Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School

The four serotypes of dengue virus (DENV), types 1 to 4 (DENV-1 to DENV-4), exhibit approximately 60% identity in the encoded amino acid residues of viral proteins. Reverse transcription of RNA extracted from patient serum specimens followed by PCR amplification with serotype-specific probes is the current standard technique for DENV serotyping. However, this method is time- and cost-consuming, and rapid detection systems with low cost are desirable. Previously, we developed a prototype serotype-specific immunochromatography system. That system was composed of four strips with four corresponding distinct sample buffers, each specifically detecting a single DENV serotype. In the present study, we improved this system by combining pairs of strips into one lateral-flow cassette each, providing DENV-1 and DENV-2 detection in one device and DENV-3 and DENV-4 detection in a second device; this strategy successfully reduced the required sample volume. Furthermore, we were able to adjust the composition of the sample buffers such that a single sample buffer sufficed for all four DENV serotype detection reactions, allowing much easier handling of the devices. Evaluation of this new device against laboratory and clinical DENV isolates and clinical specimens from DENV-infected individuals showed sensitivity that was comparable to that of our previous version, yielding serotype specificity of 100%. These new devices are expected to be of use in the clinical setting, accelerating both prospective and retrospective epidemiological studies.

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate long term effect of soft tissue surgery on blood pressure (BP) in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane library, and Ovid Medline databases were searched through January 2024. Manual searches were also obtained. This review included studies assessing impact of soft tissue surgery for the treatment of OSA in adults on long-term BP. A total of five studies (299 patients) met our inclusion criteria. Pooled random effects analysis demonstrated a statistically significant long-term postoperative reduction of BP, with average systolic BP reduction of 14.04mmHg [95%CI (-21.97, -6.11); P = 0.0005]. Pooled random effects analysis of data from four studies (277 patients) also demonstrated statistically significant long-term postoperative reduction of diastolic BP by 6.88mmHg compared with preoperative baseline [95%CI (-13.31, -0.45); P = 0.04]. Soft tissue surgery for OSA treatment in adults significantly resulted in long-term blood pressure reduction.

Abstract. Saensouk P, Saensouk S, Boonma T, Oo WP, Htet NM, Maknoi C, Bongcheewin B, Htway NN, Minn HM. 2025. Two new records of Boesenbergia Kuntze (Zingiberaceae: Zingibereae) for the Flora of Myanmar. Biodiversitas 26: 480-489. This study reported two new records of Boesenbergia for Myanmar: Boesenbergia meghalayensis Aishwarya & M.Sabu, found in Yangon Region, and B. siphonantha (King ex Baker) M.Sabu, Prasanthk. & Škorni?k., found in Kayin State and Mon State. The study aimed to confirm the presence of these species in Myanmar through comprehensive taxonomic analysis based on morphological observations of living specimens collected from their natural habitats. Additionally, to expand the known distribution of Boesenbergia and support ongoing efforts to document the region's rich botanical diversity. Morphological characteristics were analyzed using specimens from natural habitats and compared with taxonomic literature and herbarium records. This study confirmed the presence of B. meghalayensis in Yangon Region and B. siphonantha in Kayin and Mon States as new records for Myanmar, along with verifying B. plicata in the Bago Region. These findings expand the distribution of Boesenbergia in Myanmar, providing an updated checklist and emphasizing the importance of taxonomic research for conservation and preserving the country’s plant diversity.

Abstract Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is a non‐toxic waste obtained from alkaline cracking as part of the processing of monazite ore. After simple purification, TSP can be utilized in many applications; however, it is used as a catalyst in this study. It is characterized using Thermogravimetric analysis , X‐ray diffraction analysis, Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller, and Temperature‐programmed desorption of carbon dioxide and optimized in the transesterification reaction. After recrystallization and calcination at 350 °C for 0.5 h, the form of the TSP was tetragonal, with a 2.61 m2/g surface area and 537.4 x 10‐6 mol/g basic sites. Trisodium phosphate can therefore be utilized effectively as a solid base catalyst for the transesterification of palm oil. Three biodiesel production parameters were investigated: the methanol to oil molar ratio (6:1–24:1), catalyst concentration (1–10%), and reaction time (30 to 240 min). The experiments were designed using the Box–Behnken response surface method. As a result, the optimum conditions for biodiesel production are a 22:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 4% catalyst concentration, and 200 min reaction time. The optimal fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) content is 99.79%, with an error between actual and predicted FAME of 0.21%. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Natural or human-made incidents in urban areas cause surges in demand for hospitals while often simultaneously limiting their capacity to serve patients due to direct physical damage or service interruptions in supporting lifelines. A hierarchical modeling concept is proposed to quantify the resilience of regional hospital response under disaster. To facilitate the optimization of pre- and postevent resilience-enhancing actions for a range of potential hazard-demand-damage scenarios, a multistage stochastic, mixed-integer decision problem (SMIP) is proposed. Dependencies on interdependent, potentially damaged critical lifelines are explicitly modeled. Resilience is estimated in terms of total patient waiting time and unserved patients. These quantities are captured in the objective of the SMIP through the adoption of a simulation-based metamodel of a detailed hospital model. The SMIP is demonstrated in a numerical example developed to represent the main hospitals of the Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation. The proposed structure is broadly applicable to other societal functions that take place in interrelated buildings connected by transportation and communications links and are dependent on interdependent lifeline networks.