Artificial Olfactory Signal Modulation for Detection in Changing Environments

Animals have evolved to sense in complex environments through both modulation behavior including sniffing as well as sophisticated neural processing including memory and neuromodulation. Here, we explore thermal modulation of chemically diverse sensor arrays, where response patterns are based on partitioning of odorants across the array. The differential response patterns contain information about the chemical nature of the odorant for identification. By transitioning away from well-defined concentration modulation, traditionally used in the field, to thermal modulation, it is possible to capture both diagnostic patterns as well as intensity information in complex environments. This performance is demonstrated with carbon-black based, chemically diverse sensor arrays, that are thermally modulated with light at 25 mHz exposed to different analytes of varying concentrations.

Postharvest physiology and biochemistry of Valencia orange after coatings with chitosan nanoparticles as edible for green mold protection under room storage conditions

Because of their unique features, nanomaterials have been proposed and have gained acceptance in postharvest applications in fruit. Increasing the storage life and improving the quality of Valencia oranges was investigated using nano-chitosan. A chitosan nanoparticle was prepared by using high-energy ball milling. Chitosan nanoparticles were characterized by Dynamic light scattering, FTIR spectroscopy and Surface morphology by transmission electron microscopy. Fully mature Valencia oranges were harvested and then coated with one of these concentrations (0.2, 0.4, and 0.8% nano-chitosan) and control. The fruits were stored under room storage conditions for 75 days. The quality parameters (fruit weight losses, fruit decay percentage, fruit firmness, total acidity, total soluble solids percentage and T.S.S./acid ratio, ascorbic acid content) were taken in biweekly intervals after 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 days. Beside the in vitro testing of antifungal activity of chitosan nanoparticles. According to the findings of the two succeeding seasons, the nano-chitosan 0.8% treatment showed the best effects and had the lowest rate of fruit weight loss, fruit deterioration, and T.S.S./acid ratio in comparison to the other treatments in both seasons. Furthermore, the 0.8% nano-chitosan reveled the highest levels of fruit hardness and fruit pulp firmness. Fruit weight loss, fruit deterioration, TSS, and TSS/acid ratio, as well as other metrics, were steadily elevated prior to the storage time. The best results were obtained when Valencia oranges fruits were treated with 0.8% nano-chitosan for 75 days at room temperature.

ROAD SAFETY AND TRAFFIC INJURIES DUE TO DISTRACTED DRIVING OF SMARTPHONE USAGE AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

This study provides the behaviour of university students using smartphone on daily basis and while driving, and exploring their perception towards the road safety of such habits. World Health Organisation states that distracted driving due to smartphone usage has been the uprising cause of road traffic injuries especially among young drivers. This study will provide knowledge in enforcing the right mitigation measures in preventing such behaviour from growing. The results from this study can also be integrated in intelligent transportation system in traffic accident prevention programme. This survey is conducted at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia with a sample size of 371 respondents with majority of them aged 21 to 25 (86.6%) who own smartphone (100%) and private vehicle (59.1%). Results found that university student are dependent of their smartphone on daily basis for alarm (94.3%), communication and socialisation (73.9%). They tend to use their smartphone while driving, at traffic light (68.4%) and during traffic congestion (61.0%), often for maps navigations (69.8%) and to make call (57.4%) in hands-free mode. Despite knowing the danger of this behaviour (97.3%), they ignored the risks and committed such offenses. Hence, the need for education and enforcement are significant and relevant among university students to prevent such behaviours from growing.

Multiple intra-familial transmission patterns of hepatitis B virus genotype D in north-eastern Egypt

The transmission rate of intra-familial hepatitis B virus (HBV) and mode of transmission were investigated in north eastern Egypt. HBV infection was investigated serologically and confirmed by molecular evolutionary analysis in family members (N = 230) of 55 chronic hepatitis B carriers (index cases). Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) prevalence was 12.2% and 23% among family members, respectively. HBsAg carriers were prevalent in the age groups; <10 (16.2%) and 21-30 years (23.3%). The prevalence of HBsAg was significantly higher in the family members of females (19.2%) than males (8.6%) index cases (P = 0.031). HBsAg and anti-HBc seropositive rates were higher significantly in the offspring of females (23%, 29.8%) than those of the males index cases (4.3%, 9.8%) (P = 0.001, 0.003), as well as higher in the offspring of an infected mother (26.5, 31.8%) than those of an infected father (4.7%, 10.5%) (P = 0.0006, 0.009). No significant difference was found in HBsAg seropositive rates between vaccinated (10.6%) and unvaccinated family members (14.8%). Phylogenetic analysis of the preS2 and S regions of HBV genome showed that the HBV isolates were of subgenotype D1 in nine index cases and 14 family members. HBV familial transmission was confirmed in five of six families with three transmission patterns; maternal, paternal, and sexual. It is concluded that multiple intra-familial transmission routes of HBV genotype D were determined; including maternal, paternal and horizontal. Universal HBV vaccination should be modified by including the first dose at birth with (HBIG) administration to the newborn of mothers infected with HBV.

Intramedullary pyogenic abscess in the conus medullaris

Primary pyogenic abscess in the conus medullaris in a healthy adult has never been reported. An urgent MRI scan with contrast and prompt surgical evacuation may lead to good neurological recovery.

An association between cerebral aneurysm re-bleed and CT angiography--more than a coincidence?

Rupture of cerebral aneurysm during CT angiogram is a rare occurrence. Here we present such a case where an aneurysmal re-rupture during CT angiogram was demonstrated.

Spontaneous appendico-cutaneous fistula, after drainage of a right loin abscess – A case report

A young male patient presented with right lower abdominal pain and fever. He had tenderness in the right lumbar region, with no palpable lump. Subsequently he developed a tender fluctuant lump in the right loin. Abdominal ultrasonography showed heterogenous collection in the right lumber region near the posterior abdominal wall. Making a diagnosis of right-sided perinephric abscess, drainage was done. The patient was discharged. Eight months after his discharge, he developed fever and painful swelling in the previous operation site followed by spontaneous discharge of pus. Sinogram showed the contrast passed through the sinus tract into the large bowel and into the terminal ileum. Laparotomy, fistula tract was found communicating with the appendix. Appendicectomy and curettage of the fistula tract was followed by complete cure.

Amino acid substitution (Ile194----Thr) in exon 5 of the lipoprotein lipase gene causes lipoprotein lipase deficiency in three unrelated probands. Support for a multicentric origin

Studies on the molecular biology of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) deficiency have been facilitated by the availability of LPL gene probes and the recent characterization of gene mutations underlying human LPL deficiency. Typically, missense mutations have predominated and show a preferential localization to exons 4 and 5. This distribution supports earlier studies attributing functional significance to residues encoded by these exons. We now report a further missense mutation within exon 5 of the LPL gene in three unrelated patients. Amplification of individual exons by the polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing revealed a T----C transition at codon 194 of the LPL cDNA which results in a substitution of threonine for isoleucine at this residue. The catalytic abnormality induced by this mutation was confirmed through in vitro mutagenesis studies in COS-1 cells. Transfection with a LPL cDNA containing the codon 194 transition resulted in the synthesis and secretion of a catalytically defective protein. The Thr194 substitution was associated with two different DNA haplotypes, consistent with a multicentric origin for this mutation.

Erythrocyte protoporphyrin screening for lead poisoning in Bedouin children. A study from Kuwait

Screening for lead poisoning can be performed by measuring either blood lead (PbB) or a haematological indicator such as erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP). We have screened 902 infants and children aged from 3 months to 5 years amongst those attending three primary health care centres in AI Jahra governorate of Kuwait. Blood specimens were collected by finger prick on Guthrie filter paper and the dried blood samples were mailed to the Central Laboratory of the Children's Hospital, Buffalo, USA. One hundred and eighty-four (20 per cent) had an elevated EP (greater than 50 micrograms/dl). Of those 11 had values above 159 micrograms/dl; 140 children were further tested for blood lead levels (PbB) haemoglobin, mean cell volumes, and percentage of transferrin saturation; 41 had blood lead levels greater than 25 micrograms/dl which is the current definition of elevated blood lead levels. Two children (2 per cent) were in Class IV, 17 (15 per cent) and 16 (14 per cent) were in Class II and Class III, respectively. There was a significant correlation between EP and PbB (r = 0.686; P = less than 0.001). Of 72 children with elevated EP and normal PbB, 32 were anaemic (Hb less than 11 g/dl) and 20 had iron deficiency. The role of tribal practices using lead contaminated preparations and their contribution to elevated blood lead levels is discussed.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone molecular forms in mammalian hypothalamus

Multiple forms of GnRH have been detected in brain tissue of species from all nonmammalian vertebrate classes, but in mammals it is generally believed a single molecular form of GnRH is present. We have investigated the possibility that additional structural variants of GnRH are present in mammalian (sheep, rat, and human) hypothalamus. Hypothalami were extracted with acetic acid and subjected to gel filtration chromatography and reverse phase HPLC systems specifically designed to separate GnRH analogs. Column fractions were assayed for immunoreactive GnRH using a library of specific antisera raised against the five known vertebrate GnRHs. Biological activity of the fractions was assessed by measuring their ability to release LH and FSH from cultured rat pituitary cells and/or LH release from dispersed chicken pituitary cells. Receptor binding activity was also measured in fractions from the human extract, using rat pituitary membranes. Several immunoreactive and biologically active forms of GnRH were found in sheep, rat, and human hypothalami. The major immunoreactive peptide consistently coeluted with mammalian GnRH. The other forms were not identifiable as any of the other known vertebrate GnRHs. Control experiments suggest these are modified forms of mammalian GnRH, which are artifacts generated during HPLC purification. Chromatographic and immunological studies indicate these forms of GnRH include peptides eluting both earlier and later than mammalian GnRH and which appear to be modified in the middle region and/or at the COOH-terminus of the molecule. Novel immunoreactive forms of GnRH, distinct from modified mammalian GnRH, were not apparent in any of the species. In chicken and rat pituitary cell bioassays and in rat receptor binding studies, the mammalian form of GnRH in HPLC fractions of the sheep and human hypothalamus displayed activity appropriate for this immunoreactive peak being mammalian GnRH. Some of the additional immunoreactive peaks (thought to be modified forms of mammalian GnRH) also displayed LH-releasing activity in the chicken and rat systems. Gonadotropin-releasing activity or receptor binding activity due to a second, novel, GnRH-like substance in HPLC fractions of the sheep and human hypothalamus was not detected. These data provide evidence for a single form of GnRH in sheep, rat, and human hypothalamus, unlike species from other vertebrate classes where two or more GnRHs are present within a single tissue.

High incidence of lead poisoning revealed by erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EPP) screening in Arabian children

The measurement of erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EPP) has been used in screening infants for undue exposure to lead. The infants were from a high risk area, Al Jahra in Kuwait, and were selected from those attending the emergency department of Al Jahra District Hospital. Dried spots of blood on Guthrie filter paper were mailed to the Central Laboratory of the Children's Hospital in Buffalo, New York. Elevated EPP values (greater than 50 micrograms/dl) were present in 63 (66%) out of 96 tests. Forty-four of the infants with elevated values were investigated further: 16 had blood lead levels above 30 micrograms/dl (1.45 mmol/l) and 12 had evidence of iron deficiency anaemia. Five infants with blood lead levels above 80 micrograms/dl (3.9 mmol/l) needed urgent chelation and in addition an 8-month-old infant with the highest EPP value (478 micrograms/dl) died of acute lead encephalopathy. We conclude that lead poisoning is a serious problem in Al Jahra, Kuwait, and that a comprehensive programme for screening and health education are urgently needed to avoid the irreversible effects of lead toxicity.