Eco-friendly and biodegradable novel hydrogel were prepared by blending and solution casting method. The designed hydrogel is based on chitosan/ PEG600/Gurgam with carbon nanofiller along silane crosslinked (TEOS) wit...Eco-friendly and biodegradable novel hydrogel were prepared by blending and solution casting method. The designed hydrogel is based on chitosan/ PEG600/Gurgam with carbon nanofiller along silane crosslinked (TEOS) with pH sensitive response to controlled release of drug in biomedical materials and agriculture industry. The various concentration of carbon nanofiller is used to analyze its effect on the fabricated hydrogel characteristics by using FTIR, SEM, TGA, swelling studies (water, buffer and ionic solution). Spectra of FTIR reflected both established and newly developed groups (like hydrogel). COOH group presence is clearly observed in this range in the carbon filler reinforced hydrogel. The SEM micrographs show that CPG0.003 had a collection of polysaccharide chains as thin helices, which is attributed to the increase in the size of porosity. TGA shows to increase concentration of nanofiller enhanced the thermal stability of the designed hydrogels at temperature 25˚C to 550˚C mass loss percentage decrease upto 20% and increase thermal stability. This pH response made these resultant hydrogels as fruitful competitor against the many reported controlled release application.展开更多
During emergency response to oil spills incident accurate information is required in order to reduce the risk associated with oil spill disasters. This study focuses on Environmental Sensitivity mapping for sustainabl...During emergency response to oil spills incident accurate information is required in order to reduce the risk associated with oil spill disasters. This study focuses on Environmental Sensitivity mapping for sustainable environmental clean-up and contingency planning along the 3.0 km of AGIP pipeline at Asemoku in Delta State, Nigeria. Geographic information systems (GIS) techniques were used to create an Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) map in the study area. A 2018 Google Earth Satellite imagery of the study area was downloaded, and landuse/cover classification scheme comprising of Vegetation, Farmland, Water Body, Wetland, built up area and Bare Surface was adopted. Existing categorization, ranking and classification of the inland habitat were adopted and used to create a Landuse/cover Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) map, while the buffer zones of 100 m, 200 m, 300 m and 400 m were adopted. In the ArcGIS 10.8 environment, the landuse/cover map was generated and buffer distances of 100 m, 200 m, 300 m and 400 m were created on the landuse/cover map to ascertain the features that are vulnerable and could be at risk in the event of oil spill. This study established that the Natural Vegetation areas are the most vulnerable and sensitive feature as a result of their size along the created buffer zones. Findings from this study thus provide insight into the most sensitive land-use/land-cover, in the event of a spill or emergency oil spill clean-up response.展开更多
Purpose research on nursing sensitive indicators in tumor Patients application effect in immune-related skin toxicity management. Method select our hospital April to June, 202360 cases patients with immune therapy set...Purpose research on nursing sensitive indicators in tumor Patients application effect in immune-related skin toxicity management. Method select our hospital April to June, 202360 cases patients with immune therapy settings as the control group. August-October, 2023 60 cases the patients treated with immune therapy were the experimental group. The control group adopted regular nursing methods, while the experimental group sensitive Indicators, evidence-based give preventive care. The social situation, psychological state, physical function, quality of life score, incidence of skin toxicity caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors, moderate and above of the two groups of patients were compared. Incidence of skin toxicity. Result: experience group SAS score, SDS score higher than the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05);The incidence of skin toxic reactions caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors and the incidence of moderate and above skin toxic reactions in the experimental group are lower than those in the control group, and the difference is statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: sensitive indicator guidance evidence-based preventive care can reduce the degree of immune-related skin toxicity, improve the psychological state and quality of life of tumor patients treated with immune therapy and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, improve nursing quality and patient satisfaction.展开更多
This work presents the “n<sup>th</sup>-Order Feature Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Nonlinear Systems” (abbreviated as “n<sup>th</sup>-FASAM-N”), which will be shown to be the...This work presents the “n<sup>th</sup>-Order Feature Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Nonlinear Systems” (abbreviated as “n<sup>th</sup>-FASAM-N”), which will be shown to be the most efficient methodology for computing exact expressions of sensitivities, of any order, of model responses with respect to features of model parameters and, subsequently, with respect to the model’s uncertain parameters, boundaries, and internal interfaces. The unparalleled efficiency and accuracy of the n<sup>th</sup>-FASAM-N methodology stems from the maximal reduction of the number of adjoint computations (which are considered to be “large-scale” computations) for computing high-order sensitivities. When applying the n<sup>th</sup>-FASAM-N methodology to compute the second- and higher-order sensitivities, the number of large-scale computations is proportional to the number of “model features” as opposed to being proportional to the number of model parameters (which are considerably more than the number of features).When a model has no “feature” functions of parameters, but only comprises primary parameters, the n<sup>th</sup>-FASAM-N methodology becomes identical to the extant n<sup>th</sup> CASAM-N (“n<sup>th</sup>-Order Comprehensive Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Nonlinear Systems”) methodology. Both the n<sup>th</sup>-FASAM-N and the n<sup>th</sup>-CASAM-N methodologies are formulated in linearly increasing higher-dimensional Hilbert spaces as opposed to exponentially increasing parameter-dimensional spaces thus overcoming the curse of dimensionality in sensitivity analysis of nonlinear systems. Both the n<sup>th</sup>-FASAM-N and the n<sup>th</sup>-CASAM-N are incomparably more efficient and more accurate than any other methods (statistical, finite differences, etc.) for computing exact expressions of response sensitivities of any order with respect to the model’s features and/or primary uncertain parameters, boundaries, and internal interfaces.展开更多
This work highlights the unparalleled efficiency of the “n<sup>th</sup>-Order Function/ Feature Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Nonlinear Systems” (n<sup>th</sup>-FASAM-N) by con...This work highlights the unparalleled efficiency of the “n<sup>th</sup>-Order Function/ Feature Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Nonlinear Systems” (n<sup>th</sup>-FASAM-N) by considering the well-known Nordheim-Fuchs reactor dynamics/safety model. This model describes a short-time self-limiting power excursion in a nuclear reactor system having a negative temperature coefficient in which a large amount of reactivity is suddenly inserted, either intentionally or by accident. This nonlinear paradigm model is sufficiently complex to model realistically self-limiting power excursions for short times yet admits closed-form exact expressions for the time-dependent neutron flux, temperature distribution and energy released during the transient power burst. The n<sup>th</sup>-FASAM-N methodology is compared to the extant “n<sup>th</sup>-Order Comprehensive Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Nonlinear Systems” (n<sup>th</sup>-CASAM-N) showing that: (i) the 1<sup>st</sup>-FASAM-N and the 1<sup>st</sup>-CASAM-N methodologies are equally efficient for computing the first-order sensitivities;each methodology requires a single large-scale computation for solving the “First-Level Adjoint Sensitivity System” (1<sup>st</sup>-LASS);(ii) the 2<sup>nd</sup>-FASAM-N methodology is considerably more efficient than the 2<sup>nd</sup>-CASAM-N methodology for computing the second-order sensitivities since the number of feature-functions is much smaller than the number of primary parameters;specifically for the Nordheim-Fuchs model, the 2<sup>nd</sup>-FASAM-N methodology requires 2 large-scale computations to obtain all of the exact expressions of the 28 distinct second-order response sensitivities with respect to the model parameters while the 2<sup>nd</sup>-CASAM-N methodology requires 7 large-scale computations for obtaining these 28 second-order sensitivities;(iii) the 3<sup>rd</sup>-FASAM-N methodology is even more efficient than the 3<sup>rd</sup>-CASAM-N methodology: only 2 large-scale computations are needed to obtain the exact expressions of the 84 distinct third-order response sensitivities with respect to the Nordheim-Fuchs model’s parameters when applying the 3<sup>rd</sup>-FASAM-N methodology, while the application of the 3<sup>rd</sup>-CASAM-N methodology requires at least 22 large-scale computations for computing the same 84 distinct third-order sensitivities. Together, the n<sup>th</sup>-FASAM-N and the n<sup>th</sup>-CASAM-N methodologies are the most practical methodologies for computing response sensitivities of any order comprehensively and accurately, overcoming the curse of dimensionality in sensitivity analysis.展开更多
The elliptic curve cryptography algorithm represents a major advancement in the field of computer security. This innovative algorithm uses elliptic curves to encrypt and secure data, providing an exceptional level of ...The elliptic curve cryptography algorithm represents a major advancement in the field of computer security. This innovative algorithm uses elliptic curves to encrypt and secure data, providing an exceptional level of security while optimizing the efficiency of computer resources. This study focuses on how elliptic curves cryptography helps to protect sensitive data. Text is encrypted using the elliptic curve technique because it provides great security with a smaller key on devices with limited resources, such as mobile phones. The elliptic curves cryptography of this study is better than using a 256-bit RSA key. To achieve equivalent protection by using the elliptic curves cryptography, several Python libraries such as cryptography, pycryptodome, pyQt5, secp256k1, etc. were used. These technologies are used to develop a software based on elliptic curves. If built, the software helps to encrypt and decrypt data such as a text messages and it offers the authentication for the communication.展开更多
The efficient photo-response mechanism is one of the key factors in the commercialization of dye-sensitized solar cells in a bid to satisfy renewable energy demands. Progress in green technology has put solar energy o...The efficient photo-response mechanism is one of the key factors in the commercialization of dye-sensitized solar cells in a bid to satisfy renewable energy demands. Progress in green technology has put solar energy on the front burner as a provider of clean and affordable energy for a sustainable society. We report the synthesis of a novel Schiff base with optical transparency in the visible and near IR region of the solar spectrum that can find application in the DSSCs photo-response mechanism. The synthesized crystal exhibited features that could handle some of the shortcomings of dye-sensitized solar cells which include wide band solar spectrum absorption and capability for swift charge transfer within the photoelectrodes. The synthesized Schiff base was characterized using x-ray diffractometer, UV/Visible spectrometer, Frontier transmission infrared spectrometer and conductometer. XRD data revealed the grown crystal to have an average crystallite size of 2.08 nm with average microstrain value of about 269.43. The FT-IR recorded transmission wave ѵ (CO) at 1207.7 cm<sup>−1</sup> while dominant wave occurred at ѵ1654.9 and ѵ1592.3 cm<sup>−1</sup> relating to ѵ (CN) stretching and ѵ (NH) bending respectively were observed. The IR spectrum revealed the bonding species and a probable molecular structure of 2,6-bis(benzyloxy)pyridine. The UV/Visible spectra convoluted to maximum peak within the near IR region suggesting that 2,6-bis(benzyloxy)pyridine can absorb both the visible and near IR region while its electrical conductivity was determined to be 4.58 µS/cm. The obtained result of the present study revealed promising characteristics of a photosensitizer that can find application in the photo-response mechanism of DSSCs.展开更多
Background: We aimed to evaluate the short-term metabolic effects of a GLP-1a, (liraglutide) versus a DPP-4i, (vildagliptin) in a group of sub-Saharan type 2 diabetes patients. Methods: We conducted a randomized contr...Background: We aimed to evaluate the short-term metabolic effects of a GLP-1a, (liraglutide) versus a DPP-4i, (vildagliptin) in a group of sub-Saharan type 2 diabetes patients. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled single blinded clinical trial in 14 uncontrolled type 2 diabetes patients (HbA1c ≥ 53 mmol/mol) with mean duration of diabetes of 8 [1 - 12] years and median age of 57 [49 - 61] years. Baseline treatment consisted of metformin in monotherapy or metformin plus sulfonylureas. Participants were randomly allocated to 2 groups of add-on 1.2 mg/day subcutaneous liraglutide in group 1 or 100 mg/day of oral vildagliptin in group 2 for 2 weeks. In all participants, insulin secretion in response to mixed meal tolerance test, insulin sensitivity by 80 mU/m<sup>2</sup>/min hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, body composition, and lipid profile were measured before and after intervention. Results: At the end of intervention, insulin sensitivity remained unchanged both with liraglutide from 6.6 [4.2 - 7.9] to 6.9 [4.3 - 10.8] mg/kg/min;p = 0.61 and vildagliptin from 7.1 [5.3 - 9.0] to 6.5 [5.6 - 9.4] mg/kg/min (p = 0.86). The area under the C-peptide curve varied from 5.5 [1.0 - 10.9] to 14.9 [10.8 - 17.2] nmol/L/120min, p = 0.09 in group 1 and from 1.1 [0.5 - 14.1] to 13.0 [9.6 - 16.9] nmol/L/120min (p = 0.17) in group 2. LDL Cholesterol levels decreased significantly with liraglutide from 0.85 g/L [0.51 - 1.02] to 0.54 g/L [0.50 - 0.73] (p = 0.04) but not with Vildagliptin. Body weight tended to decrease in group 1 (−0.6 kg) versus modest increase in group 2 (+1.1 kg). Conclusion: Short-term metabolic effects of Liraglutide and Vildagliptin add-on therapy are comparable in sub-Saharan type 2 diabetes patients with a more favorable trend for Liraglutide on body weight, lipid profile, and insulin secretion.展开更多
This is a pilot research project was prepared to assess the impact of implementing essential standardized nursing quality sensitive indicators in monitoring, evaluating, and controlling the nursing services and activi...This is a pilot research project was prepared to assess the impact of implementing essential standardized nursing quality sensitive indicators in monitoring, evaluating, and controlling the nursing services and activities which implemented in daily nursing care works with the patients in a health institute, aiming for emphasizing the concept of “nursing quality sensitive indicators” which is valuable to elaborate nursing care performance, and for continuous upgrading of daily nursing care, which hopefully will result in more beneficial outcomes, and lesser negative or undesirable outcomes in all aspects of nursing care, and consequently the health care process, particularly regarding patient safety, patient satisfaction and nursing performance improvement. This pilot research project for the essential standardized nursing quality sensitive indicators was applied in intensive care unit (ICU) department in Qurayyat general hospital, and resulted in excellent improvement of all outcomes correlated with the essential standardized nursing quality sensitive indicators. These essential standardized nursing quality sensitive indicators are hopefully be accepted and accredited by the higher health authorities as standardized nursing quality sensitive indicators in health institutes.展开更多
Biomarkers are early predictors of various disorders, circulating level of C-reactive protein is a sensitive biomarker of systemic inflammation and may also be associated with the development of diabetic, hepatic, and...Biomarkers are early predictors of various disorders, circulating level of C-reactive protein is a sensitive biomarker of systemic inflammation and may also be associated with the development of diabetic, hepatic, and cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the association between circulating levels of high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and various biomarkers for hepatic, diabetic, and cardiovascular health. The retrospective analysis included 438 individuals who were tested for these panels simultaneously at Vibrant America Clinical Laboratory. The study population included free-living individuals without any preexisting clinical conditions. Among the cardiovascular markers, a positive correlation and significant association was found between high levels of hs-CRP and serum levels of triglycerides (r = 0.0964, p −0.1423, p −0.1216, p < 0.0105) with circulating levels of hs-CRP. Among all the diabetic markers, glucose (r = 0.1547, p < 0.0011) and glycated serum protein (r = 0.1725, p < 0.0003) were positively correlated with circulating hs-CRP. In the hepatic panel, AST, a transaminase that plays a vital role in amino acid metabolism, was found to have a strong positive correlation with hs-CRP (r = 0.2139, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the results clearly show the association of hs-CRP with diabetic, hepatic, and cardiovascular risk factors indicating its central value as a key marker for several lifestyle-associated disorders.展开更多
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease caused by the absence or dysfunction of insulin;a hormone secreted by the pancreatic beta cell (β-cell) whenever blood glucose exceeds the normal physiological value. The...Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease caused by the absence or dysfunction of insulin;a hormone secreted by the pancreatic beta cell (β-cell) whenever blood glucose exceeds the normal physiological value. The long-term effects of the disease on the body’s organs are one of the leading causes of death in the world. To alleviate this global burden of DM, a number of studies have been conducted to lower blood glucose levels in patients. For genetic and ethical reasons, humans are far from being appropriate subjects in such investigations and the use of animal models has therefore been the way forward. Streptozotocin (STZ) is a glucosamine-nitrosourea compound that selectively destroys β-cells and has been widely used to induce Type I diabetes in several animal species. Recent literature has shown that a non-diabetic dose of STZ, combined with a high-fat diet (HFD), can mimic Type II diabetes. Yet, researchers seldom provide data to corroborate the high sensitivity of STZ on these animal models. In addition, there are few reports of potentially fatal effects of the use of STZ as a supplement in obese HFD animals when attempting to induce Type II diabetes. The present review article highlights the parameters that could be at the origin of the extreme sensitivity and vulnerability of obese animals to STZ.展开更多
A prospective and analytical study was carried out from January 2017 to Decem-ber 2022, at the National Laboratory of Clinical Biology and Public Health (LNBCSP) in Bangui. 352 samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) wer...A prospective and analytical study was carried out from January 2017 to Decem-ber 2022, at the National Laboratory of Clinical Biology and Public Health (LNBCSP) in Bangui. 352 samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were confirmed out of 2065, coming from the four hospitals in Bangui. This study aimed to evalu-ate the evolution of antibiotic sensitivity to strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae. CSF had been collected from patients who presented with meningeal syndromes. Based on the leukocyte count (White blood cells ≥ 5 mm3), an aliquot was trans-ferred to trans-isolate medium and sent to the LNBCSP for confirmatory testing, culture and determination of antibiotic sensitivity. The antibiotic sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae strains was tested according to the methods recom-mended by the Antibiogram Committee of the French Society of Microbiology. The data collected was entered into Excel 2010 to be analyzed with Epi Info 7.2. Ficher’s exact test, chi2 at the 5% threshold (p < 0.05) was used to compare pro-portions and analyze associations between variables. The average sensitivity rate to β-lactams was 74.43%. The sensitivity rate of Fluoroquinolones was 54.54%. That of levofloxacin was 87%. The average rate of sensitivity to β-lactams for the age group under 5 years old was 79.25%. That of fluoroquinolones was 52.59%. Levofloxacin had 90.37%. The average sensitivity rate to β-lactams for the age group over 5 years old was 76.03%. Fluoroquinolones had 45.16%. Levofloxacin had 69.58%. The average sensitivity rate to β-lactams for males was 76.68%. Fluoroquinolones had 54.26%. That of levofloxacin was 83.40%. The sensitivity rate to β-lactams for females was 74.41%. That of fluoroquinolones was 51.16%. Levofloxacin had 67.44%. Cyclins had 28.68%. The study noted an association between age and sensitivity (p < 0.05;CI [1.05-2.57]). Strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae were always detected in the CSF. The average rate of sensitivity to macrolides was 36.93%;aminoglycosides 28.69%;phenicols 63.35%;sulfona-mides 39.2%. These results could suggest a reduced sensitivity to β lactams. .展开更多
A plasmonic effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is studied. In this investigation, the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells has been remarkably increased by infusion of syn...A plasmonic effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is studied. In this investigation, the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells has been remarkably increased by infusion of synthesized silver nanoparticles into the TiO<sub>2</sub> photoanode. Rhodaminederivative RdS1 was synthesized by microwave-assisted condensation of hydrazide and 3-for-mylchromone. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized with UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The interfacial charge transport phenomena of the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSCs) are determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the corresponding efficiencies are calculated using current-voltage (I-V) curve. The solar cell photoanode with silver nanoparticles infused with RdS1 in titanium dioxide had the highest solar-to-electric power efficiency at 0.17%.展开更多
Background: There is no study that estimates the prevalence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis and the association between vernal keratoconjunctivitis and intestinal parasitic infestation in our setting. Purpose: This stu...Background: There is no study that estimates the prevalence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis and the association between vernal keratoconjunctivitis and intestinal parasitic infestation in our setting. Purpose: This study aimed to estimate the vernal keratoconjunctivitis prevalence, describe the profile of sensitization and determine the association between vernal keratoconjunctivitis disease and intestinal parasitic infestation in school children of Kinshasa during the scholar year from 2022 to 2023. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was performed from September 2022 to June 2023. The children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis were recruited by using the four-stage probability sampling technique. Children attending in the school children of Kinshasa with vernal keratoconjunctivitis were enrolled in the classroom and underwent a clinical examination and skin prick test for 11 allergens and stool examination direct with microscope in the Laboratory. Data were entered in Microsoft Sheets using SPSS version 20.0. The Chi-square test was used to compare the sex, age groups, home environment (grow trees and/or flowers around the yard), dampness in the house, keeping pets (cat and/or dog), number of people per household, number of people sharing a bedroom and intestinal parasitic infestation. The significant level was set to a value of p Results: A total of 28,800 students from four-stage probabilist sampling technique in school of Kinshasa were included, and 2100 students had symptoms according to the vernal keratoconjunctivitis-related symptom questionnaire. Children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis were enrolled and the mean age ± standard was 7.2 ± 3.7 years, with a prevalence of 7.2% and gender was three boys for one girl. All vernal keratoconjunctivitis children recruited in urban and rural part had 33.1% positive skin prick test (SPT) and 67.9% showed polysensitization. Children an urban part was more sensitized than rural respectively with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 28.1% vs 28.9%, p = 0.00001, Blomia tropicalis. 15.9% vs 14.9%, p = 0.00001 and cockroach 12% vs 13%, p = 0.00001 in both parts. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis children in rural part were more affected to the intestinal parasite than urban with Ascaris lumbricoides 14% vs 18.3%, p = 0.0006, followed by Ancylostoma duodenale 9.5% vs 12.5%, p = 0.003, Anguillule 7.9% vs 10.1%, p = 0.001, Oxyure 5.7% vs 8.2%, p = 0.0001 and Trichuris trichiura 2.6% vs 3.3%, p = 0.0009. Conclusion: This study outlines that the prevalence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis was 7.2% and 33.1% of children attending for vernal keratoconjunctivitis in school children had a positive skin prick test to at least one allergen, in particular for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Blomia tropicalis and cockroach. The most common intestinal parasitic infestation was Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale, Anguillule and Trichuris trichiura.展开更多
Introduction: Antiretrovirals (ARVs) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are implicated in the onset of insulin resistance. They cross the placental barrier thereby inducing early modifications of the fetal env...Introduction: Antiretrovirals (ARVs) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are implicated in the onset of insulin resistance. They cross the placental barrier thereby inducing early modifications of the fetal environment. The aim of our study was to assess insulin sensitivity in full-term newborns exposed in utero to HIV and ARVs in Yaoundé. Materials and Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study in 2 maternities in the city of Yaoundé from November 2021 to June 2022. We generated two groups of newborns (NBs): one group born to HIV positive mothers on ARVs and the other control group born to HIV negative mothers. Clinical data from mothers and NBs were collected. A homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) like index with C peptide served to assess insulin sensitivity. We used the Spearman correlation to measure the strength of association between insulin sensitivity and the different variables. A p-value Results: Of 70 neonates included, 35 were born to HIV positive mothers on ARVs and 35 to HIV negative mothers. The median age of HIV positive and negative mothers was 30 (27 - 32) and 34 (24 - 47) years, respectively (p = 0.791). The body mass index before pregnancy as well as the average newborn weights were comparable in both groups. The ARV protocol associating Tenofovir, Lamivudine, Efavirenz was used by 97.1% of HIV positive mothers. In the exposed NBs group, C peptide was significantly lower (p < 0.001) and blood glucose significantly higher (p < 0.001). The median values of HOMA-IR were 1.4 (0.8 - 1.9) and 2 (1.4 - 2.6) (p = 0.001) for exposed and unexposed NBs, respectively. Conclusion: Newborns exposed to HIV and ARVs had lower C peptide levels and were more sensitive to insulin. Close metabolic monitoring of these newborns would allow early diagnosis and management of any glucose regulation disorder.展开更多
文摘Eco-friendly and biodegradable novel hydrogel were prepared by blending and solution casting method. The designed hydrogel is based on chitosan/ PEG600/Gurgam with carbon nanofiller along silane crosslinked (TEOS) with pH sensitive response to controlled release of drug in biomedical materials and agriculture industry. The various concentration of carbon nanofiller is used to analyze its effect on the fabricated hydrogel characteristics by using FTIR, SEM, TGA, swelling studies (water, buffer and ionic solution). Spectra of FTIR reflected both established and newly developed groups (like hydrogel). COOH group presence is clearly observed in this range in the carbon filler reinforced hydrogel. The SEM micrographs show that CPG0.003 had a collection of polysaccharide chains as thin helices, which is attributed to the increase in the size of porosity. TGA shows to increase concentration of nanofiller enhanced the thermal stability of the designed hydrogels at temperature 25˚C to 550˚C mass loss percentage decrease upto 20% and increase thermal stability. This pH response made these resultant hydrogels as fruitful competitor against the many reported controlled release application.
文摘During emergency response to oil spills incident accurate information is required in order to reduce the risk associated with oil spill disasters. This study focuses on Environmental Sensitivity mapping for sustainable environmental clean-up and contingency planning along the 3.0 km of AGIP pipeline at Asemoku in Delta State, Nigeria. Geographic information systems (GIS) techniques were used to create an Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) map in the study area. A 2018 Google Earth Satellite imagery of the study area was downloaded, and landuse/cover classification scheme comprising of Vegetation, Farmland, Water Body, Wetland, built up area and Bare Surface was adopted. Existing categorization, ranking and classification of the inland habitat were adopted and used to create a Landuse/cover Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) map, while the buffer zones of 100 m, 200 m, 300 m and 400 m were adopted. In the ArcGIS 10.8 environment, the landuse/cover map was generated and buffer distances of 100 m, 200 m, 300 m and 400 m were created on the landuse/cover map to ascertain the features that are vulnerable and could be at risk in the event of oil spill. This study established that the Natural Vegetation areas are the most vulnerable and sensitive feature as a result of their size along the created buffer zones. Findings from this study thus provide insight into the most sensitive land-use/land-cover, in the event of a spill or emergency oil spill clean-up response.
文摘Purpose research on nursing sensitive indicators in tumor Patients application effect in immune-related skin toxicity management. Method select our hospital April to June, 202360 cases patients with immune therapy settings as the control group. August-October, 2023 60 cases the patients treated with immune therapy were the experimental group. The control group adopted regular nursing methods, while the experimental group sensitive Indicators, evidence-based give preventive care. The social situation, psychological state, physical function, quality of life score, incidence of skin toxicity caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors, moderate and above of the two groups of patients were compared. Incidence of skin toxicity. Result: experience group SAS score, SDS score higher than the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05);The incidence of skin toxic reactions caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors and the incidence of moderate and above skin toxic reactions in the experimental group are lower than those in the control group, and the difference is statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: sensitive indicator guidance evidence-based preventive care can reduce the degree of immune-related skin toxicity, improve the psychological state and quality of life of tumor patients treated with immune therapy and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, improve nursing quality and patient satisfaction.
文摘This work presents the “n<sup>th</sup>-Order Feature Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Nonlinear Systems” (abbreviated as “n<sup>th</sup>-FASAM-N”), which will be shown to be the most efficient methodology for computing exact expressions of sensitivities, of any order, of model responses with respect to features of model parameters and, subsequently, with respect to the model’s uncertain parameters, boundaries, and internal interfaces. The unparalleled efficiency and accuracy of the n<sup>th</sup>-FASAM-N methodology stems from the maximal reduction of the number of adjoint computations (which are considered to be “large-scale” computations) for computing high-order sensitivities. When applying the n<sup>th</sup>-FASAM-N methodology to compute the second- and higher-order sensitivities, the number of large-scale computations is proportional to the number of “model features” as opposed to being proportional to the number of model parameters (which are considerably more than the number of features).When a model has no “feature” functions of parameters, but only comprises primary parameters, the n<sup>th</sup>-FASAM-N methodology becomes identical to the extant n<sup>th</sup> CASAM-N (“n<sup>th</sup>-Order Comprehensive Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Nonlinear Systems”) methodology. Both the n<sup>th</sup>-FASAM-N and the n<sup>th</sup>-CASAM-N methodologies are formulated in linearly increasing higher-dimensional Hilbert spaces as opposed to exponentially increasing parameter-dimensional spaces thus overcoming the curse of dimensionality in sensitivity analysis of nonlinear systems. Both the n<sup>th</sup>-FASAM-N and the n<sup>th</sup>-CASAM-N are incomparably more efficient and more accurate than any other methods (statistical, finite differences, etc.) for computing exact expressions of response sensitivities of any order with respect to the model’s features and/or primary uncertain parameters, boundaries, and internal interfaces.
文摘This work highlights the unparalleled efficiency of the “n<sup>th</sup>-Order Function/ Feature Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Nonlinear Systems” (n<sup>th</sup>-FASAM-N) by considering the well-known Nordheim-Fuchs reactor dynamics/safety model. This model describes a short-time self-limiting power excursion in a nuclear reactor system having a negative temperature coefficient in which a large amount of reactivity is suddenly inserted, either intentionally or by accident. This nonlinear paradigm model is sufficiently complex to model realistically self-limiting power excursions for short times yet admits closed-form exact expressions for the time-dependent neutron flux, temperature distribution and energy released during the transient power burst. The n<sup>th</sup>-FASAM-N methodology is compared to the extant “n<sup>th</sup>-Order Comprehensive Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Nonlinear Systems” (n<sup>th</sup>-CASAM-N) showing that: (i) the 1<sup>st</sup>-FASAM-N and the 1<sup>st</sup>-CASAM-N methodologies are equally efficient for computing the first-order sensitivities;each methodology requires a single large-scale computation for solving the “First-Level Adjoint Sensitivity System” (1<sup>st</sup>-LASS);(ii) the 2<sup>nd</sup>-FASAM-N methodology is considerably more efficient than the 2<sup>nd</sup>-CASAM-N methodology for computing the second-order sensitivities since the number of feature-functions is much smaller than the number of primary parameters;specifically for the Nordheim-Fuchs model, the 2<sup>nd</sup>-FASAM-N methodology requires 2 large-scale computations to obtain all of the exact expressions of the 28 distinct second-order response sensitivities with respect to the model parameters while the 2<sup>nd</sup>-CASAM-N methodology requires 7 large-scale computations for obtaining these 28 second-order sensitivities;(iii) the 3<sup>rd</sup>-FASAM-N methodology is even more efficient than the 3<sup>rd</sup>-CASAM-N methodology: only 2 large-scale computations are needed to obtain the exact expressions of the 84 distinct third-order response sensitivities with respect to the Nordheim-Fuchs model’s parameters when applying the 3<sup>rd</sup>-FASAM-N methodology, while the application of the 3<sup>rd</sup>-CASAM-N methodology requires at least 22 large-scale computations for computing the same 84 distinct third-order sensitivities. Together, the n<sup>th</sup>-FASAM-N and the n<sup>th</sup>-CASAM-N methodologies are the most practical methodologies for computing response sensitivities of any order comprehensively and accurately, overcoming the curse of dimensionality in sensitivity analysis.
文摘The elliptic curve cryptography algorithm represents a major advancement in the field of computer security. This innovative algorithm uses elliptic curves to encrypt and secure data, providing an exceptional level of security while optimizing the efficiency of computer resources. This study focuses on how elliptic curves cryptography helps to protect sensitive data. Text is encrypted using the elliptic curve technique because it provides great security with a smaller key on devices with limited resources, such as mobile phones. The elliptic curves cryptography of this study is better than using a 256-bit RSA key. To achieve equivalent protection by using the elliptic curves cryptography, several Python libraries such as cryptography, pycryptodome, pyQt5, secp256k1, etc. were used. These technologies are used to develop a software based on elliptic curves. If built, the software helps to encrypt and decrypt data such as a text messages and it offers the authentication for the communication.
文摘The efficient photo-response mechanism is one of the key factors in the commercialization of dye-sensitized solar cells in a bid to satisfy renewable energy demands. Progress in green technology has put solar energy on the front burner as a provider of clean and affordable energy for a sustainable society. We report the synthesis of a novel Schiff base with optical transparency in the visible and near IR region of the solar spectrum that can find application in the DSSCs photo-response mechanism. The synthesized crystal exhibited features that could handle some of the shortcomings of dye-sensitized solar cells which include wide band solar spectrum absorption and capability for swift charge transfer within the photoelectrodes. The synthesized Schiff base was characterized using x-ray diffractometer, UV/Visible spectrometer, Frontier transmission infrared spectrometer and conductometer. XRD data revealed the grown crystal to have an average crystallite size of 2.08 nm with average microstrain value of about 269.43. The FT-IR recorded transmission wave ѵ (CO) at 1207.7 cm<sup>−1</sup> while dominant wave occurred at ѵ1654.9 and ѵ1592.3 cm<sup>−1</sup> relating to ѵ (CN) stretching and ѵ (NH) bending respectively were observed. The IR spectrum revealed the bonding species and a probable molecular structure of 2,6-bis(benzyloxy)pyridine. The UV/Visible spectra convoluted to maximum peak within the near IR region suggesting that 2,6-bis(benzyloxy)pyridine can absorb both the visible and near IR region while its electrical conductivity was determined to be 4.58 µS/cm. The obtained result of the present study revealed promising characteristics of a photosensitizer that can find application in the photo-response mechanism of DSSCs.
文摘Background: We aimed to evaluate the short-term metabolic effects of a GLP-1a, (liraglutide) versus a DPP-4i, (vildagliptin) in a group of sub-Saharan type 2 diabetes patients. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled single blinded clinical trial in 14 uncontrolled type 2 diabetes patients (HbA1c ≥ 53 mmol/mol) with mean duration of diabetes of 8 [1 - 12] years and median age of 57 [49 - 61] years. Baseline treatment consisted of metformin in monotherapy or metformin plus sulfonylureas. Participants were randomly allocated to 2 groups of add-on 1.2 mg/day subcutaneous liraglutide in group 1 or 100 mg/day of oral vildagliptin in group 2 for 2 weeks. In all participants, insulin secretion in response to mixed meal tolerance test, insulin sensitivity by 80 mU/m<sup>2</sup>/min hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, body composition, and lipid profile were measured before and after intervention. Results: At the end of intervention, insulin sensitivity remained unchanged both with liraglutide from 6.6 [4.2 - 7.9] to 6.9 [4.3 - 10.8] mg/kg/min;p = 0.61 and vildagliptin from 7.1 [5.3 - 9.0] to 6.5 [5.6 - 9.4] mg/kg/min (p = 0.86). The area under the C-peptide curve varied from 5.5 [1.0 - 10.9] to 14.9 [10.8 - 17.2] nmol/L/120min, p = 0.09 in group 1 and from 1.1 [0.5 - 14.1] to 13.0 [9.6 - 16.9] nmol/L/120min (p = 0.17) in group 2. LDL Cholesterol levels decreased significantly with liraglutide from 0.85 g/L [0.51 - 1.02] to 0.54 g/L [0.50 - 0.73] (p = 0.04) but not with Vildagliptin. Body weight tended to decrease in group 1 (−0.6 kg) versus modest increase in group 2 (+1.1 kg). Conclusion: Short-term metabolic effects of Liraglutide and Vildagliptin add-on therapy are comparable in sub-Saharan type 2 diabetes patients with a more favorable trend for Liraglutide on body weight, lipid profile, and insulin secretion.
文摘This is a pilot research project was prepared to assess the impact of implementing essential standardized nursing quality sensitive indicators in monitoring, evaluating, and controlling the nursing services and activities which implemented in daily nursing care works with the patients in a health institute, aiming for emphasizing the concept of “nursing quality sensitive indicators” which is valuable to elaborate nursing care performance, and for continuous upgrading of daily nursing care, which hopefully will result in more beneficial outcomes, and lesser negative or undesirable outcomes in all aspects of nursing care, and consequently the health care process, particularly regarding patient safety, patient satisfaction and nursing performance improvement. This pilot research project for the essential standardized nursing quality sensitive indicators was applied in intensive care unit (ICU) department in Qurayyat general hospital, and resulted in excellent improvement of all outcomes correlated with the essential standardized nursing quality sensitive indicators. These essential standardized nursing quality sensitive indicators are hopefully be accepted and accredited by the higher health authorities as standardized nursing quality sensitive indicators in health institutes.
文摘Biomarkers are early predictors of various disorders, circulating level of C-reactive protein is a sensitive biomarker of systemic inflammation and may also be associated with the development of diabetic, hepatic, and cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the association between circulating levels of high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and various biomarkers for hepatic, diabetic, and cardiovascular health. The retrospective analysis included 438 individuals who were tested for these panels simultaneously at Vibrant America Clinical Laboratory. The study population included free-living individuals without any preexisting clinical conditions. Among the cardiovascular markers, a positive correlation and significant association was found between high levels of hs-CRP and serum levels of triglycerides (r = 0.0964, p −0.1423, p −0.1216, p < 0.0105) with circulating levels of hs-CRP. Among all the diabetic markers, glucose (r = 0.1547, p < 0.0011) and glycated serum protein (r = 0.1725, p < 0.0003) were positively correlated with circulating hs-CRP. In the hepatic panel, AST, a transaminase that plays a vital role in amino acid metabolism, was found to have a strong positive correlation with hs-CRP (r = 0.2139, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the results clearly show the association of hs-CRP with diabetic, hepatic, and cardiovascular risk factors indicating its central value as a key marker for several lifestyle-associated disorders.
文摘Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease caused by the absence or dysfunction of insulin;a hormone secreted by the pancreatic beta cell (β-cell) whenever blood glucose exceeds the normal physiological value. The long-term effects of the disease on the body’s organs are one of the leading causes of death in the world. To alleviate this global burden of DM, a number of studies have been conducted to lower blood glucose levels in patients. For genetic and ethical reasons, humans are far from being appropriate subjects in such investigations and the use of animal models has therefore been the way forward. Streptozotocin (STZ) is a glucosamine-nitrosourea compound that selectively destroys β-cells and has been widely used to induce Type I diabetes in several animal species. Recent literature has shown that a non-diabetic dose of STZ, combined with a high-fat diet (HFD), can mimic Type II diabetes. Yet, researchers seldom provide data to corroborate the high sensitivity of STZ on these animal models. In addition, there are few reports of potentially fatal effects of the use of STZ as a supplement in obese HFD animals when attempting to induce Type II diabetes. The present review article highlights the parameters that could be at the origin of the extreme sensitivity and vulnerability of obese animals to STZ.
文摘A prospective and analytical study was carried out from January 2017 to Decem-ber 2022, at the National Laboratory of Clinical Biology and Public Health (LNBCSP) in Bangui. 352 samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were confirmed out of 2065, coming from the four hospitals in Bangui. This study aimed to evalu-ate the evolution of antibiotic sensitivity to strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae. CSF had been collected from patients who presented with meningeal syndromes. Based on the leukocyte count (White blood cells ≥ 5 mm3), an aliquot was trans-ferred to trans-isolate medium and sent to the LNBCSP for confirmatory testing, culture and determination of antibiotic sensitivity. The antibiotic sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae strains was tested according to the methods recom-mended by the Antibiogram Committee of the French Society of Microbiology. The data collected was entered into Excel 2010 to be analyzed with Epi Info 7.2. Ficher’s exact test, chi2 at the 5% threshold (p < 0.05) was used to compare pro-portions and analyze associations between variables. The average sensitivity rate to β-lactams was 74.43%. The sensitivity rate of Fluoroquinolones was 54.54%. That of levofloxacin was 87%. The average rate of sensitivity to β-lactams for the age group under 5 years old was 79.25%. That of fluoroquinolones was 52.59%. Levofloxacin had 90.37%. The average sensitivity rate to β-lactams for the age group over 5 years old was 76.03%. Fluoroquinolones had 45.16%. Levofloxacin had 69.58%. The average sensitivity rate to β-lactams for males was 76.68%. Fluoroquinolones had 54.26%. That of levofloxacin was 83.40%. The sensitivity rate to β-lactams for females was 74.41%. That of fluoroquinolones was 51.16%. Levofloxacin had 67.44%. Cyclins had 28.68%. The study noted an association between age and sensitivity (p < 0.05;CI [1.05-2.57]). Strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae were always detected in the CSF. The average rate of sensitivity to macrolides was 36.93%;aminoglycosides 28.69%;phenicols 63.35%;sulfona-mides 39.2%. These results could suggest a reduced sensitivity to β lactams. .
文摘A plasmonic effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is studied. In this investigation, the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells has been remarkably increased by infusion of synthesized silver nanoparticles into the TiO<sub>2</sub> photoanode. Rhodaminederivative RdS1 was synthesized by microwave-assisted condensation of hydrazide and 3-for-mylchromone. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized with UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The interfacial charge transport phenomena of the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSCs) are determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the corresponding efficiencies are calculated using current-voltage (I-V) curve. The solar cell photoanode with silver nanoparticles infused with RdS1 in titanium dioxide had the highest solar-to-electric power efficiency at 0.17%.
文摘Background: There is no study that estimates the prevalence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis and the association between vernal keratoconjunctivitis and intestinal parasitic infestation in our setting. Purpose: This study aimed to estimate the vernal keratoconjunctivitis prevalence, describe the profile of sensitization and determine the association between vernal keratoconjunctivitis disease and intestinal parasitic infestation in school children of Kinshasa during the scholar year from 2022 to 2023. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was performed from September 2022 to June 2023. The children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis were recruited by using the four-stage probability sampling technique. Children attending in the school children of Kinshasa with vernal keratoconjunctivitis were enrolled in the classroom and underwent a clinical examination and skin prick test for 11 allergens and stool examination direct with microscope in the Laboratory. Data were entered in Microsoft Sheets using SPSS version 20.0. The Chi-square test was used to compare the sex, age groups, home environment (grow trees and/or flowers around the yard), dampness in the house, keeping pets (cat and/or dog), number of people per household, number of people sharing a bedroom and intestinal parasitic infestation. The significant level was set to a value of p Results: A total of 28,800 students from four-stage probabilist sampling technique in school of Kinshasa were included, and 2100 students had symptoms according to the vernal keratoconjunctivitis-related symptom questionnaire. Children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis were enrolled and the mean age ± standard was 7.2 ± 3.7 years, with a prevalence of 7.2% and gender was three boys for one girl. All vernal keratoconjunctivitis children recruited in urban and rural part had 33.1% positive skin prick test (SPT) and 67.9% showed polysensitization. Children an urban part was more sensitized than rural respectively with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 28.1% vs 28.9%, p = 0.00001, Blomia tropicalis. 15.9% vs 14.9%, p = 0.00001 and cockroach 12% vs 13%, p = 0.00001 in both parts. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis children in rural part were more affected to the intestinal parasite than urban with Ascaris lumbricoides 14% vs 18.3%, p = 0.0006, followed by Ancylostoma duodenale 9.5% vs 12.5%, p = 0.003, Anguillule 7.9% vs 10.1%, p = 0.001, Oxyure 5.7% vs 8.2%, p = 0.0001 and Trichuris trichiura 2.6% vs 3.3%, p = 0.0009. Conclusion: This study outlines that the prevalence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis was 7.2% and 33.1% of children attending for vernal keratoconjunctivitis in school children had a positive skin prick test to at least one allergen, in particular for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Blomia tropicalis and cockroach. The most common intestinal parasitic infestation was Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale, Anguillule and Trichuris trichiura.
文摘Introduction: Antiretrovirals (ARVs) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are implicated in the onset of insulin resistance. They cross the placental barrier thereby inducing early modifications of the fetal environment. The aim of our study was to assess insulin sensitivity in full-term newborns exposed in utero to HIV and ARVs in Yaoundé. Materials and Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study in 2 maternities in the city of Yaoundé from November 2021 to June 2022. We generated two groups of newborns (NBs): one group born to HIV positive mothers on ARVs and the other control group born to HIV negative mothers. Clinical data from mothers and NBs were collected. A homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) like index with C peptide served to assess insulin sensitivity. We used the Spearman correlation to measure the strength of association between insulin sensitivity and the different variables. A p-value Results: Of 70 neonates included, 35 were born to HIV positive mothers on ARVs and 35 to HIV negative mothers. The median age of HIV positive and negative mothers was 30 (27 - 32) and 34 (24 - 47) years, respectively (p = 0.791). The body mass index before pregnancy as well as the average newborn weights were comparable in both groups. The ARV protocol associating Tenofovir, Lamivudine, Efavirenz was used by 97.1% of HIV positive mothers. In the exposed NBs group, C peptide was significantly lower (p < 0.001) and blood glucose significantly higher (p < 0.001). The median values of HOMA-IR were 1.4 (0.8 - 1.9) and 2 (1.4 - 2.6) (p = 0.001) for exposed and unexposed NBs, respectively. Conclusion: Newborns exposed to HIV and ARVs had lower C peptide levels and were more sensitive to insulin. Close metabolic monitoring of these newborns would allow early diagnosis and management of any glucose regulation disorder.