Advances in Zika virus vaccines and therapeutics:A systematic review

Zika virus(ZIKV)is the causative agent of a viral infection that causes neurological complications in newborns and adults worldwide.Its wide transmission route and alarming spread rates are of great concern to the scientific community.Numerous trials have been conducted to develop treatment options for ZIKV infection.This review highlights the latest developments in the fields of vaccinology and pharmaceuticals developments for ZIKV infection.A systematic and comprehensive approach was used to gather relevant and up-to-date data so that inferences could be made about the gaps in therapeutic development.The results indicate that several therapeutic interventions are being tested against ZIKV infection,such as DNA vaccines,subunit vaccines,live-attenuated vaccines,virus-vector-based vaccines,inactivated vaccines,virus-like particles,and mRNA-based vaccines.In addition,approved anti-ZIKV drugs that can reduce the global burden are discussed.Although many vaccine candidates for ZIKV are at different stages of development,none of them have received Food and Drug Authority approval for use up to now.The issue of side effects associated with these drugs in vulnerable newborns and pregnant women is a major obstacle in the therapeutic pathway.

Dynamic regulation of the irrigation-nitrogen-biochar nexus for the synergy of yield,quality,carbon emission and resource use efficiency in tomato

Integrated water and fertilizer management is important for promoting sustainable development of facility agriculture,and biochar plays an important role in guaranteeing food production,as well as alleviating water shortages and the overuse of fertilizers.The field experiment had twelve treatments and a control(CK)trial including two irrigation amounts(I1,100%ETm;I2,60%ETm;where ETm is the maximum evapotranspiration),two nitrogen applications(N1,360 kg ha^(−1);N2,120 kg ha^(−1))and three biochar application levels(B1,60 t ha^(−1);B_(2),30 t ha^(−1)and B3,0 t ha^(−1)).A multi-objective synergistic irrigation-nitrogen-biochar application system for improving tomato yield,quality,water and nitrogen use efficiency,and greenhouse emissions was developed by integrating the techniques of experimentation and optimization.First,a coupled irrigation-nitrogen-biochar plot experiment was arranged.Then,tomato yield and fruit quality parameters were determined experimentally to establish the response relationships between irrigation-nitrogen-biochar dosage and yield,comprehensive quality of tomatoes(TCQ),irrigation water use efficiency(IWUE),partial factor productivity of nitrogen(PFPN),and net greenhouse gas emissions(NGE).Finally,a multi-objective dynamic optimization regulation model of irrigation-nitrogen-biochar resource allocation at different growth stages of tomato was constructed which was solved by the fuzzy programming method.The results showed that the application of irrigation and nitrogen to biochar promoted increase in yield,IWUE and PFPN,while it had an inhibitory effect on NGE.In addition,the optimal allocation amounts of water and fertilizer were different under different scenarios.The yield of the S1 scenario increased by 8.31%compared to the B_(1)I_(1)N_(2) treatment;TCQ of the S2 scenario increased by 5.14%compared to the B_(2)I_(2)N_(1) treatment;IWUE of the S3 scenario increased by 10.01%compared to the B1I2N2 treatment;PFPN of the S4 scenario increased by 9.35%compared to the B_(1)I_(1)N_(2) treatment;and NGE of the S5 scenario decreased by 11.23%compared to the B_(2)I1N1 treatment.The optimization model showed that the coordination of multiple objectives considering yield,TCQ,IWUE,PFPN,and NGE increased on average from 4.44 to 69.02%compared to each treatment when the irrigation-nitrogen-biochar dosage was 205.18 mm,186 kg ha^(−1)and 43.31 t ha^(−1),respectively.This study provides a guiding basis for the sustainable management of water and fertilizer in greenhouse tomato production under drip irrigation fertilization conditions.

Hydrogeochemical Variations of Groundwater of the Northern Jabal Hafit in Eastern Part of Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

This study is aimed to assess and evaluate the suitability of groundwater of the area located to the south-east of Al-Ain area in the UAE using hydrogeochemcical approach. The chemical analyses of groundwater samples collected from the study area showed that the groundwater salinity is high which resulted from heavy groundwater pumping. High chloride concentrations in groundwater of Mubazarah and Neima might be attributed to the entrapped saline water within the limestone sequence of Jabal Hafit, or it can be the agricultural activities as it clear from the positive relationship between Cl- and Br-. High sulphate concentrations in groundwater might be related to the presence of gypsum and anhydrite within the limestone sequence of Jabal Hafit. The anionic and cationic compositions of groundwater indicate that the chloride and sodium ions are the dominant and presence of bicarbonate and sulphate may reflect the mixing of such water by the recent freshwater through the existing structural lineaments within the study area. The hydrochemical parameters indicate a relative increase in the concentration of calcium, magnesium and sulphate ions and this could reflect the influence of carbonates and evaporite sediments.

On Nonlinear Conformable Fractional Order Dynamical System via Differential Transform Method

This article studies a nonlinear fractional order Lotka-Volterra prey-predator type dynamical system.For the proposed study,we consider the model under the conformable fractional order derivative(CFOD).We investigate the mentioned dynamical system for the existence and uniqueness of at least one solution.Indeed,Schauder and Banach fixed point theorems are utilized to prove our claim.Further,an algorithm for the approximate analytical solution to the proposed problem has been established.In this regard,the conformable fractional differential transform(CFDT)technique is used to compute the required results in the form of a series.Using Matlab-16,we simulate the series solution to illustrate our results graphically.Finally,a comparison of our solution to that obtained for the Caputo fractional order derivative via the perturbation method is given.

Recent advances in titanium carbide MXene-based nanotextures with influential effect of synthesis parameters for solar CO_(2)reduction and H_(2)production:A critical review

Photocatalytic solar to energy conversion is considered an attractive approach for overcoming energy crises and environmental concerns.Recently,titanium carbide(Ti_(3)C_(2))MXenes have been recognized as promising cocatalysts based on their metallic conductivity,excessive active reaction sites,and enlarged surface area.The current review focuses on the properties and applications of Ti_(3)C_(2)MXenes useful in the field of photocatalysis.More specifically,surface modification of Ti_(3)C_(2)MXenes by varying synthesis parameters to get pure materials and also composites with the role of functional groups towards solar energy conversion applications is highlighted in this review.The effect of etching and oxidizing pathways to get an efficient cocatalyst has been discussed in detail.Considering the significant effect of parameters,optimum synthesis conditions such as etchant type,concentration,time and type of intercalant in both the Ti_(3)C_(2)synthesis approaches for improved photoactivity are discussed.Additionally,the surface modification of Ti_(3)C_(2)through oxidation for TiO2growth on its surface is deliberated with a detailed discussion on etchant type,concentration,etching time,and environmental factors.The optimum oxidation condition,including temperature,time,and environment for thermal treatment of Ti_(3)C_(2),were also included.Lastly,the review summarizes the conclusion and future perspectives for solar energy conversion applications.

LDH-based nanomaterials for photocatalytic applications:A comprehensive review on the role of bi/trivalent cations, anions,morphology, defect engineering, memory effect, and heterojunction formation

Using sunlight to drive chemical reactions via photocatalysis is paramount for a sustainable future.Among several photocatalysts,employing layered double hydrides(LDH) for photocatalytic application is most straightforward and desirable owing to their distinctive two-dimensional(2D) lamellar structure and optical attributes.This article reviews the advancements in bimetallic/trimetallic LDHs and various strategies to achieve high efficiency toward an outstanding performing photocatalyst.Firstly,the tuning of LDH components that control the electro nic and structural properties is explained.The tu ning obtained through the adoption,combination,and incorporation of different cations and anions is also explained.The progress of modification methods,such as the adoption of different morphologies,delamination,and defect engineering towards enhanced photocatalytic activities,is discussed in the mainstream.The band engineering,structural characteristics,and redox tuning are further deliberated to maximize solar energy harvesting for different photocatalytic applications.Finally,the progress obtained in forming hierarchical heterostructures through hybridization with other semiconductors or conducting materials is systematically disclosed to get maximum photocatalytic performance.Moreover,the structural changes during the in-situ synthesis of LDH and the stability of LDH-based photocatalysts are deliberated.The review also summarizes the improvements in LDH properties obtained through modification tactics and discusses the prospects for future energy and environmental applications.

Fractional Order Environmental and Economic Model Investigations Using Artificial Neural Network

The motive of these investigations is to provide the importance and significance of the fractional order(FO)derivatives in the nonlinear environmental and economic(NEE)model,i.e.,FO-NEE model.The dynamics of the NEE model achieves more precise by using the form of the FO derivative.The investigations through the non-integer and nonlinear mathematical form to define the FO-NEE model are also provided in this study.The composition of the FO-NEEmodel is classified into three classes,execution cost of control,system competence of industrial elements and a new diagnostics technical exclusion cost.The mathematical FO-NEE system is numerically studied by using the artificial neural networks(ANNs)along with the Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation method(ANNs-LMBM).Three different cases using the FO derivative have been examined to present the numerical performances of the FO-NEE model.The data is selected to solve the mathematical FO-NEE system is executed as 70%for training and 15%for both testing and certification.The exactness of the proposed ANNs-LMBM is observed through the comparison of the obtained and the Adams-Bashforth-Moulton database results.To ratify the aptitude,validity,constancy,exactness,and competence of the ANNs-LMBM,the numerical replications using the state transitions,regression,correlation,error histograms and mean square error are also described.

Gestational diabetes mellitus: An update on the current international diagnostic criteria

The approach to screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM) around the world is disorderly. The protocols for diagnosis vary not only in-between countries, but also within countries. Furthermore, in any country, this disparity occurs in-between its hospitals and often exists within a single hospital. There are many reasons for these differences. There is the lack of an international consensus among preeminent health organizations(e.g., American College of Gynecologists and World Health Organization). Often there is a disagreement between the country's national diabetes organization, its local health society and its regional obstetric organization with each one recommending a different option for approaching GDM. Sometimes the causes for following an alternate approach are very obvious, e.g., a resource strapped hospital is unable to follow the ivory-tower demanding recommendation of its obstetric organization. But more often than not, the rationale for following or not following a guideline, or following different guideline within the same geographic area is without any perceivable explanation. This review is an attempt to understand the problems afflicting the screening and diagnosis of GDM globally. It traces the major temporal changes in the diagnostic criteria of(1) some respected health organizations; and(2) a few selected countries. With an understanding of the reasons for this disparity, a way forward can be found to reach the ultimate goal: a single global guideline for GDM followed worldwide.

Gestational diabetes mellitus: Screening with fasting plasma glucose

Fasting plasma glucose(FPG) as a screening test for gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM) has had a checkered history. During the last three decades, a few initial anecdotal reports have given way to the recent well-conducted studies. This review:(1) traces the history;(2) weighs the advantages and disadvantages;(3) addresses the significance in early pregnancy;(4) underscores the benefits after delivery; and(5) emphasizes the cost savings of using the FPG in the screening of GDM. It also highlights the utility of fasting capillary glucose and stresses the value of the FPG in circumventing the cumbersome oral glucose tolerance test. An understanding of all the caveats is crucial to be able to use the FPG for investigating glucose intolerance in pregnancy. Thus, all health professionals can use the patient-friendly FPG to simplify the onerous algorithms available for the screening and diagnosis of GDM-thereby helping each and every pregnant woman.

Dysregulation of gastric H,K-ATPase by cigarette smoke extract

AIM:To test whether the expression and activity of H,K-ATPase in parietal cells would be affected by cigarette smoke extract.METHODS: Extracts of cigarette smoke were administered into mice by gastric gavage (5 mg/kg body weight/day) for 3 d or in drinking water for 7 or 14 d. For the latter, each day a mouse consumed 5 mL water containing extracts of two cigarettes, on average. Control littermate mice received only vehicle. To compare the amount of H,K-ATPase in control and smoke-treated mice, the stomach was processed for Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis using monoclonal antibodies specific for α- or β-subunits of H,K-ATPase. The p-nitrophenylphospatase activity assay was used as a measurement for K-dependent H,K-ATPase activity.RESULTS: Probed transblots showed an increase in the amount of H,K-ATPase in smoke-treated mice which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and was found to be due to increased amounts of protein per parietal cell rather than an increased parietal cell number. The increase in the amount of H,K-ATPase was associated with an enhancement of its enzymatic activity. K-dependent activity in control and smoke-treated mice was significantly different (respectively, 0.12 μmol/mg vs 0.27 μmol/mg per minute, P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Administration of cigarette smoke extract is associated with an increase in the amount and activity of H,K-ATPase and hence, smokers are susceptible to development of peptic ulcer.

Evolution of isotopic compositions in groundwater of the area between the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf

The stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen have been implemented to assess the recharge mechanisms in an area in the UAE bounded to the northwestern part of the Gulf of Oman and the southeastern part of the Arabian Gulf. The conversion of stable isotopes to deuterium excess was utilized as a supportive tool to understand the proc-ess of groundwater recharge. The concluding results of this study showed that the origin of moisture is the Mediter-ranean Sea. The precipitation is the main source of recharge, in which the precipitation having undergone evapora-tion before recharge occurs. The comparison between regression line for data collected in 1996 and regression line for samples collected in 2006 suggests that the precipitation water which recharged the groundwater, was diluted with groundwater and this dilution is observed from decreasing of the deuterium excess of collected groundwater samples with increasing isotopes of oxygen. The dilution of groundwater with the recharge water suggests mod-ern-day recharge as it is seen from high deuterium excess that exceeded the deuterium excess of LMWL and was close to MMWL.

Mathematical Model and Advanced Control for Gas-phase Olefin Polymerization in Fluidized-bed Catalytic Reactors

In this study, the developments in modeling gas-phase catalyzed olefin polymerization fluidized-bed reactors （FBR） using Ziegler-Natta catalyst is presented. The modified mathematical model to account for mass and heat transfer between the solid particles and the surrounding gas in the emulsion phase is developed in this work to include site activation reaction. This model developed in the present study is subsequently compared with well-known models, namely, the bubble-growth, well-mixed and the constant bubble size models for porous and non porous catalyst. The results we obtained from the model was very close to the constant bubble size model, well-mixed model and bubble growth model at the beginning of the reaction but its overall behavior changed and is closer to the well-mixed model compared with the bubble growth model and constant bubble size model after half an hour of operation. Neural-network based predictive controller are implemented to control the system and compared with the conventional PID controller, giving acceptable results.

Ghrelin attenuates gastrointestinal epithelial damage induced by doxorubicin

AIM:To examine the influence of ghrelin on the regenerative potential of gastrointestinal(GI)epithelium.METHODS:Damage to GI epithelium was induced in mice by two intravenous injections of doxorubicin(10 and 6 mg/kg).Some of the doxorubicin-treated mice received a continuous subcutaneous infusion of ghrelin(1.25μg/h)for 10 d via implanted mini-osmotic pumps.To label dividing stem cells in the S-phase of the cell cycle,all mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine(BrdU)one hour before sacrifice.The stomach along with the duodenum were then removed and processed for histological examination and immunohistochemistry using anti-BrdU antibody.RESULTS:The results showed dramatic damage to the GI epithelium 3 d after administration of chemotherapy which began to recover by day 10.In ghrelintreated mice,attenuation of GI mucosal damage was evident in the tissues examined postchemotherapy.Immunohistochemical analysis showed an increase in the number of BrdUlabeled cells and an alteration in their distribution along the epithelial lining in response to damage by doxorubicin.In mice treated with both doxorubicin and ghrelin,the number of BrdUlabeled cells was reduced when compared with mice treated with doxorubicin alone.CONCLUSION:The present study suggests that ghrelin enhances the regenerative potential of the GI epithelium in doxorubicintreated mice,at least in part,by modulating cell proliferation.

Exponential synchronization of complex dynamical networks with Markovian jumping parameters using sampled-data and mode-dependent probabilistic time-varying delays

In this paper, the problem of exponential synchronization of complex dynamical networks with Markovian jumping parameters using sampled-data and Mode-dependent probabilistic time-varying coupling delays is investigated. The sam- pling period is assumed to be time-varying and bounded. The information of probability distribution of the time-varying delay is considered and transformed into parameter matrices of the transferred complex dynamical network model. Based on the condition, the design method of the desired sampled data controller is proposed. By constructing a new Lyapunov functional with triple integral terms, delay-distribution-dependent exponential synchronization criteria are derived in the form of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.

Exponential synchronization of chaotic Lur'e systems with time-varying delay via sampled-data control

In this paper, we study the exponential synchronization of chaotic Lur＇e systems with time-varying delays via sampled-data control by using sector nonlinearties. In order to make full use of information about sampling intervals and interval time-varying delays, new Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals with triple integral terms are introduced. Based on the convex combination technique, two kinds of synchronization criteria are derived in terms of linear matrix inequal- ities, which can be efficiently solved via standard numerical software. Finally, three numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the less conservatism and effectiveness of the proposed results.

Epidemiology of isolated hand injuries in the United Arab Emirates

AIM To provide suggestions for hand injury prevention by study the demography and risk factors of casualties suffering from isolated hand injuries.METHODS All trauma patients with isolated hand injuries who were admitted to Al Ain Hospital for more than 24 h during a period of 3 years were studied. Patient demographics,location, mechanism/time of injury, and length of hospital stay were all analyzed.RESULTS Two hundred and ten patients were studied. Their mean age was 29.7 years. Males constituted 92%. Sixty-five point one percent of all cases were from the Indian subcontinent. The workplace was the most common location of injury(67.1%), followed by the home(17.1%)and road(6.2%). Machinery caused 36.2% of all injuries,followed by heavy object(20.5%) and fall(11%). Cases injured at home were young(P < 0.0001) with an associated higher incidence of females(P < 0.0001).CONCLUSION Male workers in Al Ain city are at greater risk of sustaining hand injuries, predominantly from machinery. Safety education, personal protection, and the enforcement of safety standards are essential to the prevention and avoidance of hand injury.

Performance evaluation of LPG desulfurization by adsorption for hydrogen production

The adsorption of sulfur compounds,in commercially available LPG,has been studied using different adsorbents,namely Zeolite,Zn O and house made date pits activated carbon（DP-AC）. It was found that the three adsorbents are capable of effectively removing sulfur compounds at different feed sulfur concentrations. The effects of height to diameter aspect ratio of the adsorption column,flow rate of LPG and input sulfur concentrations have been studied. A first order kinetics model has been used to describe the adsorption,and the kinetics constant was found to increase by increasing the flow rate of LPG and decrease by increasing the amount of adsorbent used. The developed model described the system fairly well,and can be used in designing and scaling-up of fixed-bed adsorption columns.

Advanced trauma life support training: How useful it is?

We have tried in a recently published systematic review(World J of Surg 2014; 38: 322-329) to study the educational value of advanced trauma life support(ATLS) courses and whether they improve survival of multiple trauma patients. This Frontier article summarizes whatwe have learned and reflects on future perspectives in this important area. Our recently published systematic review has shown that ATLS training is very useful from an educational point view. It significantly increased knowledge, and improved practical skills and the critical decision making process in managing multiple trauma patients. These positive changes were evident in a wide range of learners including undergraduate medical students and postgraduate residents from different subspecialties. In contrast, clear evidence that ATLS training reduces trauma death is lacking. It is obvious that it is almost impossible to perform randomized controlled trials to study the effect of ATLS courses on trauma mortality. Studying factors predicting trauma mortality is a very complex issue. Accordingly, trauma mortality does not depend solely on ATLS training but on other important factors, like presence of well-developed trauma systems including advanced pre-hospital care. We think that the way to answer whether ATLS training improves survival is to perform large prospective cohort studies of high quality data and use advanced statistical modelling.

Optimizing the value of measuring inferior vena cava diameter in shocked patients

Point-of-care ultrasound has been increasingly used in evaluating shocked patients including the measurement of inferior vena cava(IVC) diameter. Operators should standardize their technique in scanning IVC. Relativechanges are more important than absolute numbers. We advise using the longitudinal view(B mode) to evaluate the gross collapsibility, and the M mode to measure the IVC diameter. Combining the collapsibility and diameter size will increase the value of IVC measurement. This approach has been very useful in the resuscitation of shocked patients, monitoring their fluid demands, and predicting recurrence of shock. Pitfalls in measuring IVC diameter include increased intra-thoracic pressure by mechanical ventilation or increased right atrial pressure by pulmonary embolism or heart failure. The IVC diameter is not useful in cases of increased intra-abdominal pressure(abdominal compartment syndrome) or direct pressure on the IVC. The IVC diameter should be combined with focused echocardiography and correlated with the clinical picture as a whole to be useful.

Ultrasound diagnosis of fractures in mass casualty incidents

The role of point-of-care ultrasound in mass casualty incidents(MCIs)is still evolving.Occasionally,hospitals can be destroyed by disasters resulting in large number of trauma patients.CAVEAT and FASTER ultrasound protocols,which are used in MCIs,included extremity ultrasound examination as part of them.The literature supports the use of ultrasound in diagnosing extremity fractures both in hospitals and MCIs.The most recent systematic review which was reported by Douma-den Hamer et al in 2016 showed that the pooled ultrasound sensitivity and specificity for detecting distal forearm fractures was 97% and 95% respectively.Nevertheless,majority of these studies were in children and they had very high heterogeneity.The portability,safety,repeatability,and cost-effectiveness of ultrasound are great advantages when treating multiply injured patients in MCIs.Its potential in managing fractures in MCIs needs to be further defined.The operator should master the technique,understand its limitations,and most importantly correlate the sonographic findings with the clinical ones to be useful.This editorial critically reviews the literature on this topic,describes its principles and techniques,and includes the author’s personal learned lessons so that trauma surgeons will be encouraged to use ultrasound to diagnose fractures in their own clinical practice.