Biodiversity and Bioprospecting of Fungal Endophytes from Houttuynia cordata Thunb. as a Potential Antibacterial and Anticancer Agent.

Endophytic fungi are considered a new source of bioactive compounds that have important applications in agriculture and medicine. This study aims to investigate the biodiversity and potential of endophytic fungi isolated from Houttuynia cordata Thunb. as antimicrobials and anticancer agents. Out of ten isolated endophytes, four species have never been reported to be associated with H. cordata: Ceratobasidium sp., Cladosporium sp., Phomopsis sp., and Fusarium sp. The antibacterial activity assay revealed that the ethyl acetate extract of Ceratobasidium sp. HCS-3 possessed most potent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, its cytotoxic activity test showed the promising anticancer activity on lung cancer A549, osteosarcoma MG-63, and cervical cancer HeLa cells with IC50 of 4.55 ±1.16, 32.14 ±2.78, and 1.54 ±0.66 ppm, respectively. Furthermore, metabolite profiling identified 66 compounds suggesting that benzoic acid, farnesol, and cyclopeptides may contribute to the antibacterial activity, while 4-methoxycinnamic acid may have anticancer potential.

NF-κB pathway activation by Octopus peptide hydrolysate ameliorates gut dysbiosis and enhances immune response in cyclophosphamide-induced mice.

Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is an anticancer medication that suppresses host immunity as well as adversely affects mucosal inflammation and gut microflora dysbiosis. The gut microflora is recognized as a substantial factor in host metabolism and immunological homeostasis. To improve immunity and inhibit cytotoxic and homeostatic imbalances triggered by CTX, it is essential to monitor immunoregulators. In this research, we assessed the impact of Octopus peptide hydrolysate (OPH) on immune modulation, intestinal integrity, and gut microbial composition in CTX-induced immune-deficient mice. The results revealed that OPH increased body weight, and immunological organ indices, and improved the histological changes in the colon, thymus, and spleen. The OPH stimulated the secretion of cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) and antibodies (IgM and IgA) while reducing the ratio of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and diamine oxidase (DAO) in the serum. OPH further enhanced goblet cell and mucus production, upregulated the expression of gut tight-junction proteins (Occludin, Zonula Occludin-1, Mucin-2, and Claudin-1), and activated the TLR4/NF-κB cascade (p-IκBα, P65/p-p65). In addition, OPH treatment declined the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, enhanced the relative ratio of Alistipes/Lachnospiraceae, and reversed the ecological equilibrium of the gut microflora. The findings revealed that OPH serves as a prebiotic to prevent CTX-mediated disruption in the intestinal barrier and boosts gut mucosal immunity by attenuating gut microflora imbalance, implying that OPH could be used as an immunological ingredient in nutritious foods to regulate the immune system and protect the gut from inflammatory diseases.

Effectiveness and safety of preoperative distraction using modified halo-pelvic Ilizarov distraction assembly in patients with severe kyphoscoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: A 2-year follow-up study. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of modified halo-pelvic Ilizarov distraction assembly in the management of patients with severe kyphoscoliosis. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Severe and rigid scoliosis curves are always a challenge for operating surgeons. Preoperative correction through halo-pelvic devices successfully minimizes the severity of the curve; however, cumbersome complications are also reported with its use. Modified assembly could be safe for these cases. METHODS: Patients with severe kyphoscoliosis having coronal Cobb angle >90° were applied with modified halo-pelvic Ilizarov distraction assembly preoperatively. The modified assembly consisted of a pelvic component and halo ring, and distraction was given at the rate of 2-3 mm/day for 6-12 weeks. Complete clinical assessments along with pulmonary function tests were performed, and scoliosis series X-ray images were assessed for coronal and sagittal Cobb angle and other spinopelvic parameters before applying the assembly and during 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (age, 9-27 years; male/female ratio of 18:16) were included. The coronal and sagittal Cobb angles were 116°±16.2° and 84°±28.3°, respectively. Correction rates obtained through modified halo-pelvic assembly were nearly 52% (p=0.001) in coronal and 40% (p=0.001) in sagittal Cobb angles, with improvement in height (p=0.001). Apical vertebral translation and coronal balance were also improved significantly (p=0.001). Further improvements in all the parameters were obtained after definitive surgery, with improvements in the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (p =0.002) and forced vital capacity (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our modified halo-pelvic Ilizarov distraction assembly can achieve good correction in severe spinal deformities without significant risk to neurology, has fewer complications, and promotes good patient compliance.

Microstructural and mechanical characterization of electron beam welded low-nickel nitrogen-strengthened austenitic stainless steel.

In this paper, the Electron Beam Welding (EBW) was used to join thin plates of low-nickel nitrogen-strengthened austenitic stainless steel (LNiASS), a material valued for its superior mechanical properties and cost-effectiveness. Traditional welding techniques often lead to issues such as hot cracking, reduced toughness, and undesirable microstructures. The objective was to address these challenges using EB·W., which offers precise control, minimal heat input, and deeper penetration. Methodology included joining LNiASS plates with E.B.W. and analyzing the resulting microstructures and mechanical properties through optical microscopy, tensile testing, microhardness testing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The findings indicated the presence of various ferrite morphologies without significant precipitation of deleterious phases like carbides and sigma phase. The weldment strength was ∼90 % of the base alloy, with fractures occurring near the weld cord due to nitrogen loss and grain coarsening in the (HAZ). Microhardness increased by ∼12.9 %, attributed to microstructural evolution and a fine-grained structure. Impact testing in Charpy V-Notch (CVN) configuration showed the weld absorbed ∼50 % more impact energy than the base material, due to refined Microstructure and enhanced hardness. Longitudinal residual stress analysis indicated compressive nature below mid-thickness, resulting from thermal expansion and contraction during welding. These results demonstrated E.B·W.'s effectiveness in preserving mechanical properties and enhancing the performance of nitrogen-strengthened stainless steel welds.

Insights into Metabolites Profiling and Pharmacological Investigation of Aconitum heterophyllum wall ex. Royle Stem through Experimental and Bioinformatics Techniques.

The Aconitum genus is a leading source of a wide range of structurally diverse metabolites with significant pharmacological implications. The present study investigated metabolite profiling, pharmacological investigation, anticancer potential, and molecular docking analysis of the stem part of Aconitum heterophyllum (AHS). The metabolite profiling of the AHS extract was experimentally examined using LC-MS/MS-orbitrap in both modes (ESI+/ESI-) and GC-MS in EI mode. The in vitro MTT model was used to study the anticancer potential, while the in vivo animal model was used to study the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. The MOE software was used for the molecular docking study. A total of 118 novel and previously known metabolites, among 44 metabolites (26 in ESI+ positive mode and 18 in ESI- negative mode) in the MeOH extract, while 74 metabolites (46 in ESI+ and 28 in ESI- mode) were identified in the n-hexane extract via LCMS/MS. The identified metabolites include 24 phenolic compounds, 18 alkaloids, 10 flavonoids, 24 terpenoids, 2 coumarins, 2 lignans, and 38 other fatty acids and organic compounds. The major bioactive metabolites identified were hordenine, hernagine, formononetin, chrysin, N-methylhernagine, guineesine, shogaol, kauralexin, colneleate, zerumbone, medicarpin, boldine, miraxinthin-v, and lariciresinol-4-O-glucoside. Furthermore, the GC-MS study helped in the identification of volatile and nonvolatile chemical constituents based on the mass spectrum and retention indices. The methanol extract significantly inhibited tumor progression in H9c2 and MDCK cancer cells with IC50 values of 186.39 and 199.63 µg/mL. In comparison, the positive control aconitine exhibited potent IC50 values (132.32 and 141.58 µg/mL) against H9c2 and MDCK cell lines. The anti-inflammatory (carrageenan-induced hind paw edema) and antinociceptive (acetic acid-induced writhing) effects were significantly dose-dependent, (p < 0.001) and (p < 0.05), respectively. In addition, a molecular docking study was conducted on identified ligands against the anti-inflammatory enzyme (COX-2) (PDB ID: 5JVZ) and the cancer enzyme ADAM10 (PDB ID: 6BDZ) which confirmed the anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects in an in silico model. Among all ligands, L2, L3, and L7 exhibit the most potent potential for inhibiting COX-2 inflammation with binding energies of -7.3424, -7.0427, and -8.3562 kcal/mol. Conversely, against ADAM10 cancer protein, ligands L1, L4, L6, and L7, with binding energies of -8.0650, -7.7276, -7.0454, and -7.2080 kcal/mol, demonstrated notable effectiveness. Overall, the identified metabolites revealed in this AHS research study hold promise for discovering novel possibilities in the disciplines of chemotaxonomy and pharmacology.

A Novel Coated Suture Displays Antimicrobial Activity Without Compromising Structural Properties.

BACKGROUND: Treated or coated sutures promise to prevent contamination of wounds. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to coat surgical sutures with a new quaternary ammonium silane (QAS) antimicrobial compound at two different application temperatures and then to evaluate the resulting structural, physical, mechanical, and biological properties. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted using male albino Wistar rats approved by the Joint Ethical Committee of IMU and Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore. Only suture samples, coated uniformly with verified presence of the compound and of adequate length were used. Samples which were not coated uniformly and with inadequate length or damaged were excluded. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: Predictor variables were sutures with and without QAS coatings and different temperatures. Sutures were coated with QAS at 0.5 and 1.0% wt/vol using the dip coating technique and sutures with and without QAS coating were tested at 25 and 40 °C temperatures. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE(S): Outcome variables of structural and physico-mechanical properties of QAS-coated and non-coated sutures were measured using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (for structural changes), confocal laser and scanning electron (for diameter changes), and tensile strength/modulus (for mechanical testing). Biologic outcome variables were tested (bacterial viability); macrophage cultures from Wistar rats were tested (M1/M2 polarization detecting IL-6 and IL-10). Macrophage cells were analyzed with CD80+ (M1) and CD163+ (M2). Chemotaxis index was calculated as a ratio of quantitative fluorescence of cells. COVARIATES: Not applicable. ANALYSES: Ordinal data among groups were compared using the Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U test along with the comparison of histological analysis using the Wilcoxon Sign-rank test (P < .05). RESULTS: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy peak at 1490 cm-1 confirmed the presence of QAS on suture's surfaces with a significant increase (P < .05) in diameter (0.99 ± 0.5-mm) and weight (0.77 ± 0.02-mg) observed for 1% QAS groups treated at 40 °C. Non-coated samples heated at 25 °C had significantly (P < .05) less diameters (0.22 ± 0.03-mm) and weights (0.26 ± 0.06-mg). Highest tensile strength/modulus was observed for 0.5% QAS-coated samples which also had significantly higher antibacterial characteristics than other sutures (P < .05). QAS-coated sutures significantly increased M1 and M2 markers. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: QAS coating conferred antibacterial action properties without compromising the physical and mechanical properties of the suture.

Vertebral Endplate Defects Induced Mechanical Alterations and Disc Calcification.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional comparative study. OBJECTIVES: The current study aims to explore the calcification potential (BMP2 expression) of intervertebral discs and its association with the presence of vertebral endplate defects visible on MRI. METHODS: Forty-seven herniated lumbar disc samples obtained from patients aged 20-76 (31 M/16F) undergoing surgery. Five-µm thin sections were stained with H&E in order to assign a histological degeneration score (HDS) from 0-15 on the basis of cell density (0-5), structural alterations (0-4), granular changes (0-3) and mucus degeneration (0-3). Sections were immuno-stained with anti BMP-2 antibodies to observe the calcification potential in these discs. In addition, pre-operativeT2-T1 W MRI images of the lumbar spine were analyzed for the presence and type (typical or atypical) of vertebral endplate defects, grade of disc degeneration (Pfirrmann grade I-V), presence of high intensity zones (HIZ), and Modic changes at the operated level. RESULTS: Vertebral endplate defects, Modic changes & HIZ were observed in 81%, 29% and 21% of patients respectively. Mean HDS & BMP-2 expression was 9 ± 2 and mean 71 ± 36 spots/mm2 respectively. Discs with adjacent vertebral endplate defects showed increased cell density (P = .004), mucus degeneration (P = .002), HDS (P = .01) and BMP-2 expression (P = .01). Discs with HIZ also had increased HDS, but significance was seen with increased BMP2 expression (P = .006). HDS showed a positive correlation with BMP 2 expression (r = .30, P = .04). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the altered mechanical environment of discs is strongly associated with BMP-2 expression which is an important marker of intervertebral disc calcification.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome with polyps in the stomach, duodenum, and small and large intestine: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a rare hereditary condition characterized by gastrointestinal polyps and pigmented oral lesions. The case contributes to a deeper understanding of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and underscores the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration for accurate diagnosis and tailored therapeutic strategies. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a case of a 15-year-old Afghan female patient with multiple polyps throughout the gastrointestinal tract and mucocutaneous pigmentation. Despite previous medical visits and colonoscopies, her symptoms persisted. A multidisciplinary team discussed the case and recommended further investigations and interventions. A polypectomy was performed, confirming the presence of hamartomatous polyps. The patient was diagnosed with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, but during the course of treatment she went through complications and was managed surgically as well. CONCLUSION: Timely polyp removal and lifelong surveillance are crucial in managing Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Further research and genetic analysis are needed to improve understanding and management of this rare disorder.

The detrimental effects of heavy metals on tributaries exert pressure on water quality, Crossocheilus aplocheilus, and the well-being of human health.

The escalating presence of heavy metals (HMs) in the Panjkora River water and their impact on fish pose a significant challenge to both the ecological community and human health. Consequently, a study was conducted with the primary aim of elucidating their influence on human health-related issues. To address this, the concentrations of heavy metals, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), in both water and the fish species Crossocheilus diplocheilus were investigated across various locations within the study area. The quantification of HMs concentration was carried out utilizing an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The highest concentration in water was found as 0.060 mg/L for Pb and lowest for Fe, whereas the highest concentration in fish was 2.028 mg/kg for Pb and lowest for As. Human health risk associated with fish eating was evaluated by using health risk indices (HRI) for non-carcinogenic health risks and targeted cancer risk (TR) for carcinogenic health risks. The values of the health risk index (HRI) were found greater than 1 except Fe (0.0792), Zn (0.782), and Mn (0.541). The highest mean HRI > 1 was recorded for As (62.99), Cd (26.85), and Pb (10.56). This implies that fish consumption from river Panjkora is not safe up to some extent. Similarly, the TR value for As, Cd, and Pb was found 2.8 [Formula: see text], 1.6 [Formula: see text], 2.8 ×[Formula: see text] which showed cancer risk. There is a detected risk to human health associated with the consumption of fish from the Panjkora River. The government must implement adaptive measures to address this significant issue of water pollution in the study area. Additionally, there is a need for further extensive and prolonged research studies in this context.

MRI phenotypes of herniated discs associated with adjacent disc degeneration.

Adjacent segment degeneration is commonly observed in patients after fusion surgery. Among the associated risk factors is the preoperative presence of adjacent disc degeneration (ADD). The risk factors and other spine phenotypes associated with preoperative ADD is critical to understand the pathological process and better prognosis postsurgery. Current study aims to assess and compare the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) spinal phenotype of herniated level with and without ADD. Preoperative T2W sagittal lumbar MRI images of 155 lumbar disc herniated patients were analyzed for the presence of ADD (Pfirrmann grade III and above). The herniated disc level was assessed for the presence and absence of vertebral endplate (VEP) defects, Modic changes, and high intensity zone (HIZ). Mean age of patients was 38 ± 2 years, almost 62% were males. ADD was found in 57%, VEP defects were seen in 62% of the herniated level, 24.5% showed Modic changes, 3.8% showed spondylolishthesis, and 15.5% revealed HIZ. Age and other demographic factors did not have any significant effect on the presence of ADD, the patients with extruded and sequestered discs had more ADD (p = 0.02). VEP defects were significantly higher in levels with ADD (p = 0.02). Patients with ADD had significantly VEP defect scores (p = 0.01), Modic score (p = 0.002), HIZ score (0.02), and posterior bulge score (p < 0.001). Findings suggest that affected levels with VEP defects and severe grade of disc herniation have the greater likelihood of having ADD. Once developed this ADD may also affect the other spinal levels, and also can affect postoperative prognosis.

Sea Conch Peptides Hydrolysate Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice through Immune Modulation and Gut Microbiota Restoration.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a persistent, lifelong inflammation of the digestive system. Dextran sulfate sodium is commonly used to induce colitis in experimental animal models, which causes epithelial damage, intestinal inflammation, mucin depletion, and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Various prebiotics, polysaccharides, and polypeptides are used for IBD treatment. In this study, we used a murine model utilizing BALB/c mice, with 10 mice per group, to investigate the treatment effect of sea conch peptide hydrolysate (CPH) on DSS-induced colitis mice. Colitis was induced through the administration of 2.5% DSS in drinking water over a seven-days period. Furthermore, on the eighth day of the experiment, sea conch peptide hydrolysate (CPH) at low (100 mg/kg), medium (200 mg/kg), and high (400 mg/kg) doses, which were continued for 14 days, were assessed for medicinal purposes in DSS-induced colitis mice. Our results showed that CPH treatment significantly alleviated the severity and symptoms of colitis. The epithelial integrity and histological damage were improved. Intestinal inflammation and inflammatory cell infiltration were improved. Furthermore, the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was reduced, and intestinal barrier integrity was restored by elevating the tight junction proteins. Moreover, 16s RNA sequencing revealed dysbiosis of the gut microbiota was observed upon DSS treatment, which was reinstated after CPH treatment. An increased level of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus was observed in the treatment groups. Finally, our results suggest that CPH would be recommended as a functional food source and also have the potential to be used as a medicinal product for different gastrointestinal disorders.

Acute pancreatitis with chylous ascites mimicking acute appendicitis: A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Chylous ascites, characterized by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the peritoneal cavity, presents a significant diagnostic and management challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 63-year-old female with acute abdominal pain who was initially diagnosed with acute perforated appendicitis. During open surgery, Chylous ascites was found with normal appendix and bulky pancrease with surrounding fluid accumulation. Drain was placed in lesser sac area and appendectomy was performed with drain placed in right iliac fossa. Recovery was uneventful. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Chylous ascites can be challenging to diagnose, especially in resource-limited settings. Laboratory analysis and imaging studies play a critical role in establishing the diagnosis, while conservative measures and invasive interventions, if necessary, comprise the treatment strategy. CONCLUSION: Our case highlights the importance of considering chylous ascites as a potential differential diagnosis in acute abdomen cases. Accurate diagnosis and management can be particularly challenging in resource-limited settings, and increased awareness among clinicians and further research is necessary to improve outcomes for patients.

Molecular Characterization of Germin-like Protein Genes in Zea mays (ZmGLPs) Using Various In Silico Approaches.

Germin (GER) and germin-like proteins (GLPs) play an important role in various plant processes. Zea mays contains 26 germin-like protein genes (ZmGLPs) located on chromosomes 2, 4, and 10; most of which are functionally unexplored. The present study aimed to characterize all ZmGLPs using the latest computational tools. All of them were studied at a physicochemical, subcellular, structural, and functional level, and their expression was predicted in plant development, against biotic and abiotic stresses using various in silico approaches. Overall, ZmGLPs showed greater similarity in their physicochemical properties, domain architecture, and structure, mostly localized in the cytoplasmic or extracellular regions. Phylogenetically, they have a narrow genetic background with a recent history of gene duplication events on chromosome 4. Functional analysis revealed novel enzymatic activities of phosphoglycolate phosphatase, adenosylhomocysteinase, phosphoglycolate phosphatase-like, osmotin/thaumatin-like, and acetohydroxy acid isomeroreductase largely mediated by disulfide bonding. Expression analysis revealed their crucial role in the root, root tips, crown root, elongation and maturation zones, radicle, and cortex with the highest expression being observed during germination and at the maturity levels. Further, ZmGLPs showed strong expression against biotic (Aspergillus flavus, Colletotrichum graminicola, Cercospora zeina, Fusarium verticillioides, and Fusarium virguliforme) while limited expression was noted against abiotic stresses. Concisely, our results provide a platform for additional functional exploration of the ZmGLP genes against various environmental stresses.

Conserved Structure Associated with Different 3'CITEs Is Important for Translation of Umbraviruses.

The cap-independent translation of plus-strand RNA plant viruses frequently depends on 3' structures to attract translation initiation factors that bind ribosomal subunits or bind directly to ribosomes. Umbraviruses are excellent models for studying 3' cap-independent translation enhancers (3'CITEs), as umbraviruses can have different 3'CITEs in the central region of their lengthy 3'UTRs, and most also have a particular 3'CITE (the T-shaped structure or 3'TSS) near their 3' ends. We discovered a novel hairpin just upstream of the centrally located (known or putative) 3'CITEs in all 14 umbraviruses. These CITE-associated structures (CASs) have conserved sequences in their apical loops and at the stem base and adjacent positions. In 11 umbraviruses, CASs are preceded by two small hairpins joined by a putative kissing loop interaction (KL). Converting the conserved 6-nt apical loop to a GNRA tetraloop in opium poppy mosaic virus (OPMV) and pea enation mosaic virus 2 (PEMV2) enhanced translation of genomic (g)RNA, but not subgenomic (sg)RNA reporter constructs, and significantly repressed virus accumulation in Nicotiana benthamiana. Other alterations throughout OPMV CAS also repressed virus accumulation and only enhanced sgRNA reporter translation, while mutations in the lower stem repressed gRNA reporter translation. Similar mutations in the PEMV2 CAS also repressed accumulation but did not significantly affect gRNA or sgRNA reporter translation, with the exception of deletion of the entire hairpin, which only reduced translation of the gRNA reporter. OPMV CAS mutations had little effect on the downstream BTE 3'CITE or upstream KL element, while PEMV2 CAS mutations significantly altered KL structures. These results introduce an additional element associated with different 3'CITEs that differentially affect the structure and translation of different umbraviruses.

Influence of Haunch Geometry and Additional Steel Reinforcement on Load Carrying Capacity of Reinforced Concrete Box Culvert.

The culverts are used to safely convey water under railways, highways, and overpasses. They are utilized in drainage areas or water channels and in areas where the bearing capacity of soil is low. The design and construction of this crucial infrastructure need to be improved to meet contemporary demands of reliability and affordability. Precast reinforced box culverts are popular alternatives as they ensure strength, durability, rigidity, and economy. This research seeks to develop an effective and affordable design improvement procedure for a precast box culvert using modern numerical tools. The Finite Element Method (FEM) based approach is used in studying the effects of haunch geometry and additional steel reinforcement on the load-bearing capacity of box culverts. A conventional box culvert is analyzed to create the numerical models in the Abaqus FEM code and to investigate the load-bearing capacity of culverts with an expanded span. The outcomes of the study reveal the critical places for stress concentration as well as the location of maximum damage. It is found that haunch geometry and additional reinforcement at these critical places significantly affect the load-carrying capacity of a culvert. From the comparison of capacity curves of models with and without haunches and diagonal reinforcement, it is found that a 25% increase in load-carrying capacity is achievable with the recommended changes. The proposed design improvement technique can be employed for the cost-effective and safe design of a concrete box culvert with larger span lengths and high water-flowing capacities. The findings of this study are expected to assist practitioners in strength enhancement tasks of box culverts for increased structural stability and drainage efficiency.

Robotic surgery in comparison to the open and laparoscopic approaches in the field of urology: a systematic review.

To establish the feasibility of robotic surgical procedures in urology in terms of the applications, merits, and demerits as well as the postoperative and oncological outcomes while comparing it with the conventional approaches. A systematic search of electronic databases was performed to identify Randomized Controlled Trials and Cohort studies on Robot-Assisted urological surgical procedures in comparison with the conventional methods. The quality assessment of included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the revised Cochrane "Risk of Bias" tool. A qualitative narrative synthesis of the data extracted from the studies was performed and presented in tabulated form. After screening, 39 studies were included in our review (7 Randomized Controlled Trials and 32 Cohort studies). Robot-Assisted Prostatectomy appears to be associated with lower estimated blood loss and shorter length of hospital stay. For Robot-Assisted Cystectomy, the results suggest longer operative time and fewer complications. Robot-Assisted Radical Nephrectomy was found to be associated with fewer perioperative complications and longer mean operative time while Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy was associated with less positive surgical margins and reduced need for postoperative analgesia. The mean operative time was longer while the length of stay was shorter for the robotic approach in inguinal lymphadenectomy and ureteral reimplantation. The feasibility of Robot-Assisted surgery varied for different outcome measures as well as for different procedures. Some common advantages were a shorter length of stay, lesser blood loss, and fewer complications while the drawbacks included longer operative time.Study protocol PROSPERO database (Registration Number: CRD42021256623).

Patient-reported Physical Function Is Associated With Survival After Lung Resection for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the association between preoperative quality of life and long-term survival in patients undergoing surgical resection for non-small cell lung cancer. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was conducted on 388 consecutive patients who completed the quality of life assessment through the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 and lung cancer specific module (LC13), before anatomic lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer (2014-2018). Survival distribution was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression and competing risk regression analyses were used to assess the independent association of preoperative patient-reported outcomes with overall and cancer-specific survival. RESULTS: Higher score in patient-reported physical functioning was significantly associated with longer overall survival. Factors significantly associated with poorer overall survival remained older age (P = .005), low body mass index (P = .007), male sex (P < .001), and nodal involvement (P = .007). Competing regression analysis found that worse baseline lung cancer-specific dyspnea (P = .03), low body mass index (P = .01), worse performance status (P = .03), and lymph node involvement (P = .01) were significantly associated with poorer cancer-specific survival. CONCLUSIONS: Higher patient-reported physical function score was associated with longer overall survival after resection. Our study highlights the significance of routinely collecting quality of life data to aid preoperative decision making in non-small cell lung cancer.

Frequency of migraine according to the ICHD-3 criteria and its association with sociodemographic and triggering factors in Pakistan: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Migraine is a primary headache disorder marked by episodes of moderate to severe headache that is unilateral, throbbing in character, having a duration of 4 h to three days, and associated with nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia. Aims: Our study aims to determine the frequency of migraine in Pakistan, its association with sociodemographic variables and triggering factors, and the coping mechanisms used. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey from March 19, 2022, to June 15, 2022. The snowball sampling technique was used for data collection. The questions asked included those on sociodemographic information, screening questions, and questions on triggering factors and coping mechanisms. The screening was done using the ICHD-3 criteria and percentages were calculated using SPSS. Results: Of the 986 respondents, 393 suffered from migraine. The majority of them were female (78.1%), belonged to the age group 20-29 years (69.2%), and were students (76.1%). 32.8% of the migraineurs had a family history of migraine. Most frequent triggers included sleep disturbance (70.5%), stress (66.7%) and fatigue (64.4%). Of the female migraineurs, 31.8% had menstruation as a trigger. The coping mechanisms used included taking rest, medication, staying in a quiet and dark place, and doing massage. Conclusion: The findings suggest that young adults, especially females, with a stressful and sleep-deprived lifestyle are more vulnerable to migraine. However, further studies must focus on trigger synergy and interrelation of triggers that precipitate migraine so a better understanding can be developed for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of migraine.

Fluorinated triazoles as privileged potential candidates in drug development-focusing on their biological and pharmaceutical properties.

Fluorinated heterocycles have attracted extensive attention not only in organic synthesis but also in pharmaceutical and medicinal sciences due to their enhanced biological activities than their non-fluorinated counterparts. Triazole is a simple five-membered heterocycle with three nitrogen atoms found in both natural and synthetic molecules that impart a broad spectrum of biological properties including but not limited to anticancer, antiproliferative, inhibitory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiallergic, and antioxidant properties. In addition, incorporation of fluorine into triazole and its derivatives has been reported to enhance their pharmacological activity, making them promising drug candidates. This mini-review explores the current developments of backbone-fluorinated triazoles and functionalized fluorinated triazoles with established biological activities and pharmacological properties.

Leaf Functional Traits of Invasive Grasses Conferring High-Cadmium Adaptation Over Natives.

Heavy metal (HM) contamination resulting from industrialization and urbanization during the Anthropocene along with plant invasion can severely threaten the growth and adaptation of local flora. Invasive alien plant species generally exhibit a growth pattern consistent with their functional traits in non-contaminated environments in the introduced range. However, it remains unclear whether invasive alien plants have an advantage over native plants in contaminated environments and whether this growth pattern is dependent on the adaptation of their leaf functional traits. Here, we selected two congeneric pairs of invasive alien and native grasses that naturally co-exist in China and are commonly found growing in contaminated soil. To evaluate the effect of cadmium (Cd) on the structural and physiological leaf traits, we grew all four species in soil contaminated without or with 80 mg/kg Cd. Invasive plants contained significantly higher concentrations of Cd in all three organs (leaf, stem, and root). They displayed a higher transfer factor and bioconcentration factor (BCF) of shoot and root than natives, indicating that invasive species are potential Cd hyperaccumulators. Invasive plants accumulated polyphenol oxidase (PPO) to higher levels than natives and showed similar patterns of leaf structural and physiological traits in response to changes in Cd bioconcentration. The quantifiable leaf structural traits of invasive plants were significantly greater (except for stomatal density and number of dead leaves) than native plants. Leaf physiological traits, chlorophyll content, and flavonoid content were also significantly higher in invasive plants than in natives under Cd stress conditions after 4 weeks, although nitrogen balance index (NBI) showed no significant difference between the two species. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters decreased, except for the quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII) and the proportion of open photosystem II (qP), which increased under Cd stress conditions in both species. However, invasive plants exhibited higher fluorescence parameters than natives under Cd stress, and the decrement observed in invasive plants under Cd stress was greater than that in natives. High Cd adaptation of invasive grasses over natives suggests that invasive plants possess optimal leaf structural and physiological traits, which enable them to adapt to stressful conditions and capture resources more quickly than natives. This study further emphasizes the potential invasion of alien plants in contaminated soil environments within the introduced range. To a certain extent, some non-invasive alien plants might adapt to metalliferous environments and serve as hyperaccumulator candidates in phytoremediation projects in contaminated environments.