Evaluation of the masking ability, marginal adaptation, and fracture resistance of screw-retained lithium disilicate implant-supported crowns cemented to titanium bases versus preparable abutments.

BACKGROUND: Straight preparable abutments and titanium bases (ti-base) can be used to support single-unit screw-retained lithium disilicate implant-supported restorations. The choice between using both abutments depends on many factors. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the masking ability, marginal adaptation, and fracture resistance of screw-retained lithium disilicate implant-supported crowns cemented to straight preparable abutments and ti-bases. METHODS: Twenty laboratory implant analogs (Straumann Bone Level; Straumann AG) were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 10 each) according to the type of the abutment used. Preparable abutment group and ti-base group. Lithium disilicate crowns were used to restore the specimens. All specimens were subjected to thermocycling (from 5 to 55 °C for 2000 cycles) followed by cyclic loading (120 000 cycles). The vertical marginal gap between the abutment finish line and the most apical part of the crown was measured in (µm) by using a stereomicroscope after cementation and after thermocycling and cyclic loading. A spectrophotometer was used to evaluate the masking ability of the specimens after cementation. The load required to fracture the crowns was measured in Newtons (N) by using a universal testing machine after thermocycling and cyclic loading. The Shapiro-Wilk test of normality was used. The appropriate statistical test was used. RESULTS: Regarding the masking ability, the color difference (∆E) showed no statistically significant difference between the ti-base group (2.6 ± 0.2) and the preparable abutment group (2.6 ± 0.3) (P = .888). The average of the microgap values (µm) was greater in ti-basegroup after cementation (13.9 ± 9.2) than preparable group (7.63 ± 1.78) with no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .49). After cyclic loading and thermocycling, the average microgap values (µm) was significantly greater in the ti base group (21.3 ± 7.4) than in preparable group (13.3 ± 1.5) (P = .02). The load required to fracture the specimens was greater in the preparable group (1671.5 ± 143.8) than in the ti-base group (1550.2 ± 157.5) with no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .089). CONCLUSION: The abutments used in the present study did not compromise the masking ability of the screw-retained lithium disilicate implant supported crowns. Moreover, the crowns cemented to preparable abutments had better marginal adaptation and higher fracture resistance when compared to those cemented to ti-bases. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Straight preparable abutments are considered as an alternative to the ti-bases when restoring single screw-retained lithium disilicate implant-supported crowns with comparable fracture resistance, marginal adaptation, and masking ability.

Gait Rehabilitation in Ambulant Diplegic Children Using Botulinum A Injection and Ankle Weights.

Objectives: Standing and walking serve an individual's basic needs to move from place to place, and both are the most common activities that people do daily. So, this study aims to investigate the combined effect of botulinum A injection and ankle weight on excessive knee flexion in diplegic children with crouch gait. Methods: Sixty children with spastic diplegia walking with a crouch gait were included in this study. They were divided equally into three groups (twenty in each): group A received classical gait rehabilitation, group B received the same gait training while adding ankle weights, and group C received the same as group A and B plus botulinum A injection. The modified Ashworth scale (MAS) and Hoffman reflex/Myogenic response (H/M ratio) were used to evaluate the spasticity of the hamstring and gastrocnemius muscles, while two-dimension gait analysis was used to record knee flexion angles during gait. The assessment was held one day before starting the treatment and after completing three months of the treatment program. Results: There was no significant difference between groups before treatment regarding all measured variables. group A revealed a statistically nonsignificant improvement after treatment. Patients in group B showed significant improvement after treatment for both knees regarding the H/M ratio and MAS, which was reflected in the right and left knee range of motion at initial contact (P values 0.030 and 0.001, respectively) and midstance (P values 0.030 and 0.006, respectively). However, more significant improvement was detected regarding all studied variables in both knees after treatment in group C patients with a P value <0.001. Conclusion: The combination of botulinum A injection and ankle weights was more effective in controlling excessive knee flexion in diplegic children with a crouch gait.

Can we scale up a comprehensive school-based eye health programme in Zambia?

BACKGROUND: Globally, 19 million children have preventable vision impairment simply because refractive and eye health services are inaccessible to most of them. In Zambia, approximately 50,000 school children need spectacle provision. The School-based Eye Health Programme (SEHP) has been identified worldwide as a proven strategy to address childhood blindness. Given its great benefits, the Zambian government intends to scale up the programme. This scalability assessment aims to identify and evaluate the essential components of an effective SEHP, determine roles, assess existing capacities within user organisations, identify environmental facilitating and inhibiting factors, and estimate the minimum resources necessary for the scaling up and their proposed scale-up strategies. METHODS: Five elements (innovation, user organisation, resource team, environment, and strategies for horizontal and vertical scaling-up) were assessed guided by the ExpandNet-WHO Nine Steps for Developing a Scaling-Up Strategy. Literature review on proven strategies to reduce childhood blindness and the credibility of SEHP implemented in resource-limited settings, document review on the pilot project, questionnaires, and stakeholders' interviews were conducted to collect data for this assessment. Subsequently, twenty questions in the Worksheets for Developing a Scaling-up Strategy were used to report the assessment outcome systematically. RESULTS: Additional components of SEHP incorporated in Zambia's model enhanced the innovation's credibility and relevance. The resource team was relatively competent in the pilot project, and the same team will be employed during the scaling-up. Potential change in political parties, the lack of supply chain, and unstable financial support were identified as inhibiting factors. The objectives of SEHP were aligned with the National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2017-2021, which supports the institutionalisation of the SEHP into the existing School Health and Nutrition Programme. For the pace of expansion, replicating SEHP to another district rather than a province will be more realistic. CONCLUSION: Scaling up a comprehensive SEHP in Zambia is feasible if sufficient funding is available. Additionally, the pace must be adapted to the local context to ensure that every component within the SEHP is intact.

Revisiting the roles of neonatal intensive care unit nurses towards vision 2030 of Saudi Arabia: A descriptive phenomenological study.

AIM: The study aimed to revisit the roles of nurses working in the neonatal intensive care unit in a specific university hospital located in the Eastern Region to pursue Saudi Vision 2030-to provide excellent quality of life and well-being for its national citizens. BACKGROUND: The neonatal intensive care unit is one of the most crucial hospital units caring for high-risk neonates with conditions like pre- and post-maturity and congenital anomalies. The nurses' experiences are vital to achieving the Saudi Vision 2030's Health Sector Transformation Strategy. METHODS: Descriptive Phenomenology. Data collection utilized semi-structured individual interviews with sixteen (16) neonatal intensive care unit nurses for 10 months from March 2019 to January 2020. Colaizzi Method was used in data analysis, and the COREQ criteria list was utilized in data reporting. RESULTS: Three major themes emerged from the participants' narratives: (1) 'mokadem alreayah alshamela': holistic caregiver; (2) 'muzawed malomat': information provider; and (3) 'yad almusaadah': helping hand. CONCLUSION: Revisiting the various roles will align neonatal intensive care unit nurses' critical characteristics towards Saudi Vision 2030, focusing solely on improving service providers' quality and safety principles and skills. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Revisiting the roles of the neonatal intensive care unit nurses would provide an alignment to the goals and objectives of the future initiatives of Saudi Arabia towards its Vision 2030.

Mass mortality of diadematoid sea urchins in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean.

Sea urchins are primary herbivores on coral reefs, regulating algal biomass and facilitating coral settlement and growth.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 Recurring mass mortality events (MMEs) of Diadema species Gray, 1825 have been recorded globally,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23 the most notorious and ecologically significant of which occurred in the Caribbean in 1983,14,17,19,20 contributing to the shift from coral to algal-dominated ecosystems.17,24,25 Recently, first evidence of Diadema setosum mass mortality was reported from the eastern Mediterranean Sea.23 Here, we report extensive mass mortalities of several diadematoid species inhabiting the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean (WIO)26,27,28 including first evidence of mortalities in the genus Echinothrix Peters, 1853. Mortalities initiated in the Gulf of Aqaba on December 2022 and span the Red Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Western Indian Ocean (Réunion Island), with population declines reaching 100% at some sites. Infected individuals are characterized by spine loss and tissue necrosis, resulting in exposed skeletons (i.e., tests) and mortality. Molecular diagnostics of the 18S rRNA gene confirm the presence of a waterborne scuticociliate protozoan most closely related to Philaster apodigitiformis in infected specimens-identical to the pathogen found in the 2022 Caribbean mass mortality of Diadema antillarum.13,15,18 Collapse of these key benthic grazers in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean may lead to algal dominance over corals, threatening the stability of coral reefs on a regional scale.29,30,31,32 We issue a warning regarding the further expansion of mortalities and call for immediate monitoring and conservation efforts for these key ecological species.

The Effect of an Education Program on School Children Oral Health in Khartoum, Sudan.

Background: Oral health education programs have long been considered an essential part of oral health policies. This is important for reducing the risk of oral diseases through health enhancement and voluntary behavioral changes due to learning opportunities. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of school-based oral health education program on oral health in school children in Sudan. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at four governmental schools in Khartoum, Sudan, between August 2018, and March 2022. A total of 423 school children were randomly allocated into the control (n = 211) and study (n = 212) groups. An adapted questionnaire was administered to students before and after the intervention to assess their knowledge and practice of oral health. The study group participated in oral health education activities. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21. Results: The findings revealed that the mean knowledge at the pre-educational program was 9.3066 (SD = 3.91078) and the mean knowledge after the educational program was 21.2736 (SD = 2.13982). The scores indicated that the school children had significantly higher knowledge and practice scores after the oral health education program. Conclusion: The study concluded that education program on oral health improved students' oral health knowledge and practices. Imposing theoretical and practical lessons on oral and dental health in school curricula can motivate students to maintain oral health care, and this improves oral health status.

Study of the hepatoprotective effect of Juniperus phoenicea constituents.

Different fraction obtained from the aerial parts of Juniperus phoenicea showed significant activity as hepatoprotective when investigated against carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury. The hepatoprotective activity was evaluated through the quantification of biochemical parameters and confirmed using histopathology study. Phytochemical investigation of the petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol fractions utilizing different chromatographic techniques resulted in the isolation of five known diterpenoids namely: 13-epicupressic acid (1), imbricatolic acid (2), 7α-hydroxysandaracopimaric acid (3), 3ß-hydroxysandaracopimaric acid (4), isopimaric acid (5), four flavonoid derivatives: cupressuflavone (6), hinokiflavone (7), hypolaetin-7-O-ß-xylopyranoside (9), (-) catechin (10), inaddition to sucrose (8). Both physical and spectral data were used for structure determination and all isolates were evaluated for their hepatoprotective activity. Compounds 2 and 6 were effective, however; 7 was the most active. Hepatoprotective activity of 7 is comparable with the standard drug silymarin in reducing the elevated liver enzymes and restoring normal appearance of hepatocytes. Hepatoprotective effect of combination of 6, 7 and silymarin with the diterpene sugiol was also explored.

Assessing the human development aspects of CO, PM2.5, PM10, NOX, and SO2 in the United States.

Exploring the effect of environmental pollution on human development does not only afford the opportunity to show how human health is impacted, it further exposes the role of environmental pollution in humans' knowledge development and living standard. To shed lighter on this perspective, we consider environmental aspects of human development by employing the national air quality standards of United States Environmental Protection Agency which outlines the main environmental pollutants (carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate matters less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5), particulate matters less than 10 µm (PM10)). By using series of empirical techniques for the United States' dataset that covers the period 1990-2019, the investigation revealed that economic performance improves human development (with elasticity relationship) while the square of economic performance causes a declining effect (inelasticity not more than 0.7). Thus, the relationship suggests a vicious and virtuous cycle scenarios that is characterized by economic performance threshold. Moreover, except for PM10, the examined environmental pollutants hamper human development aspects. To provide a robust perspective, a frequency domain Granger causality approach further revealed causative only from economic performance, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, PM2.5, and PM10 to human development largely in the long-run at varying frequencies. Meanwhile, human development Granger causes nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide in the short-run and long-run respectively at different frequency magnitudes. By implication, the result of the study further highlights the criticality of sustainable development and the complexity associated with economic expansion amidst environmental factors.

Phenotypes of Motor Deficit and Pain after Experimental Spinal Cord Injury.

Motor disability is a common outcome of spinal cord injury (SCI). The recovery of motor function after injury depends on the severity of neurotrauma; motor deficit can be reversible, at least partially, due to the innate tissue capability to recover, which, however, deteriorates with age. Pain is often a comorbidity of injury, although its prediction remains poor. It is largely unknown whether pain can attend motor dysfunction. Here, we implemented SCI for modelling severe and moderate neurotrauma and monitored SCI rats for up to 5 months post-injury to determine the profiles of both motor deficit and nociceptive sensitivity. Our data showed that motor dysfunction remained persistent after a moderate SCI in older animals (5-month-old); however, there were two populations among young SCI rats (1 month-old) whose motor deficit either declined or exacerbated even more over 4-5 weeks after identical injury. All young SCI rats displayed changed nociceptive sensitivity in thermal and mechanical modalities. The regression analysis of the changes revealed a population trend with respect to hyper- or hyposensitivity/motor deficit. Together, our data describe the phenotypes of motor deficit and pain, the two severe complications of neurotrauma. Our findings also suggest the predictability of motor dysfunction and pain syndromes following SCI that can be a hallmark for long-term rehabilitation and recovery after injury.

Comparing Emergent and Elective Colectomy Outcomes in Elderly Patients: A NSQIP Study.

INTRODUCTION: With the increasing prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC) worldwide, especially in the elderly, and the variability between physiological and chronological age and its impact on functional status, acute symptoms leading to emergent surgery due to colorectal malignancy may lead to increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to identify the outcome differences of elective vs. emergent open colectomy in patients above 80 years. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was reviewed from 2010 to 2014 for open colectomy based on CPT codes. Comparison between groups was done based on the clinical context at presentation as elective or emergent surgery. Data were analyzed using SAS. RESULTS: Elective colectomies were performed in 8289 (70.8%) vs. emergent colectomies in 3409 (29.1%). Emergent colectomy patients had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) preoperative classification III-IV, 1429 (42.0%) and 224 (6.6%), vs. 1238 (14.9%) and 21 (0.2%) in elective colectomy patients (p < 0.0001). Emergent colectomy patients had more comorbidities such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (493 (14.5%) vs. 796 (9.6%)), congestive heart failure (206 (6.0%) vs. 310 (3.8%)), dialysis (106 (3.1%) vs. 56 (0.7%)), and acute renal failure (166 (4.9%) vs. 46 (0.6%)) (p < 0.0001), respectively. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were significantly higher in emergent colectomy (1651 (48.4%) and 872 (25.6%)) vs. elective colectomy (1859 (22.4%) and 567 (6.8%)) (p < 0.0001), respectively. CONCLUSION: Emergent open colectomy in elderly patients carries a higher risk of morbidity and mortality when compared to elective open colectomy with risk factors being higher ASA classification and more comorbidities.

Iatrogenic sciatic nerve injury during liposuction and fat tissue grafting: a preventable surgical complication with devastating patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Liposuction and autologous fat transplantation represent widely used techniques in plastic surgery to correct or enhance contour irregularities in the face and body. While these techniques are assumed to be safe, liposuction and fat grafting impose a hidden risk for serious preventable surgical complications and adverse patient outcomes. We hereby report two cases of iatrogenic sciatic nerve injury and provide recommendations on how to prevent this serious surgical complication. CASE PRESENTATION: We present two cases of sciatic nerve injury - one related to liposuction and the other related to gluteal lipo-augmentation. The first case is a 20-year-old female who presented to our institution with right leg weakness one week after undergoing scar revision and fat grafting in the left peri-oral region to correct peri-oral cicatricial banding and tissue atrophy. Fat was harvested from the medial thigh using a 3-mm cannula with low-pressure manual suction, utilizing minimal tumescent solution. Nerve conduction velocity and electromyography testing suggested a right-sided sciatic nerve lesion as a result of direct trauma. The patient was observed for a period of 4 months during which time she underwent physical therapy. At four months post-operatively, she had recovered completely. The second case is that of a 39-year-old female who presented to our institution with left-sided weakness of foot eversion and dorsiflexion five days after she had undergone liposuction of the thighs, flanks, and abdomen in addition to gluteal lipo-augmentation at an outside facility. The patient had undergone super wet liposuction in the areas of the abdomen, flanks and thighs. 200 mL of collected fat was then transplanted into each buttock at multiple levels. Post-operative computed tomography and electroneurography revealed acute left sided sciatic injury consistent with direct trauma to or compression of the sciatic nerve. The patient underwent an extensive regimen of physical therapy. Three months post-operatively, the patient had regained some motor function, but was lost to follow-up thereafter. CONCLUSION: The sciatic nerve is relatively superficial and vulnerable to injury in the upper thigh and lower buttock regions. Therefore, extreme care should be taken when working in these areas to avoid direct or indirect injury to the sciatic nerve by compression or traction.

Distinct non-target site mechanisms endow resistance to glyphosate, ACCase and ALS-inhibiting herbicides in multiple herbicide-resistant Lolium rigidum.

This study investigates mechanisms of multiple resistance to glyphosate, acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) and acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides in two Lolium rigidum populations from Australia. When treated with glyphosate, susceptible (S) plants accumulated 4- to 6-fold more shikimic acid than resistant (R) plants. The resistant plants did not have the known glyphosate resistance endowing mutation of 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3 phosphate synthase (EPSPS) at Pro-106, nor was there over-expression of EPSPS in either of the R populations. However, [(14)C]-glyphosate translocation experiments showed that the R plants in both populations have altered glyphosate translocation patterns compared to the S plants. The R plants showed much less glyphosate translocation to untreated young leaves, but more to the treated leaf tip, than did the S plants. Sequencing of the carboxyl transferase domain of the plastidic ACCase gene revealed no resistance endowing amino acid substitutions in the two R populations, and the ALS in vitro inhibition assay demonstrated herbicide-sensitive ALS in the ALS R population (WALR70). By using the cytochrome P450 inhibitor malathion and amitrole with ALS and ACCase herbicides, respectively, we showed that malathion reverses chlorsulfuron resistance and amitrole reverses diclofop resistance in the R population examined. Therefore, we conclude that multiple glyphosate, ACCase and ALS herbicide resistance in the two R populations is due to the presence of distinct non-target site based resistance mechanisms for each herbicide. Glyphosate resistance is due to reduced rates of glyphosate translocation, and resistance to ACCase and ALS herbicides is likely due to enhanced herbicide metabolism involving different cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Treatment of cervical cancer metastatic to the abdominal wall with reconstruction using a composite myocutaneous flap: A case report.

A 43-year-old woman treated with radical hysterectomy 1 year ago for cervical cancer presented with a suprapubic abdominal mass. A 15 cm necrotic mass from the abdominal wall along with 2 small bowel loops and the dome of the bladder were resected. The peritoneal defect was reconstructed with a pedicled anterolateral thigh and Vastus Lateralis muscle composite flap. Pathology showed invasive non-keratinizing moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, consistent with metastatic cervical cancer, involving urinary bladder, bowel and soft tissue. With advancement in reconstructive surgery, extensive resection with defect closure in properly selected cases of metastatic cervical cancer to the abdominal wall may be considered in an attempt at improving quality of life and overall survival.

The efficacy of immediate implantation of macroporous poly(N-[2-hydroxypropyl]-methacrylamide) hydrogel after laceration spinal cord injury in young rats / Eficacia de la implantación inmediata de hidrogel macroporoso de poli (N- [2-hidroxipropil] - metacrilamida) después de una lesión de la médula espinal en ratas jóvenes

SUMMARY: Spinal cord regeneration after mechanical injury is one of the most difficult biomedical problems. This article evaluates the effect of poly(N-[2-hydroxypropyl]-methacrylamide) hydrogel (PHPMA-hydrogel) on spinal cord regeneration in young rats after lateral spinal cord hemi-excision (laceration) at the level of segments T12-T13 (TrGel group). The locomotor function score (FS) and the paretic hindlimb spasticity score (SS) were assessed according to Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) and Ashworth scales, respectively, and compared to a group of animals with no matrix implanted (Tr group). Regeneration of nerve fibers at the level of injury was evaluated at ~5 months after spinal cord injury (SCI). One week after the SCI induction, the FS on the BBB scale was 0.9±0.5 points in the Tr group and 3.6±1.2 points in the TrGel group. In the Tr group, the FS in 5 months was significantly lower than in 2 weeks after SCI, while no significant changes in FS were detected in the TrGel group over the entire observation period. The final FS was 0.8±0.3 points in the Tr group and 4.5±1.8 points in the TrGel group. No significant changes in SS have been observed in the TrGel group throughout the experiment, while the Tr group showed significant increases in SS at 2nd week, 6th week, 3th month and 5th month. The SS in 5 months was 3.6±0.3 points on the Ashworth scale in the Tr group and 1.8±0.7 points in the TrGel group. Throughout the observation period, significant differences in FS between groups were observed only in 5 weeks after SCI, whereas significant differences in SS were observed in 2, 3 and 6-8 weeks post-injury. Glial fibrous tissue containing newly formed nerve fibers, isolated or grouped in small clusters, that originated from the surrounding spinal cord matter have been found between the implanted hydrogel fragments. In conclusion, PHPMA-hydrogel improves recovery of the hindlimb locomotor function and promotes regenerative growth of nerve fibers. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanism of this PHPMA-hydrogel effect.

RESUMEN: La regeneración de la médula espinal después de una lesión mecánica es uno de los problemas biomédicos más difíciles. Este artículo evalúa el efecto del hidrogel de poli (N- [2-hidroxipropil] -metacrilamida) (PHPMA-hidrogel) sobre la regeneración de la médula espinal en ratas jóvenes después de la hemiescisión lateral de la médula espinal (lesión) a nivel de los segmentos T12 - T13 (Grupo TrGel). La puntuación de la función locomotora (FS) y la puntuación de espasticidad parética de las patas traseras (SS) se evaluaron de acuerdo con las escalas de Basso- Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) y Ashworth, respectivamente, y se compararon con un grupo de animales sin matriz implantada (grupo Tr). Se evaluó la regeneración de las fibras nerviosas al nivel de la lesión ~ 5 meses después de la lesión de la médula espinal (LME). Una semana después de la inducción de SCI, el FS en la escala BBB fue 0,9 ± 0,5 puntos en el grupo Tr y 3,6 ± 1,2 puntos en el grupo TrGel. En el grupo Tr, el FS en 5 meses fue significativamente menor que en 2 semanas después de SCI, mientras que no se detectaron cambios significativos en FS en el grupo TrGel durante el período de observación. El FS final fue de 0,8 ± 0,3 puntos en el grupo Tr y de 4,5 ± 1,8 puntos en el grupo TrGel. No se han obser- vado cambios significativos en SS en el grupo TrGel durante el experimento, mientras que el grupo Tr mostró aumentos significativos en SS en la 2ª semana, 6ª semana, 3º mes y 5º mes. La SS en 5 meses fue de 3,6 ± 0,3 puntos en la escala de Ashworth en el grupo Tr y de 1,8 ± 0,7 puntos en el grupo TrGel. A lo largo del período de observación, se observaron diferencias significativas en FS entre los grupos solo en 5 semanas después de la LME, mientras que se observaron diferencias significativas en SS en 2, 3 y 6-8 semanas después de la lesión. Entre los fragmentos de hidrogel implantados se observó tejido fibroso glial que contenía fibras nerviosas recién formadas, aisladas o agrupadas en pequeños grupos, que se originaban a partir de la materia de la médula espinal circundante. En conclusión, PHPMA-hydrogel mejora la recuperación de la función locomotora de las patas traseras y promueve el crecimiento regenerativo de las fibras nerviosas. Se requieren más estudios para aclarar el mecanismo del efecto de hidrogel PHPMA.

Concerted action of target-site mutations and high EPSPS activity in glyphosate-resistant junglerice (Echinochloa colona) from California.

BACKGROUND: Echinochloa colona is an annual weed affecting field crops and orchards in California. An E. colona population carrying a mutation in the EPSPS gene endowing resistance to glyphosate, the most widely used non-selective herbicide, was recently identified in the Northern Sacramento Valley of California. Plants from this population, from a suspected glyphosate-resistant (GR) population, and from one susceptible (S) population collected in the Northern Sacramento Valley of California, were used to generate three GR and one S selfed lines to study possible mechanisms involved in glyphosate resistance. RESULTS: Based on the amount of glyphosate required to kill 50% of the plants (LD50 ), GR lines were 4-9-fold more resistant than S plants and accumulated less shikimate after glyphosate treatment. GR and S lines did not differ in glyphosate absorption, translocation or metabolism. A different target-site mutation was found in each of two of the GR lines corresponding to Pro106Thr and Pro106Ser substitutions; the mutations were found in different homoeologous EPSPS genes. No mutation was found in the third GR line, which exhibited 1.4-fold higher basal EPSPS activity and a fivefold greater LD50 than S plants. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that GR lines had similar or lower EPSPS expression than S plants. CONCLUSION: It is demonstrated that individuals with different glyphosate resistance mechanisms can coexist in the same population, individuals from different populations may carry different resistance mechanisms and different mechanisms can act in concert within single E. colona plants. However, other plant factors or resistance mechanisms appear to modulate plant expression of EPSPS sensitivity to glyphosate.

Cyclopia: a rare condition with unusual presentation - a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Cyclopia (alobar holoprosencephaly) (OMIM% 236100) is a rare and lethal complex human malformation, resulting from incomplete cleavage of prosencephalon into right and left hemispheres occurring between the 18th and the 28th day of gestation. Holoprosencephaly occurs in 1/16,000 live births, and 1/250 during embryogenesis. Approximately 1.05 in 100,000 births are identified as infants with cyclopia, including stillbirths. Cyclopia typically presents with a median single eye or a partially divided eye in a single orbit, absent nose, and a proboscis above the eye. Extracranial malformations described in stillbirths with cyclopia include polydactyl, renal dysplasia, and an omphalocele. The etiology of this rare syndrome, which is incompatible with life, is still largely unknown. Most cases are sporadic. Heterogeneous risk factors have been implicated as possible causes. CASE PRESENTATION: A live full-term baby with birth weight of 2900 g, product of cesarean section because of severe fetal bradycardia, was born at Prince Hashem Military Hospital - Zarqa city/Jordan. This newborn was the first baby to a non-consanguineous family, and a healthy 18-year-old mother, with no history of drug ingestion or febrile illnesses during pregnancy. Antenatal history revealed severe hydrocephalus diagnosed early by intrauterine ultrasound but the pregnancy was not terminated because of the lack of medical legitimization in the country. On examination, the newborn was found to have a dysmorphic face, with a median single eye, absence of nose, micrognathia, and a proboscis above the eye, all of which made cyclopia the possible initial diagnosis. Multiple unusual abdominal defects were present that include a huge omphalocele containing whole liver and spleen, urinary bladder extrophy, and undefined abnormal external genitalia, which called for urgent confirmation. Brain MRI was done and revealed findings consistent with alobar holoprosencephaly (cyclopia). CONCLUSION: Presentation of cyclopia is not fully exposed and new cyclopian syndromes still can appear. The prenatal diagnosis of cyclopia can be made early by ultrasound, and the awareness of the spectrum of sonographic findings of cyclopia can improve the accuracy of prenatal diagnosis. The legitimization of pregnancy termination for indexed cases in many countries around the world should be revised.

Phenobarbital and Phototherapy Combination Enhances Decline of Total Serum Bilirubin and May Decrease the Need for Blood Exchange Transfusion in Newborns with Isoimmune Hemolytic Disease.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of phenobarbital and phototherapy combination on the total serum bilirubin of the newborn infants with isoimmune hemolytic disease (IHD) and its impact on blood exchange transfusion rates. PATIENTS AND METHOD: This single-blinded, prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted between March 2013 and December 2014 at the pediatric ward of two Military Hospitals in Jordan. A total of 200 full-term neonates with IHD were divided randomly into two groups: (1) the phenobarbital plus phototherapy group (n = 103), and (2) the phototherapy-only group (n = 97). Infants in group 1 received an oral dose of 2.5 mg/kg phenobarbital every 12 hours for 3 days in addition to phototherapy. The total serum bilirubin was observed. RESULTS: Of the total 200 included newborn infants, 186 infants completed the study: 97 infants were included in group 1 and 89 infants in group 2. The difference between the mean total serum bilirubin levels at 24, 48, and 72 hours after starting the trial was clinically and statistically significant at P < 0.05. The differences between the two groups were also statistically significant at P < 0.05. Of the total 186 who completed the study, only 22 underwent blood exchange transfusion [7 from group 1, and 15 from group 2 (P = 0.0478)]. CONCLUSION: In a limited-resources setting, phenobarbital in combination with phototherapy may be helpful to newborn infants with IHD, as it results in a faster decline in total serum bilirubin, thus decreasing the need for blood exchange transfusion than phototherapy alone.

Specific activities of natural rocks and soils at quaternary intraplate volcanism north of Sana'a, Yemen.

The level of natural radioactivity in rocks and soil of 32 samples collected from locations at North Sana'a in Yemen was measured. Concentrations of radionuclides in rocks and soils samples were determined by gamma-ray spectrometer using high purity germanium (HPGe) detector with specially designed shield. The average radioactivity concentrations of (226)Ra, (232)Th, (40)K were determined and expressed in Bq/kg. The results showed that these radionuclides were present in concentrations of 21.79 ± 3.1, 19.5 ± 2.6 and 399.3 ± 16 Bq/kg, respectively, for rocks. For soil, the corresponding values were 48.2 ± 4.4, 41.7 ± 4.5 and 939.1 ± 36 Bq/kg, respectively. Also, the radiological hazard of the natural radionuclide content, radium equivalent activity, total dose rates, external hazard index and gamma activity concentration index of the (rocks/soils) samples in the area under consideration were calculated. The dose rates at 1 m above the ground from terrestrial sources were 38.39 and 86.89 nGy/h for rocks and surface soil, respectively, which present no significant health hazards to humans.

Localized hormone fluxes and early haustorium development in the hemiparasitic plant Triphysaria versicolor.

Perhaps the most obvious phenotypes associated with chemical signaling between plants are manifested by parasitic species of Orobanchaceae. The development of haustoria, invasive root structures that allow hemiparasitic plants to transition from autotrophic to heterotrophic growth, is rapid, highly synchronous, and readily observed in vitro. Haustorium development is initiated in aseptic roots of the facultative parasite Triphysaria versicolor when exposed to phenolic molecules associated with host root exudates and rhizosphere bioactivity. Morphological features of early haustorium ontogeny include rapid cessation of root elongation, expansion, and differentiation of epidermal cells into haustorial hairs, and cortical cell expansion. These developmental processes were stimulated in aseptic T. versicolor seedlings by the application of exogenous phytohormones and inhibited by the application of hormone antagonists. Surgically dissected root tips formed haustoria if the root was exposed to haustorial-inducing factors prior to dissection. In contrast, root tips that were dissected prior to inducing-factor treatment were unable to form haustoria unless supplemented with indole-3-acetic acid. A transient transformation assay demonstrated that auxin and ethylene-responsive promoters were up-regulated when T. versicolor was exposed to either exogenous hormones or purified haustoria-inducing factors. These experiments demonstrate that localized auxin and ethylene accumulation are early events in haustorium development and that parasitic plants recruit established plant developmental mechanisms to realize parasite-specific functions.