Chemical approaches to the sulfation of small molecules: current progress and future directions.

Sulfation is one of the most important modifications that occur to a wide range of bioactive small molecules including polysaccharides, proteins, flavonoids, and steroids. In turn, these sulfated molecules have significant biological and pharmacological roles in diverse processes including cell signalling, modulation of immune and inflammation response, anti-coagulation, anti-atherosclerosis, and anti-adhesive properties. This Essay summarises the most encountered chemical sulfation methods of small molecules. Sulfation reactions using sulfur trioxide amine/amide complexes are the most used method for alcohol and phenol groups in carbohydrates, steroids, proteins, and related scaffolds. Despite the effectiveness of these methods, they suffer from issues including multiple-purification steps, toxicity issues (e.g., pyridine contamination), purification challenges, stoichiometric excess of reagents which leads to an increase in reaction cost, and intrinsic stability issues of both the reagent and product. Recent advances including SuFEx, the in situ reagent approach, and TBSAB show the widespread appeal of novel sulfating approaches that will enable a larger exploration of the field in the years to come by simplifying the purification and isolation process to access bespoke sulfated small molecules.

Comparison of color changes, fracture strengths, and failure modes of conventional endocrowns and endocrowns with different design modifications.

BACKGROUND: Endocrowns (ECs) are alternatives for rebuilding severely damaged teeth and show superior efficacy in molars over premolars. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this in vitro study is to evaluate the effects of different preparation designs with short pulp chambers on the mean color change (Δ⁢E), fracture resistance, and failure types of mandibular molar ECs. METHOD: A total of 40 extracted mandibular molars were treated endodontically and divided into four groups. Samples in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 had occlusal preparation depths of 5 mm, 3 mm, 3 mm with ferrule, and 3 mm with boxes, respectively. The samples were immersed in coffee and their Δ⁢E values were measured by using the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage color system. They were also subjected to a fracture test. Next, all specimens were examined visually under a stereomicroscope to evaluate their failure modes and identify their fracture origins. Data were entered and analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. RESULTS: Among all groups, group 4 (3 mm + boxes) presented the highest Δ⁢E (4.15) after immersion in coffee. Moreover, ANOVA revealed that the Δ⁢E of group 4 (occlusal preparation depth of 3 mm with boxes) was significantly different (p< 0.05) from that of group 2 (3 mm + ferrule, 3.07). The EC with a 3 mm chamfer and ferrule showed the highest maximum load of 2847.68 ± 693.27 N, whereas that with a 5 mm chamfer finish line had a marginally reduced load at fracture of 2831.52 ± 881.83 N. The EC with a 3 mm chamber and boxes had a slightly increased maximum load of 2700.75 ± 436.40 N, whereas that with the 3 mm chamber had the lowest maximum load at fracture of 2385.97 ± 465.61 N. One-way ANOVA showed that different EC preparation designs had no effect on maximum fracture load (F [3,16] = 0.550, p= 0.6). CONCLUSION: The recorded Δ⁢E values of ECs in all groups were equal or marginally higher than the acceptable values. The EC with a 3 mm chamfer and ferrule displayed the highest mean maximum load. The EC with a 5 mm chamfer finish line had a marginally lower maximum load at fracture than other ECs. Failures, such as ceramic fracture, split fracture, and ceramic and tooth splitting above the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) or vertically were predominant in samples with occlusal preparation depths of 3 mm with ferrule and 5 mm.

Parental Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Children's Developmental Milestones in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Parents' ability to engage and raise their children in a safe and appropriate manner is largely influenced by their knowledge of child development and childrearing. This study aimed to evaluate the parenting and developmental milestone (MS) knowledge of Western region Saudi parents and identify the related elements that influence their knowledge. METHODS: This cross­sectional study was conducted for a period of six months. Ethical approval was duly sanctioned by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), and prior to participation, written informed consent was diligently procured from all the individuals involved in the study. In adherence to the paramount principles of privacy, rigorous measures were employed to de­identify the personal data of the participants, thereby safeguarding their confidentiality and anonymity. All research procedures were meticulously executed in strict compliance with the pertinent guidelines and regulatory standards governing research ethics. The study cohort consisted of Saudi parents from the Western Province of Saudi Arabia who had children aged up to six years and expressed a genuine willingness to participate in the research. This commitment was reaffirmed through their informed consent. Notably, the inclusion criteria for parental involvement did not impose any restrictions based on age or ethnic origin, ensuring a diverse and inclusive representation of this crucial demographic group. RESULTS: For assessing parental awareness and knowledge about children's developmental MSs, we examined a diverse sample of 873 participants, predominantly comprising females (77.00%). The age distribution revealed that a substantial portion of the respondents were below 30 (37.00%). Most respondents (62.40%) sought information from medical physicians and pediatricians. Gender had a significant effect, with males showing a lower awareness level compared to females (Beta = -0.582, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-0.890, -0.274], p-value < 0.001). Marital status demonstrated significance, where divorced individuals showed a lower awareness level than widowed participants (Beta = -1.641, 95% CI [-2.993, -0.288], p-value = 0.017). At the same time, no significant differences were found for singles or married individuals. CONCLUSION: Saudi parents lacked understanding of other parenting skills, such as a baby's personality and temperament, but they were well educated about some areas of childrearing, primarily physical safety precautions. It is advised that nurses and doctors give parenting advice to families at every step of their children's growth to educate and support them.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Parents Regarding Neonatal Jaundice in Bisha City, Saudi Arabia.

Background Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is one of the most common neonatal illnesses around the world. It continues to be a leading cause of avoidable brain damage, physical and mental impairment, and death in neonates. Neonatal morbidity due to NNJ has a significant impact and cost on families and healthcare resources. The majority of instances are addressed without intervention, but others require assessment and assistance in the form of follow-up or treatment. Inadequate family awareness and understanding of this frequent newborn condition can contribute to delays and difficulties. Aim This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of parents regarding NNJ in Bisha City, Saudi Arabia. Methodology A cross-sectional study involving 242 participants was carried out. Data were collected using an online questionnaire. The knowledge score differences between groups were analyzed using a Wilcoxon rank sum test and the Kruskal-Wallis rank test. Results In this study of 242 participants from Bisha, we found that the majority were female (155, 64.0%), employed (129, 53.3%), and held a postgraduate degree (150, 62.0%). Regarding knowledge of NNJ, 109 (45.0%) have correctly defined it as yellow pigmentation in the sclera and 64 (26.4%) as yellow pigmentation of the skin. Of most participants, 132 (54.5%) recognized that NNJ could cause complications, but 53 (40.2%) of these were unaware of what these complications might be. Notably, only 89 (36.8%) of respondents believed they had sufficient knowledge about NNJ. The median knowledge score was 3.0 (IQR, 1.0-4.0), and higher scores were significantly associated with being female and reporting sufficient knowledge about the disease. Strategies suggested for improving awareness included campaigns (98, 40.5%) and social networking programs (81, 33.5%). The data suggest a need for enhanced public education regarding NNJ. Conclusion The study highlights the need for increased awareness and education among parents in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, about NNJ. The findings suggest that campaigns and social networking programs could effectively educate people about the condition. Additionally, the study provides insights into the factors associated with higher knowledge scores, such as gender and having a child with NNJ. The results of this study may help healthcare professionals develop effective educational programs and interventions to improve parents' knowledge and attitudes toward NNJ.

Parents' Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Traditional Medicine on Their Children: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Bisha City, Saudi Arabia.

Background The use of traditional medicine (TM) in children is widespread, particularly in developing countries. Parents often rely on TM to treat their children's illnesses or maintain their health. However, the safety and efficacy of TM are often unclear, and there is a need to assess parents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward its use. Methods This is a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, with a sample size of 555. The study used a modified questionnaire to collect data. The data were collected from March to June 2023. This study involved both descriptive and inferential statistics.  Results The study included 555 participants, most of whom were female, Saudi nationals, and married and had a bachelor's degree. More than half of the participants reported using TM, and most believed that it had fewer side effects and could be taken with allopathic medicines. However, many participants did not believe that TM could prevent or cure all diseases or that it was always safe. The median knowledge score was 4.0, with higher scores associated with older age and higher educational level. Most participants had a positive attitude toward TM, with higher attitude scores associated with younger age, male gender, lower educational level, and healthcare-related occupation. The median practice score was 31.0, with higher scores associated with younger age, male gender, illiteracy, and healthcare-related occupation. Overall, the study highlights the importance of understanding the patterns of use, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of TM in the population, particularly among different demographic groups. Conclusions This study highlights the need for better regulation and supervision of TM outlets to ensure the safety and efficacy of the products. It also emphasizes the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before using TM on children. The findings suggest that healthcare providers should be knowledgeable about TM and provide guidance to parents on its appropriate use.

Insulin secretory actions of ethanolic extract of Acacia arabica bark in high fat-fed diet-induced obese Type 2 diabetic rats.

Acacia arabica commonly known as 'babul' has been widely used for the treatment of numerous diseases, including diabetes due to their potential pharmacological actions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the insulinotropic and antidiabetic properties of ethanol extract of Acacia arabica (EEAA) bark through in vitro and in vivo studies in high fat-fed (HFF) rats. EEAA at 40-5000 µg/ml significantly increased (P<0.05-0.001) insulin secretion with 5.6 and 16.7 mM glucose, respectively, from clonal pancreatic BRIN BD11 ß-cells. Similarly, EEAA at 10-40 µg/ml demonstrated a substantial (P<0.05-0.001) insulin secretory effect with 16.7 mM glucose from isolated mouse islets, with a magnitude comparable to 1 µM glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Diazoxide, verapamil, and calcium-free conditions decreased insulin secretion by 25-26%. The insulin secretory effect was further potentiated (P<0.05-0.01) with 200 µM isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX; 1.5-fold), 200 µM tolbutamide (1.4-fold), and 30 mM KCl (1.4-fold). EEAA at 40 µg/ml, induced membrane depolarization and elevated intracellular Ca2+ as well as increased (P<0.05-0.001) glucose uptake in 3T3L1 cells and inhibited starch digestion, glucose diffusion, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) enzyme activity, and protein glycation by 15-38%, 11-29%, 15-64%, and 21-38% (P<0.05, 0.001), respectively. In HFF rats, EEAA (250 mg/5 ml/kg) improved glucose tolerance, plasma insulin, and GLP-1 levels, and lowered DPP-IV enzyme activity. Phytochemical screening of EEAA revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins and anthraquinone. These naturally occurring phytoconstituents may contribute to the potential antidiabetic actions of EEAA. Thus, our finding suggests that EEAA, as a good source of antidiabetic constituents, would be beneficial for Type 2 diabetes patients.

Absent right internal carotid associated with posterior cerebral artery aneurysm: A case report.

Introduction: and importance: An uncommon condition is congenital unilateral agenesis of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Most instances are asymptomatic due to adequate collateral circulation via the circle of Willis, but individuals might potentially manifest (or show) ischemic or aneurysmal dilatation hemorrhagic cerebrovascular lesions. The bony carotid canal must be absent from distinguishing this abnormality from chronic ICA blockage. Neuroradiologists must be aware of this condition since these patients have a higher risk of developing numerous intracranial diseases. Case presentation: This report focuses on the case of 39 years male with an absent right internal carotid artery with posterior cerebral artery aneurism whose main symptoms were on and off headaches. In a discussion that includes demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, radiologic findings, and an assessment of the risks associated with ICA agenesis. Conclusion: Congenital agencies absence of carotid artery is rare variant anatomy although most of the time they are asymptomatic, it is known to increase the risk of aneurism and therefore, they need screening and close follow up.

Synchronous Colon and Breast Cancers: A Case Report of Multiple Primary Tumors.

Multiple primary malignant tumors (MPMNs) are not rare entities. We report a case of a 50-year-old female who presented with left upper quadrant abdominal pain and GI bleeding. Initial assessment with CT scan revealed a mass originating from the descending colon. Colonoscopy was performed and a fungating partially obstructed mass at the left splenic flexure was detected. Histopathological examination of biopsy was consistent with mucinous adenocarcinoma. The staging CT scan of the chest and pelvis, followed by a mammogram reported a Synchronous breast mass. Core needle biopsy detected an invasive ducal carcinoma. In the multidisciplinary meeting, it was decided to perform the colon procedure first, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, and then the breast procedure. The patient had an uneventful recovery after both procedures and was sent to the medical oncology department to continue with the treatment.

The Effect of the Addition of Electrolyte Solutions on the Ferning Patterns of Tears Collected from Normal Eye Subjects.

SIGNIFICANCE: The current study is the first report to describe the improvement of ferning patterns of human tears using electrolyte solutions. The results can help in the production of new artificial tears to improve the quality of tears. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the addition of different volumes of various electrolyte solutions on ferning patterns of human tears. METHODS: Tear samples (20 µL) were collected from the right eye of 13 subjects (5 men and 5 women) aged 19 to 36 years (27.1 ± 5.1 years) with normal eyes. Then, 1 µL of each tear sample was dried on a microscopic glass slide, and obtained ferns were observed using light microscopy and graded using the 5-point tear ferning (TF) grading scale. Homogenous mixtures of each tear sample (0.5 µL) and different volumes (0.5 to 5 µL) of each electrolyte were prepared. A sample (1 µL) of each mixture was dried, and the ferns obtained were graded and compared with those of the corresponding tears collected from subjects before the addition of electrolyte solutions. RESULTS: After the addition of electrolyte solutions, the TF grades of tears collected from healthy humans were generally improved. Significant (Wilcoxon test) improvements have been seen in the TF grades of the tear samples after the addition of a solution of potassium chloride (P = .03), calcium chloride (P = .01), magnesium chloride hexahydrate (P = .002), and sodium dihydrogen phosphate (P = .002). No significant improvements in the TF grades were seen after the addition of sodium chloride solution (P = .33). CONCLUSIONS: Ferning grades of human tears improved with most of the electrolytes used.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease Following COVID-19.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease (KFD) is a rare self-limiting condition of unknown etiology. It is characterized by fever, and lymphadenopathy most commonly involving posterior cervical lymph nodes. Although it is of uncertain etiology, it is associated with viral infections and autoimmune diseases. Distinction from lymphadenopathy-associated alternate disorders is crucial to avoid unneeded diagnostic procedures and treatment. KFD is diagnosed based on histopathologic examination of the excised lymph node. The management is supportive with favorable outcomes within a few weeks or months. In this case, we describe a 13-year-old boy who complained of painful cervical lymphadenopathy and fever for more than three weeks following COVID-19. Diagnostic workup has been established and KFD diagnosis made based on the histopathologic features of the involved lymph node. The patient showed complete recovery with no recurrence during follow-up. So, this case highlights the possible association between COVID-19 and KFD during this pandemic and keeping it in the differential diagnosis.

Ageing characterization data of lithium-ion battery with highly deteriorated state and wide range of state-of-health.

This paper presents ageing characterization data of two lithium-ion battery cells that have been put through a deep ageing process. At the end of ageing process, the values of state-of-health (SOH) of the battery cells drop down to around 15%. The battery cells are aged using a developed autonomous ageing platform which performs functions such as constant current (CC) discharging, CC charging, and constant voltage (CV) charging. Each time the battery cell completes 30 ageing cycles, battery performance tests including dc impedance measurement, minimum impedance measurement, and capacity calibration are conducted to characterize the ageing or health status of the battery cell. The collected battery dc impedance data, minimum impedance data, capacity data, and CC-CV charging time for the deeply aged battery cells are presented in this paper. The presented data has the potential to help in identifying battery ageing behavior patterns. It can also be utilized to investigate the correlation or relationship between different battery ageing characterization data and to develop SOH estimation methods for lithium-ion batteries with high degradation conditions, for examples, for second-use battery and when battery health exhibits unexpected faster deterioration.

Liver Abscesses as a Sign of Chronic Granulomatous Disease in Adolescent.

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited primary immunodeficiency disease caused by a genetic defect in the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH) complex that affects phagocytes. This leads to recurrent severe bacterial and fungal infections manifested by recurrent pneumonia, also involving soft tissue, bones, and liver. Usually, CGD is presented and diagnosed in the first five years of life. In this case report, we describe a late presentation in an adolescent with multiple liver abscesses, the approach of diagnosis, and management.

Clinical Determinants and Predictors for Prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 Infected Pediatric Patients in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundThe significant variations in clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 that range from asymptomatic to severe fatal illness entail searching for potential prognostic determinants to help predict the disease course and early detection of patients at risk of developing life-threatening complications. Although children are less commonly infected by SARS-CoV-2 than their adult counterparts, and their symptoms are generally milder, a severe type of COVID-19 cannot be precluded. MethodsAt first, demographic, clinical, laboratory measurement data, and outcomes for 26 COVID-19 infected children of less than 12 years of age, admitted to King Abdallah Hospital, Bisha, Saudi Arabia, were retrieved from the electronic medical records for the observational retrospective study. Later, electronic and manual database searches were carried out for pediatric severe COVID-19-related articles. The relevant data from 20 eligible studies and the present retrospective study were analyzed to assess the association of demographic characteristics and comorbidities with COVID-19 severity. ResultsIn the retrospective study, 5 (19%) of the children presented with severe symptoms admitted to PICU, 18 (69%) presented with cough, 5 (19%) with diarrhea, 7 (27%) with underlying comorbidities, 4 (15%) with respiratory illnesses, 3 (12%) with cardiovascular diseases and 2 (8%) were obese. None of the patient characteristics showed any significant association with COVID-19 severity. Of the 21 studies selected for meta-analyses, 14 studies were included in the analysis of the association between any comorbidity and disease severity, resulting in OR: 2.69, 95%CI: 1.38 - 5.26, P < 0.05, for analysis of the association between cardiovascular comorbidities and disease severity 14 studies were included giving OR: 4.06, 95%CI: 1.86 - 8.87, P < 0.05, for analysis of the association between respiratory comorbidity and disease severity 15 studies were included giving OR: 2.05, 95%CI: 1.54 - 2.74, P < 0.05, for analysis of the association between obesity and disease severity 10 studies were included, giving OR: 2.48, 95%CI: 1.16 - 5.32, P < 0.05, for analysis of the association between age <10 years old and diseases severity, 16 studies were included, giving OR: 0.80, 95%CI: 0.65 - 0.97, P < 0.05, and for analysis of the association between female gender and disease severity, 19 studies were included, giving OR: 0.83, 95%CI: 0.59 - 1.18, P > 0.05. ConclusionIt can be concluded that COVID-19 pediatric patients with underlying comorbidities, being cardiovascular, respiratory, or obesity, are at high risk of developing severe illness, and young age has a protective role against the disease severity.

A Sulfuryl Group Transfer Strategy to Selectively Prepare Sulfated Steroids and Isotopically Labelled Derivatives.

The treatment of common steroids: estrone, estradiol, cortisol, and pregnenolone with tributylsulfoammonium betaine (TBSAB) provides a convenient chemoselective conversion of the steroids alcohol/phenol moiety to the corresponding steroidal organosulfate. An important feature of the disclosed methodology is the millimolar scale of the reaction, and the isolation of the corresponding steroid sulfates as their biologically relevant sodium salts without the need for ion-exchange chromatography. The scope of the method was further explored in the estradiol and pregnanediol steroid systems with the bis-sulfated derivatives. Ultimately, a method to install an isotopic label, deuterium (2H) combined with estrone sulfation is a valuable tool for its mass-spectrometric quantification in biological studies.

Bowel dysfunction after elective spinal surgery: etiology, diagnostics and management based on the medical literature and experience in a university hospital.

BACKGROUND: Bowel dysfunction after spinal surgery is often underestimated and if not treated in a timely manner can lead to undesirable surgical interventions or fatal complications. The current medical literature primarily focuses on bowel dysfunction as a result of spinal injury. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review is to explore this topic in evaluating current evidence regarding the causes of acute bowel dysfunction after elective spinal surgery, primarily the thoracolumbar spine. Since available evidence for recommendations of treatment is scarce, an interdisciplinary management approach for treatment of bowel dysfunction following spinal surgery is also formulated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An extensive literature search was carried out on PubMed. Keywords that were used in the search included bowel dysfunction, obstruction, postoperative ileus, spinal surgery, spinal fusion, constipation, opioid-induced constipation, colonic pseudo-obstruction, ischemic colitis, immobility-induced bowel changes, epidural anesthesia and diet. Relevant studies were chosen and included in the review. The treatment approach used in the spine center of a university hospital was included. RESULTS: Current research mainly focuses on investigating the nature and symptomatology of chronic bowel dysfunction after spinal cord injury. Emphasis on the acute phase of bowel dysfunction in patients after elective spinal surgery is lacking. The comorbidities that exacerbate bowel dysfunction postoperatively are well-defined. There has been refinement and expansion of the pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment that could be implemented. Enough evidence exists to provide sufficient care. CONCLUSION: Management of acute bowel dysfunction after spinal surgery requires a comprehensive and individualized approach, encompassing comorbidities, behavioral changes, medications and surgery. Close supervision and timely treatment could minimize further complications. Research is required to identify patients who are at a higher risk of developing bowel dysfunction after specific spinal procedures.

Clinical and radiological outcome after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the T-lock Osteotrans resorbable tendon anchor: early experience and midterm follow-up.

PURPOSE: Reconstruction of the Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) using tendon grafting is an established method for restoring knee function and stability. Multiple methods are established for graft fixation. Several involve anchoring the autograft distant to the joint with hardware that remains implanted. This study reports the first early to midterm results in patients who received ACL reconstruction (ACLR) using the T-Lock Osteotrans femoral near joint fixation method with a tibial fixation using the BioactIF Osteotrans interference screw. METHODS: This consecutive prospective series included 20 Patients (14 Male, 6 Female) with a primary ACL rupture. All patients were treated with an ACLR using a semitendinosus autograft fixated with the T-Lock Osteotrans and were followed-up postoperatively. The following parameters were assessed: Side-to-side difference of the posterior-anterior translation measured using the KT-1000 arthrometer, Tegner activity score, Lysholm score, IKDC subjective knee evaluation form. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done to assess tunnel enlargement and integrity of the anchoring device. RESULTS: The average follow-up duration was 2 years (range 1-4.2 years). One patient was lost to follow-up. Two Patients suffered a traumatic ACL re-rupture 2 years postoperatively and received a 2-stage revision ACLR. Difference in the posterior-anterior translation was 1.8 mm (range 0-5). The median Tegner score was 6 (range 4-10) and 9 patients (45%) returned to their preinjury level of activity. The mean IKDC subjective knee evaluation form scored 91 points (range 77-100). The mean Lysholm score was 86 points (74-96). All mentioned scores were significantly better compared to preoperative values. No relevant tunnel enlargement was seen on MRI. The anchoring device was evaluated to be intact in all patients. CONCLUSION: ACLR with the aforementioned procedure leads to good clinical and radiological outcome.

Spatio-temporal evolution of canine rabies in Tunisia, 2011-2016.

Tunisia is an endemic country for dog mediated rabies. An increase in canine rabies cases during the last decade has been suspected. Since no studies have been conducted on rabies spatial distribution, the present work was focused on spatiotemporal evolution of rabies in Tunisia during the 2011-2016 period with a special focus on the reservoir species. Data collected concerned suspected dogs that originate from the whole country. Surveillance indicators such as positive fractions and number of suspected dogs received at the laboratory have been calculated. Spatiotemporal hotspots were then mapped, spatial and spatio-temporal analysis were carried out using discrete Poisson spatial model and space-time permutation models available in SaTScan9 software. The study revealed that an actual increase in canine rabies incidence occurred in Tunisia since 2012. Spatial and spatio-temporal analysis identified clusters centered in the North and in the Center East of the country. Spatio-temporal clusters were non overlapping, indicating that this spatial distribution is not fixed through time. A large heterogeneity in surveillance indicators such as number of suspected dogs was associated to the distance to the laboratory or to insufficient coordination between governorates.

A novel exchange method to access sulfated molecules.

Organosulfates and sulfamates are important classes of bioactive molecules but due to their polar nature, they are both difficult to prepare and purify. We report an operationally simple, double ion-exchange method to access organosulfates and sulfamates. Inspired by the novel sulfating reagent, TriButylSulfoAmmonium Betaine (TBSAB), we developed a 3-step procedure using tributylamine as the novel solubilising partner coupled to commercially available sulfating agents. Hence, in response to an increasing demand for complementary methods to synthesise organosulfates, we developed an alternative sulfation route based on an inexpensive, molecularly efficient and solubilising cation exchanging method using off-the-shelf reagents. The disclosed method is amenable to a range of differentially substituted benzyl alcohols, benzylamines and aniline and can also be performed at low temperature for sensitive substrates in good to excellent isolated yield.

Controlling infection in predator-prey systems with transmission dynamics.

We propose in this paper a prophylactic treatment strategy for a predator-prey system. The objective is to fight against the propagation of an infectious disease within two populations, one of which preys on the other. This propagation is modeled by means of an SIS (susceptible-infectious-susceptible) epidemic model with vital dynamics and infection propagation in both species through contact and predation, including mortality rates in both populations due directly to the disease. Treatment strategies are represented by new parameters modeling the uptake rates in the populations. We analyze the effect of various treatment strategy scenarios (prey only, predator only, or both) via their uptake rates and possible cost structures, on the size of the infected populations. We illustrate if and when applying such preventive treatments lead to a disease prevalence drop in both populations. We conduct our study using an optimal control model seeking to minimize the treatment cost(s), subject to the transmission dynamics and predator-prey dynamics.

Calcium Carbonate.

Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound with the formula CaCO3 formed by three main elements: carbon, oxygen, and calcium. It is a common substance found in rocks in all parts of the world (most notably as limestone), and is the main component of shells of marine organisms, snails, coal balls, pearls, and eggshells. CaCO3 exists in different polymorphs, each with specific stability that depends on a diversity of variables.