ABSTRACT The application of biochar using inorganic fertilizer has been reported as being more efficient for the effective growth of soil microbes. However, there is no evidence that rice straw biochar (9 t ha-1) and different urea rates have had any effect on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of rice (Oryza sativa L.) production in tropical soils. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of urea and the application of rice straw biochar (9 t ha-1) on yield and GHG emissions. Treatments were 150 kg N ha-1 (T1 control) and rice straw biochar (9 t ha-1) combined with 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 kg N ha-1 (T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6, respectively). The experiment had a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Grain yield increased 20.7% in plants grown in T3, T4, and T5 compared with the control. Although all biochar treatments had increased cumulative CO2-C emissions compared with the control (5.0% to 7.6%), the cumulative CH4 emissions significantly decreased compared with the control (20% to 27%). Therefore, it could be suggested that T3 and T4 (9 t ha-1 rice straw biochar with 60 and 90 kg N ha-1) increase yield and reduce CH4 emissions relative to the control. Although this study was limited to a pot experiment with no nutrient leaching, the synergetic effect of rice straw biochar (9 t ha-1) and reduced urea rate is worth mentioning for acidic paddy soil; a field experiment is suggested to determine the long-term effect of biochar.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of oil pulling in the management of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Material and Methods: A total of 62 patients clinically and histopathologically diagnosed as OSMF were incorporated in the present study. The subjects are randomly divided equally into two groups, Group A (oil pulling group) and Group B (placebo group). Subjects in Group A were asked to perform OP with sesame oil on an empty stomach in the morning for 3 months and Group B was given placebo capsules for 3 months. Assessment of various clinical parameters was done regularly, and data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: Eighty-two percent had a habit of betel nut chewing, while 18% of the patients had tobacco chewing habits, which were among the main causative factors for OSMF. Clinical improvements in mouth opening, tongue protrusion, difficulty in speech and deglutition, and burning sensation were significant in the Group A. None of the patients reported any discomfort or side effects. The symptoms were not severe in nature and resolved in few days without stopping the therapy. Conclusion: Oil pulling can bring about significant clinical improvements in the symptoms like a mouth opening and tongue protrusion.

ABSTRACT Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is one of the major hindrances in rice (Oryza sativa L.) production across the world including Malaysia. Therefore, the development of disease-resistant varieties remains a very economical and effective method of controlling BLB in rice. Based on this background, this study was conducted to analyze segregation pattern of simple-sequence repeat (SSR) markers associated with BLB resistance genes in an F2 bulk population derived from a resistant variety (IRBB60) and a susceptible variety (MR219). Out of 129 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers screened, 18 distinct polymorphism markers including R-gene based markers were used to screen 345 F2 progenies for resistance to BLB. Among the polymorphic markers, the chi-square analyses showed that 15 SSR markers (i.e. RM13 (xa5), RM21 (Xa21), RM122 (xa5), RM153 (xa5), RM164 (Xa13), RM206 (Xa10), RM5509, RM20B, RM25, RM163, RM169, RM218, RM267, RM276, and RM334) had a segregation ratio of 1:2:1 for a single gene model (df = 2.0, p ≤ 0.05). For phenotypic ratio, the F2 population segregated in ratio 3:1 (R:S) for resistant and susceptible plants, respectively. This indicated that resistance to BLB caused by pathotype X. oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) in the ‘MR219’ × ‘IRBB60’ F2 population is controlled by single dominant genes. The result presented in this study will help breeders to further breeding research in rice by enabling selection based on the genotype rather than on the phenotype. Similarly, the markers reported in this study will serve as a valuable tool for marker-aided selection for BLB resistance gene.

Resumo Uma janela terapêutica maior para o tratamento do AVC exige uma mudança significativa na organização dos serviços de emergência, para evitar o aumento do número de exames de imagem e indiretamente o tempo de tratamento. Objetivo: destacar a relação entre avaliação clínica mais rápida e suspeita de acidente vascular cerebral e, consequentemente, aquisição de imagem excessiva, e identificar preditores de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico e imitações de acidente vascular cerebral (SM), visando uma melhor seleção de pacientes para terapias abrangentes de neuroimagem e reperfusão. Métodos: estudo observacional de coorte retrospectivo, em centro único, que revisou todos os arquivos consecutivos de pacientes com sintomas neurológicos agudos submetidos à tomografia computadorizada ou ressonância magnética de 1 de julho de 2016 a 1 de julho de 2017. Resultados: Foram revisados 736 prontuários. 385 pacientes (52,3%) apresentaram infarto isquêmico agudo confirmado, 93 (12,6%) apresentaram outra lesão cerebral imitando isquemia aguda e 258 (35,1%) apresentaram imagem normal. O AVC agudo foi mais frequente em pacientes idosos com fibrilação atrial, hipertensão arterial, ou disartria ou comprometimento motor direito. A imitação de acidente vascular cerebral foi associada a pacientes do sexo feminino com baixos fatores de risco vascular, NIHSS baixo e pacientes com diminuição do nível de consciência ou sintomas sugestivos de circulação posterior. Discussão: 47,7% de todos os pacientes atendidos na unidade de AVC não apresentaram lesões agudas de AVC. Conclusão: Considerando que o número de pacientes admitidos para tratamento de AVC aumentará ainda mais com uma janela terapêutica maior para trombectomia e trombólise IV, é necessário um algoritmo de tomada de decisão diagnóstica para pacientes com AVC, a fim de reforçar a suspeita de AVC indicando uma imagem cerebral urgente.

Abstract A larger therapeutic window for stroke treatment requires a significant change in the organization of emergency services, avoiding the increase in number of imaging exams and indirectly the time to treatment. Objective: To highlight the relation between faster clinical evaluation and stroke over-suspicion and consequently excessive imaging acquisition. To identify predictors of ischemic stroke and stroke mimics (SM), aiming for better patient selection for comprehensive neuroimaging and reperfusion therapies. Methods: Retrospective, cohort, observational, single-center study that reviewed all consecutive files of patients presenting with acute neurological symptoms who underwent CT scan or MRI from July 1, 2016 to July 1, 2017. Results: 736 patient files were reviewed. 385 patients (52.3%) presented with confirmed acute ischemic infarct, 93 (12.6%) had another brain lesion mimicking acute ischemia, and 258 (35.1%) had normal imaging. Acute stroke was more frequent in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation, arterial hypertension, or dysarthria or right motor impairment. Stroke mimic was associated with female patients with low vascular risk factors, low NIHSS, and patients with decreased level of consciousness or symptoms suggestive of posterior circulation. Discussion: 47.7% of all patients seen at the stroke unit did not have acute stroke lesions. Clinical assessment data have been used to provide indicators of acute stroke and stroke mimic patients, and symptoms corresponding to acute stroke and stroke mimic seem to be similar in the literature. Conclusion: Considering that the number of patients admitted for stroke treatment will increase even further with a larger therapeutic window for mechanical thrombectomy and for thrombolysis, a diagnostic decision-making algorithm for stroke patients is required in order to reinforce the suspicion of stroke indicating an urgent MRI.

ABSTRACT: This work describes the aerodynamic characteristics of an aircraft wing model with a Rüppell’s griffon vulture (RGV)-type winglet. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study using ANSYS 15.0 was conducted to study the effect of the RGV winglet on a rectangular wing. The NACA 65(3)-218 wing consists of 660 mm span and 121 mm chord length where the aspect ratio is 5.45. Eight different winglet configurations have been studied. Furthermore, the study is extended to study effect of cant angle and different angles of attack (AOA) to the winglet. A comparative study is done on aerodynamic features such as lift coefficient (CL), drag coefficient (CD), lift/drag ratio (CL/CD) and tip vortices to get the best RGV winglet design. The RGV winglet achieved highest CL compared to other types of winglets configuration. Based on contour plot analysis, the RGV winglet shows lower vortex formation compared to without winglet. The results show about 15 to 30% reduction in drag coefficient and 5 to 25% increase in lift coefficient by using an RGV winglet.

Hospitalized patients with left ventricular failure (LVF) are at high risk for potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) and its related adverse effects owing to multiple risk factors such as old age, comorbidities and polypharmacy. This cross-sectional study conducted in two tertiary care hospitals aim to identify frequency, levels and predictors of pDDIs in LVF patients. Data about patients’ demographic, hospital stay, medication therapy, sign/symptoms and laboratory test results were collected for 385 patients with LVF. Micromedex Drug-Reax® was used to screen patients’ medication profiles for pDDIs. Overall prevalence and severity-wise prevalence of pDDIs were identified. Chi-square test was performed for comparative analysis of various variables. Logistic regression was applied to determine the odds-ratios (OR) for predictors of pDDIs. The prevalence of pDDIs was 96.4% (n=371). Overall 335 drug-interacting pairs were detected, which were presented in a total of 2870 pDDIs. Majority of pDDIs were of major- (48.9%) and moderate-severity (47.5%). Logistic regression analysis shows significant association of >6 all types of pDDIs with >12 drugs as compared with <8 drugs (OR=16.5; p=<0.001). Likewise, there was a significant association of >4 major-pDDIs with men as compared with female (OR=1.9; p=0.007) and >12 drugs as compared with <8 drugs (OR=10.9; p=<0.001). Hypotension (n=57), impaired renal function (23) and increased blood pressure (22) were the most frequent adverse outcomes associated with pDDIs. This study shows high prevalence of pDDIs in LVF patients. Majority of pDDIs were of major- and moderate-severity. Male patients and those prescribed greater number of medicines were more exposed to major-pDDIs.

Abstract Objective: To build an exponential regression model based on parameter estimation. Material and Methods: We developed a simple mathematical model to simulate the growth of bacteria and the exponential growth is often used to model population growth as such cell growth while the exponential decay is portraying a declining or decreases in the size of the population. An exponential regression method was used to fit the data and estimate growth parameter values Streptococcus sobrinus using statistical software SPSS version 20. Results: Based on the results of the parameter estimates, which is constant are 83.039 and b1 is 0.005 while R-square is 0.952. According to the R-Square results obtained, the model is good and appropriate. Conclusion: The model can be used to find the potential biological parameters, which may be able to predict the treatment outcome. This study helps researchers to understand the specific growth rate(s), which can be used to best grow the organism.

The sensitive and selective chemosensor for copper(II) ions (Cu2+) was successfully optimized using the 1,5-diphenylthiocarbazone (DPT) compound. The result showed that dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in a 9:1 (DMSO:water) ratio at a pH of 3 was the optimum medium for DPT to act as chemosensor of Cu2+ recognition. The DPT chemosensor did not encounter any interference from other metal ions, including Fe3+, Ag+, Cr3+, Pb2+, Mg2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, K+, Ni2+ and Co2+. The presence of Cu2+ led to an absorption peak at 658 nm, where the color changed from cantaloupe to gray-green color indicating the interaction by the formation of the DPT-Cu complex in 2:1 stoichiometry. The theoretical s-profile calculation using conductor-like screening model for real solvents (COSMO-RS) showed the compatibility of DPT with the DMSO solvent through hydrogen bonding. In the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the formation energy of DPT and DPT-Cu were -1113.79645660 and -2435.71832681 a.u. , respectively. Under optimal conditions, a detection limit of 6.08 µM for the DPT chemosensor for Cu2+ recognition can compete with the flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) value of 6.21 µM. Finally, DPT was able to provide less expensive, more portable and convenient chemosensor for Cu2+ recognition in environmental water samples.

The present study investigates the synthesis of agarose nanoparticles (ANPs) and its surface modification by galactose for the immobilization of β-galactosidase. Galactose modified ANPs retained 91% enzyme activity upon immobilization. Optimum pH (4.5) and temperature (50 ºC) remains unchanged after immobilization. However, immobilized enzyme retained greater catalytic activity against lower and higher, pH and temperature ranges. Immobilized β-galactosidase retained 89% biocatalytic activity even at 4% galactose concentration as compared to enzyme in solution, and exhibited 81% activity even after seventh repeated uses. Immobilized enzyme hydrolyzed greater amount of lactose at higher temperatures as compared to β-galactosidase in solution, thereby suggesting its potential application in obtaining lactose-free dairy products at large scale.

RESUMO. Os presentes experimentos foram conduzidos para avaliar os efeitos da cevada com a bactéria Lactobacillus e bactéria ácido lática (LAB) e suplementos de mistura enzimática sobre a composição química e alguns parâmetros de qualidade da silagem de milho cobertos por geada. Os tratamentos foram os seguintes; T1: Controle (sem suplementadão, C); T2: cevada 20 g kg-1, B20; T3: cevada 40g kg-1, B40; T4: 1,5 g ton-1, uma mistura de LAB; e T5: 2 g ton-1, com mistura de LAB+enzima, LEN. A suplementação de cevada para o milho aumentou a matéria seca (MS) (p < 0,01). O valor do pH foi maior no grupo LAB (p < 0,01). Os tratamentos complementados com LAB e LEN reduziram significativamente os conteúdos de proteínas brutas (p < 0,001). O teor de ácido láctico diminuiu em todos os tratamentos em comparação com o grupo controle e variou entre 2,46 e 5,40% de DM (p < 0,05). O teor de energia metabolizável foi significativamente maior em B40 do que nos grupos B20, LAB e LEN. Os pontos médios do Fleig mostraram uma silagem de “excelente” qualidade. Em conclusão, a suplementação por cevada, LEN e LAB em milho fosco apresentou silagem de boa qualidade. A suplementação com LEN pode ser utilizada para ensilagem eficiente de milho coberto por geada, devido a sua capacidade de manter sua qualidade em baixa MS.

ABSTRACT. The present experiments were conducted to assess the effects of barley, Lactobacillus bacteria and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and enzyme mixture supplementations on chemical composition and some quality parameters of naturally frosted maize silage. The treatments were as follows; T1: Control (no supplementation, C); T2: barley 20 g kg-1, B20; T3: barley 40 g kg-1, B40; T4: 1.5 g ton-1, a mixture of LAB; and T5: 2 g ton1, a mixture LAB+enzyme, LEN. Barley supplementation to frosted maize increased dry matter (DM) (p < 0.01). The pH value was higher in LAB group (p < 0.01). Treatments supplemented LAB and LEN significantly reduced crude protein contents (p < 0.001). Lactic acid contents decreased in all treatments as compared to control group and ranged between 2.46 and 5.40% DM (p < 0.05). The metabolisable energy content was significantly higher in B40 than in B20, LAB and LEN groups. Mean Fleig points showed with an “excellent” quality silage. In conclusion, supplementation of barley, LEN and inoculation of LAB to frosted maize had a good quality silage. The LEN supplementation may be used for efficient ensiling of frosted maize due to their ability to keep its quality in low DM crop maize silage.

Shelter centres are important locations to safeguard people from helpless situations and are an integral part of disaster risk reduction (DRR), particularly for flood DRR. The establishment of shelter centres, and their design based on scientific assessment, is crucial. Yet, they are very much related to the geographic location, socio-economic conditions and the livelihoods of the affected communities. However, many parts of the developing world are still lagging behind in ensuring such scientific design. Considering the flood disaster in 2014 that affected the residents living along the Pahang River Basin, in this study we delineate the communities at risk and evaluate the existing shelter centres to determine how they reduce people's vulnerability to the risks associated with rural and urban landscapes. We used spatial analysis tools to delineate risk zones and to evaluate existing evacuation systems. A flood disaster risk map was produced to determine which communities are living with risks. Subsequently, the distribution of shelter centres examined whether they are able to support people living at the flood risk zones. These centres were also evaluated using a set of international guidelines for effective disaster shelters. This reveals that the number of shelter centres is not adequate. The designation and designing of shelter centres are not being done scientifically. The maps produced here have a lot of potential to support disaster management decisions, in particular site selection and the prioritisation of centres. The study concludes with a set of guidelines and recommendations for structural and non-structural measures, such as alternative livelihoods and the potential of ecotourism, which may improve the resilience among flood-affected communities; and the decision-making process for the overall flood DRR initiatives.

Abstract Introduction The inferior turbinate (IT) is the most susceptible turbinate to enlargement causing nasal obstruction. The common belief ascribes most of the enlargement of the IT to mucosal elements. Objective This study aimed to investigate the detailed computed tomography (CT) measurement of the IT in asymptomatic adult by determining the thickness of both the non-bony (mucosa) and bony parts and their relation to nasal air space in different related areas of the nose. Methods We included in the study paranasal CT scans of 108 individuals (216 IT) that had no paranasal pathology. We acquired axial images with multiplanar reformates to obtain delicate details in coronal and sagittal planes for all subjects. We took separate measurements of the thickness of themedialmucosa, bones, and lateralmucosa of the IT on the anterior and posterior portions of ITs. We also measured the air space of the nasal cavity between the septum and IT anteriorly and posteriorly. Results The difference in the air space between nasal septum, anterior and posterior ends of IT was extremely statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The thickness of the medial mucosa was extremely significantly more than the lateral mucosa width (P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in length of IT at both sides (p = 0.5781). Conclusion The detailed CT measurement of the IT in normal adult is an easy and novel measurement. This study lays the foundation for CT measurement of IT for further work that can describe changes in IT measures after turbinate surgery.

RESUMOO estudo foi realizado no Centro de Arroz da Universidade Putra Malásia (UPM), para avaliar o desempenho produtivo de plantas resistentes a brunose do arroz recém desenvolvidas de BC2F3 gerações derivadas do cruzamento entre MR263, uma variedade de arroz de alta produtividade, embora suscetível a brunose e Ponsu Seribu 1, doador com resistência a brunose [Pi- 7 (t) e Pi-d (t) 1, Pir2-3 (t)genes e qLN2 QTL], e também uma variedade local da Malásia. Com base nas características avaliadas, as plantas 12, 6, 7, 5, 21, 22, 5, 26, 11, 8, 10, 13 e 15 apresentaram o maior rendimento, resistência a brunose e boas características morfológicas. Mais de 70% de herdabilidade foram encontradas em dias para maturação, altura da planta, número de perfilhos por cova, e panículas por cova, 80% de herdabilidade foram encontradas em grãos e rendimento por colina e mais de 90% de herdabilidade foi observada em grãos, largura de grãos e peso das sementes. A análise de agrupamento com base nos traços agruparam 30 plantas, juntamente com MR263 em sete clusters. De acordo com o PCA, os quatro primeiros componentes principais responsáveis por cerca de 69,3% da variação total para todas as características medidas apresentaram alta correlação entre as características analisadas.

ABSTRACTThe study was carried out in the University Putra Malaysia (UPM) Rice Research Centre to evaluate the yield performance of newly developed selected blast resistant plants of BC2F3 generations derived from a cross between MR263, a high yielding rice variety but blast susceptible and Pongsu Seribu 1, donor with blast resistant (Pi-7(t)and Pi-d (t)1, Pir2-3(t)genes and qLN2 QTL), Malaysian local variety. On the basis of assessed traits, the plants 12, 6, 7, 5, 21, 22, 5, 26, 11, 8, 10, 13 and 15 had the higher yield, blast resistant and good morphological traits. More than 70% heritability was found in days to maturity, plant height, tiller numbers per hill, and panicle per hill, 80% heritability was found in filled grain and yield per hill and more than 90% heritability was found in grain length, grain width and seed weight. Cluster analysis based on the traits grouped 30 plants along with MR263 into seven clusters. According to PCA, the first four principal components account for about 69.3% total variation for all measured traits and exhibited high correlation among the characteristics analyzed.

<sec><title>Introduction</title><p>Although medialization thyroplasty utilizing Gore-Tex (Gore and Associates, Newark, Delaware, United States) has been discussed in the literature, few reports have assessed voice quality afterward, and they did not use a full assessment protocol.</p></sec><sec><title>Objective</title><p> To assess the improvement in voice quality after medialization thyroplasty utilizing Gore-Tex in patients with glottic insufficiency of variable etiology.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>Eleven patients with glottic insufficiency of different etiologies that failed compensation were operated by type 1 thyroplasty utilizing Gore-Tex. Pre- and postoperative (1 week, 3 months, and 6 months) voice assessment was done and statistical analysis was performed on the results.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>In all postoperative assessments, there was significant improvement in the grade of dysphonia (p < 0.004) and highly significant reduction in the size of glottic gap and prolongation of maximum phonation time (p < 0.0001). The difference in voice parameters in the early (1 week) and the late (3 and 6months) postoperative period was not significant. None of the patients developed stridor or shortness of breath necessitating tracheotomy, and there was no implant extrusion in any patient during the study period.</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title><p>Gore-Tex medialization provides reliable results for both subjective and objective voice parameters. It leads to a satisfactory restoration of voice whatever the etiology of glottic incompetence is. This technique is relatively easy and does not lead to major complications. Further studies with larger number of patients andmore extended periods of follow-up are still required to assess the long-term results of the technique regarding voice quality and implant extrusion.</p></sec>

The effect of nanoclay contents on the physical and mechanical properties of bagasse flour/ reprocessed high density polyethylene (rHDPE)/ nanoclay composites was investigated. The bagasse flour content was constant at 50%, the maleic anhydride content was constant at 3%, and the nanoclay (Cloisite 30B) content was set at three different levels: 0%, 2%, and 4%. The materials were mixed in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder; afterwards, the specimens were fabricated using an injection molding method. The water absorption and mechanical properties, such as flexural and tensile strength, flexural and tensile modulus, and notched impact strength, were measured. The nanoclay dispersion was examined by X-ray diffraction. The results indicated that tensile and flexural modulus increased with an increase in nanoclay content. Also By increasing the nanoclay content at 2 wt.%, the tensile and flexural strengths of the composite were increased. However, the addition of 4 wt.% nanoclay resulted in reductions of these properties. Water absorption decreased with increasing nanoclay content. The structural examination of the bagasse polymer composite with X-ray diffraction showed that the nanoclay was distributed as an intercalated structure in the polymer matrix, and the d- spacing of layers decreased with increasing nanoclay content. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that 2% nanoclay samples with lower and more uniform pores compared at 4% nanoclay samples, respectively.