Estimation of anthropogenic organo-chlorine, bromine and iodine compounds in apolar lipid fractions of bovine milk by solid-phase extraction and neutron activation analysis (SPE–NAA)

Articulo cientifico publicado en: Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry (2018) 318:247–257 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-018-6086-8Milk lipids were separated using a hexane:isopropanol mixture; then they were fractionated into apolar, medium polar and polar portions by SPE using a LC-Si column. The apolar fraction was further separated into 4 more portions depending on their polarity by another SPE method using a Florosil column. Levels of Cl, Br and I were measured by NAA. Halogens were detected in all separated fractions; but their highest levels were found in the most apolar fraction containing hydrocarbons which strongly indicates the presence of anthropogenic organohalogen compounds in milk. In addition, iodide and iodate ions in whole milk samples were measured

Formatting and searching a massive, multi-parameter clinical information database

Thesis (M. Eng.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 2005.Includes bibliographical references (p. 117-120).Formatting data and executing time-oriented queries on a massive, multi-parameter clinical information database poses significant computational challenges. The challenges encountered in converting high-resolution waveform and trend signals in the MIMIC II (Multi-parameter Intelligent Monitoring for Intensive Care II) database from an error-prone proprietary format to a stable open-source WFDB (Waveform Database) format is presented in the first half of this thesis. The design and implementation of a search engine that is capable of executing time-series queries on clinical information in the MIMIC II database such as lab results, medications, and nurse-verified values from bedside monitors is presented in the second half of this thesis. The search engine employs simple algorithms with little storage overhead to identify time periods in patient records that satisfy time series criteria based on thresholds and gradients of unevenly-sampled measurements. Results from queries executed on the search engine to detect physiological events of clinical interest were presented. Case studies on patient records returned as hits for queries were performed to review the strengths and limitations of the search engine.by Tin Htet Kyaw.M.Eng

Novel disease severity factors in systemic lupus erythematosus: A profile of mannose binding lectin gene polymorphisms, nephrin autoantibodies and brain-reactive autoantibodies

Ph.DDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPH

Effect of Murdannia edulis Faden roots on serum prolactin level and mammary glands of lactating female albino rats

Background: Murdannia edulis (Stokes) Faden (Myit-Cho in Myanmar) is a herb which has widely been used to induce or increase lactation by ethnic groups living in Tamu township of Sagaing division in Myanmar. This study aimed to explore the effect of Murdannia edulis on serum prolactin level and mammary glands of the lactating female rats. Methods: The type of the study was laboratory based experimental study. Thirty-six lactating dams were divided into six groups of 6 lactating rats in each group (n=6), namely group I (normal saline) as control, group II (5 mg/kg metoclopramide) as standard, groups III and IV (1 gm/kg and 2 gm/kg watery extract of Murdannia edulis), groups V and VI (1 gm/kg and 2 gm/kg ethanolic extract of Murdannia edulis), respectively. The extract and the drugs were orally administered from day 4 to 15 of lactation. At 16 days of lactation, the heart blood of lactating dams was collected under chloroform anaesthesia and serum prolactin level of dams was measured by using ELISA kit. The histological changes of mammary glands of the rats were also assessed. Results: The significant higher serum prolactin level were seen in ethanolic extract 2 gm/kg body weight treated group when compared to control. Histology of mammary glands in ethanolic extract treated rats showed stimulation of lobuloalveolar cell development. Conclusions: The lactogenic activity of the roots of Murdannia edulis may be due to promoting prolactin secretion and lobuloalveolar cell development of mammary glands

Long-Term Management of Hepatitis C-Seropositive Subjects with AntiOxidant Biofactor (AOB®), a Fermented Food Supplement

The efficacy of AntiOxidant Biofactor (AOB(R)) for the management of apparently healthy subjects with chronic hepatitis C infection was investigated. A total of 60 subjects (35 males, 25 females) participated in the trial. AOB was given orally in 2 packs (3g per pack) 3 times per day. 17 subjects had taken AOB for 3 years, 31 subjects up to 2 years, and 41 subjects up to one year. The initial mean (SD) serum alamine aminotransferase (ALT) level was 46.3+/-35.4IU/L, and significant (p0.05, paired t-test) reductions in the mean serum ALT levels were observed at 6 months (38.6+/-21.5IU/L), 18 months (31.9+/-18.1IU/L), 2 years (31.2+/-14.6IU/L), and 3 years (28.0+/-15.9IU/L). Those presenting with high serum ALT levels (30 subjects) demonstrated significant levels (p0.05, paired t-test) of reduction in the mean serum ALT levels at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months of treatment. No side effects were observed and the AOB treatment was well tolerated by all subjects

Spatial distribution, work patterns, and perception towards malaria interventions among temporary mobile/migrant workers in artemisinin resistance containment zone

BACKGROUND: Mobile populations are at a high risk of malaria infection and suspected to carry and spread resistant parasites. The Myanmar National Malaria Control Programme focuses on preventive interventions and vector control measures for the temporary mobile/migrant workers in Myanmar Artemisinin Resistance Containment Zones. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012 in Kawthaung and Bokepyin townships of Tanintharyi Region, Myanmar, covering 192 mobile/migrant aggregates. The objectives were to identify the spatial distribution of the mobile/migrant populations, and to assess knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and practices concerning malaria prevention and control, and their preferred methods of interventions. The structure of the192 migrant aggregates was investigated using a migrant mapping tool. Individual and household information was collected by structured interviews of 408 respondents from 39 aggregates, supplemented by 12 in-depth interviews of health care providers, authorities, volunteers, and employers. Data were analyzed by triangulating quantitative and qualitative data. RESULTS: The primary reasons for the limitation in access to formal health services for suspected malaria within 24 hours were identified to be scattered distribution of migrant aggregates, variable working hours and the lack of transportation. Only 19.6% of respondents reported working at night from dusk to dawn. Among study populations, 73% reported a perceived risk of contracting malaria and 60% reported to know how to confirm a suspected case of malaria. Moreover, only 15% was able to cite correct antimalarial drugs, and less than 10% believed that non-compliance with antimalarial treatment may be related to the risk of drug resistance. About 50% of study population reported to seeking health care from the public sector, and to sleep under ITNs/LLINs the night before the survey. There was a gap in willingness to buy ITNs/LLINs and affordability (88.5% vs. 60.2%) which may affect their sustained and consistent use. Only 32.4% across all aggregates realized the importance of community participation in effective malaria prevention and control. CONCLUSIONS: Community-based innovative approaches through strong collaboration and coordination of multi-stakeholders are desirable for relaying information on ITNs/LLINs, rapid diagnostic test, and artemisinin combination therapy and drug resistance successfully across the social and economic diversity of mobile/migrant aggregates in Myanmar

XRD and SEM Analysis, and Semiconductor Type Determination of TiO2 for Dye-sensitized Solar Cell

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a wide band-gap n-type semiconductor. Anatase TiO2 is the most common structure used in high performance dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Nanoporous TiO2 serves double-duty as an electron acceptor and a scaffold to hold large numbers of dye molecules in DSSC. The porosity of TiO2 is a key feature as it has roughly a thousand times greater a surface area than the equivalent flat area. In this work, TiO2 crystallite size (43.55 nm) has been calculated by using XRD data, and the morphology and the grain-size of TiO2 (average grain size of 0.2 mm ~ 0.3 mm) with different solvents have been also studied by SEM

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Eye Problems among Older People in Central Tropical Region, Naypyitaw Union Territory, Myanmar

Purpose:Vision is essential one and it is proximately linked with their quality of life. In the meantime, older populations are increasing rapidly in the whole world and thus, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy are becoming common. Hot and dusty environment, inadequate access to water and poor facial hygiene are risk factors for blindness. Design: Lewe Township was purposively selected due to its high prevalent on eye problems. This cross-sectional study was conducted and simple random sampling was applied to achieve desired sample size. The structured questionnaires were used to collect data including screening of eye problems from 414 older population. Frequency, percentage, mean, SD and other descriptive analysis were determined and chi-square test for associations was constructed. Findings: Cataract was the highest prevalence rate with 40.8% followed by refractive error (27.3%) and pterygium (12.8%) among older people population in research area. While knowledge level indicated good level (88.4%), good attitude level (21.3%) and good practice level (27.1%) were noticeably low among older people. In the meantime, there were significantly associations between age (p=0.003) and education level (p=0.001) with knowledge level of older people while age (p=0.001), education level (p=<0.001), occupation (p=0.038) showed statistically association with attitude level. Originality:The study noticed that higher prevalence of eye problems while relatively poor level of eye care seeking practice and unawareness on risk factors in targeted community. Knowledge and awareness for changing attitude about eye problems, eye care seeking behavior and preventive practices should be accomplished more

Project-based learning module on creativity and entrepreneurship products subject: Validity and empirical effect

The learning process for Creativity and Entrepreneurship Products subjects in Vocational High Schools still uses printed books which are verbal in nature so this will make it difficult for students to learn the learning material. Apart from that, the learning method used the lecture method which is certainly less effective in supporting students' understanding of the material so that learning is more teacher-centred. Meanwhile, the demand for the current ‘Merdeka’ curriculum is that learning must be student-centered. This research aimed at developing learning tools of PjBL (Project Based Learning) based teaching modules on the Product Creativity and Entrepreneurship subjects. This research was a type of research and development using the ADDIE development model. There were 12 experts who validate this module from 3 aspects, namely material, media and model, and language aspects and there were 30 students for limited trials. The results of this research showed that this module was valid and has a positive effect in supporting the learning process for the Product Creativity and Entrepreneurship subjects. This research had implications for the effectiveness of Creativity and Entrepreneurship Products learning and being one method that can be used by teachers in this learning