Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Tissue Culture: Type of Contamination and Improvement of Disinfestation Techniques

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is considered one of the most important economic supports for the agricultural sector. Propagation of date palm by offshoots cannot satisfy the increasing demand of date palm trees, and high propagation rate can only be achieved using tissue culture techniques. However, one of the major problems of this technique is the failure of producing aseptic cultures, yielding to the loss of the explants at the initiation phase. The objectives of this study were to develop a reliable disinfection technique of date palm explants at the initiation stage yielding a contamination rate less than 5 %, to identify tissue culture contaminants and propose respective control means. To avoid contamination problems that are frequently experienced in the initiation stage, explants are to be handled and raised under specific aseptic conditions. Various concentrations of Sodium Hypochloride (NaOCl), Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and Aliette (fungicide) were tested during different periods of time. The recommended double disinfection technique is 40 % of NaOCI combined with 3 g/l of Aliette, and 30 % of NaOCI combined with 400 mg/l KMnO4-. The most frequent bacterial strains identified were Cellulomonas cellulans, Enterobacter aerogenes, Bacillus fusiformis, Serratia marcescens, Kocuria rosea and Cellulomonas uda

Comparative between Syndromic and Nonsyndromic Craniosynostosis: A Literature Review

Craniosynostosis (CS) refers to the premature fusion in the perinatal stage of one or multiple skull sutures, also denominated synostoses (sagittal, metopic, uni and bilateral coronal, and lamboidal), which are commonly accompanied by facial, trunk, and limb deformities. During normal human body and head development, cranial growth achieves approximately 80% of the adult size at birth and its definitive size between 2.5 and 3 years of age. In the fetal or newborn skull, the flat bones are separated by four fontanelles and six major cranial sutures that participate in this process. Hereby presented the literature review of syndromic and non-syndromic craniosynostosis

Efficacy Comparison of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt and Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy as Treatment of Hydrocephalus in Children in Developing Countries: A Meta-Analysis

Introduction: In Indonesia, cases of hydrocephalus in children are found in 40% to 50% of medical visits or neurosurgical operations. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy was one of choices for treat the patient but efficacy and effects still unknown. Purpose of this study is to broadly assess the outcome of treatments and review evidence that one treatment may have greater efficacy than another. Method: Researchers develop PICO questions. Demographic information, detailed methods, interventions, and results were extracted from the selected manuscripts. Of the 122 articles identified using optimized search parameters, 52 were withdrawn for full-text review. In total, 6 articles were accepted for inclusion in the evidentiary table and 8 were excluded for various reasons. Result: The tabulated evidence provides sufficient data to allow our evaluation of the CSF versus ETV shunt. Conclusion: CSF shunt and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) are options in the management of hydrocephalus in childre

Our Experience Of Pediatric Brain Tumour In Medan: Demographic Study In Adam Malik General Hospital 2019-2020

Abstract Introduction: Primary brain and central nervous system tumors are the most prevalent and frequent neoplasm in children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 years. Brain and CNS tumors are the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 years old. Previous studies in several countries have reported the incidence rate of primary brain and CNS tumors in children and adolescent, ranged from 1.08 to 5.57 per 100,000 population. The incidence of brain tumor in pediatric patients has increased in the past decades, due to innovations in the imaging studies and the increase of benign form diagnoses. The highest occurrence of pediatric brain tumor is in the United States. Based on the study by Rictherova et al. in 2018, according to the age groups, the highest incidence is in adolescents aging 15-19 years with 6.38 per 100,000 children, followed by children aging under 1 year with 6.2 per 100,000 children. Method: A total of 58 patients were reported in this study. Data was collected from medical bank data of Neurosurgical Department of Faculty of Medicine of North Sumatera in Indonesia. The variables that we collected were as follows: gender, tumor diagnosis, Glasgow-Coma Scale (GCS) score on admission, and age group. We classified age group into <1 year, 2-4 years, 5-9 years, 10-14 years, and 15-19 years old. The data was computed using the SPSS 25th edition. Result: Out of 58 diagnosis, boys were the predominance frequency with a total of 69% and girls were 31%. most patients had medulloblastoma (27.6%) followed by glioma (24.1%), craniopharyngioma (8.6%), and meningioma (8.6%). Other types of tumor, namely cerebral abscess, cerebromalacia, choroid plexus papilloma, craniopharyngioma, ependymoma, neurofibromatosis 1, soft tissue tumor, were accounted for 1.7%, respectively Discussion: Primary brain and central nervous system tumors are the most prevalent and frequent neoplasm in children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 years. Brain and CNS tumors are the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 years old. In our study, from a total of 58 patients, most of the patients (69%) were boys with a frequency of 40. Girls were only accounted for 18 (31%). A study by Stiller et al. in 2019 regarding incidence of childhood CNS tumors in Britain also reported similar result, with 2275 boys and 1891 girls out of 4166 tumor patients. The most common diagnosis was medulloblastoma (27.6%), in line with the study by Stiller et al. and Suresh et al. The most common age group with brain tumor was 10-14 years old (34.5%). Conclusion: Based on our study, from the total of 58 patients, most of the patients were boys (69%). The most common tumor diagnosis in our study was medulloblastoma (27.6%) followed by glioma (24.1%). The results in our study had been in line with other literatures. However, the age group distribution was not in line with other literatures as our study reported the age group of 10-14 years old having the highest percentage of brain tumors. Overall, this study had reported the demographic result of pediatric brain tumor in Adam Malik General Hospital from 2019-2020

A Case Report : Massive Subdural Empyema Following Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunt Placement in Child Patient

Background: Subdural empyema is a critical neurosurgical condition that arise from neurosurgical procedures, trauma, meningitis, sinusitis, or otogenic infection. Reported mortality rates vary from 4.4% to 24%. Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement is one of the most common procedures and reported rates for shunt infections are relatively high. However, their association with subdural empyema is rare. Case Report: One years old boy who presented with fever, lethargy, and inability to walk was admitted to the hospital. He was undergone Vp-shunt 1 month ago because of hydrocephalus. At the time of admission, the child was alert, had a moderate right hemiparesis, and a macrocephalic appearance. An emergency CT scan showed well-circumscribed subdural empyema. Discussion: A craniotomy was performed, then thick fibrous capsule underlying the dura mater was encountered, finally the pus was totally removed. Postoperatively, he was fully alert with a marked motoric improvement. Diplococus gram positive was found. The patient was given appropriate antibiotic treatment for 3 weeks periode. Conclusion: Subdural empyema is an unusual complication of a VP-shunt. Although rare in children, it is still a neurosurgical problem. The combination of medication and surgery treatment in Subdural empyema resulted in a good response

Biotechnology of Whey using Yeast Fungi Isolated from Local Environment

The potential threat of whey pollution to the soil environment and ultimately groundwater resources in UAB promoted the elements of concern to the utilization of the whey waste. This work was conducted in AI-Ain area to isolate new fermenting yeast strains, from local soils, capable of fermenting whey lactose. Soil samples were collected from two locations in AI-Ain area (near Al-Ain dairy farm & AI-Markhania area) and from a neighboring area (AI-Buraimi) based on the soil nature and ecological parameters. Inorganic elements and organic residues of the soil samples were characterized. Results indicated that AI-Buraimi soil is rich in nitrate nitrogen, reactive iron (878 mg kg-1), sulphur and organic carbon. Al-Ain Dairy Farm soil is rich in ammonia nitrogen (26mg Kg-1) and magnesium oxide. AI-Markhania soil is rich in phosphorus and potassium. Organic analysis indicated that AI-Markhania soil is the richest in organic residuals of plant debris. This results in providing the most favourable organic environment for the growth and proliferation of microorganisms. The highest soil conductivity was recorded in AI-Buraimi area (1.0740dS m-1). This is attributed to the high content of soil minerals. The pH value indicated that all the soil samples were within the neutral to slightly alkaline range [7.10-7.80]. The type of whey used in the study was classified according to pH (6.62) and acidity (0.10%) as sweet whey and the salt content was found to be 0.20%. Standard and enrichment isolation methods in which the whey lactose is used as a carbon source were used to isolate the potential whey-fermenting yeasts from the soil. The highest number of isolated yeasts was obtained from AI-Markhania soil (rich in organic matter), followed by AI-Buraimi soil (rich in minerals). The lowest number of yeast has been observed in AI-Ain Dairy Farm soil which is poor in. organic nutrients (non cultivated desert soil). Yeast isolates number (2, 1 4 and 20), all isolated from AI-Markhania soil, have shown strong fermentative ability on whey broth. Out of these three isolates, the highest ethanol concentration was achieved by the yeast isolate (number 20). It was tentatively identified to species level in accordance to morphological, cultural, sexual and physiological criteria as described by Barrnet, (1984). The identification of isolate number (20) was confirmed by the National Collection of Yeast Cultures (NCYC, UK) and as a result of this study, it has been referred to as Kluyveromyces marxianus NCYC 2886. Yeast fermentation conditions [temperature and whey lactose concentrations] were studied so as to reach optimal ethanol yields. K. marxianus NCYC 2886 was subjected to various temperatures ranging between 30°C to 50°C. The results revealed that ethanol production increases in parallel with the elevation of temperature from (30°C, 35°C, 40°C and 45°C). The optimal ethanol production was achieved at 40°C. Therefore it could consequently be referred to as a thermotolerant whey fermenting yeast. Reduction of ethanol production was observed at high temperatures exceeding 50°C. Eight lactose concentrations, in whey, in the range of 0.31 - 11.05%, were employed to investigate the effect of lactose concentrations on the fermenting ability and efficiency of the yeast strain Kluyveromyces marxianus NCYC 2886 in producing ethanol. The optimal lactose concentration found to enhance ethanol production is 2.5% contained in 50% diluted whey. The increase in lactose concentration from 2.50% to 4.95% slightly decreased the ethanol yield and ultimately withstood lactose utilization. With the aim of optimizing ethanol yield, different chemical amendments were subjected to study so as to test their ability in enhancing whey fermentation at 40°C using 50% diluted whey. Addition of 0.20 g of yeast extract in 100 ml of 50% whey concentration resulted in yielding 6.55% ethanol compared to the non-amended whey (5.33%). This was the highest yield of ethanol obtained. Ethanol concentrations were found to be similar (6.10%) when 1.20 g/100 ml whey of both beef extract and peptone were used. Addition of 0.03 g of potassium di-hydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) resulted in producing 6.35 % ethanol. The above supplements are significantly increased the ethanol production and considered as enhancers. In contrast, the addition of higher concentration of yeast extract (1.20 g) significantly decreased ethanol yield to 3.80% compared to the non-amended whey · (5.33%). A clear inhibition of ethanol yield was observed when magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) alone was used as a supplement in whey fermentation. Urea has shown inhibitory effect on whey fermentation by the yeast strain K. marxianus NCYC 2886. Di-potassium hydrogen phosphate (K2HPO4) ions appeared to exert a significant inhibitory effect on fermentation process compared to the non-amended whey (5.33%). on addition of mesoinositol (0.10% w/v) and pantothenate (0.0001% w/v) the ethanol concentrations yield were 3.57% and 3.55%, respectively. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) (0.20% w/v) led to the production of 3.99% ethanol which is significantly low compared to the non-amended whey (5.33%). Manganese chloride (MnCl2) added to 50% cheese whey (final concentration was 1.0 g/L) resulted in low production of ethanol at 40°C (3.53%). This result may be attributed to the addition of higher concentration of Mn Cl2. The addition of high linoleic acid concentration (1 % w/v) to 100 ml of 50% whey resulted in obvious reduction of ethanol production where 3.55% ethanol was yielded. The results obtained by using riboflavin (0.000 1 % w/v), pyridoxin-HCl (0.0001 % w/v), aminobenzoic acid (0.0002% w/v), malt extract (0.2% w/v), ammonium sulphate [(NH3)2SO4] (0.05% w/v), Tween 80 (30 µL), nicotinic acid (0.0005 % w/v), thiamin (0.0001 % w/v), peptone (0.20% w/v) and beef extract (0.20% w/v) indicated no significant effect on the whey fermentation process at 40°C compared to the non-amended whey (5.33%). The reduction efficiency of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) obtained for the fermented 50% whey, with and without yeast extract addition at 40°C, were 59% and 46% respectively

Prevalence Of and Factors Associated With Overweight, Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome among School Children and Adolescents in Ras Alkhaimah, United Arab Emirates – 2016-2017

Introduction: The prevalence of childhood obesity is reported to be increasing rapidly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Excess adiposity is a key independent risk factor for the future development of cardiometabolic disorders such as metabolic syndrome. Population-based studies using representative samples are required to provide accurate and valid estimates of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Currently, there is a dearth of pediatric obesity research conducted in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Aims: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome among school children in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Method: Using a cross-sectional study design, a random representative sample of children (N=1184; 43% males) aged 6-18 years was recruited from government and private schools in Ras Al Khaimah, during the academic year 2016-2017. Participants completed a questionnaire collecting sociodemographic and lifestyle behavior data. Anthropometric (i.e. height, body mass, and waist circumference) and blood pressure measurements were conducted using standard procedures. Body mass index-derived estimates of obesity were calculated using three international cut-offs: Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), and the World Health Organization (WHO). Participants aged 10-18 years (N=413) provided a fasting venous blood sample to assess fasting blood glucose, lipid levels, and glycated hemoglobin. Metabolic syndrome was classified using the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Results: The overall prevalence of combined overweight/obesity was 37.2% (CDC), 37.7% (IOTF), and 40.1% (WHO). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 6.6% (11.4% males, females 3.1%, P=0.001). Multivariate logistic regression identified that maternal obesity was positively associated with childhood overweight and obesity (p \u3c 0.05). Father education, dark vegetables, and full-fat milk were negatively associated with overweight and obesity (p \u3c 0.05). Significant contributions: This study confirms a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Ras Al Khaimah. Mother obesity, Father Education, full milk, and dark vegetables were identified as correlates of childhood obesity. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome will continue to increase unless school-based obesity interventions are implemented across the UAE. Gap filled: This is the first study in RAK estimated the prevalence of overweight and obesity for 18 years using 3 international BMI definitions and investigated the associated factors of childhood obesity. Furthermore, it is the first study to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the northern emirates

An Assessment of DNA Extraction Protocols for Herbarium Specimen: The Case of UAEU Herbarium

The herbarium collections have become vastly used due to the recent developments in molecular techniques. Molecular techniques such as DNA extraction and DNA sequencing are playing an important role in studying genetic makeup of plant and identifying the evolutionary relationship using DNA bar coding. Herbarium collection is considered as one of the potential source to access the genetic material of the extinct plant species. Study focused on the DNA isolation process using five isolation techniques: Maxwell, Synergy, Qiagen, I-Genomic , and CTAB on herbarium desert/medicine plant: Inula Helenium, Chenopodium album, Salsola Kali, Haloxylon Persicum, Atriplex Halimus and compared them with fresh samples in term of DNA purity and DNA yield. Two universal genes, matK and Rbcl, were used for the phylogenetic investigation for all samples. In addition, the homemade extraction (CTAB) was compared with other DNA extraction kits for both herbarium and fresh samples in order to find the significant difference between them. Results: Fresh specimens yielded better quality of DNA and 100% amplified and sequenced of plant barcode genes Rbcl and matK in five techniques. while, herbarium samples Salsola Kali, Haloxylon Persicum were yielded good DNA purity and concentration via CTAB, Maxwell, Synergy, Qiagen techniques, resulting good amplification in both genes (matK, Rbcl). Regarding to the significance effect between fresh and herbarium, there are noticeable differences values in both DNA purity and DNA concentration. In case of comparing fresh samples only, the concentration effect showed significant differences between CTAB and four other methods, while three out of five species show significant differences method in term of purity. In term of comparing herbarium samples only, Inula helenium and Chenopodium album from CTAB\ method showed no significance effect in term of purity, also Chenopodium album from CTAB method showed no significance effect in term of concentration

Nasofrontal Mucocele Following after Craniotomy Procedure

Introduction : Mucocele is a chronic, expanding, mucosa-lined lesion of the paranasal sinus characterized by mucous retention that can be infected becoming a mucopyocele. They originate from obstruction of the sinus ostium by congenital anomalies, infection, inflammation, allergy, trauma (including surgery) or a benign or malignant tumor.  The frontal sinuses are most commonly affected, and subsequently ethmoidal sinuses. Case Report : A 56 years old man, presented with a lump on the left and right forehead accompanied by a protruding left eye since 6 months and is getting wors.  Patient with a history of craniectomy debridement surgery indicated for open depressed fracture due to an accident 12 years ago, then underwent a titanium mesh cranioplasty 11 years ago.  From examination of the head CT scan revealed a solid mass lesion filling the left and right frontal sinuses expands into the left orbital cavity. Bifrontal craniotomy was performed on the patient. Discussion :  Mucoceles are mucous-secreting expansive pseudocystic formations, and capable of expansion by virtue of a dynamic process of bone resorption and new bone formation. They result from obstruction of a sinus ostium and frequently are related to a previous condition as chronic sinusitis, trauma, surgery or expansible lesion. With continued secretion and accumulation mucus, the increasing pressure causes atrophy or erosion of the bone of the sinus, allowing the mucocele to expand in the path of less resistance. This may be into the orbit, adjacent sinuses, nasal cavity, intracranial or through the skin; intracranial and orbital extension were demonstrated in this patient. Conclusion : Frontal mucoceles are benign and curable, but early diagnosis and treatment of them is important. Open surgery remains a valid procedure in frontal mucoceles with orbital and/or intracranial extension and in cases where the district anatomy is unfavourable for a purely endonasal approach