Spermatozoa are recognized as foreign cells by both male and female immune systems,leading to the production of antisperm antibodies(ASAs)when sperm are exposed to immune system due to a breach in the mucosal barrier....Spermatozoa are recognized as foreign cells by both male and female immune systems,leading to the production of antisperm antibodies(ASAs)when sperm are exposed to immune system due to a breach in the mucosal barrier.ASAs can be found in both sexes,though concentrations vary by individual and sex.This review examines ASAs production,their specific binding locations on sperm,and how ASAs may impair key sperm functions,including motility,viability,acrosome reaction,and capacitation.While ASAs are known to potentially interfere with sperm quality and sperm binding to zona pellucida in both humans and livestock,their impact on fertility remains debated,as ASAs are also detected in a significant number of fertile individuals.Furthermore,the practical relevance of ASAs screening in fertility assessment lacks consensus,with some findings suggesting that ASAs might even aid fertilization under certain conditions.By compiling the information on ASAs and their effects on semen quality and fertility,this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of ASAs in infertility.展开更多
Hand gesture recognition system is considered as a way for more intuitive and proficient human computer interaction tool. The range of applications includes virtual prototyping, sign language analysis and medical trai...Hand gesture recognition system is considered as a way for more intuitive and proficient human computer interaction tool. The range of applications includes virtual prototyping, sign language analysis and medical training. In this paper, an efficient Indian Sign Language Recognition System (ISLR) is proposed for deaf and dump people using hand gesture images. The proposed ISLR system is considered as a pattern recognition technique that has two important modules: feature extraction and classification. The joint use of Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) based feature extraction and nearest neighbour classifier is used to recognize the sign language. The experimental results show that the proposed hand gesture recognition system achieves maximum 99.23% classification accuracy while using cosine distance classifier.展开更多
BACKGROUND Primary pancreatic lymphoma(PPL)is a rare neoplasm.Being able to distinguish it from other pancreatic malignancies such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is important for appropriate management.Unlik...BACKGROUND Primary pancreatic lymphoma(PPL)is a rare neoplasm.Being able to distinguish it from other pancreatic malignancies such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is important for appropriate management.Unlike PDAC,PPL is highly sensitive to chemotherapy and usually does not require surgery.Therefore,being able to identify PPL preoperatively will not only direct physicians towards the correct avenue of treatment,it will also avoid unnecessary surgical intervention.AIM To evaluate the typical and atypical multi-phasic computed tomography(CT)imaging features of PPL.METHODS A retrospective review was conducted of the clinical,radiological,and pathological records of all subjects with pathologically proven PPL who presented to our institutions between January 2000 and December 2020.Institutional review board approval was obtained for this investigation.The collected data were analyzed for subject demographics,clinical presentation,laboratory values,CT imaging features,and the treatment received.Presence of all CT imaging findings including size,site,morphology and imaging characteristics of PPL such as the presence or absence of nodal,vascular and ductal involvement in these subjects were recorded.Only those subjects who had a pre-treatment multiphasic CT of the abdomen were included in the study.RESULTS Twenty-nine cases of PPL were diagnosed between January 2000 and December 2020(mean age 66 years;13 males/16 females).All twenty-nine subjects were symptomatic but only 4 of the 29 subjects(14%)had B symptoms.Obstructive jaundice occurred in 24%of subjects.Elevated lactate dehydrogenase was seen in 81%of cases,whereas elevated cancer antigen 19-9 levels were present in only 10%of cases for which levels were recorded.The vast majority(90%)of tumors involved the pancreatic head and uncinate process.Mean tumor size was 7.8 cm(range,4.0-13.8 cm).PPL presented homogenous hypoenhancement on CT in 72%of cases.Small volume peripancreatic lymphadenopathy was seen in 28%of subjects.Tumors demonstrated encasement of su展开更多
This paper presents the main findings of the effect of indoor humidity on occupants’ thermal comfort in the humid tropics of Malaysia. An extensive field investigation was carried out in Kota Kinabalu city and the su...This paper presents the main findings of the effect of indoor humidity on occupants’ thermal comfort in the humid tropics of Malaysia. An extensive field investigation was carried out in Kota Kinabalu city and the surrounding areas, located in East Malaysia. A total of 890 individuals were asked to complete a questionnaire. Measured indoor climates were also recorded. The survey was designed as cross sectional data collection. The present investigation found that the occupants were thermally comfortable at wide relative humidity range. The mean relative humidity corresponding to the optimum comfort temperature was close to 73%. Regression models failed to predict accurately the effect of relative humidity on occupants’ thermal perceptions. In addition, a quadratic regression model was developed for the prediction of the mean indoor relative humidity based on indoor temperature. The suggested regression model can be used for an approximate prediction of indoor relative humidity when required.展开更多
in imaging techniques are changing the way radiologists undertake imaging of the gastrointestinal tract and their ability to answer questions posed by surgeons. In this paper we discuss the technological improvements ...in imaging techniques are changing the way radiologists undertake imaging of the gastrointestinal tract and their ability to answer questions posed by surgeons. In this paper we discuss the technological improvements of imaging studies that have occurred in the last few years and how these help to better diagnosing alimentary tract disease.展开更多
Enterotoxaemia is one of the important pathologies caused by Clostridium perfringens, which produces intestinal and systemic disease in goats, sheep and other animals. These Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria are normal...Enterotoxaemia is one of the important pathologies caused by Clostridium perfringens, which produces intestinal and systemic disease in goats, sheep and other animals. These Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria are normally resident in the intestinal tract of ruminants but during favourable conditions, proliferate uncontrollably and release toxins which produce disease in the host. Different strains of C. perfringens are responsible for several clinical syndromes, including lamb dysentery, pulpy kidney disease and struck. However, the pathology and pathogenesis of caprine enterotoxaemia is not well understood, with limited studies available in goats. Caprine enterotoxaemia can be controlled with the better understanding of its risk factors and pathogenesis. The diagnosis of enterotoxaemia in animals is complex and often requires group of tests than one single test for better specificity and sensitivity. Tentative diagnosis of enterotoxaemia in sheep and goats is based on the history, clinical signs and gross lesions during post-mortem examination of animals;however, confirmatory diagnosis of enterotoxaemia requires different laboratory diagnostic tools. Toxin detection of C. perfringens in case of enterotoxaemia is furthermost accepted benchmark in establishing a definitive diagnosis of enterotoxaemia in intestinal contents. Measuring urine glucose or observing Gram-stained smears of intestinal mucosa can be used as supplementary tests. However, it is also imperative that enterotoxaemia cannot be ruled out in the event of negativity of aforementioned diagnostic tests. Hence, definitive diagnosis of enterotoxaemia in goats can be achieved with the use of molecular techniques (PCR, ELISA and immune-fluorescence) coupled with toxin detection in intestine or biological assays including mouse inoculation test (MIT). In case of goats, vaccine efficacy is poor which may be due to need of high to moderate level of serum antibodies to protect against both systemic and enteric effects because intestinal form of disease is part展开更多
Non-orthogonal multiple access(NOMA)has been a key enabling technology for the fifth generation(5G)cellular networks.Based on the NOMA principle,a traditional neural network has been implemented for user clustering(UC...Non-orthogonal multiple access(NOMA)has been a key enabling technology for the fifth generation(5G)cellular networks.Based on the NOMA principle,a traditional neural network has been implemented for user clustering(UC)to maximize the NOMA system’s throughput performance by considering that each sample is independent of the prior and the subsequent ones.Consequently,the prediction of UC for the future ones is based on the current clustering information,which is never used again due to the lack of memory of the network.Therefore,to relate the input features of NOMA users and capture the dependency in the clustering information,time-series methods can assist us in gaining a helpful insight into the future.Despite its mathematical complexity,the essence of time series comes down to examining past behavior and extending that information into the future.Hence,in this paper,we propose a novel and effective stacked long short term memory(S-LSTM)to predict the UC formation of NOMA users to enhance the throughput performance of the 5G-based NOMA systems.In the proposed strategy,the S-LSTM is modelled to handle the time-series input data to improve the predicting accuracy of UC of the NOMA users by implementing multiple LSTM layers with hidden cells.The implemented LSTM layers have feedback connections that help to capture the dependency in the clustering information as it propagates between the layers.Specifically,we develop,train,validate and test the proposed model to predict the UC formation for the futures ones by capturing the dependency in the clustering information based on the time-series data.Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme effectively predicts UC and thereby attaining near-optimal throughput performance of 98.94%compared to the exhaustive search method.展开更多
The analysis of the wind-driven self-excited induction generators （SEIGs） connected to the grid through power converters has been developed in this paper. For this analysis, a method of representing the grid power a...The analysis of the wind-driven self-excited induction generators （SEIGs） connected to the grid through power converters has been developed in this paper. For this analysis, a method of representing the grid power as equivalent load resistance in the steady-state equivalent circuit of SEIG has been formulated. The technique of genetic algorithm （GA） has been adopted for making the analysis of the proposed system simple and straightfor- ward. The control of SEIG is attempted by connecting an uncontrolled diode bridge rectifier （DBR） and a line commutated inverter （LCI） between the generator term- inals and three-phase utility grid. A simple control technique for maximum power point tracking （MPPT） in wind energy conversion systems （WECS）, in which the firing angle of the LCI alone needs to be controlled by sensing the rotor speed of the generator has been proposed. The effectiveness of the proposed method of MPPT and method of analysis of this wind-driven SEIG-converter system connected to the grid through power converters has been demonstrated by experiments and simulation. These experimental and simulated results confirm the usefulness and successful working of the proposed system and its analysis.展开更多
Chronic kidney disease(CKD)and hypertension(HTN)are closely associated with an overlapping and intermingled cause and effect relationship.Decline in renal functions are usually associated with a rise in blood pressure...Chronic kidney disease(CKD)and hypertension(HTN)are closely associated with an overlapping and intermingled cause and effect relationship.Decline in renal functions are usually associated with a rise in blood pressure(BP),and prolonged elevations in BP hasten the progression of kidney function decline.Regulation of HTN by normalizing the BP in an individual,thereby slowing the progression of kidney disease and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease,can be effectively achieved by the anti-hypertensive use of calcium channel blockers(CCBs).Use of dihydropyridine CCBs such as amlodipine(ALM)in patients with CKD is an attractive option not only for controlling BP but also for safely improving patient outcomes.Vast clinical experiences with its use as monotherapy and/or in combination with other anti-hypertensives in varied conditions have demonstrated its superior qualities in effectively managing HTN in patients with CKD with minimal adverse effects.In comparison to other counterparts,ALM displays robust reduction in risk of cardiovascular endpoints,particularly stroke,and in patients with renal impairment.ALM with its longer half-life displays effective BP control over 24-h,thereby reducing the progression of endstage-renal disease.In conclusion,compared to other classes of CCBs,ALM is an attractive choice for effectively managing HTN in CKD patients and improving the overall quality of life.展开更多
Anthocyanins(ACN) are water-soluble pigments, belonging to flavonoids, and are present in almost all fruits, and vegetables at varying concentration. About 635 ACN were distinguished based on the position and number o...Anthocyanins(ACN) are water-soluble pigments, belonging to flavonoids, and are present in almost all fruits, and vegetables at varying concentration. About 635 ACN were distinguished based on the position and number of methoxyl and hydroxyl moieties in the basic structure of ACN. Pelargonidin, cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, peonidin, and petunidin are extensively studied anthocyanidins. The absorption, bioavailability, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, molecular mechanism, and analytical techniques of several phytochemicals were described. The biological benefits(antidiabetic, anti-neuro-disorder, anti-cardiovascular diseases, antigastrointestinal diseases, and disorders) of flavonoids and ACN have been reported. Several in vitro, and in vivo reports demonstrated that ACN-rich plant extracts ameliorate the diabetesassociated consequences by reducing the glucose absorption, ROS production, oxidative stress, glomerular angiogenesis, lipid synthesis, and FoxO1 and adipose triglyceride lipase expressions, and improve the insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, glucose uptake, glucose consumption, antioxidant activity. The literature search was made in Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed using the keywords "anthocyanin" and "diabetes". The documents were carefully checked for the relevance to the current manuscript and the selection was made without any chronological restriction. The present manuscript summarizes the updated reports on antihyperglycemic properties of ACN.展开更多
Objective:To study the biological activities of the tissue extract of Cantharus tranquebaricus(C.tranquebaricus).Methods:Crude extract of gastropod was tested for inhibition of bacterial growth.Antibacterial assay was...Objective:To study the biological activities of the tissue extract of Cantharus tranquebaricus(C.tranquebaricus).Methods:Crude extract of gastropod was tested for inhibition of bacterial growth.Antibacterial assay was carried out by disc diffusion method and the activity was measured accordingly based on the inhibition zone around the disc impregnated with gastropod extract.Molecular weight of the extract was determined by using SDS-PAGE.Plasma coagulation,Fibrin plate assay and substrate SDS-PAGE were used to determine the effect of sample on plasma coagulation,fibrin(ogen)olytic and proteolytic;activity.Results:The maximum inhibition zone(10 mm)was observed against Vibrio cholera(V.cholera)and minimum inhibition zone(2 mm)was noticed against Proteus mirablis(P.mirablis).The molecular weight was determined as 47-106kDa.The tissue extract shows proteolytic activity above 48 kDa.SDS-PAGE analysis of fibrinogen after incubation with the tissue extract showed fibrinogenolytic activity.In plasma coagulation assay C.tranquebaricus tissue extract showed procoagulant property and it coagulated chicken plasma within 150 s,while control took 5 min to clot.The 9 HU hemolytic units were found against chicken blood and also exhibit high level of brine shrimp lethality.Conclusions:This study suggests that C.tranquebaricus could be used as potential source for isolating bioactive compounds,since it is explored first time and found with promising results.展开更多
In the present work, the pool boiling critical heat flux, transient heat transfer characteristics, and bonding strength of thin Ni-Cr wire with aqua based reduced graphene oxide(r GO) nanofluids are experimentally stu...In the present work, the pool boiling critical heat flux, transient heat transfer characteristics, and bonding strength of thin Ni-Cr wire with aqua based reduced graphene oxide(r GO) nanofluids are experimentally studied. Results indicate:(i) the critical heat flux(CHF) of 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 g·L^(-1) concentrations of r GO-water nanofluids varies from 1.42 to 2.40 MW·m^(-2);(ii) the CHF remains same for the tested samples during transient heat transfer studies and(iii) a constant value of CHF upto 10 tests when the nanocoated Ni-Cr wire is tested with DI water and deterioration occurs beyond this which implies a chance of peel off of r GO layer below the critical coating thickness.展开更多
It is proposed that a capacitor can be connected permanently across each phase winding of a three-phase induction motor along with the conventional delta-star switching, for further saving in VARh at reduced loads on ...It is proposed that a capacitor can be connected permanently across each phase winding of a three-phase induction motor along with the conventional delta-star switching, for further saving in VARh at reduced loads on the motor. The method of choosing a suitable value for the capacitor and the criteria to be adopted for calculating the power output at which the star to delta switching is to be made are also explained. The phase, 4-pole, 415 V, 50 Hz, 3 experimental results on a 3- 3 kW induction motor verify the advantages in adding the capacitor to the phase winding of the motor. Compared to using only a single delta connected stator winding or a delta-star switching, the advantages of the proposed addition of a capacitor, are also demonstrated through a case study conducted on a 400 V, 250 kW motor. Any further improvement in grid side power factor can be achieved by employing a static synchronous compensator （STATCOM） of reduced VAR rating.展开更多
A series of substituted 2-(2-hydroxyphenylimino) phenolic (salen) derivatives (1-4) have been synthesized and their structures of obtained compound were characterized by analytical, FT-IR, UV-Vis and 13C{1H}-NMR exper...A series of substituted 2-(2-hydroxyphenylimino) phenolic (salen) derivatives (1-4) have been synthesized and their structures of obtained compound were characterized by analytical, FT-IR, UV-Vis and 13C{1H}-NMR experimentally. The geometry structure optimization, frequencies (IR), NMR, electronic character, frontier molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) and first static hyperpolarizability (βtot) studies of reported compounds were calculated using DFT with B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level of theory. The calculated HOMO and LUMO energies showed that charge transfer occurs within the molecule and from the MEP, the molecular stability and bond strength have been explained. In addition to that influence of energy gap (?Egap) between the HOMO-LUMO orbitals on the first static hyperpolarizability (βtot), we calculated the ?Egap for all the salen compounds. These results reveals that the smaller HOMO-LUMO ?Egap is, larger the βtot is.展开更多
This article presents a review pertains the laser irradiation effects and its possible mechanisms of action on spermatozoa functions in domestic animals. To improve artificial insemination, laser is sensitive and cost...This article presents a review pertains the laser irradiation effects and its possible mechanisms of action on spermatozoa functions in domestic animals. To improve artificial insemination, laser is sensitive and cost effective technique, when compared to other conventional methods. Laser may have both positive and negative effects on spermatozoa functions. Since the effects of light are mediated by reactive oxygen species, and the levels of these reactive oxygen species following irradiating spermatozoa with laser may be responsible for determining the effects of laser on sperm. Dose of laser may be regarded as of great significance and this dosage of laser may be responsible for determining its effects on spermatozoa. Optimum dosage of laser for improving seminal attributes may vary among various species and this need to be standardized in each of them. The beneficial effects include improving sperm livability, acrosomal integrity, hypo-osmotic swelling response, mitochondrial function and computer-aided sperm analysis parameters. The increase in cytochrome c oxidase activity, ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potential, in laser irradiated cells may be responsible for enhanced sperm quality parameters. Improving fertility with laser irradiated spermatozoa has been reported in few species like boar and need to be elaborated in other species. In conclusion laser may be regarded as an easy, cheap and time saving technology for improving artificial insemination;in addition, laser may have various potential applications in the field of reproductive biotechnology as well as in livestock farms and veterinary polyclinics.展开更多
Goldenhar syndrome(oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum)is a rare congenital anomaly of unclear etiology and characterized by craniofacial anomalies such as hemifacial microsomia,auricular,ocular and vertebral anomalies....Goldenhar syndrome(oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum)is a rare congenital anomaly of unclear etiology and characterized by craniofacial anomalies such as hemifacial microsomia,auricular,ocular and vertebral anomalies.In many cases,this syndrome goes unnoticed due to a lack of knowledge about its features and because of its associated wide range of overlapping anomalies.Herewith,we present a case of Goldenhar syndrome in a 21-year-old male,who presented all the classical signs of this rare condition.This article also summarizes the characteristic features of patients with Goldenhar syndrome.展开更多
Background： An oviduct-specific glycoprotein, OVGP1, is synthesized and secreted by non-ciliated epithelial cells of the mammalian oviduct which provides an essential milieu for reproductive functions. The present st...Background： An oviduct-specific glycoprotein, OVGP1, is synthesized and secreted by non-ciliated epithelial cells of the mammalian oviduct which provides an essential milieu for reproductive functions. The present study reports the effects of recombinant buffalo OVGP1 that lacks post-translational modifications, and native Buffalo OVGP1 isolated from oviductal tissue, on frozen-thawed sperm functions and in vitro embryo development.Results： The proportion of viable sperms was greater（P 〈 0.05） in the recombinant OVGP1-treated group compared to the native OVGP1-treated group at 2 h, 3 h, and 4 h of incubation. The proportion of motile sperms at3 h and 4 h of incubation; and membrane-intact sperms at 4 h was greater（P 〈 0.05） in the native OVGP1-treated group compared to the control and recombinant OVGP1-treated groups. The proportion of capacitated and acrosome-reacted sperms was greater（P 〈 0.05） in the native OVGP1-treated group compared to the recombinant OVGP1 group at 4 h. The rates of cleavage of embryos and their development to the blastocyst stage were greater（P 〈 0.05） in the presence of either native or recombinant OVGP1 in comparison to control at 10 μg/mL concentration as compared to 5 or 20 μg/mL.Conclusions： The study suggests that both native and recombinant OVGP1 impart a positive effect on various sperm features and in vitro embryo development. However, native OVGP1 was found to have a more pronounced effect in comparison to recombinant non-glycosylated OVGP1 on various sperm functions except viability. Hence,our current findings infer that glycosylation of OVGP1 might be essential in sustaining the sperm functions but not the in vitro embryo development.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the antibacterial activity and immunostimulant of red seaweedChondrococcus hornemanni pathogens.Methods:(C.hornemanni)(Kuetzing,1847)against marine ornamental fish antimicrobial activity against ...Objective:To evaluate the antibacterial activity and immunostimulant of red seaweedChondrococcus hornemanni pathogens.Methods:(C.hornemanni)(Kuetzing,1847)against marine ornamental fish antimicrobial activity against two fish pathogens and the partially purified potential compound was characterized by GC-MS.Purified seaweed extract was injected to the clownfish,Amphiprion sebae to study the innate immune response of these fishes.Results:In the present study,seaweed extract of C.hornemanni showed significant Aeromonas hydrophila(20 mm)and Vibrio parahaemolyticus(19 mm)at a concentration(25 mg/mL)shown higher antimicrobial activity.The white blood cell count and respirator burst activity was significantly increased in the experimental tanks(E1)and(E2)when compared with control.The extracts was found effective and had more than 80%inhibitory activity against Conclusions:Hence,it is concluded that the seaweed extracts of C.hornemanni had potential bioactive compounds and act an immunostimulant and improve the immune response to fish.展开更多
Objective:To assess the stability of 10 candidate internal control genes(ICGs),namely GAPDH,ACTB,RPL23,RPS15A,ATPSF1,GLUT5,HMBS,ATP2B4,PPIA,and BRP to normalize the transcriptional data from testes samples of Zebu and...Objective:To assess the stability of 10 candidate internal control genes(ICGs),namely GAPDH,ACTB,RPL23,RPS15A,ATPSF1,GLUT5,HMBS,ATP2B4,PPIA,and BRP to normalize the transcriptional data from testes samples of Zebu and crossbred bulls.Methods:Total RNA was isolated from testicular tissue of Zebu and crossbred bulls(n=6 each)between 2-8 years of age.cDNA was synthesized,and the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR)was performed.The cycle threshold values were used for the analysis of the stability of ICGs.Four different statistical algorithms:geNorm,Normfinder,BestKeeper,and RefFinder,were used to assess the stability of these genes.Results:ATPSF1,HMBS,PPIA,and RPS15A were the most reliable and stable ICGs for Zebu testes,and ATPSF1,RPL23,and PPIA for crossbred testes.Conclusions:A panel of stable ICGs(ATPSF1,HMBS,PPIA,RPS15A for Zebu and ATPSF1,RPL23,and PPIA for crossbred)for normalization of gene expression data in testes samples can be helpful for researchers to conduct functional genomics studies at the testicular level in cattle bulls.展开更多
文摘Spermatozoa are recognized as foreign cells by both male and female immune systems,leading to the production of antisperm antibodies(ASAs)when sperm are exposed to immune system due to a breach in the mucosal barrier.ASAs can be found in both sexes,though concentrations vary by individual and sex.This review examines ASAs production,their specific binding locations on sperm,and how ASAs may impair key sperm functions,including motility,viability,acrosome reaction,and capacitation.While ASAs are known to potentially interfere with sperm quality and sperm binding to zona pellucida in both humans and livestock,their impact on fertility remains debated,as ASAs are also detected in a significant number of fertile individuals.Furthermore,the practical relevance of ASAs screening in fertility assessment lacks consensus,with some findings suggesting that ASAs might even aid fertilization under certain conditions.By compiling the information on ASAs and their effects on semen quality and fertility,this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of ASAs in infertility.
文摘Hand gesture recognition system is considered as a way for more intuitive and proficient human computer interaction tool. The range of applications includes virtual prototyping, sign language analysis and medical training. In this paper, an efficient Indian Sign Language Recognition System (ISLR) is proposed for deaf and dump people using hand gesture images. The proposed ISLR system is considered as a pattern recognition technique that has two important modules: feature extraction and classification. The joint use of Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) based feature extraction and nearest neighbour classifier is used to recognize the sign language. The experimental results show that the proposed hand gesture recognition system achieves maximum 99.23% classification accuracy while using cosine distance classifier.
文摘BACKGROUND Primary pancreatic lymphoma(PPL)is a rare neoplasm.Being able to distinguish it from other pancreatic malignancies such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is important for appropriate management.Unlike PDAC,PPL is highly sensitive to chemotherapy and usually does not require surgery.Therefore,being able to identify PPL preoperatively will not only direct physicians towards the correct avenue of treatment,it will also avoid unnecessary surgical intervention.AIM To evaluate the typical and atypical multi-phasic computed tomography(CT)imaging features of PPL.METHODS A retrospective review was conducted of the clinical,radiological,and pathological records of all subjects with pathologically proven PPL who presented to our institutions between January 2000 and December 2020.Institutional review board approval was obtained for this investigation.The collected data were analyzed for subject demographics,clinical presentation,laboratory values,CT imaging features,and the treatment received.Presence of all CT imaging findings including size,site,morphology and imaging characteristics of PPL such as the presence or absence of nodal,vascular and ductal involvement in these subjects were recorded.Only those subjects who had a pre-treatment multiphasic CT of the abdomen were included in the study.RESULTS Twenty-nine cases of PPL were diagnosed between January 2000 and December 2020(mean age 66 years;13 males/16 females).All twenty-nine subjects were symptomatic but only 4 of the 29 subjects(14%)had B symptoms.Obstructive jaundice occurred in 24%of subjects.Elevated lactate dehydrogenase was seen in 81%of cases,whereas elevated cancer antigen 19-9 levels were present in only 10%of cases for which levels were recorded.The vast majority(90%)of tumors involved the pancreatic head and uncinate process.Mean tumor size was 7.8 cm(range,4.0-13.8 cm).PPL presented homogenous hypoenhancement on CT in 72%of cases.Small volume peripancreatic lymphadenopathy was seen in 28%of subjects.Tumors demonstrated encasement of su
文摘This paper presents the main findings of the effect of indoor humidity on occupants’ thermal comfort in the humid tropics of Malaysia. An extensive field investigation was carried out in Kota Kinabalu city and the surrounding areas, located in East Malaysia. A total of 890 individuals were asked to complete a questionnaire. Measured indoor climates were also recorded. The survey was designed as cross sectional data collection. The present investigation found that the occupants were thermally comfortable at wide relative humidity range. The mean relative humidity corresponding to the optimum comfort temperature was close to 73%. Regression models failed to predict accurately the effect of relative humidity on occupants’ thermal perceptions. In addition, a quadratic regression model was developed for the prediction of the mean indoor relative humidity based on indoor temperature. The suggested regression model can be used for an approximate prediction of indoor relative humidity when required.
文摘in imaging techniques are changing the way radiologists undertake imaging of the gastrointestinal tract and their ability to answer questions posed by surgeons. In this paper we discuss the technological improvements of imaging studies that have occurred in the last few years and how these help to better diagnosing alimentary tract disease.
文摘Enterotoxaemia is one of the important pathologies caused by Clostridium perfringens, which produces intestinal and systemic disease in goats, sheep and other animals. These Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria are normally resident in the intestinal tract of ruminants but during favourable conditions, proliferate uncontrollably and release toxins which produce disease in the host. Different strains of C. perfringens are responsible for several clinical syndromes, including lamb dysentery, pulpy kidney disease and struck. However, the pathology and pathogenesis of caprine enterotoxaemia is not well understood, with limited studies available in goats. Caprine enterotoxaemia can be controlled with the better understanding of its risk factors and pathogenesis. The diagnosis of enterotoxaemia in animals is complex and often requires group of tests than one single test for better specificity and sensitivity. Tentative diagnosis of enterotoxaemia in sheep and goats is based on the history, clinical signs and gross lesions during post-mortem examination of animals;however, confirmatory diagnosis of enterotoxaemia requires different laboratory diagnostic tools. Toxin detection of C. perfringens in case of enterotoxaemia is furthermost accepted benchmark in establishing a definitive diagnosis of enterotoxaemia in intestinal contents. Measuring urine glucose or observing Gram-stained smears of intestinal mucosa can be used as supplementary tests. However, it is also imperative that enterotoxaemia cannot be ruled out in the event of negativity of aforementioned diagnostic tests. Hence, definitive diagnosis of enterotoxaemia in goats can be achieved with the use of molecular techniques (PCR, ELISA and immune-fluorescence) coupled with toxin detection in intestine or biological assays including mouse inoculation test (MIT). In case of goats, vaccine efficacy is poor which may be due to need of high to moderate level of serum antibodies to protect against both systemic and enteric effects because intestinal form of disease is part
基金This work was funded by Multimedia University under Grant Number MMUI/170084.
文摘Non-orthogonal multiple access(NOMA)has been a key enabling technology for the fifth generation(5G)cellular networks.Based on the NOMA principle,a traditional neural network has been implemented for user clustering(UC)to maximize the NOMA system’s throughput performance by considering that each sample is independent of the prior and the subsequent ones.Consequently,the prediction of UC for the future ones is based on the current clustering information,which is never used again due to the lack of memory of the network.Therefore,to relate the input features of NOMA users and capture the dependency in the clustering information,time-series methods can assist us in gaining a helpful insight into the future.Despite its mathematical complexity,the essence of time series comes down to examining past behavior and extending that information into the future.Hence,in this paper,we propose a novel and effective stacked long short term memory(S-LSTM)to predict the UC formation of NOMA users to enhance the throughput performance of the 5G-based NOMA systems.In the proposed strategy,the S-LSTM is modelled to handle the time-series input data to improve the predicting accuracy of UC of the NOMA users by implementing multiple LSTM layers with hidden cells.The implemented LSTM layers have feedback connections that help to capture the dependency in the clustering information as it propagates between the layers.Specifically,we develop,train,validate and test the proposed model to predict the UC formation for the futures ones by capturing the dependency in the clustering information based on the time-series data.Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme effectively predicts UC and thereby attaining near-optimal throughput performance of 98.94%compared to the exhaustive search method.
文摘The analysis of the wind-driven self-excited induction generators （SEIGs） connected to the grid through power converters has been developed in this paper. For this analysis, a method of representing the grid power as equivalent load resistance in the steady-state equivalent circuit of SEIG has been formulated. The technique of genetic algorithm （GA） has been adopted for making the analysis of the proposed system simple and straightfor- ward. The control of SEIG is attempted by connecting an uncontrolled diode bridge rectifier （DBR） and a line commutated inverter （LCI） between the generator term- inals and three-phase utility grid. A simple control technique for maximum power point tracking （MPPT） in wind energy conversion systems （WECS）, in which the firing angle of the LCI alone needs to be controlled by sensing the rotor speed of the generator has been proposed. The effectiveness of the proposed method of MPPT and method of analysis of this wind-driven SEIG-converter system connected to the grid through power converters has been demonstrated by experiments and simulation. These experimental and simulated results confirm the usefulness and successful working of the proposed system and its analysis.
文摘Chronic kidney disease(CKD)and hypertension(HTN)are closely associated with an overlapping and intermingled cause and effect relationship.Decline in renal functions are usually associated with a rise in blood pressure(BP),and prolonged elevations in BP hasten the progression of kidney function decline.Regulation of HTN by normalizing the BP in an individual,thereby slowing the progression of kidney disease and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease,can be effectively achieved by the anti-hypertensive use of calcium channel blockers(CCBs).Use of dihydropyridine CCBs such as amlodipine(ALM)in patients with CKD is an attractive option not only for controlling BP but also for safely improving patient outcomes.Vast clinical experiences with its use as monotherapy and/or in combination with other anti-hypertensives in varied conditions have demonstrated its superior qualities in effectively managing HTN in patients with CKD with minimal adverse effects.In comparison to other counterparts,ALM displays robust reduction in risk of cardiovascular endpoints,particularly stroke,and in patients with renal impairment.ALM with its longer half-life displays effective BP control over 24-h,thereby reducing the progression of endstage-renal disease.In conclusion,compared to other classes of CCBs,ALM is an attractive choice for effectively managing HTN in CKD patients and improving the overall quality of life.
基金supported by the Chiang Mai University Grant(CMU grant)
文摘Anthocyanins(ACN) are water-soluble pigments, belonging to flavonoids, and are present in almost all fruits, and vegetables at varying concentration. About 635 ACN were distinguished based on the position and number of methoxyl and hydroxyl moieties in the basic structure of ACN. Pelargonidin, cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, peonidin, and petunidin are extensively studied anthocyanidins. The absorption, bioavailability, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, molecular mechanism, and analytical techniques of several phytochemicals were described. The biological benefits(antidiabetic, anti-neuro-disorder, anti-cardiovascular diseases, antigastrointestinal diseases, and disorders) of flavonoids and ACN have been reported. Several in vitro, and in vivo reports demonstrated that ACN-rich plant extracts ameliorate the diabetesassociated consequences by reducing the glucose absorption, ROS production, oxidative stress, glomerular angiogenesis, lipid synthesis, and FoxO1 and adipose triglyceride lipase expressions, and improve the insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, glucose uptake, glucose consumption, antioxidant activity. The literature search was made in Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed using the keywords "anthocyanin" and "diabetes". The documents were carefully checked for the relevance to the current manuscript and the selection was made without any chronological restriction. The present manuscript summarizes the updated reports on antihyperglycemic properties of ACN.
基金grateful to UGC[G4/9493]and MoES[G4/12319]for providing financial support
文摘Objective:To study the biological activities of the tissue extract of Cantharus tranquebaricus(C.tranquebaricus).Methods:Crude extract of gastropod was tested for inhibition of bacterial growth.Antibacterial assay was carried out by disc diffusion method and the activity was measured accordingly based on the inhibition zone around the disc impregnated with gastropod extract.Molecular weight of the extract was determined by using SDS-PAGE.Plasma coagulation,Fibrin plate assay and substrate SDS-PAGE were used to determine the effect of sample on plasma coagulation,fibrin(ogen)olytic and proteolytic;activity.Results:The maximum inhibition zone(10 mm)was observed against Vibrio cholera(V.cholera)and minimum inhibition zone(2 mm)was noticed against Proteus mirablis(P.mirablis).The molecular weight was determined as 47-106kDa.The tissue extract shows proteolytic activity above 48 kDa.SDS-PAGE analysis of fibrinogen after incubation with the tissue extract showed fibrinogenolytic activity.In plasma coagulation assay C.tranquebaricus tissue extract showed procoagulant property and it coagulated chicken plasma within 150 s,while control took 5 min to clot.The 9 HU hemolytic units were found against chicken blood and also exhibit high level of brine shrimp lethality.Conclusions:This study suggests that C.tranquebaricus could be used as potential source for isolating bioactive compounds,since it is explored first time and found with promising results.
文摘In the present work, the pool boiling critical heat flux, transient heat transfer characteristics, and bonding strength of thin Ni-Cr wire with aqua based reduced graphene oxide(r GO) nanofluids are experimentally studied. Results indicate:(i) the critical heat flux(CHF) of 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 g·L^(-1) concentrations of r GO-water nanofluids varies from 1.42 to 2.40 MW·m^(-2);(ii) the CHF remains same for the tested samples during transient heat transfer studies and(iii) a constant value of CHF upto 10 tests when the nanocoated Ni-Cr wire is tested with DI water and deterioration occurs beyond this which implies a chance of peel off of r GO layer below the critical coating thickness.
文摘It is proposed that a capacitor can be connected permanently across each phase winding of a three-phase induction motor along with the conventional delta-star switching, for further saving in VARh at reduced loads on the motor. The method of choosing a suitable value for the capacitor and the criteria to be adopted for calculating the power output at which the star to delta switching is to be made are also explained. The phase, 4-pole, 415 V, 50 Hz, 3 experimental results on a 3- 3 kW induction motor verify the advantages in adding the capacitor to the phase winding of the motor. Compared to using only a single delta connected stator winding or a delta-star switching, the advantages of the proposed addition of a capacitor, are also demonstrated through a case study conducted on a 400 V, 250 kW motor. Any further improvement in grid side power factor can be achieved by employing a static synchronous compensator （STATCOM） of reduced VAR rating.
文摘A series of substituted 2-(2-hydroxyphenylimino) phenolic (salen) derivatives (1-4) have been synthesized and their structures of obtained compound were characterized by analytical, FT-IR, UV-Vis and 13C{1H}-NMR experimentally. The geometry structure optimization, frequencies (IR), NMR, electronic character, frontier molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) and first static hyperpolarizability (βtot) studies of reported compounds were calculated using DFT with B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level of theory. The calculated HOMO and LUMO energies showed that charge transfer occurs within the molecule and from the MEP, the molecular stability and bond strength have been explained. In addition to that influence of energy gap (?Egap) between the HOMO-LUMO orbitals on the first static hyperpolarizability (βtot), we calculated the ?Egap for all the salen compounds. These results reveals that the smaller HOMO-LUMO ?Egap is, larger the βtot is.
文摘This article presents a review pertains the laser irradiation effects and its possible mechanisms of action on spermatozoa functions in domestic animals. To improve artificial insemination, laser is sensitive and cost effective technique, when compared to other conventional methods. Laser may have both positive and negative effects on spermatozoa functions. Since the effects of light are mediated by reactive oxygen species, and the levels of these reactive oxygen species following irradiating spermatozoa with laser may be responsible for determining the effects of laser on sperm. Dose of laser may be regarded as of great significance and this dosage of laser may be responsible for determining its effects on spermatozoa. Optimum dosage of laser for improving seminal attributes may vary among various species and this need to be standardized in each of them. The beneficial effects include improving sperm livability, acrosomal integrity, hypo-osmotic swelling response, mitochondrial function and computer-aided sperm analysis parameters. The increase in cytochrome c oxidase activity, ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potential, in laser irradiated cells may be responsible for enhanced sperm quality parameters. Improving fertility with laser irradiated spermatozoa has been reported in few species like boar and need to be elaborated in other species. In conclusion laser may be regarded as an easy, cheap and time saving technology for improving artificial insemination;in addition, laser may have various potential applications in the field of reproductive biotechnology as well as in livestock farms and veterinary polyclinics.
文摘Goldenhar syndrome(oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum)is a rare congenital anomaly of unclear etiology and characterized by craniofacial anomalies such as hemifacial microsomia,auricular,ocular and vertebral anomalies.In many cases,this syndrome goes unnoticed due to a lack of knowledge about its features and because of its associated wide range of overlapping anomalies.Herewith,we present a case of Goldenhar syndrome in a 21-year-old male,who presented all the classical signs of this rare condition.This article also summarizes the characteristic features of patients with Goldenhar syndrome.
基金funded by "Niche area of excellence,Indian Council of Agricultural Research(ICAR),India"
文摘Background： An oviduct-specific glycoprotein, OVGP1, is synthesized and secreted by non-ciliated epithelial cells of the mammalian oviduct which provides an essential milieu for reproductive functions. The present study reports the effects of recombinant buffalo OVGP1 that lacks post-translational modifications, and native Buffalo OVGP1 isolated from oviductal tissue, on frozen-thawed sperm functions and in vitro embryo development.Results： The proportion of viable sperms was greater（P 〈 0.05） in the recombinant OVGP1-treated group compared to the native OVGP1-treated group at 2 h, 3 h, and 4 h of incubation. The proportion of motile sperms at3 h and 4 h of incubation; and membrane-intact sperms at 4 h was greater（P 〈 0.05） in the native OVGP1-treated group compared to the control and recombinant OVGP1-treated groups. The proportion of capacitated and acrosome-reacted sperms was greater（P 〈 0.05） in the native OVGP1-treated group compared to the recombinant OVGP1 group at 4 h. The rates of cleavage of embryos and their development to the blastocyst stage were greater（P 〈 0.05） in the presence of either native or recombinant OVGP1 in comparison to control at 10 μg/mL concentration as compared to 5 or 20 μg/mL.Conclusions： The study suggests that both native and recombinant OVGP1 impart a positive effect on various sperm features and in vitro embryo development. However, native OVGP1 was found to have a more pronounced effect in comparison to recombinant non-glycosylated OVGP1 on various sperm functions except viability. Hence,our current findings infer that glycosylation of OVGP1 might be essential in sustaining the sperm functions but not the in vitro embryo development.
基金Supported by the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology(Ministry of Earth Sciences),Kochi for financial assistance(Grant No.MoES/10MLR/2007).
文摘Objective:To evaluate the antibacterial activity and immunostimulant of red seaweedChondrococcus hornemanni pathogens.Methods:(C.hornemanni)(Kuetzing,1847)against marine ornamental fish antimicrobial activity against two fish pathogens and the partially purified potential compound was characterized by GC-MS.Purified seaweed extract was injected to the clownfish,Amphiprion sebae to study the innate immune response of these fishes.Results:In the present study,seaweed extract of C.hornemanni showed significant Aeromonas hydrophila(20 mm)and Vibrio parahaemolyticus(19 mm)at a concentration(25 mg/mL)shown higher antimicrobial activity.The white blood cell count and respirator burst activity was significantly increased in the experimental tanks(E1)and(E2)when compared with control.The extracts was found effective and had more than 80%inhibitory activity against Conclusions:Hence,it is concluded that the seaweed extracts of C.hornemanni had potential bioactive compounds and act an immunostimulant and improve the immune response to fish.
基金The present study was carried out under the project“Molecular markers for improving reproduction in cattle and buffaloes”under the funding of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,USA and Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Dairy Research Institute.
文摘Objective:To assess the stability of 10 candidate internal control genes(ICGs),namely GAPDH,ACTB,RPL23,RPS15A,ATPSF1,GLUT5,HMBS,ATP2B4,PPIA,and BRP to normalize the transcriptional data from testes samples of Zebu and crossbred bulls.Methods:Total RNA was isolated from testicular tissue of Zebu and crossbred bulls(n=6 each)between 2-8 years of age.cDNA was synthesized,and the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR)was performed.The cycle threshold values were used for the analysis of the stability of ICGs.Four different statistical algorithms:geNorm,Normfinder,BestKeeper,and RefFinder,were used to assess the stability of these genes.Results:ATPSF1,HMBS,PPIA,and RPS15A were the most reliable and stable ICGs for Zebu testes,and ATPSF1,RPL23,and PPIA for crossbred testes.Conclusions:A panel of stable ICGs(ATPSF1,HMBS,PPIA,RPS15A for Zebu and ATPSF1,RPL23,and PPIA for crossbred)for normalization of gene expression data in testes samples can be helpful for researchers to conduct functional genomics studies at the testicular level in cattle bulls.
