; for example, lumican, keratocan and collagen I were greatly diminished. The absence of TGFbeta2 did not compromise cell proliferation, nor enhance apoptosis. The thinner stroma resulting from decreased ECM synthesis may account for the decreased cell number in the stroma of Tgfb2 null mice. Keratin 12 expression was not altered in Tgfb2(-/-) mice, implicating normal corneal type epithelial differentiation. Delayed appearance of macrophages in ocular tissues was observed in Tgfb2(-/-) mice. Malfunctioning macrophages may account for accumulation of cell mass in vitreous of Tgfb2 null mice.

When freshly starved amoebae of Dictyostelium discoideum are stained with chlortetracycline (CTC), a cell type-specific fluorescent probe for membrane-associated calcium (CA2+) the resulting fluorescence distribution falls into two functional classes. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting shows that highly fluorescing amoebae tend to enter the prestalk pathway while those with low fluorescence tend to become prespores. In the light of previous findings, these results indicate that in addition to cell cycle phase at starvation, phenotypic variation in the level of sequestered calcium is an early correlate of cell fate.