Root-to-shoot signaling positively mediates source-sink relation in late growth stages in diploid and tetraploid wheat.

Non-hydraulic root source signaling (nHRS) is a unique positive response to soil drying in the regulation of plant growth and development. However, it is unclear how the nHRS mediates the tradeoff between source and sink at the late growth stages and its adaptive mechanisms in primitive wheat. To address this issue, a root-splitting design was made by inserting solid partition in the middle of the pot culture to induce the occurrence of nHRS using four wheat cultivars (MO1 and MO4, diploid; DM22 and DM31, tetraploid) as materials. Three water treatments were designed as 1) both halves watered (CK), 2) holistic root system watered then droughted (FS), 3) one-half of the root system watered and half droughted (PS). FS and PS were designed to compare the role of the full root system and split root system to induce nHRS. Leaves samples were collected during booting and anthesis to compare the role of nHRS at both growth stages. The data indicated that under PS treatment, ABA concentration was significantly higher than FS and CK, demonstrating the induction of nHRS in split root design and nHRS decreased cytokinin (ZR) levels, particularly in the PS treatment. Soluble sugar and proline accumulation were higher in the anthesis stage as compared to the booting stage. POD activity was higher at anthesis, while CAT was higher at the booting stage. Increased ABA (nHRS) correlated with source-sink relationships and metabolic rate (i.e., leaf) connecting other stress signals. Biomass density showed superior resource acquisition and utilization capabilities in both FS and PS treatment as compared to CK in all plants. Our findings indicate that nHRS-induced alterations in phytohormones and their effect on source-sink relations were allied with the growth stages in primitive wheat.

Alternative Approaches for the Management of Urinary Tract Infection with Crano-cure: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a renal infection that affects the urinary tract and is global problem related to health and many people are affected each year at some points of their lives. Modern studies about urinary tract infections show that almost one third of the world's population has been suffering from this ailment. Different antibacterial medicines have been reported to have resistance against pathogens. In order to overcome the problem, exploration for new and dynamic antibacterial agents from natural sources is the emerging trend. Primary Study Objective: The primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the polyherbal test drug formulation, "Crano-cure", as treatment for UTIs. Methods/Design: In the current study, clinical trials were designed to evaluate the effects of the polyherbal formulation "Crano-cure" compared to the standard drug Ciprofloxacin in randomized, controlled multicenter trial of 205 patients, analyzing clinical outcomes and safety profiles. Setting and Participants: Conducted across multiple centers, including Shifa-ul-Mulk Memorial Hospital at Hamdard University Karachi and three other clinics, the study involved 205 patients aged 15-60, irrespective of their socioeconomic status. Intervention: Patients were classified into two groups i.e. control group (ciprofloxacin) and the test group (crane-cure). Polyherbal formulation of 500 mg Crano-cure capsules two times in a day were administered to the test group for 28 days. The control group was administered a control ciprofloxacin tablet 500 mg two times in a day for 28 days. Primary Outcome Measures: The drug was found safe for further clinical study after observing changes or improvements in UTI symptoms, urine culture and blood complete tests. The clinical trial was dully registered on the US National Library of Medicine, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04575493. The trial was accompanied in the instructions of EC (Ethical Committee). The study plan and procedures were displayed to the BASR (Board of Advance Studies and Research) and board members of the Ethical Committee (EC), which was ERB-2021-9-1. Results: Clinical study results revealed the effectiveness of Crano-cure in the management of UTIs symptoms and hematological and biochemical parameters including blood complete test, liver function tests, renal function tests and lipid profile. Moreover, the test drug Crano-cure revealed a significance level (P ≤ .05) in compliance and cost-effectiveness compared to control ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: In conclusion, Crano-cure is a safe and cost-effective alternate to Ciprofloxacin for treatment of UTIs.

Multivariate characterization of salicylic acid and potassium induced physio-biochemical and phytoremediation responses in quinoa exposed to lead and cadmium contamination.

The levels of soils pollutants such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) have significantly increased recently resulting in ecological disturbances and threatening crop production. Various amendments have been employed to enhance the tolerance of crops to withstand Cd and Pb stresses. However, the role of combined application of potassium (K) and of salicylic acid (SA) for Cd and Pb stress mitigation and phytoremediation by quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) has not been comprehended well. In the present study, the effect of 10 mM K and 0.1 mM SA was tested on the quinoa plants subjected to 250 µM Pb and/or 100 µM Cd. The Pb and Cd treatments were applied separately or together. Phytotoxicity induced by Pb and Cd resulted in drastic decrease (>60%) in chlorophyll contents, stomatal conductance, and plant biomass. The collective treatment of Pb and Cd induced an increase in the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (13-fold) and lipid peroxidation (16-fold) that resulted in a 61% reduction in membrane stability. The application of 10 mM K and/or 0.1 mM SA was remarkable in mitigating the adverse effect of Pb and Cd. The reduction in plant biomass was 17% when 10 mM K and 0.1 mM SA were applied together under the combined treatment of both the metals. The simultaneous application of K and SA effectively mitigated oxidative stress by enhancing the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase by 12, 10, 7 and 10-folds respectively. The positive effect of K and SA on these attributes resulted in a remarkable reduction in metal accumulation and translocation and lipid peroxidation. The stressed plants supplemented with K and SA exhibited a significant improvement in the membrane stability index, chlorophyll content, and stomatal conductance. This study concluded that the combined application of K and SA could be a good approach for reducing Pb and Cd phytotoxicity in quinoa and enhancing their phytostabilization potential in the contaminated soils.

Early Functional Outcomes and Complications of Tibial and/or Peroneal Sesamoidectomy Utilizing a Burr Through a Medial Approach.

BACKGROUND: Sesamoid pathology can lead to significant pain and disability both with activities of daily living and high-impact athletic movements. Sesamoidectomy is a widely used procedure for patients who fail conservative treatment measures. Traditional dorsal or plantar approaches for sesamoidectomy have shown to successfully alleviate pain, but complications were reported. A proposed alternative medial approach using a burr may provide many advantages compared with traditional approaches. This study presents patient outcomes and complications for this technique. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing sesamoidectomy (tibial, peroneal, or both) using a burr through a medial approach to the sesamoid metatarsal articulation. Data collected included patient demographics, radiographic analysis, and outcomes: Veterans Rand 12 Item Health Survey (VR-12), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), visual analog scale (VAS), patient satisfaction, and complications. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (29 feet) were included. The mean age was 38.4 years followed up for a mean of 30.9 months. VR-12 physical component improved from 35.98 ± 7.86 to 51.34 ± 8.01 (P < .001), FAAM ADL and sport improved from 58.33 ± 16.61 to 83.27 ± 18.28 (P < .001) and 26.37 ± 20.31 to 63.75 ± 29.74 (P < .001), respectively. Patient satisfaction with the treatment was 80.59% ± 27.06%. The overall complication rate was 11 (37.9%) whereas the overall reoperation rate was 4 (13.7%) of 29 feet. Complications included 1 arthrofibrosis, 1 flexor hallucis longus subacute rupture, and 1 asymptomatic hallux valgus. There were no sesamoid excision revisions. CONCLUSION: Sesamoidectomy using a medial approach with a burr provided significantly improved short-term functional outcomes, 80% patient satisfaction rate, with a relatively acceptable complications rate including 20% persistent pain. The medial approach is familiar to orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons, provides adequate exposure, and eliminates the possibility of a painful plantar scar while avoiding disruption of the plantar plate, flexor hallucis brevis tendon, and ligamentous structures attached to the sesamoids. Larger studies with long-term follow-up from other centers are needed.

Effect Of Tamoxifen On Plasma Lipid Profile In Patients Of Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of Tamoxifen on plasma lipid profile in breast cancer patients presenting at tertiary care hospitals. METHODS: It was a longitudinal study conducted at the Department of Oncology of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center from December 2018 to November 2019. Eighty-eight females aged 26-66 years diagnosed with breast cancer were included in the study using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Detailed gynaecological and clinical investigations and detailed history were taken. The blood samples of all the patients were collected and the plasma lipid profile was measured before initiation of Tamoxifen treatment and three- and six-months post-treatment at the clinical laboratory. The plasma lipid profile includes the measurement of Total cholesterol (mg/dl), Triglyceride(mg/dl), High-density Lipoprotein (mg/dl) & Low-density Lipoprotein (mg/dl). SPSS version 23 was used to analyse data. RESULTS: After treatment, there was a significant reduction in serum cholesterol & Low-density Lipoprotein level by 20.54 mg/dl & 16.46 mg/dl at 3 months (p<0.05), moreover there was a significant increase in Triglyceride by 22.14 at 3 months (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed in High density lipoprotein level at 3 months after using Tamoxifen. At 6 months there was a significant reduction in serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein by 32.29mg/dl and 24.11 mg/dl at 6 months (p<0.05), moreover there was a significant increase in Triglyceride level by 42.19 mg/dl at 6 months (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed in High-density lipoprotein level at 6 months after using Tamoxifen. CONCLUSIONS: Total cholesterol and Low-density Lipoprotein levels showed significant reduction over the period of six months from the baseline with the use of Tamoxifen. Hence Tamoxifen should be considered to have an added advantage on lipid metabolism and therefore, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

Hallazgos genitourinarios en mujeres con tumores ováricos / Genito-urinary findings in women with ovarian tumors

Los tumores de ovario son los trastornos ginecológicos más comunes. Los tumores de ovario son el tercer tumor más común en las mujeres. Los tumores de ovario a veces son asintomáticos y tienen síntomas no específicos, lo que hace que la mayoría de los casos sean difíciles de detectar temprano. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar las características genitourinarias del tumor ovárico en un estudio hospitalario. Se realizó un estudio observacional en Bagdad, Iraq, entre septiembre de 2018 y febrero de 2021. Las mujeres diagnosticadas con tumores ovarios a los 18 años de edad o más. Un total de cincuenta mujeres que se inscribieron en nuestro hospital. Datos clínicos y patológicos recopilados y analizados. Los datos sobre comorbilidades y resultados fueron aprobados y diagnosticados por un equipo completo de médicos ginecológicos y urológicos multidisciplinarios. La incidencia general de tumores ováricos fue 70% maligna y 30% benigna. El estudio mostró que la mayor parte del grupo de edad de tumores ováricos era superior a 55 años (62%). La mitad de los pacientes eran nuliparidades. El nivel educativo era principalmente de bajo nivel en analfabeto (20%), primario (24%), secundario (36%) en comparación con el alto nivel. Las mujeres usaron anticoncepción en 52%. La historia familiar informó en el 18% de las mujeres. El tipo histopatológico más común era el carcinoma seroso ovárico 15 (30%). Las etapas regionales eran comunes en el 50% de los pacientes. Tumores de bajo grado en 32%, intermedio en 36%y alto en 32%. Casi, el 80% de las mujeres se sometieron a TAH. Alrededor del 60% de los pacientes recibieron quimioterapia. Los resultados de salud genitourinaria adversos a largo plazo incluyeron nefritis (6%), insuficiencia renal aguda (16%), enfermedad renal crónica (18%), infección urinaria (38%), cálculo (16%), hidronefrosis (20%), Obstrucción de la vejiga (2%), estenosis ureteral (12%), retención de orina (8%), incontinencia de orina (12%), hematuria (22%), PID (14%), adhesión de órganos (8%), cervicitis (2 %), Endometriosis (2%), quiste (6%), trastornos menstruales (24%), infertilidad (2%) y dolor menopáusica (32%). En conclusión, el cáncer de ovario representa el tercer tipo de cáncer ginecológico más común. Era más común en mujeres mayores de cinco décadas. El tipo histopatológico más común es el carcinoma seroso ovárico. Observamos que los sobrevivientes de cáncer de ovario experimentaron mayores riesgos de varias enfermedades genitourinarias. Comprender los escenarios de la morbilidad múltiple para los tumores ováricos es de vital importancia para mejorar la atención clínica después del diagnóstico.

Ovarian tumors are the most common gynecological disorders. Ovarian tumors are the third most common tumor in women. Ovarian tumors are sometimes asymptomatic and have non-specific symptoms, making most cases difficult to detect early. The aim of this study was to investigate genitourinary features of ovarian tumor in a hospital-based study. An observational study was conducted in Baghdad, Iraq, between September 2018 and February 2021. Women diagnosed with ovarian tumors at 18 years of age or older. A total of Fifty women who enrolled in our hospital. Clinical and pathological data collected and analyzed. Data about comorbidities and outcomes were approved and diagnosed by full team of multidisciplinary gynecological and urological doctors were recorded. Overall incidence of ovarian tumors was 70% malignant and 30% benign. The study showed that the most age group of ovarian tumors was above 55 years (62%). Half of patients were nulliparities. Educational level was mostly of low level in illiterate (20%), primary (24%), secondary (36%) compared to high level. Women used contraception in 52%. The family history reported in 18% of women. The most common histopathological type was ovarian serous carcinoma 15(30%). Regional stages were common in 50% of patients. Low grade tumors in 32%, intermediate in 36% and high in 32%. Almost, 80% of women underwent TAH. About 60% of patients received chemotherapy. The long-term adverse genitourinary health outcomes correlated included Nephritis (6%), Acute renal failure (16%), Chronic kidney disease (18%), UTI (38%), Calculus (16%), Hydronephrosis (20%), Bladder obstruction (2%), Ureteric stenosis (12%), Urine retention (8%), Urine incontinence (12%), Hematuria (22%), PID (14%), Organ adhesion (8%), Cervicitis (2%), Endometriosis (2%), Cyst (6%), Menstrual disorders (24%), Infertility (2%), and Menopausal pain (32%). In conclusion, ovarian cancer represents the third most common gynecologic cancer type. It was more common in women aged above five decades. The most common histopathological type is ovarian serous carcinoma. We observed that ovarian cancer survivors experienced increased risks of various genitourinary diseases. Understanding the multi-morbidity scenarios for ovarian tumors is of vital importance to improve clinical care after diagnosis.