The N1 domain of the peroxisomal AAA-ATPase Pex6 is required for Pex15 binding and proper assembly with Pex1.

The heterohexameric ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities (AAA)-ATPase Pex1/Pex6 is essential for the formation and maintenance of peroxisomes. Pex1/Pex6, similar to other AAA-ATPases, uses the energy from ATP hydrolysis to mechanically thread substrate proteins through its central pore, thereby unfolding them. In related AAA-ATPase motors, substrates are recruited through binding to the motor's N-terminal domains or N terminally bound cofactors. Here, we use structural and biochemical techniques to characterize the function of the N1 domain in Pex6 from budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We found that although Pex1/ΔN1-Pex6 is an active ATPase in vitro, it does not support Pex1/Pex6 function at the peroxisome in vivo. An X-ray crystal structure of the isolated Pex6 N1 domain shows that the Pex6 N1 domain shares the same fold as the N-terminal domains of PEX1, CDC48, and NSF, despite poor sequence conservation. Integrating this structure with a cryo-EM reconstruction of Pex1/Pex6, AlphaFold2 predictions, and biochemical assays shows that Pex6 N1 mediates binding to both the peroxisomal membrane tether Pex15 and an extended loop from the D2 ATPase domain of Pex1 that influences Pex1/Pex6 heterohexamer stability. Given the direct interactions with both Pex15 and the D2 ATPase domains, the Pex6 N1 domain is poised to coordinate binding of cofactors and substrates with Pex1/Pex6 ATPase activity.

Statin use and longitudinal changes in quantitative MRI-based biomarkers of thigh muscle quality: data from Osteoarthritis Initiative.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether changes in MRI-based measures of thigh muscle quality associated with statin use in participants with and without/at-risk of knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative study. Statin users and non-users were matched for relevant covariates using 1:1 propensity-score matching. Participants were further stratified according to baseline radiographic knee osteoarthritis status. We used a validated deep-learning method for thigh muscle MRI segmentation and calculation of muscle quality biomarkers at baseline, 2nd, and 4th visits. Mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in longitudinal 4-year measurements of muscle quality biomarkers, including cross-sectional area, intramuscular adipose tissue, contractile percent, and knee extensors and flexors maximum and specific contractile force (force/muscle area) were the outcomes of interest. RESULTS: After matching, 3772 thighs of 1910 participants were included (1886 thighs of statin-users: 1886 of non-users; age: 62 ± 9 years (average ± standard deviation), range: 45-79; female/male: 1). During 4 years, statin use was associated with a slight decrease in muscle quality, indicated by decreased knee extension maximum (mean-difference, 95% CI: - 1.85 N/year, - 3.23 to - 0.47) and specific contractile force (- 0.04 N/cm2/year, - 0.07 to - 0.01), decreased thigh muscle contractile percent (- 0.03%/year, - 0.06 to - 0.01), and increased thigh intramuscular adipose tissue (3.06 mm2/year, 0.53 to 5.59). Stratified analyses showed decreased muscle quality only in participants without/at-risk of knee osteoarthritis but not those with established knee osteoarthritis. CONCLUSIONS: Statin use is associated with a slight decrease in MRI-based measures of thigh muscle quality over 4 years. However, considering statins' substantial cardiovascular benefits, these slight muscle changes may be relatively less important in overall patient care.

Patient-oriented educational Sports Medicine YouTube videos in Arabic have higher view counts in the Middle East and North Africa than their English versions.

PURPOSE: The present study aims to assess the impact of the local language on the view count of patient-oriented educational Sports Medicine videos in an Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in the Middle East and North Africa. METHODS: An observational study on English and Arabic versions of Aspetar's YouTube channel patient-oriented educational video series was conducted in February 2023, comparing the view count and viewer characteristics. Included videos were posted either simultaneously or in English version first, in both languages, and shared on the same media platforms. Collected data of interest included video title, view count in each language, age and sex of the viewers, location, and traffic source. RESULTS: Eleven videos of the patient-oriented educational video series were included in the present study. Except for one, the view count was significantly higher in the Arabic version of all 11 videos (minimum sevenfold, P = 0.03). Viewers were predominantly males (73.9%) and between 18 and 44 years old (81.1%). Eleven out of 19 countries of the Middle East and North Africa region [11] were among the viewers' top 20 countries. Traffic sources included YouTube search (45.9%), YouTube suggested videos (17%), external sources (14.4%), YouTube browse features (8.5%), and YouTube advertising (6%). CONCLUSION: Patient-oriented educational Sports Medicine videos in Arabic yield higher view counts than their English version in young adult viewers from 11 countries in the Middle East and Africa among the top 20. Content creation on languages with limited online representation could effectively reach the targeted population by breaking language barriers.

COVID-19 independently predicts poor outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke- Insights from a multicenter study from Pakistan and United Arab Emirates.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke associated with coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has been well recognized by now. Few studies have compared COVID related versus unrelated strokes. We intend to report on a large group of Asian patients from two countries and compare COVID with non-COVID strokes admitted during the same time period. METHODS: Consecutive cases of acute ischemic stroke either presenting or developing, between March 2020 and December 2021 in four tertiary care hospitals (1 in Dubai, UAE and 3 in Karachi, Pakistan) and testing positive for COVID-19 were included in the study. Patients admitted with ischemic stroke during the same time period and who tested negative for COVID-19 were also randomly selected from the four hospitals. All data was collected from the medical records of the patients and recorded on a standard questionnaire before it was entered in SPSS version 21 for analysis. RESULTS: There were 139 COVID positive and 271 COVID negative patients with acute ischemic stroke included in the current study. There were significantly more males (80.6% vs 64.9%, p=0.001) and more large vessel strokes in the COVID positive group (41% vs 21.8%, p<0.001). Being COVID positive was an independent predictor of poor outcome at discharge, defined as a modified Rankin score of 3-6 (OR 3.87, 95% CI 2.21-6.77) after adjusting for country, age, sex, vascular comorbid conditions and stroke subtype. CONCLUSIONS: In this largest series of patients with COVID related strokes from Asia, COVID-19 was an independent predictor of poor outcomes at discharge after adjusting for other variables.

The Psychological Antecedents to COVID-19 Vaccination among Community Pharmacists in Khartoum State, Sudan.

Background and Objectives: Little is known regarding the 5C psychological antecedents to COVID-19 vaccination among pharmacists in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination and its psychological antecedents among community pharmacists in Khartoum State, Sudan. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2022. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data about sociodemographic and health status characteristics, vaccine acceptance, and the 5C psychological antecedents to vaccination. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was conducted, and results were presented using odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 382 community pharmacists participated in the current study, with a mean age of 30.4 ± 5.6 years. Nearly two-thirds of the participants (65.4%) were females, and the majority (74.9%) have received or intended to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccine acceptance was significantly associated with the following psychological antecedents to vaccination: confidence, complacency, constraints, and calculation (p < 0.001). Results of the logistic regression showed that confidence in vaccines [OR = 6.82 (95% CI = 3.14-14.80)], conspiracy beliefs [OR = 0.44 (95% CI = 0.23-0.85)], and constraints to vaccination [OR = 0.18 (95% CI = 0.06-0.56)] were the significant determinants of vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: The study revealed important predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance that can be used to guide policymakers in designing target-oriented interventions that can improve the vaccine acceptance rate among community pharmacists in Sudan. These findings suggest that interventions to promote vaccine acceptance among pharmacists should focus on building confidence in vaccines and providing accurate information about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine, and reducing constraints to vaccination.

Lateral epicondylitis of the elbow: an up-to-date review of management.

Lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is an overuse tendinopathy of the common extensor origin of the elbow in patients involved in repetitive movement of the wrist and forearm. Lateral epicondylitis is a self-limiting condition, with operative management only recommended in severe, recalcitrant cases. This article reviews the recent updates on operative and non-operative management of lateral epicondylitis.

Real world use of oral treatments in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome in the UK: Outcome of a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: To describe the oral treatments people living with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) are using to treat their urologic condition in the UK. METHOD: A questionnaire hyperlink encompassing current and previous medications taken for IC/BPS with other sociodemographic and diagnostic indices was available to the Bladder Health UK website. Interested and fully consented individuals accessed and completed the survey. RESULTS: A total of 601 accessed the questionnaire of whom 173 participants responded (response rate: 28.7%) with a mean ± SD O'Leary/Sant scores of 20.12 ± 9.38. A sample size of 171 was estimated to be used in the survey. A fifth of the participants were not on any treatment at all. Amitriptyline was the most prevalent medication in use both alone and in combination. A shift in the use of unapproved (for IC/BPS) antidepressant, smooth muscle relaxant, opioids, gabapentenoids, and antibiotics was observed in the sample. There were no significant differences between the mean (SD) O'Leary/Sant scores of cohorts currently taking oral medications and those not taking it. More than two-thirds of the participants had been diagnosed with the disease more than 5 years. Just under a half (47.4%) of participants reported a history of allergy. CONCLUSION: Our study provides contemporary evidence that the treatments used for managing IC/BPS encompass a broad range of medications both recommended and not recommended by current guidelines. The latter suggests patients are willing to try novel treatments when more conventional ones are ineffective.

Vitamin D status among Kashmiri tribal population: A cross-sectional community-based study.

Background & objectives: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is prevalent across all age groups in general population of India but studies among tribal populations are scanty. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of VDD in the indigenous tribal population of the Kashmir valley and examine associated risk factors. Methods: In this cross-sectional investigation, a total of 1732 apparently healthy tribal participants (n=786 males and n=946 females) were sampled from five districts of Kashmir valley by using probability proportional to size method. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were classified as per the Endocrine Society (ES) recommendations: deficiency (<20 ng/ml), insufficiency (20-30 ng/ml) and sufficiency (>30 ng/ml). The serum 25(OH)D levels were assessed in relation to various demographic characteristics such as age, sex, education, smoking, sun exposure, body mass index and physical activity. Results: The mean age of the male participants was 43.79±18.47 yr with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 20.50±7.53 kg/m[2], while the mean age of female participants was 35.47±14.92 yr with mean BMI of 22.24±4.73 kg/m2. As per the ES guidelines 1143 of 1732 (66%) subjects had VDD, 254 (14.71%) had insufficient and 334 (19.3%) had sufficient serum 25(OH)D levels. VDD was equally prevalent in male and female participants. Serum 25(OH)D levels correlated positively with serum calcium, phosphorous and negatively with serum alkaline phosphatase. Gender, sun exposure, altitude, physical activity and BMI did not seem to contribute significantly to VDD risk. Interpretation & conclusions: VD deficiency is highly prevalent among Kashmiri tribals, although the magnitude seems to be lower as compared to the general population. These preliminary data are likely to pave way for further studies analyzing the impact of vitamin D supplementation with analysis of functional outcomes.

Return to Sports Following Meniscal Allograft Transplantation Is Possible but Remains Questionable: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the return to sports rate and time following meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT). METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched in December 2020. Eligibility criteria included clinical studies reporting the return to sport rate following MAT with ≥12-month follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 14 case series were included with 670 patients. The bone bridge technique was used for all transplantations in 5 studies, and suture fixations with bone tunnels were used for all transplantations in 5 studies. In 2 studies, bone plugs were used for medial menisci and bone bridge for lateral menisci. In 1 study, suture fixation was used for medial menisci, and bone bridge for lateral menisci. The return to sports rate ranged from 20% to 91.7%, with 2 studies reporting low return to sport rates. The return to sport time ranged between 7.6 and 16.9 months. The return to preinjury level had a rate of 7% to 100%. Return to a higher level of sports was reported in only 2 studies (28.5% to 86%). Return to a lower level of sports was reported in low proportions in most studies. In terms of patient-reported outcomes, the Lysholm knee and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores and Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) had significant improvements after MAT. The KOOS quality of life subscore did not change significantly in 1 study. The total reoperation rate after MAT ranged between 3.1% and 80%, whereas the total failure ranged between 1.1% and 30.1%. CONCLUSION: Despite that most studies reporting high return to sports rates, the current level of evidence is low, with all studies being case series. There is significant variability in the reported return to sports rate, time, and level. Therefore, high-quality comparative studies are mandated to elucidate whether MAT is associated with higher return to sports rates and levels. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, systematic review.

The relationship between illness perception and worsening of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome symptoms: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate disease perception in a cohort of patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) using the Brief Illness Perception-Questionnaire (BIP-Q) and to evaluate how this might relate to disease severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is a cross-sectional survey amongst members of Bladder Health UK who had previously received a clinical diagnosis of IC/PBS. A hyperlink containing the questionnaire was sent to the patient group's website and interested members accessed and completed the survey. Participants' inclusion was based on a prior clinical diagnosis of IC/PBS, current O'Leary Sant scores supportive of the diagnosis, and age between 18 and 80. A sample size of 171 was used in the study. The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIP-Q) and the O'Leary/Sant symptoms and problem indices questionnaire were used to collect data. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to test the relationship between items of BIP-Q and severity of IC/PBS. Content analysis was used for the causal domain and subsequently analysed as percentages. RESULTS: Six hundred and one members accessed the questionnaire of whom 159 returned completed questionnaires. One hundred and twenty-two of 159 (≥75%) respondents believe that their illness will continue indefinitely. The majority of the respondents indicated that IC/PBS had a negative impact on their daily lives, caused them worry and made them emotionally unstable. Of the 8 BIP-Q items, those most predictive of disease severity were (adjusted odd ratio and confidence intervals): consequence 0.094 (0.023-0.386); treatment control 2.702 (1.256-5.812); identity 0.141 (0.033-0.600); concern 9.363 (1.521-57.632). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that IC/PBS negatively impacts participant's quality of life and emotional wellbeing. Higher expectation for treatment benefit and increasing levels of patient concern are predictive for severity of IC/PBS.

A significant association of the CTLA4 gene variants with the risk of autoimmune Graves' disease in ethnic Kashmiri population.

Graves' disease (GD) is the commonest cause of hyperthyroidism in populations with adequate iodine intake. It results from an abnormality in the immune system, which produces unique antibodies causing over production of thyroid hormones and glandular hyperplasia in individuals with genetic susceptibility. The Cytotoxic Lymphocyte Associated Antigen-4 (CTLA4) gene product serves the important function of immunomodulation, thereby helping in maintenance of peripheral self-tolerance. Studies on the association of the CTLA4 SNPs with GD have shown variations in the results from different populations. Since no such study has been carried out in ethnic Kashmiri population, we aimed to study a possible association of the CTLA4 SNPs (+49 A/G, -318C/T, CT 60 A/G and -1661 A/G) with GD. A total of 285 individuals (135 patients with GD and 150 healthy individuals) were genotyped using PCR-RFLP method and the results showed statistically significant differences in genotypic and allelic frequencies of cases and controls for + 49 A/G SNP (p=<0.001; OR = 5.14; CI = 2.17-12.19) and CT 60 A/G SNP (p = < 0.001; OR = 6.9; CI = 2.8-16.6), while -318C/T and -1661 A/G SNPs showed no significant association. We also studied the mRNA expression of the CTLA4 in patients with GD and healthy individuals by Real-Time PCR and found a decreased expression of the CTLA4 mRNA in PBMCs of patients with GD as compared to healthy controls with a -3.71-fold change. We conclude that the CTLA4 + 49 A/G and CT 60 A/G SNPs have a significant association with the risk of GD development in Kashmiri population and CTLA4 mRNA expression is significantly decreased in GD.

Microbiological study of used cosmetic products: highlighting possible impact on consumer health.

AIMS: To investigate the nature and extent of microbial contamination in five categories of used cosmetic products (lipstick, lip gloss, eyeliners, mascaras and beauty blenders) and highlight the potential risk posed to consumers in the UK. METHODS AND RESULTS: Used products were donated and microbial contents were determined by microbial culture and identification. About 79-90% of all used products were contaminated with bacteria, with bacterial loads ranging between 102 and 103  CFU per ml, beauty blenders contained an average load of >106  CFU per ml. Presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Citrobacter freundii was detected. Enterobacteriaceae and fungi were detected in all product types, and were prevalent in beauty blenders (26·58 and 56·96% respectively). Ninety-three per cent of beauty blenders had not been cleaned and 64% had been dropped on the floor and continued to be used. CONCLUSIONS: Significant levels of microbial contamination occur during use of cosmetic products and presence of pathogenic organisms pose a potential risk to health. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The nature and high level of contamination in used cosmetic products indicate that greater user awareness and education are required. Manufacturers should ensure that product expiry dates are prominently displayed and consumers can identify the symbols used on product packaging.

Effects of terlipressin infusion on blood loss and transfusion needs during liver resection: A randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Blood loss and perioperative blood transfusion requirements affect the long-term survival after liver resection for malignant tumours. Terlipressin is a synthetic vasopressin analogue with relative specificity for the splanchnic circulation where it causes vasoconstriction with subsequent reduction of blood loss during abdominal surgeries. We tried to examine the impact of terlipressin on blood loss and blood transfusion needs during liver resection. METHODS: In this randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial 84 patients scheduled for major liver resections were randomly assigned to receive either terlipressin at the onset of surgery as an initial bolus dose of (1 mg over 30 minutes) followed by a continuous infusion of 2 µg/kg/h throughout the procedure (Terlipressin group) or the same volume and rate of 0.9% saline (Placebo group).The primary outcome was the amount of intra-operative blood loss. RESULTS: The mean (SD) of the amount of intra-operative blood loss was 1351 (887) in the terlipressin group versus 1892 (889) mL in the placebo group (P = 0.006). Thirteen (30%) patients received blood transfusion in the terlipressin group compared with t27 (64.2%) in the placebo group (P = 0.002) with a statistically significant difference in the median (range) number of the transfused units of packed RBCs [0 (0-5) units and 1 (0-6) units in the two groups respectively; P = 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Terlipressin infusion during major liver resection was associated with less bleeding compared to placebo. More studies are required to confirm our results especially in patients with normal portal pressure.

Effects of terlipressin infusion during hepatobiliary surgery on systemic and splanchnic haemodynamics, renal function and blood loss: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Terlipressin, in general, is a vasopressor which acts via V1 receptors. Its infusion elevates mean blood pressure and can reduce bleeding which has a splanchnic origin. The primary outcome was to assess the impact of intraoperative terlipressin infusion on portal venous pressure during hepatobiliary surgery; the 2ry outcomes included effects upon systemic hemodynamics, estimated blood loss, and postoperative renal functions. METHODS: This prospective randomized study involved 50 patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery who were randomly and equally allocated into terlipressin group, or a control group. The terlipressin group received an initial bolus dose of (1 mg over 30 min) followed by a continuous infusion of 2 µg/kg/h throughout the procedure and gradually weaned over the first four postoperative hours, whereas the control group received the same volumes of normal saline. The portal venous pressure changes were measured directly through a portal vein angiocatheter. RESULTS: Portal pressure was significantly reduced over time in the terlipressin group only (from 17.88 ± 7.32 to 15.96 ± 6.55 mmHg, p < .001). Mean arterial blood pressure was significantly higher in the terlipressin group. Estimated blood loss was significantly higher in the control group than the terlipressin group (1065.7 ± 202 versus 842 ± 145.5 ml; p = 0.004), and the units of packed RBCs transfused were significantly higher in the control group ((0-2) versus (0-4) p = 0.003). There was no significant difference between groups as regards the incidence of acute kidney injury. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative infusion of terlipressin during hepatobiliary surgery was shown to improve intraoperative portal hemodynamics with subsequent reduction in blood loss. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial number and registry URL: Trial registration number: NCT02718599 . Name of registry: ClinicalTrials.gov. URL of registry: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02718599 . Date of registration: March 2016. Date of enrolment of the first participant to the trial: April 2016.

Association of Mucoid Degeneration of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament at MR Imaging with Medial Tibiofemoral Osteoarthritis Progression at Radiography: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

Purpose To determine whether anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) mucoid degeneration in participants with or at risk for osteoarthritis is associated with longitudinal risk of radiographic progression of medial tibiofemoral compartment joint space loss (JSL). Materials and Methods Baseline demographic, clinical, radiographic, and Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS) data were evaluated in 600 participants from the Osteoarthritis Initiative database. Two blinded musculoskeletal radiologists independently evaluated baseline MR images for ACL mucoid degeneration. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the association between ACL mucoid degeneration at MR imaging and JSL progression at radiography, defined as a minimum joint space width decrease greater than 0.7 mm (48 months; cutoff according to mean and standard deviation of 1-year minimum joint space width changes in 90 knees of reference group). Stratified analysis was performed based on baseline cartilage surface damage. Results Knees with ACL mucoid degeneration showed a greater proportion of JSL progression compared with knees with a normal ACL (64% vs 47%; P = .004). After adjustment for all demographic, clinical, radiographic, and MOAKS variables, ACL mucoid degeneration was not statistically significantly associated with JSL progression in the entire cohort (adjusted odds ratio, 1.66; 95% confidence interval: 1.00, 2.77; P = .051). In subgroup analysis, ACL mucoid degeneration was statistically significantly associated with JSL progression in participants with less baseline cartilage surface damage (maximum cartilage surface loss of ≤75% in all subregions [P = .015] and ≤4 of involved subregions with cartilage surface loss [P = .028]). Conclusion ACL mucoid degeneration in participants with or at risk for osteoarthritis is associated with progression of medial tibiofemoral compartment JSL in knees with less baseline cartilage surface area damage. © RSNA, 2018 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Connexin 43 and ATP-sensitive potassium channels crosstalk: a missing link in hypoxia/ischemia stress.

Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a gap junction protein expressed in various tissues and organs of vertebrates. Besides functioning as a gap junction, Cx43 also regulates diverse cellular processes like cell growth and differentiation, cell migration, cell survival, etc. Cx43 is critical for normal cardiac functioning and is therefore abundantly expressed in cardiomyocytes. On the other hand, ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are metabolic sensors converting metabolic changes into electrical activity. These channels are important in maintaining the neurotransmitter release, smooth muscle relaxation, cardiac action potential repolarization, normal physiology of cellular repolarization, insulin secretion and immune function. Cx43 and KATP channels are part of the same signaling pathway, regulating cell survival during stress conditions and ischemia/hypoxia preconditioning. However, the underlying molecular mechanism for their combined role in ischemia/hypoxia preconditioning is largely unknown. The current review focuses on understanding the molecular mechanism responsible for the coordinated role of Cx43 and KATP channel protein in protecting cardiomyocytes against ischemia/hypoxia stress.

Two-Step Nanoscale Approach for Well-Defined Complex Alkanethiol Films on Au Surfaces.

Controlling the molecular organization of organic self-assembled monolayers (SAM) is of utmost importance in nanotechnology, molecular electronics, and surface science. Here we propose two well-differentiated approaches, double printing based on microcontact printing (µ-cp) and molecular backfilling adsorption, to produce complex alkanethiol films. The resulting films on model Au surfaces were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and contact angle measurements. Double printing alkanethiols results in clear coexisting regions where no molecular displacement is observed, highlighting the slow diffusion rates of long alkanethiols and large attractive interaction between long alkyl chains. Exposing a single-print µ-cp Au substrate to an additional alkanethiol solution yields the formation of differently ordered domain boundaries with different thickness and micrometer lateral size. The high order is a result of enhanced molecular mobility and restructuring during solution backfilling. The formed molecular assemblies constitute an excellent testing ground for nanoscale phenomena that strongly depend on the nanoscale geometrical and chemical features of the surface such as designed functionality or corrosion initiation and inhibition.

Robotic-Assisted and Computer-Navigated Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasties: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) effectively improves pain and function associated with isolated compartmental knee arthritis. The developments of computer-navigated and robotic-assisted UKA are among the most significant changes that have improved patient outcomes. This study aimed to systematically review the literature to identify differences between computer-navigated and robotic-assisted UKAs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty total articles were identified. Data pertaining to demographics, outcomes, and complications/failures were extracted from each study. Reoperation/revision rates, indications for reoperation/revision, type of procedure, and number of patients who underwent conversion to TKA (when available) were recorded. RESULTS: Nine studies reported 451 computer-navigated medial UKAs, with 19 (3.9%) reportedly requiring reoperation: primary revision (n=8; 42.1%), conversion to TKA (n=6), and manipulation under anesthesia (n=5). Eleven studies reported 2,311 robotic-assisted UKAs (74 lateral UKAs), with 106 (5.0%) requiring reoperation: conversion to TKA (n=46; 43.4%), primary revision (n=43), reoperations without component-removal (n=15), subchondroplasty, and partial meniscectomy/synovectomy (both n=1). Reoperation rate discrepancy between computer-navigated and robotic-assisted UKA was not statistically significant (p=0.495); age and BMI differed between both groups (p<0.0001). DISCUSSION: This study represents the first known comparison of revision rates of computer-navigated and robotic-assisted UKA, suggesting that these methods can benefit orthopaedic surgeons, especially those new to UKA or in a low-volume practice.

Assessment of species richness in Lake Dal, Kashmir, based on classical approach, physiological approach and rDNA ITS sequences from isolates.

As a first description to document the species richness in Dal Lake, a freshwater lake ecosystem in Kashmir valley, an extensive network of sixteen sampling stations with distinguishing features was sampled seasonally for two years. The identification process yielded fifty-one species probably first and new records for this area to date. The taxonomic groups observed were those with species from Ascomycetes (inclusive of yeasts), Basidiomycetes, Blastocladiomycetes, Zygomycetes, and Peronosporomycetes. Each phylum was represented by a single Order, with the exception of the Peronosporomycetes, which was represented by two Orders- Saprolegniales and Pythiales. In the filamentous fungal group, family Trichocomaceae was dominant followed by Saccharomycetaceae, Mucoraceae, Nectriaceae, Tremellaceae and Hypocreaceae. However, in the group of zoosporic & fungal like eukaryotes, family Saprolegniaceae was most dominant followed by Blastocladiaceae and Pythiaceae. A dramatic decrease in fungal load was observed in different seasons with highest colonial load in the summer season and lowest in the winter season. The observed distribution was statistically significant for both the filamentous fungal species (p < 0.01) as well as zoosporic fungi & fungal like eukaryotes (p < 0.05). In order to assess biodiversity patterns of fungi more accurately, it is necessary to repeat such investigations in other areas and to improve the tools for taxonomic identification of these highly diverse but mostly microscopic organisms.

Antibacterial activity of 14, 15-dihydroajugapitin and 8-o-acetylharpagide isolated from Ajuga bracteosa Wall ex. Benth against human pathogenic bacteria.

Ajuga bracteosa Wall ex. Benth. (Lamiaceae) commonly known as Bungle Weed has been in use since ancient times and is mentioned Ayurvedic literature. The upper ground parts of the plant are used for treatment of various diseases. The weed is credited with astringent, febrifugal, stimulant, aperient, tonic, diuretic and depurative properties and is used for the treatment of gout and rheumatism, palsy and amenorrhoea. Two compounds 1) 14, 15-dihydroajugapitin and 2) 8-o-acetylharpagide were isolated from the aerial parts of the plant and tested for antibacterial activity against various pathogenic bacteria by agar well diffusion method. Compound 1 and 2 showed maximum antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli with zone of inhibitions of 25. 0 ± 1.4 mm and 22.6 ± 0.9 mm respectively. The MIC value of compound 1 and 2 ranged between 500 and 1000 µg/ml. It could be concluded that both compounds isolated from the aerial parts of Ajuga bracteosa possess antibacterial activity against pathogens.