Generalized root agenesis in permanent dentition of a young adolescent patient with rhabdomyosarcoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Parameningeal rhabdomyosarcoma (PM-RMS) is a rare and aggressive soft tissue malignancy that primarily occurs in the head and neck region. The standard treatment approach for RMS involves a multimodal therapy regimen, which includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, the routine use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in young patients with RMS in the head and neck region can lead to adverse effects on dental development and thereby, pose a challenge in planning dental intervention. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report outlines the dental and facial developmental consequences in a 13-year-old child, who received chemo-radiotherapeutic intervention at the age of 7 years for the management of PM-RMS. Following treatment, the child exhibited significant dental complications, including arrested root growth and restricted mouth opening. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the necessity for interdisciplinary collaboration between oncologists, dentists, and other healthcare professionals to mitigate the adverse effects on dental health and overall quality of life in patients undergoing chemo-radiotherapy for rhabdomyosarcoma.

The cost of care in maxillofacial fractures treatment in relation to the type of fixation and length of stay at a tertiary care hospital of Karachi, Pakistan: A retrospective chart review.

In addition to the clinical burden of trauma, the financial burden is an important aspect of care globally, especially for patients in low- and middle-income countries. The current retrospective review was done of data from January 2015 to December 2020 related to patients of oral maxillofacial trauma management in a tertiary care setting. Analysis of variance was used to determine the mean difference in the cost incurred depending upon the type of trauma and the number of bone plates used in fracture management. Pearson correlation was applied to explore any correlation involving patient age, aetiology and type of fracture, number of bone plates employed and the length of stay in the hospital. No statistically significant differences were noted in the cost among the different groups. The cost of care was significantly (p<0.001) correlated to the length of stay. Other variables, such as the type of fractures and the number of plates, had no significant impact (p>0.05).

Beyond the food on your plate: Investigating sources of microplastic contamination in home kitchens.

Given that a substantial amount of time is spent in kitchens preparing food, the kitchen equipment used may be relevant in determining the composition and amount of microplastics ending up on our dinner plate. While previous research has predominantly focused on foodstuffs as a source of microplastics, we emphasise that micro- and nanoplastics are ubiquitous and likely originate from diverse sources. To address the existing knowledge gap regarding additional sources contributing to microplastics on our dinner plates, this review investigates various kitchen processes, utensils and equipment (excluding single-use items and foodstuffs) to get a better understanding of potential microplastic sources within a home kitchen. Conducting a narrative literature review using terms related to kitchenware and kitchen-affiliated equipment and processes, this study underscores that the selection of preparation tools, storage, serving, cooking, and cleaning procedures in our kitchens may have a significant impact on microplastic exposure. Mechanical, physical, and chemical processes occurring during food preparation contribute to the release of microplastic particles, challenging the assumption that exposure to microplastics in food is solely tied to food products or packaging. This review highlights diverse sources of microplastics in home kitchens, posing concerns for food safety and human health.

In-hospital recurrent stroke in ipsilateral carotid web patients undergoing thrombectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Carotid artery web is a possible cause of ischemic stroke, especially in young patients who lack conventional risk factors. The immediate and long-term outcomes are not well studied. We aimed to determine the association between an ipsilateral carotid web and in-hospital stroke recurrence. METHODS: We analyzed data from adult patients admitted with an acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion at a Comprehensive Stroke Center between July 2015 and March 2023. The primary outcome was in-hospital stroke recurrence and secondary outcome was in-hospital recurrent LVO. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the association between ipsilateral carotid web and recurrent ischemic stroke and recurrent LVO. RESULTS: Of the 1463 patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion, 27 (1.8%) had an ipsilateral carotid artery web. Patients with carotid web were younger (median age (IQR), 60 years (53-67 years) versus 74 years (62-84 years), P < 0.01) and less likely to be Caucasian (60% vs. 80%, p = 0.014). Of the 27 patients with carotid web, 18 (70%) had no identifiable competing stroke mechanism. When compared to patients without ipsilateral carotid web, those with an ipsilateral carotid web had a higher risk of recurrent ischemic stroke (adjusted RR: 4.38, 95% CI: 1.38-13.85) and recurrent ipsilateral large vessel occlusion (adjusted RR: 4.49, 95% CI: 1.41-14.21). INTERPRETATION: Carotid webs are an under recognized cause of acute large vessel occlusion and are associated with higher risk of early recurrence. Studies are needed to validate our findings and test early revascularization strategies in patients with symptomatic carotid artery webs.

Predictors of thirty-day mortality among patients with blood stream infection with WHO priority pathogens: single centre exploratory study from a referral teaching hospital in central India.

Background and Objectives: Bloodstream infection (BSI) is defined by the presence of viable microorganisms in the bloodstream. BSI is one of the major causes of sepsis and subsequent adverse clinical outcomes all across the globe. The present study was undertaken to identify clinico-epidemio-microbiological variables associated with 30-day mortality in patients having BSI with WHO priority pathogens. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at a public sector tertiary care institute in central India from April 2019 to March 2021. Blood samples collected from patients with clinical suspicion of sepsis, were processed by automated bacterial culture system and interpreted as per CLSI guidelines. Calculated sample size was 150. Data was analyzed by R software. Results: Respiratory tract infection was the most common source (43.3%) of BSI, followed by the gastrointestinal (20%) and urinary tract (18.7%). Among the patients, 33% required invasive mechanical ventilation, and 31% required inotropes. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was the most common co-morbidity (34%). The incidence of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO) was 59.3%. Escherichia coli was the most commonly (24%) isolated organism, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.3%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (16%). Conclusion: Higher age, higher qSOFA score / SIRS score / mean SOFA score at presentation had higher mortality. Use of mechanical ventilation and inotropes during treatment and isolation of critical category organisms of WPP and multi drug resistant organisms were independent 30-day mortality predictors.

Introducing ARTiMiS: A Low-Cost Flow Imaging Microscope for Microalgal Monitoring.

Manual microscopy is the gold standard for phytoplankton monitoring in diverse engineered and natural environments. However, it is both labor-intensive and requires specialized training for accuracy and consistency, and therefore difficult to implement on a routine basis without significant time investment. Automation can reduce this burden by simplifying the measurement to a single indicator (e.g., chlorophyll fluorescence) measurable by a probe, or by processing samples on an automated cytometer for more granular information. The cost of commercially available flow imaging cytometers, however, poses a steep financial barrier to adoption. To overcome these labor and cost barriers, we developed ARTiMiS: the Autonomous Real-Time Microbial 'Scope. The ARTiMiS is a low-cost flow imaging microscopy-based platform with onboard software capable of providing taxonomically resolved quantitation of phytoplankton communities in real-time. ARTiMiS leverages novel multimodal imaging and onboard machine learning-based data processing that is currently optimized for a curated and expandable database of industrially relevant microalgae. We demonstrate its operational limits, performance in identification of laboratory-cultivated microalgae, and potential for continuous monitoring of complex microalgal communities in full-scale industrial cultivation systems.

Formulation of biodegradable alginate-based nano-carriers for in-vitro drug delivery and antibacterial activity.

Evaluation of the controlled release of ciprofloxacin (CIP.HCl) and the antibacterial efficacy of alginate (ALG)-based nanocarriers constitute the primary objectives of the current work. Herein, ALG-based nano-structures were prepared by the co-precipitation method and thoroughly analyzed using different characterization techniques, i.e., fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and zeta potential (ZP). The intense peaks emerged at 500, 545, and 750 cm-1 due to the CeO bond. Peaks that appeared at 550-600 cm-1 and 525 cm-1 are due to the stretching vibrations of FeO and ZnO bonds, respectively. Lowering of the peaks from 1640 to 1630 cm-1 and 1420 to 1384 cm-1 were observed in ALG-based nanocomposite (NC) due to the interaction of ALG with metal oxides (MO), which confirmed the formulation of CeO2/ZnFe2O4/ALG nanocomposite. The diffraction peaks at 28.6°, 56.6°, 76.5°, 37°, 47.9°, 62.3°, 74°, 13°, 21° confirmed the synthesis of MO (crystallite size 15.74 nm) and CeO2/ZnFe2O4/ALG (12 nm). In accordance with morphological studies, CeO2/ZnFe2O4 oxides had a uniform distribution throughout the relatively smooth and permeable surface of the ALG-based NC. Ciprofloxacin (CIP) was used as a model drug. Negative values of ZP revealed that CIP-loaded nanocomposite (CeO2/ZnFe2O4/ALG/CIP) had more stability than CeO2/ZnFe2O4/ALG. The maximum percentage of loading around 25 % on ALG NC was examined using the optical density (OD) method at pH 5.5. Correlation coefficients from the first order (0.971), Korsmeyer (0.9858), and Hixson (0.9021) models show the best-fitted models of the release profile in all circumstances. The release mechanism was investigated using various kinetics models. The controlled drug released was observed around 17 % at 40 °C after 3 h at pH 7.4, which is almost identical to the body temperature of a human, which is 37 °C. Similarly, after 24 h, sustained and controlled in-vitro release of the drug was studied, and it was 37, 72, and 74 % at pH 2.2, 7.4, and 9.4, respectively. Thus, prepared ALG-based NC is suitable for the controlled in-vitro release of (CIP.HCl). Metal oxides (CeO2/ZnFe2O4) and ALG-based nanocomposite (CeO2/ZnFe2O4/ALG) showed great antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) like 15 mm and 14 mm than Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Oral health of chemotherapy patients before and after provision of oral hygiene instructions at a tertiary care hospital: pre-post design.

OBJECTIVE: Disturbances in the oral mucosa is a major concern among patients undergoing chemotherapy. One of the most significant barriers in the implementation of oral care is the lack of knowledge. The aim of the study was to assess gingival and periodontal health status of chemotherapy patients before and after the provision of oral hygiene instructions. METHODS: A single group, pre-post test was conducted to assess oral health status of patients at the daycare chemotherapy, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Oral hygiene instructions were given with study models and leaflets. Patients were followed for 6-weeks. Oral health was assessed by using Simplified-Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Differences in indices were analyzed in STATA version-15.0 using Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) and Wilcoxon Signed-rank test. RESULTS: Out of 74, 53 (72%) patients completed study follow-up. Improvement in the OHI-S was found in 14 (26%) patients (p-value < 0.001). GEE showed that age [adjusted OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03-1.11], current chemotherapy cycle [adjusted OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 0.98-1.46], highest education level [Adjusted OR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.08-12.7] and cancer therapy [Adjusted OR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.24-0.55] were significantly associated with the change in OHI-S. Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed positive changes in the CPI (p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Basic oral hygiene instructional intervention can be effective in improving the oral hygiene of chemotherapy patients. Nurses should also play a key role in providing psychological and nutritional support to patients.

Varicella-zoster virus-related neurological complications: From infection to immunomodulatory therapies.

The Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), classified as a neurotropic member of the Herpesviridae family, exhibits a characteristic pathogenicity, predominantly inducing varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, during the initial infectious phase, and triggering the reactivation of herpes zoster, more commonly recognized as shingles, following its emergence from a latent state. The pathogenesis of VZV-associated neuroinflammation involves a complex interplay between viral replication within sensory ganglia and immune-mediated responses that contribute to tissue damage and dysfunction. Upon primary infection, VZV gains access to sensory ganglia, establishing latent infection within neurons. During reactivation, the virus can spread along sensory nerves, triggering a cascade of inflammatory mediators, chemokines, and immune cell infiltration in the affected neural tissues. The role of both adaptive and innate immune reactions, including the contributions of T and B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, in orchestrating the immune-mediated damage in the central nervous system is elucidated. Furthermore, the aberrant activation of the natural defence mechanism, characterised by the dysregulated production of immunomodulatory proteins and chemokines, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of VZV-induced neurological disorders, such as encephalitis, myelitis, and vasculopathy. The intricate balance between protective and detrimental immune responses in the context of VZV infection emphasises the necessity for an exhaustive comprehension of the immunopathogenic mechanisms propelling neuroinflammatory processes. Despite the availability of vaccines and antiviral therapies, VZV-related neurological complications remain a significant concern, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and the elderly. Elucidating these mechanisms might facilitate the emergence of innovative immunomodulatory strategies and targeted therapies aimed at mitigating VZV-induced neuroinflammatory damage and improving clinical outcomes. This comprehensive understanding enhances our grasp of viral pathogenesis and holds promise for pioneering therapeutic strategies designed to mitigate the neurological ramifications of VZV infections.

Risk factors for MACE and bleeding in atrial fibrillation patients undergoing surgery: Insights from the bridge trial.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing elective procedures are at risk for Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) and symptomatic bleeding. We aimed to identify risk factors to guide perioperative risk stratification. METHODS: We conducted a post-hoc analysis of the "Bridging Anticoagulation in Patients who Require Temporary Interruption of Warfarin Therapy for an Elective Invasive Procedure or Surgery" randomized trial. The primary outcomes were MACE and symptomatic bleeding. Our statistical approach encompassed standard univariate analysis, logistic stepwise regression, and Cox regression models. Additional interaction analyses evaluated the interplay between low-molecular-weight heparin bridge therapy and other identified risk factors. RESULTS: Among a total of 1,813 participants (mean age 71.6 ± 8.8, 73.3 % male), MACE occurred in 25 (1.4 %) individuals, with pre-procedure clopidogrel use (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 7.73, 95 % CI 2.63-22.72, p < 0.001) and CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 5 (aHR 2.89, 95 % CI 1.26-6.63, p = 0.012) identified as risk factors. Symptomatic bleeding occurred in 57 (3.1 %) individuals, with bridge therapy (aHR 1.84, 95 % CI 1.07-3.19, p = 0.029), renal disease (aHR 2.50, 95 % CI 1.34-4.67, p = 0.004), post-procedure aspirin use (aHR 2.86, 95 % CI 1.66-4.91, p < 0.001), post-procedure nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use excluding aspirin (aHR 3.40, 95 % CI 1.22-9.43, p = 0.019), and major surgery (aHR 3.94, 95 % CI 2.26-6.85, p < 0.001) identified as risk factors. The interactions between risk factors and bridging therapy on MACE and symptomatic bleeding outcomes were not significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: We identified predictors for MACE and symptomatic bleeding in AF patients undergoing elective procedures. These insights may help guide perioperative decisions to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes.

Community structure and function during periods of high performance and system upset in a full-scale mixed microalgal wastewater resource recovery facility.

Microalgae have the potential to exceed current nutrient recovery limits from wastewater, enabling water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) to achieve increasingly stringent effluent permits. The use of photobioreactors (PBRs) and the separation of hydraulic retention and solids residence time (HRT/SRT) further enables increased biomass in a reduced physical footprint while allowing operational parameters (e.g., SRT) to select for desired functional communities. However, as algal technology transitions to full-scale, there is a need to understand the effect of operational and environmental parameters on complex microbial dynamics among mixotrophic microalgae, bacterial groups, and pests (i.e., grazers and pathogens) and to implement robust process controls for stable long-term performance. Here, we examine a full-scale, intensive WRRF utilizing mixed microalgae for tertiary treatment in the US (EcoRecover, Clearas Water Recovery Inc.) during a nine-month monitoring campaign. We investigated the temporal variations in microbial community structure (18S and 16S rRNA genes), which revealed that stable system performance of the EcoRecover system was marked by a low-diversity microalgal community (DINVSIMPSON = 2.01) dominated by Scenedesmus sp. (MRA = 55 %-80 %) that achieved strict nutrient removal (effluent TP < 0.04 mg·L-1) and steady biomass concentration (TSSmonthly avg. = 400-700 mg·L-1). Operational variables including pH, alkalinity, and influent ammonium (NH4+), correlated positively (p < 0.05, method = Spearman) with algal community during stable performance. Further, the use of these parameters as operational controls along with N/P loading and SRT allowed for system recovery following upset events. Importantly, the presence or absence of bacterial nitrification did not directly impact algal system performance and overall nutrient recovery, but partial nitrification (potentially resulting from NO2- accumulation) inhibited algal growth and should be considered during long-term operation. The microalgal communities were also adversely affected by zooplankton grazers (ciliates, rotifers) and fungal parasites (Aphelidium), particularly during periods of upset when algal cultures were experiencing culture turnover or stress conditions (e.g., nitrogen limitation, elevated temperature). Overall, the active management of system operation in order to maintain healthy algal cultures and high biomass productivity can result in significant periods (>4 months) of stable system performance that achieve robust nutrient recovery, even in winter months in northern latitudes (WI, USA).

Design of potent tyrosinase inhibiting N-arylated-4-yl-benzamides bearing 2-aminothiazole-triazole bi-heterocycles: mechanistic insight through enzyme inhibition, kinetics and computational studies.

By using a convergent methodology, a unique series of N-arylated 4-yl-benzamides containing a bi-heterocyclic thiazole-triazole core was synthesized and the structures of these hybrid molecules, 9a-k, were corroborated through spectral analyses. The in vitro studies of these multi-functional molecules demonstrated their potent mushroom tyrosinase inhibition relative to the standard used. The kinetics mechanism was exposed by lineweaver-burk plots which revealed that, 9c, inhibited mushroom tyrosinase non-competitively by forming an enzyme-inhibitor complex. The inhibition constant Ki calculated from Dixon plots for this compound was 0.016 µM. The computational study was also consistent with the experimental results and these molecules disclosed good results of all scoring functions and interactions, which suggested a good binding to mushroom tyrosinase. So, it was predicted from the inferred results that these molecules might be considered as promising medicinal scaffolds for the diseases associated with the over-expression of this enzyme.

Association of periodontal disease with gestational diabetes mellitus among postpartum women at a private tertiary care hospital of Karachi, Pakistan: a cross-sectional study.

Due to the overlapping aetiology of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and Periodontal disease (PD), which are prevalent metabolic disorder and chronic inflammatory disorder in pregnant women respectively, they are often at risk of developing both diseases simultaneously. This study aims to evaluate the association of periodontal disease and gestational diabetes mellitus among post-partum women who delivered within 24 h at private tertiary care hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Analytical cross sectional study with sample size of 178 by non- probability purposive sampling, a total of 101 postpartum women (57%) were diagnosed with periodontal disease and 50 (28%) were GDM positive. Of those who had PD, 35% (n = 35/101) were GDM positive. An insignificant association of the prevalence ratio of GDM in women with periodontal disease was found. [PR = 1.7; 95% CI: 0.2-3.2; p-value 0.07] A statistically significant association was found between the prevalence ratio of GDM in women with obesity. It was 2.6 times compared to women who were not obese (p value < 0.01, 95% CI: 1.3-5.1). There is insignificant association found between the prevalence ratio of GDM in women with periodontal disease in our setting. Women who are overweight or tend to gain weight should be closely monitored and guided to take dietary measures.

Oral mucositis & oral health related quality of life in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer in Karachi, Pakistan: A multicenter hospital based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Oral mucositis is an inflammatory condition of oral cavity which is a common and serious side effect of cancer treatment. Severe oral mucositis compromises basic functions like eating and swallowing causing malnutrition also affecting overall patient's oral health related quality of life. The aim of the study was to find the frequency of oral mucositis in patients with breast cancer during their chemotherapy, the factors associated with oral mucositis & the overall patient's oral health related quality of life. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted and a total of 160 women diagnosed with breast cancer, receiving chemotherapy and who had undergone at least one cycle of chemotherapy were recruited from two hospital settings. In-person interviews were done, patients were asked questions about their sociodemographic history, personal habits, oral history and oral findings, breast cancer stage, chemotherapy history and Oral Health Related Quality of Life. Their oral examination was done at the end of the interview to assess presence or absence of oral mucositis, using World Health Organization oral mucositis tool. Oral Health Related Quality of Life was assessed using Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaire. RESULTS: Our results showed that out of 160 patients 88 (55%) of the breast cancer cases developed oral mucositis during chemotherapy. The mean Oral Health Impact Profile -14 scores in patients with oral mucositis was high 18.36±0.96 showing poor Oral Health Related Quality of Life. Occasional frequency of brushing was significantly associated with oral mucositis (Prevalence ratio:2.26, 95%_CI 1.06-4.84) compared to those patients who brushed once and twice daily. Low level of education showed negative association with oral mucositis (Prevalence ratio:0.52, 95%_CI 0.31-0.88). CONCLUSION: Our study showed significant positive association of occasional brushing with OM and protective association of low level of education with the development of OM. Emphasis should be given to oral hygiene instructions and dental education to cancer patients in oncology clinics with the prescription of mouth washes, gels and toothpaste to patients to decrease OM during chemotherapy.

Stat5b/Ezh2 axis governs high PD-L1 expressing tolerogenic dendritic cell subset in autoimmune diabetes.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen-presenting cells that play an important role in inducing and maintaining immune tolerance. The altered distribution and/or function of DCs contributes to defective tolerance in autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes (T1D). In human T1D and in NOD mouse models, DCs share some defects and are often described as less tolerogenic and excessively immunogenic. In the NOD mouse model, the autoimmune response is associated with a defect in the Stat5b signaling pathway. We have reported that expressing a constitutively active form of Stat5b in DCs of transgenic NOD mice (NOD.Stat5b-CA), re-established their tolerogenic function, restored autoimmune tolerance and conferred protection from diabetes. However, the role and molecular mechanisms of Stat5b signaling in regulating splenic conventional DCs tolerogenic signature remained unclear. In this study, we reported that, compared to immunogenic splenic DCs of NOD, splenic DCs of NOD.Stat5b-CA mice exhibited a tolerogenic profile marked by elevated PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine production, increased frequency of the cDC2 subset and decreased frequency of the cDC1 subset. This tolerogenic profile was associated with increased Ezh2 and IRF4 but decreased IRF8 expression. We also found an upregulation of PD-L1 in the cDC1 subset and high PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression in cDC2 of NOD.Stat5b-CA mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that Ezh2 plays an important role in the maintenance of high PD-L1 expression in cDC1 and cDC2 subsets and that Ezh2 inhibition resulted in PD-L1 but not PD-L2 downregulation which was more drastic in the cDC2 subset. Additionally, Ezh2 inhibition severely reduced the cDC2 subset and increased the cDC1 subset and Stat5b-CA.DC pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Together our data suggest that the Stat5b-Ezh2 axis is critical for the maintenance of tolerogenic high PD-L1-expressing cDC2 and autoimmune tolerance in NOD.Stat5b-CA mice.

Association of polymorphism in the promotor area of the caprine BMPR1B gene with litter size and body measurement traits in Damani goats.

This study aimed to explore polymorphisms in the promoter region of the caprine BMPR1B (Bone morphogenetic protein receptor 1 beta) gene and its association with body measurement and litter size traits in Damani does. A total of 53 blood samples were collected to analyze the association between the BMPR1B gene polymorphism and 11 phenotypic traits in Damani female goats. The results revealed that three novel SNPs were identified in the promoter region of the caprine BMPR1B gene, including g.67 A > C (SNP1), g.170 G > A(SNP2), and g.501A > T (SNP3), among which the SNP1 and SNP2 were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with litter size and body measurement traits in Damani goats. In SNP1 the AC genotype could be used as a marker for litter size, and the CC genotype for body weight in Damani goats. In SNP2, the genotype GG was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with ear and head length. Therefore, we can conclude from the present study, that genetic variants AC and CC of the caprine BMPR1B gene could be used as genetic markers for economic traits through marker-assisted selection for the breed improvement program of the Damani goat.

Sakuranetin ameliorates streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rodents by inhibiting caspase-3 activity, modulating hematological parameters, and suppressing inflammatory cytokines: a molecular docking and dynamics study.

Diabetes affects people of all ages, regardless of gender and background. To date, there is no evidence for the effect of sakuranetin against the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes paradigm. The research was directed to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of sakuranetin in the STZ model invoking the diabetes-induced disease paradigm. STZ (I.P. 60 mg/kg) is directed to induce type 2 diabetes in experimental rats. Recent research pursued to regulate the anti-diabetic ability of sakuranetin at both 10 and 20 mg/kg in STZ-induced rats. Furthermore, molecular docking research was implemented to evaluate sakuranetin requisite attraction to inflammatory indicators. Various anti-diabetic [(glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and insulin)], lipid profile [triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL)], hematological parameters [Hemoglobin (HGB), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelet (PLT), and white blood cells (WBC), pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and interleukin-6 (IL-6)], antioxidant level [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH)], lipid oxidation, and caspase-3 were evaluated. Furthermore, molecular docking and dynamics were performed for TNF-α (2AZ5), IL-6 (1ALU), IL-1ß (6Y8M), Caspase-3 (1NME) and serum insulin (4IBM) target ligands. Sakuranetin treatment at both doses restored the biochemical parameters i.e. blood glucose, insulin, HbA1c, lipid profile, hematological parameters, pro-inflammatory markers, antioxidant levels, lipid oxidation, and caspase-3 in the context of diabetic rats. It also showed favorable binding affinity on inflammatory markers. Sakuranetin binds to proteins 2AZ5, 1ALU, 6Y8M, 1NME, and 4IBM at -7.489, -6.381, -6.742, -7.202, and -8.166 Kcal/mol, respectively. All of the findings from the molecular dynamics simulations points toward a considerable change in the conformational dynamics of protein upon binding with sakuranetin. The potential use of sakuranetin as an alternative diabetes medication will aid future research as a potent anti-diabetic agent.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Comparing redo surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery for recurrent, residual, and/or tumors showing progression in nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are well-differentiated benign tumors originating from the adenohypophyseal cells of the pituitary gland. They present with headaches, visual disorders, or cranial nerve deficits. NFPAs can recur, progress, or present as residual tumors. We, therefore, conducted this review to compare the effects of both revision surgery and stereotactic surgery on tumor size, visual status, endocrine status, and complications. Methods: A systematic review of published literature on recurrent, residual, or progressing NFPAs that underwent redo surgery or stereotactic radiosurgery from the inception till June 2020 was conducted as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Thirteen records (1209 patients) were included, and risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated from each study were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis model. Results: Redo surgery was the preferred intervention in patients presenting with larger tumor sizes and was more effective in reducing the tumor size as compared to stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) (risk ratio [RR] 56.14; 95% CI, 16.45-191.58). There was more visual loss with revision surgery as compared to SRS (risk ratio [RR] 0.08; 95% CI, 0.03-0.20). However, SRS was associated with fewer complications, such as new diabetes insipidus, as compared to the redo surgery (risk ratio [RR] 0.01; 95% CI 0.01-0.03). Conclusion: Redo surgery is the superior choice in the treatment of recurrent/residual or progressing NFPAs if the tumor size is large and an immediate reduction in tumor burden through debulking is warranted. However, redo surgery is associated with a higher risk of visual loss, new endocrinopathies, and other complications, in contrast to SRS.