Frontal Sinus Fractures: Management at the Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospital Centre (Burkina Faso)

Introduction: Frontal sinus fractures are potentially serious. They are defined as a solution of continuity, open or closed, of one or both bone tables of the frontal sinus. This study aims to report on the management of them at the Yalgado OUEDRAOGO University Hospital Centre. Methodology: It is a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective collection from January 01, 2016 to December 31, 2018. Patients with frontal sinus fractures were managed at the Yalgado OUEDRAOGO University Hospital Centre through CT-scan proof. Results: Over three years, a total of 102 cases of frontal sinus fractures were collected with 29.9 years as average age. There were 96 men. Workers in the informal sector and pupils/students represented 58.90% of patients. The residence of the patients was urban in 68.80% of cases and rural in 31.40%. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) happened in 90.20%, and involved 2-wheelers in 98.20%. None of these drivers was wearing a helmet. The type III frontal fracture of Ioannides et al. represented 51.9% of cases. In 89.21% of cases, other facial and/or cranioencephalic injuries were compounded to frontal sinus fractures. No surgical management was observed in 82 (80.39%) patients and surgical management in 20 (19.61%) patients. The outcome was favourable, but sequelae and/or complications were noted in 10 patients who had surgery and 30 patients who did not. Conclusion: These results enforce helmet wearing for all riders of two-wheeled machines. In addition, vaccinations to prevent meningitis in frontal sinus fractures with dural breach should be systematic.

Assessment of the performance of the TOPGNSS and ANN-MB antennas for ionospheric measurements using low-cost u-blox GNSS receivers

Low-cost GNSS receivers have recently been gaining reliability as good candidates for ionospheric studies. In line with these gains are genuine concerns about improving the performance of these receivers. In this work, we present a comprehensive investigation of the performances of two antennas(the u-blox ANN-MB and the TOPGNSS TOP-106) used on a low-cost GNSS receiver known as the u-blox ZED-F9P. The two antennas were installed on two identical and co-located u-blox receivers. Data used from both receivers cover the period from January to June 2022. Results from the study indicate that the signal strengths are dominantly greater for the receiver with the TOPGNSS antenna than for the receiver with the ANN-MB antenna, implying that the TOPGNSS antenna is better than the ANN-MB antenna in terms of providing greater signal strengths. Summarily, the TOPGNSS antenna also performed better in minimizing the occurrence of cycle slips on phase TEC measurements. There are no conspicuous differences between the variances(computed as 5-min standard deviations) of phase TEC measurements for the two antennas, except for a period around May-June when the TOPGNSS gave a better performance in terms of minimizing the variances in phase TEC. Remarkably, the ANN-MB antenna gave a better performance than the TOPGNSS antenna in terms of minimizing the variances in pseudorange TEC for some satellite observations. For precise horizontal(North and East) positioning, the receiver with the TOPGNSS antenna gave better results, while the receiver with the ANN-MB antenna gave better vertical(Up) positioning. The errors for the receivers of both antennas are typically within about 5 m(the monthly mean was usually smaller than 1 m) in the horizontal direction and within about 10 m(the monthly mean was usually smaller than 4 m) in the vertical direction.

Clinical profile and risk factors of Strongyloides stercoralis infection

Strongyloides(S.)stercoralis,endemic in tropical and subtropical countries,is a soil-transmitted geohelminth human parasite belonging to a group of nematodes called roundworms.S.stercoralis is one of the most overlooked parasitic infections enlisted among the WHO"neglected tropical diseases"[1].S.stercoralis mainly infects humans but can also be found naturally in domestic dogs,cats,and some primates.

Understanding the role of transmembrane 9 superfamily member 1 in bladder cancer pathogenesis

In this editorial we comment on the article by Wei et al,published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Oncology.The authors investigated the role of Transmembrane 9 superfamily member 1(TM9SF1)protein in bladder cancer(BC)carcinogenesis.Lentiviral vectors were used to achieve silencing or overexpression of TM9SF1 gene in three BC cell lines.These cell lines were then subject to cell counting kit 8,wound-healing assay,transwell assay,and flow cytometry.Proliferation,migration,and invasion of BC cells were increased in cell lines subjected to TM9SF1 overexpression.TM9SF1 silencing inhibited proliferation,migration and invasion of BC cells.The authors conclude that TM9SF1 may be an oncogene in bladder cancer pathogenesis.

Wetting of MXenes and Beyond

MXenes are a class of 2D nanomaterials with exceptional tailormade properties such as mechano-ceramic nature,rich chemistry,and hydrophilicity,to name a few.However,one of the most challenging issues in any composite/hybrid system is the interfacial wetting.Having a superior integrity of a given composite system is a direct consequence of the proper wettability.While wetting is a fundamental feature,dictating many physical and chemical attributes,most of the common nanomaterials possesses poor affinity due to hydrophobic nature,making them hard to be easily dispersed in a given composite.Thanks to low contact angle,MXenes can offer themselves as an ideal candidate for manufacturing different nano-hybrid structures.Herein this review,it is aimed to particularly study the wettability of MXenes.In terms of the layout of the present study,MXenes are first briefly introduced,and then,the wettability phenomenon is discussed in detail.Upon reviewing the sporadic research efforts conducted to date,a particular attention is paid on the current challenges and research pitfalls to light up the future perspectives.It is strongly believed that taking the advantage of MXene’s rich hydrophilic surface may have a revolutionizing role in the fabrication of advanced materials with exceptional features.

Computerised Gate Firing Control for 17-Level MLI using Staircase PWM

A basic 7-level MLI topology is developed and the same is extended to the 9-level then further increased to 17-levels.The developed structure minimizes the component’s count and size to draw out the system economy.Despite the various advantages of MLIs,efficiency and reliability play a major role since the usage of components is higher for getting a low Total Harmonics Distortion(THD)value.This becomes a major challenge incorporated in boosting the efficiency without affecting the THD value.Various parametric observations are done and realized for the designed 9-level and 17-level MLI,being the Total Standing Voltage(TSV),efficiency,cost function per level count,and power loss.The respective parameters are compared with several existing and modern circuits and found to be effective in their performance.A novel single-phase 17-level asymmetrical Multi-Level Inverter(MLI)topology is developed to reduce the number of overall components.The developed topology generates 17-levels by using unequal DC sources.The developed MLI is proved under various tests con-ducted experimentally for the various loads like resistive,inductive,and combinational loads.A detailed comparison is done on several factors and represented graphically represented.Further,the proposed design provides a less TSV value is 6 V_(dc),efficiency is 94.21%and cost factor per level CF/L value for both values ofαis 2.01 and 2.05 and devices count with a low THD value 41.4%with respectively.

Saxicolous lichen communities in three basins associated with mining activity in northwestern Argentina

Mining activity affects the vegetation and soils of the ecosystems.However,the effects of mining activity on saxicolous lichen communities are less concerned.Thus,the aim of this study was to characterize saxicolous lichen communities in three basins(Vis-Vis River basin,Poteros River basin,and Capillitas River basin)surrounding metalliferous mining projects of different types of operation and at different stages of exploitation.A large-scale mine(Bajo de la Alumbrera)with more than 25 a of open-pit mining located in the Vis-Vis River basin(CRV).A pre-exploitation mine(Agua Rica)located in the Poteros River basin(CRP),and a small-scale mine(Minas Capillitas)with more than 160 a of underground mining located in the Capillitas River basin(CAC).In each basin,species richness,cover,and frequency of lichen communities were measured on 40 rock outcrops.Also,explanatory variables were recorded,i.e.,altitude,slope,aspect,vegetation cover,rock,and soil cover around the rocky area sampled.Richness and total cover of lichen communities were analysed using linear models,and species composition was explored using multivariate ordination analysis.Results showed that a total of 118 lichen species were identified.The species richness differed among basins and the lichen composition present in areas close to mining sites responded mainly to basins,altitude,and microsite variables.The lichen cover showed no difference among basins,but it changed under different rock and vegetation cover.It was not possible to quantify the effects of mining activity on species richness and composition.However,the low richness values found in the downstream of Minera Alumbrera could be associated with the negative impact of open-pit mining.Moreover,the effects of large-scale mining activity on lichen communities needs more investigation.

Obesity is positively Associated with Depression in Older Adults:Role of Systemic Inflammation

Objective We aimed to explore the association between obesity and depression and the role of systemic inflammation in older adults.Methods Adults≥65 years old(n=1,973)were interviewed at baseline in 2018 and 1,459 were followed up in 2021.General and abdominal obesity were assessed,and serum C-reactive protein(CRP)levels were measured at baseline.Depression status was assessed at baseline and at follow-up.Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between obesity and the incidence of depression and worsening of depressive symptoms,as well as the relationship between obesity and CRP levels.The associations of CRP levels with the geriatric depression scale,as well as with its three dimensions,were investigated using multiple linear regressions.Results General obesity was associated with worsening depression symptoms and incident depression,with an odds ratio(OR)[95%confidence interval(CI)]of 1.53(1.13-2.12)and 1.80(1.23-2.63),especially among old male subjects,with OR(95%CI)of 2.12(1.25-3.58)and 2.24(1.22-4.11),respectively;however,no significant relationship was observed between abdominal obesity and depression.In addition,general obesity was associated with high levels of CRP,with OR(95%CI)of 2.58(1.75-3.81),especially in subjects free of depression at baseline,with OR(95%CI)of 3.15(1.97-5.04),and CRP levels were positively correlated with a score of specific dimension(life satisfaction)of depression,P<0.05.Conclusion General obesity,rather than abdominal obesity,was associated with worsening depressive symptoms and incident depression,which can be partly explained by the systemic inflammatory response,and the impact of obesity on depression should be taken more seriously in the older male population.

A Chronic Dysphony Caused by a Bifocal and Pulmonary Laryngeal Tuberculosis

Laryngeal tuberculosis is a rare entity. We consider the case of a woman of 62 who presented a one-year evolving chronic dysphonia chart associated with cough, febricula and general health damage. The nasofibroscopy showed a budding ulcerous lesion of the larynx a priori evoking a granulomatous lesion or cancer. The BAAR spits were strongly positive and the radiographic pictures of the thorax, typically evoked a pulmonary tuberculosis. Seeing the excellent therapeutic response to TB treatment in 4 months period, the bifocal tuberculosis diagnostic was confirmed.

Gallbladder Carcinoma of the Thyroid Revealed by an Acute Festered Thyroiditis: A Literature Study about a Case

The cutaneous extension of gallbladder thyroid carcinoma is uncommon and is among the aggressive forms of the disease. We are reporting the case of a woman of 54 that shows acute festered thyroiditis worsened by a necrotic ulcer wound on the skin lasting 3 weeks amid a big neglected hetero-multinodular goitre, evolving since 20 years. The anatomopathological test showed a gallbladder thyroid carcinoma of the thyroid with severe inflammation. The treatment consisted of a complete thyroidectomy with recurrent bilateral dredging. There was a favourable evolution. Gallbladder carcinoma, in its aggressive aspect, may be linked to the occurrence of acute festered thyroiditis. Therefore, the prognosis of our patient was favourable.

2009年喀喇昆仑山叶尔羌河冰川阻塞湖及冰川跃动监测

在气候变化的影响下,喀喇昆仑山叶尔羌河冰川突发洪水近几年频繁发生。2009-05—09,利用中国环境减灾卫星(HJ-1A/1B)影像,对叶尔羌河上游冰川突发洪水的源头进行了动态监测。在克亚吉尔冰川末端发现了冰川阻塞湖,并监测到其不断扩大。2009-08初该处冰川湖突然消失,同期影像显示其消失后,河谷中残留大量冰体,与往年情况差异巨大。结合相关水文记录及历史资料分析认为,极有可能是冰川末端突然前进(跃动)使冰川坝遭到破坏,导致冰川阻塞湖泄水。由此推测克亚吉尔冰川发生了罕见跃动现象,但需要进一步研究验证。

Antineoplastic effects of deoxyelephantopin,a sesquiterpene lactone from Elephantopusscaber, on lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells

OBJECTIVE： Deoxyelephantopin, a sesquiterpene lactone from Elephantopus scaber, showed inhibition of the growth of various tumor cells in vitro. In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing capacity of deoxyelephantopin on lung adenocarcinoma （A549） cells. METHODS： The cytotoxic effect of deoxyelephantopin on A549 cells and normal lymphocytes was evaluated using 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay and 50% inhibitory concentration （IC50） value was determined. The self-renewal and proliferating potential of A549 cells after treatment with deoxyelephantopin were examined by colony formation assay. Cellular morphology of deoxyelephantopin-treated cells was observed using phase- contrast microscopy. The induction of apoptosis was evaluated using acddine orange and ethidium bromide staining, Hoechst 33342 staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP biotin nick end-labeling （TUNEL） assay, DNA fragmentation analysis and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate staining by flow cytometry. Activation of caspases was detected using fluorogenic substrate specific to caspases 2, 3, 8 and 9 and flow cytometric analysis. The total cellular DNA content and expression of cleaved poly （ADP-ribose） polymerase was also analyzed. RESULTS： Deoxyelephantopin exhibited cytotoxicity to A549 cells （IC50 = 12.287 μg/mL）, however, there was no toxicity towards normal human lymphocytes. Deoxyelephantopin suppressed the colony-forming ability of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Acridine orange, ethidium bromide and Hoechst 33342 staining showed cell shrinkage, chromosomal condensation and nuclear fragmentation, indicating induction of apoptosis. Deoxyelephantopin increased apoptosis of A549 cells, as evidenced by more TUNEL-positive cells. DNA fragmentation and Annexin V staining revealed late-stage apoptotic cell population. Deoxyelephantopin inhibited A549 cell growth by cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and induced apoptosis through both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. CONCLUSION： These results suggest that deoxyelephantopin has great potential as a new chemotherapeutic agent to be developed further for the treatment of lung cancer.

Hydroacoustic estimates of fish biomass and spatial distributions in shallow lakes

We conducted acoustical surveys with a horizontal beam transducer to detect fish and with a vertical beam transducer to detect depth and macrophytes in two typical shallow lakes along the middle and lower reaches of the Changjiang(Yangtze) River in November 2013. Both lakes are subject to active fish management with annual stocking and removal of large fish. The purpose of the study was to compare hydroacoustic horizontal beam estimates with fish landings. The preliminary results show that the fish distribution patterns dif fered in the two lakes and were af fected by water depth and macrophyte coverage. The hydroacoustically estimated fish biomass matched the commercial catch very well in Niushan Lake, but it was two times higher in Kuilei Lake. However, acoustic estimates included all fish, whereas the catch included only fish >45 cm(smaller ones were released). We were unable to determine the proper regression between acoustic target strength and fish length for the dominant fish species in the two lakes.

Omega-3 fatty acids for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) has been recognized as a major health burden.It is the most important cause of chronic liver disease and a major independent cardiovascular risk factor.Lacking a definite treatment for NAFLD,a specific diet and an increase in physical activity represent the most commonly used therapeutic approaches.In this review,major literature data about the use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(n-3 PUFAs) as a potential treatment of NAFLD have been described.n-3 PUFAs,besides having a beneficial impact on most of the cardio-metabolic risk factors(hypertension,hyperlipidemia,endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis) by regulating gene transcription factors [i.e.,peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR),PPAR,sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1,carbohydrate responsive element-binding protein],impacts both lipid metabolism and on insulin sensitivity.In addition to an enhancement of hepatic beta oxidation and a decrease of the endogenous lipid production,n-3 PUFAs are able to determine a significant reduction of the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules(tumor necrosis factor-and interleukin-6) and of oxygen reactive species.Further strengthening the results of the in vitro studies,both animal models and human intervention trials,showed a beneficial effect of n-3 PUFAs on the severity of NAFLD as expressed by laboratory parameters and imaging measurements.Despite available results provided encouraging data about the efficacy of n-3 PUFAs as a treatment of NAFLD in humans,welldesigned randomized controlled trials of adequate size and duration,with histological endpoints,are needed to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of PUFA,as well as other therapies,for the treatment of NAFLD and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis patients.It is worthwhile to consider that n-3 PUFAs cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be derived from exogenous sources(fish oil,flaxseeds,olive oil) which are typical foods of the Mediterranean diet,known for its beneficial effects in preventing obesity,diabetes and,in turn,cardiovascular events.According to these data,it is important to consider that most of the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs can also be obtained by an equilibrate nutrition program.

Bacterial presence on flexible endoscopes vs time since disinfection

AIM To correlate the length of endoscope hang time and number of bacteria cultured prior to use.METHODS Prospectively, we cultured specimens from 19 gastroscopes, 24 colonoscopes and 5 side viewing duodenoscopes during the period of 2011 to 2015. A total of 164 results had complete data denoting date of cleansing, number of days stored and culture results. All scopes underwent initial cleaning in the endoscopy suite utilizing tap water, and then manually cleaned and flushed. High level disinfection was achieved with a Medivator~? DSD(Medivator Inc., United States) automated endoscope reprocessor following manufacturer instructions, with Glutacide~?(Pharmax Limited, Canada), a 2% glutaraldehyde solution. After disinfection, all scopes were stored in dust free, unfiltered commercial cabinets for up to 7 d. Prior to use, all scopes were sampled and plated on sheep blood agar for 48 h; the colony count was obtained from each plate. The length of endoscope hang time and bacterial load was analyzed utilizing unpaired t-tests. The overall percentage of positive and negative cultures for each type of endoscope was also calculated. RESULTS All culture results were within the acceptable range(less than 200 cfu/mL). One colonoscope cultured 80 cfu/mL after hanging for 1 d, which was the highest count. ERCP scopes cultured at most 10 cfu, this occurred after 2 and 7 d, and gastroscopes cultured 50 cfu/mL at most, at 1 d. Most cultures were negative for growth, irrespective of the length of hang time. Furthermore, all scopes, with the exception of one colonoscope which had two positive cultures(each of 10 cfu/mL), had at most one positive culture. There was no significant difference in the number of bacteria cultured after 1 d compared to 7 d when all scopes were combined(day 2: P = 0.515; day 3: P = identical; day 4: P = 0.071; day 5: P = 0.470; day 6: P = 0.584; day 7: P = 0.575). There was also no significant difference in the number of bacteria cultured after 1 day compared to 7 d for gastroscopes(day 2: P = 0.895; day 3: P = identical; day 4: P = identical; day 5: P = 0.893; day 6: P = identical; day 7: P = 0.756), colonoscopes(day 2: P = 0.489; day 4: P = 0.493; day 5: P = 0.324; day 6: P = 0.526; day 7: P = identical), or ERCP scopes(day 2: P = identical; day 7: P = 0.685). CONCLUSION There is no correlation between hang time and bacterial load. Endoscopes do not need to be reprocessed if reused within a period of 7 d.

Hydrological impacts of afforestation-A review of research in India

We review the current status of experimental studies in India to understand the linkages between afforestation and hydrology. This discipline deals with the use and management of water, social awareness of environmental problems, and ecosystem limitations on provision of watershed services by river basins in the mountain regions of India. Our review begins with examination of experimental works in tropical countries and proceeds to discussion of initiatives of Indian research institutes and Government organizations towards establishing experimental watersheds to understand the impacts of land cover changes on hydrologic regimes in the Indian sub-continent. This is followed by the review of the experimental work carried out by various authors to assess the impact of land cover changes on major water balance components such as, runoff, groundwater, evapotranspiration and sediment yield. The spatial scales of these experiments have been limited to small watersheds or field plots. This paper also describes impacts of human interventions （such as planta- tions of exotic forest species to restore degraded landscapes） on the water balance components in diverse hydro-geo-environmental conditions in the Indian sub-continent. We focus on identifying the research areas which require immediate attention to develop tools to assist planners and policy makers in assessing and managing the water resources in these complex environments. The review is largely based on research results reported during the last 20 to 30 years.

Effects of selenomethionine on acute toxicities from concurrent chemoradiation for inoperable stage Ⅲ nonsmall cell lung cancer

AIM: To prospectively determine the safety and tolerability of oral L-selenomethionine(SLM) with concurrent chemoradiation(CCRT) for Stage Ⅲ non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) and estimate if the incidence and/or severity of adverse events could be reduced by its use.METHODS: Sixteen patients with stage Ⅲ NSCLC were accrued to this single arm, phase Ⅱ study. CCRT consisted of radiation given at 2 Gy per fraction for 30-33 fractions, 5 d per week with concurrent weekly Ⅳ paclitaxel 50 mg/m2 followed by carboplatin dosed at an area under the time-concentration curve of 2. SLM was dosed in a loading phase at 4800 μg twice daily for one week prior to CCRT followed by once daily dosing during treatment. RESULTS: No selenium-related toxicity was observed. Analysis revealed grade 3 or higher esophagitis in 3 of 16 patients(19%), pneumonitis in 0, leukopenia in 2(12.5%), and anemia in 1(6%); the latter two were significantly reduced when compared to the protocolstated expected rate of 35%(P = 0.045 for leukopenia, and P < 0.01 for anemia). Median overall survival was 14.9 mo and median failure-free survival was 9 mo(95%CI: 3.3-21.5).CONCLUSION: There may be some protective benefit of selenium in the setting of CCRT for inoperable NSCLC. The data suggests decreased rates of myelosuppression when compared to similarly-treated historical and contemporary controls. Further evaluation of selenium in this setting may be warranted.

Institutional arrangement and typology of community forests of Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland of North-East India

Most community forests in hill regions of northeast India have been managed by traditional local institutions for centuries and most of these institutions remain functional even today. Higher forest coverage on private and community lands as compared to government land indicates that traditional institutions effectively manage community forests in the region. The present study was conducted through a survey of literature and field work using participatory research tools viz., PRA exercises, group discussions and questionnaire interviews with key informants in northeast India. We categorized the institutions involved in conservation and management of forests into three major types： traditional, quasi-traditional and modern. Traditional institutions with hierarchal structure were found in all states and are intact and functional in the state of Meghalaya. Quasi-traditional institutions, a blend of traditional and modern institutions were prevalent in Nagaland while modern institutions have almost replaced traditional institutions in Mizoram. We recorded at least eleven types of community forests viz., group of village forest, village forest, restricted forest, sacred forest, clan forest, cemetery forest, regeneration forest, bamboo forest, recreation forest, village reserved forest and medicinal plantation in villages of three states. The tribal people, through long-term trial and error experiments, have developed an elaborate, functional and generally democratic system of conservation and management of forests and associated natural ecosystems. Several forest and natural resource management lessons can be learnt from the institutional structure and decision making system of the evolving and dynamic institutions of tribal communities of the region.

Effect of Feeding a Combination of Zinc, Manganese and Copper Methionine Chelates of Early Lactation High Producing Dairy Cow

The objective of the study was to compare the effect of feeding mixed chelated minerals (Mn, Cu and Zn) methionine on dairy cow productive performance and milk yield and its components. The trial was conducted with dairy cows across various stage of lactation. The experimental treatments include chelated minerals (15 mg Zn as Zn Met, 20 mg Mn as Mn Met, 10 mg Cu as Cu Met). Inorganic mixture contains (15 mg Zn as ZnSO4, 20 mg Mn as MnSO4, 10 mg Cu as CuSO4) in sulphate forms. The experiment was commenced in the dry period of cows, 6 weeks before calving, and after calving the first three months of lactation was taken into consideration. Milk samples were collected from each cow evening and morning for estimation of milk yield production. The inorganic metals caused a significant decline (P < 0.05) in digestibility coefficients, nutritive value, nitrogen utilization, Cell wall constituents, total VFA’s, rumen volume, microbial and nitrogen synthesis compared to the organic metals. The treated group (chelated minerals) improved the milk yield, and the milk fat percentage of animals across various stages of lactation as compared to inorganic minerals treated group of animals, and no significant differences were observed among groups concerning the entire blood constituent.