Randomized Trials of Renal Denervation for Uncontrolled Hypertension: An Updated Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite optimal medical therapy, a significant proportion of patients' blood pressure remains uncontrolled. Catheter-based renal denervation (RDN) has been proposed as a potential intervention for uncontrolled hypertension. We conducted an updated meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of RDN in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, with emphasis on the differential effect of RDN in patients on and off antihypertensive medications. METHODS AND RESULTS: Online databases were searched to identify randomized clinical trials comparing efficacy and safety of RDN versus control in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Subgroup analyses were conducted for sham-controlled trials and studies that used RDN devices that have gained or are currently seeking US Food and Drug Administration approval. Fifteen trials with 2581 patients (RDN, 1723; sham, 858) were included. In patients off antihypertensive medications undergoing RDN, a significant reduction in 24-hour ambulatory (-3.70 [95% CI, -5.41 to -2.00] mm Hg), office (-4.76 [95% CI, -7.57 to -1.94] mm Hg), and home (-3.28 [95% CI, -5.96 to -0.61] mm Hg) systolic blood pressures was noted. In patients on antihypertensive medications, a significant reduction was observed in 24-hour ambulatory (-2.23 [95% CI, -3.56 to -0.90] mm Hg), office (-6.39 [95% CI, -11.49 to -1.30]), home (-6.08 [95% CI, -11.54 to -0.61] mm Hg), daytime (-2.62 [95% CI, -4.14 to -1.11]), and nighttime (-2.70 [95% CI, -5.13 to -0.27]) systolic blood pressures, as well as 24-hour ambulatory (-1.16 [95% CI, -1.96 to -0.35]), office (-3.17 [95% CI, -5.54 to -0.80]), and daytime (-1.47 [95% CI, -2.50 to -0.27]) diastolic blood pressures. CONCLUSIONS: RDN significantly lowers blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, in patients off and on antihypertensive medications, with a favorable safety profile. The efficacy of RDN was consistent in sham-controlled trials and contemporary trials using US Food and Drug Administration-approved devices.

The known and unknown about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) genetics: a special emphasis on Arab population.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous neurodevelopmental syndrome characterized by behavioral appearances such as impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. The prevalence of ADHD is high in childhood when compared to adults. ADHD has been significantly advanced by genetic research over the past 25 years. However, it is logically conceivable that both genetic and/or non-genetic factors, such as postnatal environmental and social influences, are associated with ADHD phenotype in Arab populations. While genetic influences are strongly linked with the etiology of ADHD, it remains obscure how consanguinity which is an underlying factor for many genetic diseases, contributes to ADHD subtypes. Arabian Gulf Nations have one the highest rates of consanguineous marriages, and consanguinity plays an important contributing factor in many genetic diseases that exist in higher percentages in Arabian Gulf Nations. Therefore, the current review aims to shed light on the genetic variants associated with ADHD subtypes in Arabian Gulf nations and Saudi Arabia in particular. It also focuses on the symptoms and the diagnosis of ADHD before turning to the neuropsychological pathways and subgroups of ADHD. The impact of a consanguinity-based understanding of the ADHD subtype will help to understand the genetic variability of the Arabian Gulf population in comparison with the other parts of the world and will provide novel information to develop new avenues for future research in ADHD.

Percutaneous Pulmonary Flow Restriction in Infants With Congenital Heart Disease.

Background: Restriction of PBF in infants born with CHD is often required to avoid pulmonary over-circulation prior to definitive intervention. The current standard is to surgically place pulmonary artery bands, but these have limitations and are associated with complications. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to a single-center experience with a relatively novel technique to percutaneously restrict pulmonary blood flow (PBF) in select infants with congenital heart disease (CHD). Methods: Patients were selected to undergo this procedure either due to low birth weight or prematurity. All of them had CHD that would result in over-circulation without control of PBF. By a percutaneous method, modified vascular plug devices were placed in the bilateral branch pulmonary arteries. Results: Seven neonates with CHD resulting in left-sided obstruction underwent this procedure. All patients demonstrated evidence of restricted PBF with a decrease in mean oxygen saturation from 95% to 84%. One patient required pulmonary artery band placement due to over-circulation 5 days after the procedure. All patients proceeded to full surgical intervention without device embolization or need for pulmonary arterioplasty. Hemodynamics demonstrated adequate limitation of PBF in 5 patients who underwent presurgical cardiac catheterization with a mean pulmonary vascular resistance of 1.52 WU × m2 and a mean transpulmonary gradient of 5.9 mm Hg. Conclusions: Percutaneous PBF restriction appears to be safe and a less invasive option to delay surgical intervention in a select population to allow for somatic growth and gestational maturation. It results in a decrease in the total number of sternotomies.

Assessing the Impact of Smartphone Use on Neck Pain and Related Symptoms Among Residents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The widespread adoption of smartphones has transformed global communication but raised health concerns like Text Neck Syndrome - a musculoskeletal condition arising from prolonged device use, causing discomfort in the cervical spine. This study investigates its prevalence and associated factors among smartphone users in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, focusing on usage patterns, symptoms, and awareness. METHODS: This cross-sectional online survey was conducted from June 1 to June 30, 2024. Data on demographics, smartphone habits, symptoms, and Text Neck Syndrome awareness were collected using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. RESULTS: The study included 421 participants, predominantly female (279, 66.3%) and Saudi nationals (397, 94.3%). The largest age group was 21-40 years (308, 73.2%), and most were single (251, 59.6%) with a college degree (236, 56.1%). Over 42.0% of participants used smartphones for more than five hours daily, with 39.4% adopting a 30-degree neck posture. The most prevalent symptoms reported were neck pain (272, 64.6%), headaches (203, 48.2%), and shoulder pain (178, 42.3%). Awareness of Text Neck Syndrome was reported by 197 participants (46.8%), but only 60 (14.3%) had been diagnosed. Concerns about long-term complications such as osteoporosis (105, 24.9%) and prolapsed intervertebral disc (120, 28.5%) were expressed. Despite these concerns, 97.9% of participants hesitated to reduce smartphone usage due to reported symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the significant musculoskeletal impact of smartphone use in Jeddah, underscoring the need for interventions promoting ergonomic practices and increasing awareness about associated risks. Public health strategies should focus on promoting ergonomic practices and educating users about preventive measures.

Association of Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol With Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Patients With Hypothyroidism.

INTRODUCTION: Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels can increase the cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with hypothyroidism, but the findings across studies have not been consistently conclusive. The aim of this study was to find the association between non-HDL-C and cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with hypothyroidism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this case-control study, a total of 120 subjects among which 60 diagnosed hypothyroidism patients and 60 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled, aged 30-65 years. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP) were measured. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were estimated. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and non-HDL-C were calculated. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean of BMI, WC, FBS, TSH, TC, TG, non-HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C, SBP, and DBP were significantly elevated in cases compared to controls (p<0.001). However, the mean of T3, T4, and HDL-C were significantly reduced in cases compared to controls (p<0.001). Non-HDL-C has shown a significant positive correlation with age (r=0.345, p<0.01), TC (r=0.451, p<0.01), TG (r=0.269, p<0.05), LDL-C (r=0.402, p<0.01), and VLDL-C (r=0.269, p<0.05) among cases. However, non-HDL-C has shown a significant negative correlation with HDL-C (r=-0.330, p<0.05) among cases. Non-HDL-C significantly predicted cardiometabolic risk in patients with hypothyroidism (F(13,46)=3.500, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Non-HDL-C has shown a significant association with age and lipid abnormalities in patients with hypothyroidism. Non-HDL-C significantly predicts cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with hypothyroidism.

Are the Clinical Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness of Robot-Assisted Pedicle Screw Placement in Lumbar Fusion Surgery Superior to CT-Navigated and Freehand Fluoroscopy-Guided Techniques? A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal fusion surgery is known to be an expensive intervention. Although innovative technologies in the field aim at improving operative efficiency and outcomes, total costs must be considered. The authors hope to elucidate any differences between robot-assisted (RA) and CT-navigated (CT-nav) or freehand fluoroscopy-guided (FFG) pedicle screw placement in relation to patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness in lumbar fusion surgery (LFS). METHODS: Following the PRISMA guidelines, the authors performed a systematic review to identify studies comparing clinical outcomes between CT-nav or RA versus FFG in LFS patients. All included studies utilized bilateral pedicle screws. Statistical analysis was performed using R. RESULTS: Of the 1162 identified studies, five were included in the analysis. Direct evidence showed that RA decreased hospital length of stay (LOS) when compared to FFG (MD: -2.67 days; 95% CI: -4.25 to -1.08; p<0.01). Indirect evidence showed that RA decreased operative time when compared to CT-nav (MD: -65.57 mins; 95% CI: -127.7 to -3.44 ; p<0.05). For estimated blood loss (EBL), direct evidence showed that RA was superior to FFG (MD: -120.62 mL; 95% CI: -206.39 to -34.86; p<0.01). However, no significant difference was found between RA and CT-nav for EBL (MD: 14.88 mL; 95% CI: -105.54 to 135.3; p>0.05). There were no other significant differences in ODI, VAS, or complication or re-operation rates between RA and FFG or CT-nav. CONCLUSION: This study shows that RA pedicle screw placement in LFS provides similar patient outcomes to CT-nav and FFG. Robot-assisted operations were found to give rise to cost savings via decreased LOS when compared to both CT-nav and FFG techniques. Cost-savings of $4,086-$4,865/patient and $7,317-$9,654/patient could be achieved when utilizing RA over CT-nav and FFG, respectively. However, extra upfront and maintenance costs may impact full adoption of RA in LFS.

Seven-Year Experience of Intramural Surgery in the Middle East: A Safety and Feasibility Analysis.

Background: Intramural surgery techniques, particularly esophageal peroral endoscopic myotomy (E-POEM), gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM), and peroral endoscopic myotomy for Zenker's (Z-POEM), have emerged as forefront minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. While several studies have reported on the outcomes in North America and Asia, evidence in the Middle East and North Africa remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of intramural surgery techniques within this region. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted with approval from the institutional review board. All patients who underwent esophageal peroral endoscopic myotomy, gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy, and peroral endoscopic myotomy for Zenker's from January 2016 to August 2023 were included. Results: In total, 119 patients underwent intramural surgery procedures during this period. The esophageal peroral endoscopic myotomy group had 81 (68%) patients, the gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy had 34 (28.6%) patients, and the peroral endoscopic myotomy for Zenker's had 4 (3.4%) patients. The full cohort was 48.7% female, with a mean overall age of 40.5 years. The mean overall body mass index was 27.5 kg/m2. The chief complaint was dysphagia (n = 80, 67.2%). All cases were successfully completed endoscopically. During the first 30 days, the most common complications were nausea/vomiting requiring admission (n = 4, 4.76%) and pneumomediastinum (n = 2, 2.38%). At a follow-up of 19 months, there were four mortalities; the causes of death were cardiac arrest (three cases) and end-stage prostate cancer (one case). Conclusions: Intramural surgery techniques are safe and technically feasible with low complication rates. Our study suggests that clinical success in the Middle East and Northern Africa population is comparable to larger international series.

Economic policy uncertainty and financial system efficiency.

Economic policy uncertainty (EPU) adversely affects financial system functioning with potentially critical repercussions for economies and corporations worldwide. Financial system efficiency (FSE) has a vital influence on fostering optimal economic growth and development; however, the impact of EPU on FSE remains under-explored. This study investigates the effect of EPU on FSE along with its components financial institution efficiency (FIE) and financial market efficiency (FME). Using data from 22 countries over a 20-year period (2002-2021), our analysis reveals a significant negative effect of EPU on FSE, FIE and FME. Notably, our split-sample analysis highlights the accentuated adverse effects of EPU in high-EPU regimes, emphasising the importance of vigilance during periods of elevated policy uncertainty. We conduct a series of sensitivity tests, including alternative measures of EPU, FSE, FIE and FME, and apply two-stage least squares and two-step dynamic system generalised method of moments estimators and introduce additional control variables. These tests consistently reaffirm the core conclusions of our study. Finally, we discuss the implications of our findings for policymakers.

Urinary Metabolite Diagnostic and Prognostic Liquid Biopsy Biomarkers of Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers and Tobacco Smokers.

PURPOSE: Nonsmokers account for 10% to 13% of all lung cancer cases in the United States. Etiology is attributed to multiple risk factors including exposure to secondhand smoking, asbestos, environmental pollution, and radon, but these exposures are not within the current eligibility criteria for early lung cancer screening by low-dose CT (LDCT). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Urine samples were collected from two independent cohorts comprising 846 participants (exploratory cohort) and 505 participants (validation cohort). The cancer urinary biomarkers, creatine riboside (CR) and N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA), were analyzed and quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to determine if nonsmoker cases can be distinguished from sex and age-matched controls in comparison with tobacco smoker cases and controls, potentially leading to more precise eligibility criteria for LDCT screening. RESULTS: Urinary levels of CR and NANA were significantly higher and comparable in nonsmokers and tobacco smoker cases than population controls in both cohorts. Receiver operating characteristic analysis for combined CR and NANA levels in nonsmokers of the exploratory cohort resulted in better predictive performance with the AUC of 0.94, whereas the validation cohort nonsmokers had an AUC of 0.80. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that high levels of CR and NANA were associated with increased cancer-specific death in nonsmokers as well as tobacco smoker cases in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Measuring CR and NANA in urine liquid biopsies could identify nonsmokers at high risk for lung cancer as candidates for LDCT screening and warrant prospective studies of these biomarkers.

Tryptophan Metabolism in Alzheimer's Disease with the Involvement of Microglia and Astrocyte Crosstalk and Gut-Brain Axis.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-dependent neurodegenerative disease characterized by extracellular Amyloid Aß peptide (Aß) deposition and intracellular Tau protein aggregation. Glia, especially microglia and astrocytes are core participants during the progression of AD and these cells are the mediators of Aß clearance and degradation. The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) is a complex interactive network between the gut and brain involved in neurodegeneration. MGBA affects the function of glia in the central nervous system (CNS), and microbial metabolites regulate the communication between astrocytes and microglia; however, whether such communication is part of AD pathophysiology remains unknown. One of the potential links in bilateral gut-brain communication is tryptophan (Trp) metabolism. The microbiota-originated Trp and its metabolites enter the CNS to control microglial activation, and the activated microglia subsequently affect astrocyte functions. The present review highlights the role of MGBA in AD pathology, especially the roles of Trp per se and its metabolism as a part of the gut microbiota and brain communications. We (i) discuss the roles of Trp derivatives in microglia-astrocyte crosstalk from a bioinformatics perspective, (ii) describe the role of glia polarization in the microglia-astrocyte crosstalk and AD pathology, and (iii) summarize the potential of Trp metabolism as a therapeutic target. Finally, we review the role of Trp in AD from the perspective of the gut-brain axis and microglia, as well as astrocyte crosstalk, to inspire the discovery of novel AD therapeutics.

Review and assessment of the potential restoration of ecosystem services through the implementation of the biodiversity management plans for SDG-15 localization.

Effective restoration strategies play a crucial role in mitigating the environmental impact of mining and colliery activities while promoting ecological resilience and rejuvenating ecosystem services. However, many organizations find it challenging to understand and balance their efforts in restoring degraded lands. For example, their restoration plans lack clarity and overlook relevant ecosystem services. This study reviews and focuses on the potential restoration of ecosystem services at TATA Steel's Noamundi Iron Ore Mine and West Bokaro Colliery to contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-15, for localization. The approach involved assessing the number of preventive measures being implemented to restore a particular ecosystem service. Moreover, the potential of each preventive measure is to restore that ecosystem service. The findings underscore the significance of preventive measures and comprehensive restoration plans in enhancing carbon sequestration, soil fertility, habitat creation, and genetic diversity conservation. Our results showed that the impact scores and ranks of various ecosystem services demonstrate the positive effects of restoration efforts, emphasizing the importance of reestablishing forests, restoring water bodies and wetlands, and allocating land for agriculture and public use. The research provides valuable insights for decision-makers in developing sustainable land management strategies, ensuring biodiversity conservation and local communities' well-being. By prioritizing ecosystem services in restoration initiatives, stakeholders can contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources and foster a harmonious coexistence between human activities and the environment.

A Cross-sectional Survey-based Study of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Uses of Cosmetics and Cosmetovigilance in India.

Background: In India, the cosmetics industry has expanded significantly because of changing lifestyles and increased awareness. In terms of earning the most money from the personal care and cosmetics industry in 2021, India is ranked fourth globally. Many cosmetics sold in India include ingredients that cannot be used on humans. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward the uses of cosmetics and cosmetovigilance in India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, from April to May 2022, among the general population living in the Delhi NCR region, India. Study questionnaires (printed and survey link) were distributed in public as well as at workplaces for the survey. Results: Around 268 (54.78%) females and 223 (45.21%) males participated in the survey. Amongst the total respondents - 407 (83%) agreed that they are using cosmetic products on a daily basis, females 229 (85.44%), being the majority users compared to males 178 (80%), with a significant P value = 0.011. Most of the people reported side effects of shampoos - 7.13% (hair fall, hair thinning, dryness of the scalp, itching), followed by allergic reactions to moisturizers - 5.70%. Conclusion: Because of the right safety and effectiveness mentorship of cosmetics, regulatory agencies and stakeholders should adopt this broadly. Cosmetovigilance needs to be put into practice.

Data on growth performance and nutritional composition of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fry fed with Chlamydomonas sp.

A feeding trial spanning two months was conducted to evaluate the effects of Chlamydomonas sp. on growth performance, water quality, survival, proximate composition and biochemical profile of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) where fishmeal was partially replaced using Chlamydomonas sp. in the diet. Twenty uniform-sized common carp fries were distributed into triplicate groups and placed in 40-liter rectangular glass tanks. Chlamydomonas sp. was added at different levels in the diet: 0 % (control), 5 % (C5), 10 % (C10), 15 % (C15) along with the commercial feed (CMF). After the experiment, random sampling of fish was performed to conduct all the analyses. Significant variations (p < 0.05) were found in the chemical water quality parameters. The highest survival rate was recorded from C15 (81.67 %) followed by C10 (71.67 %), CMF (63.33 %) and C5 (58.33 %) respectively compared with the control (43.2 %). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) observed among all the treatments in terms of Average Daily Gains (ADG), Specific Growth Rate (SGR) and length increments. Protein content ranged the highest and the lowest in C15 (35.6 %) and control (24.8 %) respectively. The C15 group showed the highest lipid content (15.7 %) and the control group showed the lowest lipid (8.4 %). The inclusion of Chlamydomonas sp. in the diet had a significant positive impact on the fatty acid and amino acid profile of whole common carp. Present data revealed that substituting a portion of fishmeal with Chlamydomonas sp. powder could provide higher growth performance, offering both nutritional benefits and higher survival rate in common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

The Effects of Post-Surgical Pregnancy on Weight Loss Trajectories after Bariatric Surgery: Are Initial Weight and Age Prognostic Factors?

Introduction: A substantial percentage of patients undergoing bariatric surgery are of childbearing age. Pregnancy outcomes after bariatric surgery are known. However, there are limited data on the impact of pregnancy on weight loss after surgery. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effects of pregnancy on post-bariatric surgery weight loss trajectories (WLTs) and to determine the association with age and initial weight. Methods: All who had primary bariatric surgeries (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve) between September 2015 and July 2020 were classified into two groups: post-surgery gravid (GG) and post-surgery non-gravid (NG). WLTs were examined using a random intercept mixed-effects model with repeated measures nested within patients. The post-surgery/pre-gravid time phase (PoPG) was modelled using a third-degree polynomial. For GG, two third-degree spline functions modelled the post-surgery while gravid (PoWG) and post-partum (PoPP) time phases. Age and initial weight were used to control for pre-existing differences during PoPG. Weight differences at 6 months PoPP were examined by applying general linear hypothesis testing to the mixed-model results. Results: A total of 508 patients were included, 20 in GG and 488 in NG. The mean age at surgery was 33 years in GG and 37 years in NG. The mean initial BMI was 47 kg/m2 and 43 kg/m2, respectively. During PoPG, adjusted average weight in both groups follows the path across time. For GG, weight decreases and then increases during PoWG. For GG during PoPP, weight immediately decreases after delivery and then increases over time to levels similar to NG. Weight differences at 6 months PoPP for GG and NG were not statistically different. Older age was associated with reduced weight loss during PoPG by Baseline Age, while higher initial weight was associated with increased weight loss during PoPG by Baseline Weight. In both instances, these effects attenuate over time. Conclusions: This model indicates that pregnancy following bariatric surgery affects WLT during PoWG and PoPP, and no difference in weight is expected after 6 months post-gravid. Age and initial weight could be considered prognostic factors during PoPG. Patients wishing to conceive should undergo preconception counselling and be advised to avoid pregnancy during the period of rapid weight loss. They also should be informed that WLT may vary during pregnancy and early post-partum.

Analysis Comparing the Recovery of Airway Reflexes and Cognitive Ability After Sevoflurane with Desflurane Anesthesia.

Introduction: Although sevoflurane and desflurane have nearly identical blood-gas solubilities, current research suggests that airway reflexes recover more quickly with desflurane than sevoflurane; however, cognitive function recovery varies substantially. The current study was piloted to appraise the lengths of time needed to recover from anesthesia following desflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia. Materials and Methods: A prospective clinical trial was piloted among 70 adult non-obese subjects who underwent elective surgery and were classified I-II by the "American Association of Anesthesiologists (ASA)". Sevoflurane and desflurane were tested among the subjects who were equally distributed. These agents were used in accordance with a normal general anaesthesia procedure. After they were extubated, tests for regaining cognitive function and airway reflexes were carried out, and different time intervals were recorded. The observations were calculated and P < 0.05 was used to conduct the statistical analysis. Results: The average amount of time that passed between the patient's first vocal response and their first successful completion of the swallowing test was analogous between the two groups (T2) with 5.25 ± 3.11 vs 5.01 ± 2.12 in sevoflurane and desflurane, respectively. There was no significant variance at T2. For all the other time intervals of T1, T3, and T4, there was evidence of the significant variance.(P = 0.003; 0.0013; <0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Desflurane causes patients to recover more quickly than sevoflurane does after laparoscopic cholecystectomy under controlled circumstances.

The effectiveness of emerging markets' legal structure in explaining financial development.

This article examines the role of legal structure in explaining financial development in twenty-three emerging markets, which has not been explored in institutional economics literature before. This study relied on Pedroni, and Kao cointegration tests, which is followed by the renowned panel cointegration technique. The results of the Pedroni and Kao cointegration tests show that the variables understudy is cointegrated in the long-run. These findings are confirmed by the panel cointegration showing that legal structure (LS) has positive impact on financial development (FIND) in long-run that support Law and Finance, and New Institutional Economics theories in emerging markets. This study is the first to directly examine the long-run impact of LS on FIND in emerging markets, and the result remains consistent across alternative measure of FIND. The findings of this study have important policy implications for emerging markets. Policymakers should focus on creating a legal environment that is conducive to financial development. This includes strengthening the legal framework, improving regulatory regimes, and promoting market autonomy. Additionally, policymakers should work to attract foreign investment, which can help spur economic growth and development in emerging markets. The findings of the study are consistent across battery of robustness testing.

Comparison of the Effect of Implant Abutment Surface Modifications on the Retention of Implant-Supported Restorations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the difference in retention between implant-supported restorations with and without surface modification of the implant abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients with singletooth implants were restored with cement-retained (Multilink N, Ivoclar) restorations using titanium base abutments (Variobase, Straumann) and randomly assigned surface modifications. Group 1 used nonmodified abutments, group 2 used sandblasted abutments, and group 3 used sandblasted abutments followed by an application of metal primer. All patients were recalled for a baseline examination 6 months after crown placement. The pull-out strength and intergroup distribution of mean pull-out strength were assessed. To assess differences between the three groups, intergroup statistical comparison of continuous variables was done using one-way ANOVA with Tukey correction for multiple group comparisons. RESULTS: The results of the intergroup mean pull-out strength distribution revealed that the distribution of mean ± SD pull-out strength in group 1, group 2, and group 3 were 220.79 ± 94.23, 488.64 ± 84.12, and 705.46 ± 112.75 Ncm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Sandblasting followed by the application of metal primer produced the highest retention of porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns to titanium base abutments, followed by sandblasting alone, with the least retention being observed with no surface treatment.

Quality evaluation of improved and traditionally dried Bombay duck (Harpodon nehereus) through biochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic analysis.

The study was conducted to compare the quality and shelf life of traditionally dried (collected from the local markets) Bombay duck (Harpodon nehereus) with improved dried products (produced using a newly developed fish dryer) to assess its suitability. The quality of these products was evaluated through organoleptic, water reconstitution, nutritional, chemical, and microbiological characteristics. The organoleptic quality of improved dried fish was excellent while those produced traditionally were with grayish and dark brown color, rancid odor, and soft and fragile texture with insect infestation. The water reconstitution properties of the improved dried sample were 75.71% and 89.39% at room temperature and 80 °C, respectively, which were comparatively higher than the traditional dried products. The protein, ash, and contents were significantly higher in improved dried fish products while the lipid and total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) content were much lower than those of market-dried samples. The total viable counts (TVC) of bacteria were significantly higher in the traditional products which indicated poor quality. To find out the best storage method, dried fish was kept at three different conditions: in the open air at room temperature, in a sealed pack at room temperature, and a sealed pack at refrigeration temperature (4 °C). The shelf life of the products in different storage conditions was evaluated by estimating their moisture, protein, lipid, ash, TVB-N, and TVC values. The products kept at 4 °C temperature was found almost unaltered in terms of their nutritional properties after 4-months storage period. Results indicated that the newly developed fish dryer produced high-quality dried fish products with longer shelf life can be expected if the dried fish is stored at 4 °C refrigeration temperature. Our findings will be a valuable tool for the fish processors to ease the fish drying process and its storage that will enable them to commercially supply good quality dried Harpodon nehereus in the market chain at a low-cost.