Background The majority of eyelid tumours are benign in nature and constitute 82%-98% of all eyelid tumours. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and frequency of histopathological diagnoses of eyelid tumours encountered in Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah (HSB), Malaysia, from 2016 to 2020. Method This study is a case series of 136 patients with eyelid tumours who underwent eyelid biopsy. Result Twenty-three (17%) patients were below 18 years old, 64 (47%) patients were between 19 and 64 years old and 49 (36%) patients were more than 65 years old. The mean age in this study was 47.9 ± 25.4 years. The most common benign eyelid tumours were dermoid cyst (31, 22.8%), melanocytic nevus (19, 14%), granuloma (17, 12.5%), squamous cell papilloma (13, 9.6%) and epidermal cyst (12, 8.8%). Most of the benign eyelid tumours occurred at the upper lids (79.8%), and most of the malignant eyelid tumours occurred at the lower lids (81.8%). The most common malignant eyelid tumours were basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (6, 14.3%), followed by malignant lymphoma (3, 6.1%) and sebaceous gland carcinoma (2, 4.1%). Eight out of nine cases of BCC were located at the lower lids. All malignant lymphomas were primary lymphoma. Five were extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), and one was follicular lymphoma. All cases with benign and malignant tumours required only a single surgery for excision, and none of the cases had a recurrence. Conclusion There were limited references to the epidemiology of histopathological diagnoses of eyelid tumours in Malaysia. Although benign lesions comprise the majority of eyelid tumours, it is essential to delineate between benign and malignant eyelid tumours.
Objective: This study intends to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and awareness of medical doctors toward influenza vaccination and the reasons for not getting vaccinated. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among medical doctors in three major tertiary care health settings in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. A web-based, pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: A total of (n = 300) medical doctors were invited, however only (n = 215) participated in the study with a response rate of 71.7%. Among the participants, 95.3% (n = 205) were males with a mean age of 28.67 ± 3.89 years. By designation, 121(56.3%) were trainee medical officers and 40 (18.6%) were house officers. The majority 102(47.4%) had a job experience of 1-2 years. Of the total sample, 38 (17.7%) doctors reported having received some kind of vaccination, whereas only 19 (8.84%) were vaccinated against influenza. The results identified that the major barriers toward influenza vaccinations included (1) Unfamiliarity with Influenza vaccination availability (Relative Importance Index RII = 0.830), (2) Unavailability of Influenza vaccines due to lack of proper storage area in the institution (RII = 0.634), (3) Cost of vaccine (RII = 0.608), and (4) insufficient staff to administer vaccine (RII = 0.589). Additionally, 156 (72.6%) of doctors were not aware of the influenza immunization recommendation and guidelines published by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Physicians obtained a high score (8.27 ± 1.61) of knowledge and understanding regarding influenza and its vaccination followed by medical officers (8.06 ± 1.37). Linear Regression analysis revealed that gender was significantly associated with the knowledge score with males having a higher score (8.0± 1.39) than females (6.80 ± 1.61 β = -1.254 and CI [-2.152 to -0.355], p = 0.006). Conclusion: A very low proportion of doctors were vaccinated against influenza, despite the published guidelines and recommendations. Strategies that address multiple aspects like increasing awareness and the importance of the influenza vaccine, the international recommendations and enhancing access and availability of the vaccine are needed to improve its coverage and health outcomes.
A gel-based proteomics approach was used to screen for proteins of differential abundance between the saliva of smokers and those who had never smoked. Subjecting precipitated proteins from whole human saliva of healthy non-smokers to two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) generated typical profiles comprising more than 50 proteins. While 35 of the proteins were previously established by other researchers, an additional 22 proteins were detected in the 2-DE saliva protein profiles generated in the present study. When the 2-DE profiles were compared to those obtained from subjects considered to be heavy cigarette smokers, three saliva proteins, including interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, thioredoxin and lipocalin-1, showed significant enhanced expression. The distribution patterns of lipocalin-1 isoforms were also different between cigarette smokers and non-smokers. The three saliva proteins have good potential to be used as biomarkers for the adverse effects of smoking and the risk for inflammatory and chronic diseases that are associated with it.
To aid future curriculum revision and planning, a batch of newly graduated medical students were surveyed using a questionnaire containing items representing possible areas of concern during house-officership. Students rated items representing communication issues as areas of concern. They did not agree that areas concerning responsibilities as a doctor, continuing medical education, theoretical and practical skills and potentially stressful working conditions were problem areas. Communication skills should remain among the priority areas for undergraduate training. Students should also be given more information about the house-officership period prior to graduation. Further study is needed to confirm perceived strengths of the USM curriculum suggested by the study, which are skills in finding resources for further learning and skills in leadership. A task-analysis of the house-officership period is also needed.
The demand for salinity-tolerant turfgrasses is increasing due to augmented use of effluent or low-quality water (sea water) for turf irrigation and the growing turfgrass industry in coastal areas. Experimental plants, grown in plastic pots filled with a mixture of river sand and KOSAS(R) peat (9 : 1), were irrigated with sea water at different dilutions imparting salinity levels of 0, 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, or 48 dS m⁻¹. Salinity tolerance was evaluated on the basis of leaf firing, shoot and root growth reduction, proline content, and relative water content. Paspalum vaginatum was found to be most salt tolerant followed by Zoysia japonica and Zoysia matrella, while Digitaria didactyla, Cynodon dactylon "Tifdwarf," and Cynodon dactylon "Satiri" were moderately tolerant. The results indicate the importance of turfgrass varietal selection for saline environments.
A series of compounds consisting of 25 novel oxadiazole-benzohydrazone hybrids (6-30) were synthesized through a five-step reaction sequence and evaluated for their β-glucuronidase inhibitory potential. The IC50 values of compounds 6-30 were found to be in the range of 7.14-44.16μM. Compounds 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 18, and 25 were found to be more potent than d-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (48.4±1.25μM). These compounds were further subjected for molecular docking studies to confirm the binding mode towards human β-d-glucuronidase active site. Docking study for compound 13 (IC50=7.14±0.30μM) revealed that it adopts a binding mode that fits within the entire pocket of the binding site of β-d-glucuronidase. Compound 13 has the maximum number of hydrogens bonded to the residues of the active site as compared to the other compounds, that is, the ortho-hydroxyl group forms hydrogen bond with carboxyl side chain of Asp207 (2.1Å) and with hydroxyl group of Tyr508 (2.6Å). The other hydroxyl group forms hydrogen bond with His385 side chain (2.8Å), side chain carboxyl oxygen of Glu540 (2.2Å) and Asn450 side-chain's carboxamide NH (2.1Å).
In this post genomic era, there are a great number of in silico annotated hypothetical genes. However, experimental validation of the functionality of these genes remains tentative. Two of the major challenges faced by researcher are whether these hypothetical genes are protein-coding genes and whether their corresponding predicted translational start codons are correct. In this report, we demonstrate a convenient procedure to validate the presence of a hypothetical gene product of BPSS1356 from Burkholderia pseudomallei as well as its start codon. It was done by integration of a His-Tag coding sequence into C-terminal end of BPSS1356 gene via homologous recombination. We then purified the native protein using affinity chromatography. The genuine start codon of BPSS1356 was then determined by protein N-terminal sequencing.
Achieving the broadband response of metamaterial absorbers has been quite challenging due to the inherent bandwidth limitations. Herein, the investigation was made of a unique kind of visible light metamaterial absorber comprising elliptical rings-shaped fractal metasurface using tungsten metal. It was found that the proposed absorber exhibits average absorption of over 90% in the visible wavelength span of 400-750 nm. The features of perfect absorption could be observed because of the localized surface plasmon resonance that causes impedance matching. Moreover, in the context of optoelectronic applications, the absorber yields absorbance up to ~ 70% even with the incidence obliquity in the range of 0°-60° for transverse electric polarization. The theory of multiple reflections was employed to further verify the performance of the absorber. The obtained theoretical results were found to be in close agreement with the simulation results. In order to optimize the results, the performance was analyzed in terms of the figure of merit and operating bandwidth. Significant amount of absorption in the entire visible span, wide-angle stability, and utilization of low-cost metal make the proposed absorber suitable in varieties of photonics applications, in particular photovoltaics, thermal emitters and sensors.
Background Transpedicular biopsy of spinal lesions is imperative for the generation of a definite diagnosis. Thus far, literature comparing the accuracy and adequacy between fluoroscopy-guided and computed tomography (CT)-guided transpedicular biopsy of spinal lesions is scarce. We aim to compare the accuracy and adequacy of samples collected with the two techniques at the largest tertiary hospital in Malaysia. Materials and methods A total of 60 patients (37 patients with spinal infection and 23 patients with spinal tumour) underwent percutaneous transpedicular biopsy of spinal lesions from January 2013 to December 2017 at a tertiary centre. Demographic data, biopsy method (fluoroscopy-guided and CT-guided), diagnosis, adequacy, and accuracy of samples obtained were assessed. Results Among the 60 samples obtained, only two samples (3.3%) were deemed inadequate. There were 10 biopsy samples (16.7%) that were inaccurate. There was no statistical difference between fluoroscopy-guided and CT-guided transpedicular biopsy in terms of accuracy (p = 0.731) and adequacy (p = 0.492). Conclusions Fluoroscopy-guided and CT-guided transpedicular biopsy of spinal lesions offer similar accuracy and adequacy. Fluoroscopy-guided biopsy of the spinal lesion will be an option for spine surgeons when CT-guided biopsy is not available.
Thyroid carcinoma is uncommon. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) represents the majority of differentiated thyroid carcinoma and is a recognised complication of prior exposure to ionizing radiation. Even more uncommon is the synchronous occurrence of PTC with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) as multiple primary malignancies. We report a 33-year-old mother of three who developed asymptomatic thyroid nodule for four years, and neck swelling for the recent ten months. She denied constitutional symptoms or B symptoms, and thyroid profiles were normal. Initially, metastatic thyroid cancer was suspected based on ultrasound scan findings of enlarged left thyroid gland and enlarged supraclavicular lymph nodes (LN). However, fine needle aspiration examinations of the thyroid nodule were inconclusive, and the supraclavicular LN was suspicious of HL. Computerised tomography scan detected a large mass at the thyroid glands and lymphadenopathies in the mediastinal, hilar, subcarinal and axilla with dimensions up to 6 cm. Left hemi-thyroidectomy with left supraclavicular LN biopsy revealed PTC in the left thyroid lobe measuring 38 x 25 x 18 mm, and the left supraclavicular LN was not definitive of HL. Completion thyroidectomy on the right side, bilateral central neck dissection and excision biopsy of the right supraclavicular LN revealed the presence of HL in the right supraclavicular LN, and both HL and metastatic PTC in right central LN. After multidisciplinary discussions, the patient received chemotherapy at four weeks postoperatively and achieved complete remission. This report highlights the importance of patient-centered approach and multidisciplinary consensus within lack of established guidelines, given rarity of the case.
There has been an increase in plastic production during the past decades, yet the recycling of plastic remains relatively low. Incorporating plastic in concrete can mitigate environmental pollution. The use of waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles as an aggregate weakens properties of concrete. An alternative is to use PET bottles as a binder in the mortar. The PET binder mixed with sand results in weak mortar. Marble and iron slag can enhance PET mortar properties by preventing alkali reactions. This study examines the mechanical and durability properties of PET mortar with different mixes. The mixes were prepared as plastic and marble (PM); plastic and iron slag (PI); plastic, sand, and marble (PSM); plastic, iron slag, and marble (PIM); and plastic, sand, and iron slag (PSI). PM with 30-45% plastic content had increased compressive and flexural strength up to 35.73% and 20.21%, respectively. PI with 30-35% plastic content showed strength improvements up to 29.19% and 5.02%, respectively. However, at 45% plastic content, strength decreased by 8.8% and 27.90%. PSM, PIM, and PSI specimens had nearly double the strength of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) mortar. The durability of PET mortar in chemical solutions, mainly 5% HCl and 20% NaOH, indicate that mass decreased after 3, 7, and 28 days. All specimens showed good resistance to HCl and NaCl solutions compared to OPC mortar. However, its resistance to NaOH is low compared to OPC mortar. PET mortar without cement showed higher strength and durability than cement mortar, making it suitable for paver tiles, drainage systems, and roads.
There are increasing applications of diazotrophic rhizobacteria in the sustainable agriculture system. A field experiment on young immature oil palm was conducted to quantify the uptake of N derived from N₂ fixation by the diazotroph Bacillus sphaericus strain UPMB-10, using the ¹⁵N isotope dilution method. Eight months after ¹⁵N application, young immature oil palms that received 67% of standard N fertilizer application together with B. sphaericus inoculation had significantly lower ¹⁵N enrichment than uninoculated palms that received similar N fertilizers. The dilution of labeled N served as a marker for the occurrence of biological N₂ fixation. The proportion of N uptake that was derived from the atmosphere was estimated as 63% on the whole plant basis. The inoculation process increased the N and dry matter yields of the palm leaflets and rachis significantly. Field planting of young, immature oil palm in soil inoculated with B. sphaericus UPMB-10 might mitigate inorganic fertilizer-N application through supplementation by biological nitrogen fixation. This could be a new and important source of nitrogen biofertilizer in the early phase of oil palm cultivation in the field.
The Condition Index (CI) is a method to measure overall health of fish and that has been applied to estimate the effect that different environmental factors have on clam meat quality. The CI of local mangrove clam Polymesoda expansa in Kelulit, Miri Sarawak was determined from October 2010 to November 2011. Condition index that is generally used to characterize the physiological activity of organisms, varied from 1.8% in December 2010 to 3.4% in October 2011, with low values observed during the spawning period. The clam attained their best condition in quality of flesh weight during July-October. In present study, the CI showed a clear relationship with the reproductive cycle of P. expansa. However, no significant correlation (p > 0.05) was found between CI and the different physicochemical parameter of seawater. The data presented is necessary for developing sustainable management strategies and broodstock selection for the species which is crucial in aquaculture development.
Oil-bearing sandstone samples were collected from the Lower Cretaceous sequence in the Kharir-2 exploration well, Kharir oilfields (Eastern Yemen). The current study integrates biomarker of the aliphatic hydrocarbon fraction of the extracted oil with a new finding from the molecular structure of the oil-asphaltene, in order to learn more about their properties, including organic matter (OM) input, depositional environment, and thermal maturity. The overall oil composition results show that the extracted oils have a high saturated hydrocarbon of up to 50% and significant levels of aromatic hydrocarbon and polar components, indicating generally paraffinic to naphthenic oil. This claim agrees with the molecular structure of the kerogen derived from the pyrolysis-gas chromatography result of the oil-asphaltene, which suggests that the extracted oils from the Lower Cretaceous sandstone reservoirs are mainly paraffinic-naphthenic-aromatic oils, exhibiting low wax content and originated from marine type II kerogen. The type II kerogen of the marine-source rock is also demonstrated by the bulk kinetic model of the oil-asphaltene for the extracted oils, with a broad range of Ea between 38 and 62 kcal/mol and a frequency factor (A) of 1.52-1.47 × 1013/1 s. The biomarker characteristics of the aliphatic fraction show that the extracted oils from the Lower Cretaceous sandstone reservoirs were generated from clay-rich source rock, containing OM origin of mainly marine and terrestrial OM input and deposited under suboxic environmental conditions. Furthermore, the maturity-sensitive aliphatic biomarker parameters indicate that the extracted oils were generated from mature source rock in the range of the peak-mature stage of the oil generation window. Oil-source rock correlation of various established biomarker proxies for OM origin, depositional environment, and lithology suggests that these extracted oils were possibly generated from a single source rock, and the Madbi clay-rich formation contributed to most of the extracted oil from the Lower Cretaceous sandstone reservoir rocks.
Both wild-type virulent and mutant strains of pseudorabies virus (PrV) were used in this study. Mutants used were derived from the plaque purified strain PrVmAIP. A total of six drug resistant mutants, three bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) resistant and three iododeoxyuridine (IUdR) resistant, respectively, were isolated and passaged in chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells. The DNA of these PrVs were compared with the wild-type isolates by means of the restriction fragment pattern (RFP) findings produced with Bam HI, Kpn I, Hind III and Bgl II restriction enzymes (RE). Compared to the wild-type PrVs (PrV-VBA1-parental strain of PrVmAIP; PrV-VBA2; PrV-VBA3), the RFP of PrVmAIP showed the presence of mutations within the RE sites studied. Both PrV-VBA1 and PrV-VBA2 appeared to be closely related but their RFPs differed from PrV-VBA3. Significant differences either in the number, size or migrations of the DNA fragments could also be detected in the BUdR resistant strains. Even though different features of cytopathic effect (GPE) were observed in the IUdR resistant PrVs, the RFP findings remained identical. The PrVs studied showed considerable differences from the reference PrV (PrV-CD).
Acrylic resins-based artificial teeth are frequently used for the fabrication of dentures has and contribute a very strong share in the global market. However, the scientific literature reporting the comparative analysis data of various artificial teeth is scarce. Focusing on that, the present study investigated various types of commercially available artificial teeth, composed of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Artificial teeth are characterized for chemical analysis, morphological features, thermal analysis, and mechanical properties (surface hardness, compressive strength). Different types of artificial teeth showed distinct mechanical (compression strength, Vickers hardness) and thermal properties (thermal gravimetric analysis) which may be attributed to the difference in the content of PMMA and type and quantity of different fillers in their composition. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results exhibited that vinyl end groups of PMMA degraded above 200 °C, whereas 340-400 °C maximum degradation temperature was measured by differential thermal analysis (DTA) for all samples. Crisma brand showed the highest compressive strength and young modulus (88.6 MPa and 1654 MPa) while the lowest value of Vickers hardness was demonstrated by Pigeon and Vital brands. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs showed that Crisma, Pigeon, and Vital exhibited characteristics of a brittle fracture; however, Artis and Well bite brands contained elongated voids on their surfaces. According to the mechanical analysis and SEM data, Well bite teeth showed a significantly higher mechanical strength compared to other groups. However, no considerable difference was observed in Vickers hardness of all groups. Graphical abstract.
In this study, collagen/alginate/hydroxyapatite beads having different proportions were prepared as bone fillers for the restoration of osteological defects. Ionic liquid was used to dissolve the collagen and subsequently the solution was mixed with sodium alginate solution. Hydroxyapatite was added in different proportions, with the rationale to enhance mechanical as well as biological properties. The prepared solutions were given characteristic bead shapes by dropwise addition into calcium chloride solution. The prepared beads were characterized using FTIR, XRD, TGA and SEM analysis. Microhardness testing was used to evaluate the mechanical properties. The prepared beads were investigated for water adsorption behavior to ascertain its ability for body fluid uptake and adjusted accordingly to the bone cavity. Drug loading and subsequently the antibacterial activity was investigated for the prepared beads. The biocompatibility was assessed using the hemolysis testing and cell proliferation assay. The prepared collagen-alginate-HA beads, having biocompatibility and good mechanical properties, have showed an option of promising biologically active bone fillers for bone regeneration.
Carbonaceous shales of the Early Eocene Dharvi/Dunger Formation in the onshore Barmer Basin, northwest India were studied for the first time by integrating geochemical and organic petrological analyses. The carbonaceous shales of the Early Eocene Dharvi/Dunger Formation are characterized by a higher organic carbon content (TOC) of >10 wt % and consist mainly of a mixture of organic matter of types II and III kerogen, with exhibited hydrogen index values ranging between 202 and 292 mg HC/g TOC. The dominance of such kerogen is confirmed by the high amounts of huminite and fluorescent liptinite macerals. Consequently, the carbonaceous shales of the Early Eocene Dharvi/Dunger Formation are promising source rocks for both oil and gas generation potential, with oils of high wax contents, according to pyrolysis-gas chromatography results. The chemical and optical maturity results such as low values huminite/vitrinite reflectance, production index, and T max show that most of the examined carbonaceous shale rocks from the outcrop section of the Kapurdi mine have entered the low maturity stage of oil generation, exhibiting a range of immature to the very early-mature. Therefore, as highlighted in this study, the substantial abundance in hydrocarbon generation potential from these carbonaceous shales in the Dharvi/Dunger Formation may represent future conventional petroleum exploration in the southern part of the Barmer Basin, where the Dharvi/Dunger Formation has reached deeper burial depths.
Schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. Globally, it affects economically poor countries, typically due to a lack of proper sanitation systems, and poor hygiene conditions. Currently, no vaccine is available against schistosomiasis, and the preferred treatment is chemotherapy with the use of praziquantel. It is a common anti-schistosomal drug used against all known species of Schistosoma. To date, current treatment primarily the drug praziquantel has not been effective in treating Schistosoma species in their early stages. The drug of choice offers low bioavailability, water solubility, and fast metabolism. Globally drug resistance has been documented due to overuse of praziquantel, Parasite mutations, poor treatment compliance, co-infection with other strains of parasites, and overall parasitic load. The existing diagnostic methods have very little acceptability and are not readily applied for quick diagnosis. This review aims to summarize the use of nanotechnology in the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention. It also explored safe and effective substitute approaches against parasitosis. At this stage, various nanomaterials are being used in drug delivery systems, diagnostic kits, and vaccine production. Nanotechnology is one of the modern and innovative methods to treat and diagnose several human diseases, particularly those caused by parasite infections. Herein we highlight the current advancement and application of nanotechnological approaches regarding the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of schistosomiasis.
The Jiza-Qamar Basin is one of the most important exploration sedimentary basins in Yemen. For over a decade, the exploration of hydrocarbons has been occurring in this basin. Late Cretaceous age rocks are the most occurring organic-rich sediments in this basin, including coals, coaly shales, and shales. The studied organic-rich shale beds are from the Late Cretaceous Mukalla Formation and associated with coal seams. These organic-rich shales can serve as source rocks for hydrocarbon generation potential. The current study investigates the geochemical characteristics, including assessing the organic matter (OM) input, sedimentary environmental conditions, and hydrocarbon generation potential of the organic-rich shale within the Mukalla Formation from three well locations in the onshore Jiza-Qamar Basin using organic geochemistry, biomarker, and carbon isotope measurements. The studied shale samples have high OM content with total organic carbon values between 0.74 and 19.48 wt %. Furthermore, they contain mainly hydrogen-poor Types III and IV kerogen, indicating the presence of the gas-prone source rock. The presence of these types of kerogen indicates the abundance of vitrinite and inertinite macerals, as established by microscopic investigation. However, the studied organic-rich shales had biomarker features, including high Ph/Ph ratio between 3.82 and 7.46, high Tm/Ts ratio of more than 7, and high C29 regular steranes compared to C27 and C28 regular steranes. Apart from the biomarker results, the studied Mukalla shales are characterized by the abundance of land-derived OM that deposited in fluvial to fluvial deltaic environments under highly oxic conditions. The finding of the considerable concentration of terrigenous OM is probably confirmed by the bulk carbon isotope and maceral composition data. The maturity indicators show that the examined organic-rich shale samples in the studied wells exhibit low VR values of up to 0.71%, and thereby, they have not been yet reached the high maturity for gas generation. This low maturity level in the studied wells is probably attributed to shallow burial depth, exhibiting depth of up to 2835 m. Therefore, the substantial gas exploration operations from the organic-rich shale source rock system of the Late Cretaceous Mukalla Formation can be recommended in the deeper stratigraphic succession in the offshore Jiza-Qamar Basin.