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Buffaloes are considered animals of the future with the ability to survive under unfavorable conditions. However, the lack of access to superior germplasm poses a significant challenge to increasing buffalo production. Resveratrol has been shown to improve oocyte quality and developmental competence in various animals during in vitro embryo development. However, limited information is available on the use of resveratrol to improve the in vitro maturation and development competence of Nili Ravi buffalo oocytes. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the influence of different concentrations of resveratrol on the maturation, fertilization, and development of buffalo oocytes under in vitro conditions. Oocytes were collected from ovaries and subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM) using varying concentrations of resveratrol (0 µM, 0.5 µM, 1 µM, 1.5 µM, and 2 µM), and the maturation process was assessed using a fluorescent staining technique. Results indicated no significant differences in oocyte maturation, morula rate, and blastocyst rate among the various resveratrol concentrations. However, the cleavage rate notably increased with 1 µM and 1.5 µM concentrations of resveratrol (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the study suggests that adding 1 µM of resveratrol into the maturation media may enhance the cleavage and blastocyst hatching of oocytes of Nili Ravi buffaloes. These findings hold promise for advancing buffalo genetics, reproductive performance, and overall productivity, offering potential benefits to the dairy industry, especially in Asian countries.
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Bison , Búfalos , Femenino , Animales , Resveratrol/farmacología , Fertilización In Vitro/veterinaria , Oocitos , OvarioRESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: With lumbar spine fusion being one of the most commonly performed spinal surgeries, investigating common complications such as adjacent segment disease (ASD) is a high priority. To the authors' knowledge, there are no previous studies investigating the utility of the preoperative magnetic resonance imaging-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score in predicting radiographic and surgical ASD after lumbar spine fusion. We aimed to investigate the predictive factors for radiographic and surgical ASD, focusing on the predictive potential of the VBQ score. METHODS: A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients who underwent 1-3 level lumbar or lumbosacral interbody fusion for lumbar spine degenerative disease between 2014 and 2021 with a minimum 12 months of clinical and radiographic follow-up. Demographic data were collected, along with patient medical, and surgical data. Preoperative MRI was assessed in the included patients using the VBQ scoring system to identify whether radiographic ASD or surgical ASD could be predicted. RESULTS: A total of 417 patients were identified (mean age, 59.8 ± 12.4 years; women, 54.0%). Eighty-two (19.7%) patients developed radiographic ASD, and 58 (13.9%) developed surgical ASD. A higher VBQ score was a significant predictor of radiographic ASD in univariate analysis (2.4 ± 0.5 vs 3.3 ± 0.4; P < .001) and multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 1.601; 95% CI, 1.453-1.763; P < .001). For surgical ASD, a significantly higher VBQ score was seen in univariate analysis (2.3 ± 0.5 vs 3.3 ± 0.4; P < .001) and served as an independent risk factor in multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 1.509; 95% CI, 1.324-1.720; P < .001). We also identified preoperative disk bulge and preoperative existence of adjacent segment disk degeneration to be significant predictors of both radiographic and surgical ASD. Furthermore, 3-level fusion was also a significant predictor for surgical ASD. CONCLUSION: The VBQ scoring system might be a useful adjunct for predicting radiographic and surgical ASD.
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Vértebras Lumbares , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Fusión Vertebral , Humanos , Fusión Vertebral/efectos adversos , Fusión Vertebral/métodos , Femenino , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Vértebras Lumbares/cirugía , Vértebras Lumbares/diagnóstico por imagen , Estudios Retrospectivos , Anciano , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética/métodos , Degeneración del Disco Intervertebral/cirugía , Degeneración del Disco Intervertebral/diagnóstico por imagen , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/diagnóstico por imagen , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/etiología , Valor Predictivo de las PruebasRESUMEN
This research study was designed with the aim to prepare plant extract-mediated iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) and different chemically modified carbon adsorbents from the Parthenium hysterophorus plant and then optimize the carbon adsorbents by evaluating their adsorption applications in wastewater for the selected metal ions like arsenic (As3+), lead (Pb2+), and cadmium (Cd2+). The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) technique was used to highlight functional groups in plant-mediated IONPs and chemically modified carbon adsorbents. A scanning electron microscopy study was conducted to explain the surface morphology of the adsorbents. Energy-dispersive X-rays was used for elemental analysis and X-ray diffraction for particle size and crystallinity of the adsorbents. From the study, it was found that the best optimum conditions were pH = 5-6, initial concentration of adsorbate of 10 mg/L, dose of adsorbent of 0.01 g, contact time of 90-120 min of adsorbent and adsorbate, and temperature of 25 °C. At optimum conditions, the adsorption capacities of IONPs for arsenic (As) 144.7 mg/g, lead (Pb) 128.01 mg/g, and cadmium (Cd) ions 122.1 mg/g were recorded. The activated carbon at optimum conditions showed adsorption capacities of 46.35 mg/g for As, 121.95 mg/g for Pb, and 113.25 mg/g for Cd ion. At equilibrium, Langmuir, Freundlich Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms were applied on the experimental adsorption data having the best R2 values (0.973-0.999) by the Langmuir isotherm. High-correlation coefficient R2 values (0.996-0.999) were obtained from the pseudo-second-order for all cases, showing that the adsorption process proceeds through pseudo second-order kinetics. The apparent adsorption energy E value was in the range of 0.24-2.36 kJ/mol. The adsorption capacity of regenerated IONPs for As gradually decreased from 144.8 to 45.67 mg/g, for lead 128.15 to 41.65 mg/g, and cadmium from 122.10 to 31.20 mg/g in 5 consecutive cycles. The study showed that the synthesized IONPs and acid-activated carbon adsorbent were successfully used to remove selected metal ions from wastewater.
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The main goal of this research is to present the concept of enhancing heat transfer within emerging technology. To achieve this, tiny metal and nonmetal particles ranging from 1 to 100 nm in size are introduced into base liquids. These nanoscale particles are utilized to improve the thermal performance of the liquids, leading to what are termed nanofluids. The utilization of these fluids and the examination of the flow of thin films have valuable implications across various sectors such as engineering, technology, and industries. This research focuses on analyzing the convective flow behavior of nanofluids, specifically, graphene oxide-ethylene glycol (GO-EG) and graphene oxide-water (GO-W) on a moving surface. The study investigates the impacts of magnetic fields and varying viscosity. By making use of the thermophysical characteristics of the base fluid and the nanofluid, as well as implementing a similarity transformation within the fundamental equations that govern energy and momentum, we formulate a 5th order nonlinear ordinary differential equation (NODE) to describe the velocity profile. This is combined with a second-order NODE that describes the distribution of temperature. To solve this derived NODE, we employ a method known as the Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM) for analytical solution. The impact of the relevant factors, Prandtl number, including magnetic field parameter, thickness of the liquid, couple stress parameter, temperature distribution, dynamic viscosity, and Eckert number, on the skin friction, velocity profile, and Nusselt's number are interrogated through graphical representation. The velocity field exhibits a decline as the couple stress parameter, magnetic field parameter, liquid thickness, and dynamic viscosity experience an increase. Conversely, the temperature field displays a rise as the Eckert number and dynamic viscosity experience an increase. To ensure the convergence of the issue, dual solutions of the problem are employed, and this is verified through the utilization graphs and tables. Due to the considerable challenge encountered in heat transfer applications for cooling diverse equipment and devices across industries like automotive, microelectronics, defense, and manufacturing, there is a strong expectation that this theoretical methodology could make a favorable contribution towards enhancing heat transfer efficiency. This improvement is sought to meet the requirements of the manufacturing and engineering sectors.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the development of reliable diagnostic methods for accurately detecting the novel coronavirus and its variants. Deep learning (DL) techniques have shown promising potential as screening tools for COVID-19 detection. In this study, we explore the realistic development of DL-driven COVID-19 detection methods and focus on the fully automatic framework using available resources, which can effectively investigate various coronavirus variants through modalities. We conducted an exploration and comparison of several diagnostic techniques that are widely used and globally validated for the detection of COVID-19. Furthermore, we explore review-based studies that provide detailed information on synergistic medicine combinations for the treatment of COVID-19. We recommend DL methods that effectively reduce time, cost, and complexity, providing valuable guidance for utilizing available synergistic combinations in clinical and research settings. This study also highlights the implication of innovative diagnostic technical and instrumental strategies, exploring public datasets, and investigating synergistic medicines using optimised DL rules. By summarizing these findings, we aim to assist future researchers in their endeavours by providing a comprehensive overview of the implication of DL techniques in COVID-19 detection and treatment. Integrating DL methods with various diagnostic approaches holds great promise in improving the accuracy and efficiency of COVID-19 diagnostics, thus contributing to effective control and management of the ongoing pandemic.
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COVID-19 , Aprendizaje Profundo , Medicina , Humanos , COVID-19/diagnóstico , Pandemias , SARS-CoV-2 , Prueba de COVID-19RESUMEN
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a vector-borne viral transboundary disease of cattle caused by the LSD virus (LSDV). Despite investigations on clinical and outbreak features of LSDV, information on disease pathogenesis and alternative changes in blood parameters are scarce. Keeping this in view, the current study was designed to determine haematological, serum biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters in naturally infected cattle with LSDV during the recent surge of outbreaks in Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 35 blood samples was collected from polymerase chain reaction-confirmed LSDV-infected cattle for assessment of all parameters. The haematological examination of blood samples showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in different variables of erythrogram and leucogram. On the other hand, differences between levels of various serum biochemical parameters with the significant increase in levels of alkaline phosphatase, serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and blood urea nitrogen were observed in LSDV naturally infected cattle. Moreover, malondialdehyde levels for lipid peroxidation and nitrate concentration were markedly elevated whereas glutathione S-transferase fluorescent and serum superoxide dismutase enzymes showed a decrease in levels. The current study suggests that alternations in haematological and serum biochemical parameters following LSDV infection stimulate oxidative stress and such findings may be useful for early and rapid diagnosis and improvement in the treatment strategy of the disease.
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Enfermedades de los Bovinos , Dermatosis Nodular Contagiosa , Virus de la Dermatosis Nodular Contagiosa , Bovinos , Animales , Virus de la Dermatosis Nodular Contagiosa/genética , Dermatosis Nodular Contagiosa/epidemiología , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/veterinaria , Fosfatasa Alcalina , Aspartato Aminotransferasas , Brotes de Enfermedades/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Medulloblastoma is the commonest malignant brain tumour in children. Pre-operative hydrocephalus is present in up to 90% of these patients at presentation. Following posterior fossa surgery, despite resolution of fourth ventricular obstruction, a proportion of these children will still require cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion for management of persistent or new hydrocephalus. Various scoring systems have been developed to predict the risk for CSF diversion following posterior fossa surgery. However, no accurate tool exists regarding which pathological subset or group of medulloblastoma patients will require a shunt post-operatively. In this study we investigated the impact of molecular subgroup of medulloblastoma on shunt dependency post-operatively in paediatric patients. METHODS: We undertook a retrospective multi-centre study of children with medulloblastoma who underwent tumour resection. Those with available molecular subgroup were identified. Demographic data and clinical parameters including age, sex, presence of pre-operative hydrocephalus, extent of surgical resection, evidence of metastasis/leptomeningeal disease and need for CSF diversion post-operatively were further analysed. RESULTS: Sixty-nine children with medulloblastoma with available molecular data were identified during the study period with male to female ratio of 1.5:1 (42M:27F). Twelve patients (17.4%) belonged to SHH, 10 (14.5%) Wnt, 19 (27.5%) Group 3 and 15 (21.7%) Group 4; 13 (18.8%) were non-specified Group 3 or 4. A total of 18 (26%) patients had evidence of leptomeningeal disease at presentation (20% of Wnt, 42% of Group 3, 33% of group 4, 23% of group 3/4, and 0% of SHH). Fifteen patients (22%) underwent post-operative ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt insertion. No patient in the Wnt group required ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt post-operatively in this cohort. Need for shunt was associated with pre-operative hydrocephalus, leptomeningeal disease, with molecular group 3 or 4 demonstrating higher rate of leptomeningeal disease, and pre-operative hydrocephalus. Age, extent of resection and pre-operative EVD were not associated with need for shunt in this cohort. Regression analysis identified only pre-operative hydrocephalus and leptomeningeal disease as independent predictors of need for shunt post-resection in this cohort. CONCLUSION: All patients requiring permanent post-operative VP shunt belonged to non-Wnt groups, particularly group 3 and 4. Although medulloblastoma subgroup does not independently predict need for post-operative shunt, presence of leptomeningeal disease and pre-operative hydrocephalus, and their higher prevalence in group 3 and 4, likely account for observed higher rate of shunting in these groups.
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Neoplasias Encefálicas , Neoplasias Cerebelosas , Hidrocefalia , Meduloblastoma , Niño , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Meduloblastoma/genética , Meduloblastoma/cirugía , Neoplasias Encefálicas/cirugía , Derivación Ventriculoperitoneal , Hidrocefalia/etiología , Hidrocefalia/cirugía , Hidrocefalia/epidemiología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Neoplasias Cerebelosas/genética , Neoplasias Cerebelosas/cirugíaRESUMEN
It is hypothesized that gliding bacteria move by producing waves on their own surface and leave an adhesive slime trail. Slime is basically a viscoelastic slippery material. Based on these observations, we use a mathematical model (of undulating sheet) to examine the locomotion of gliding bacteria over a layer of non-Newtonian slime. The constitutive equations of FENE-P model are employed to characterize the rheological behavior of the non-Newtonian slime. Moreover, substratum beneath the slime is approximated by a multi-sinusoidal sheet. A hybrid computational technique to solve the second order DE with a system of algebraic equations is presented. The speed of organism, flow rate and energy loss at larger values of the involved parameters are simulated using bvp5c in conjunction with a modified Newton-Raphson technique (MNRT). The comparison of soft and rigid substrate, slip and no-slip boundary conditions, Newtonian and non-Newtonian slime is displayed in several figures. Streamlines pattern and velocity of the slime are also drawn for the realistic pairs of speed and flow rate and are thoroughly explained.
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Bacterias , Locomoción , Modelos TeóricosRESUMEN
PURPOSE: Shunt calcification is a known late sequela of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt insertion and is associated with shunt malfunction. However, in some patients, while shunt functionality is preserved despite calcification of the catheters, they experience nociceptive symptoms. In this paper, the authors present their surgical experience in managing patients with a functional VP shunt and experiencing pain secondary to shunt calcification. METHODS: We analysed outcomes of patients presenting with pain at the level of a calcified shunt who underwent surgical untethering of the calcified catheter from the soft tissues. This procedure was commenced by the senior author in 2015. Patients were collected prospectively from the databases of two institutions. Evidence of shunt calcification was confirmed on neuroimaging. RESULTS: Seven patients, two male and five female, were included. The mean age at untethering was 13.5 years. The mean time interval between primary shunt surgery and symptom onset was 12 years (range 6-16 years). The commonest site of tethering was the neck (50%) followed by abdomen and chest (both 25%). Six patients underwent untethering of the catheter from soft tissues. One patient had removal of a redundant segment of calcified shunt left in situ during a previous revision. All patients experienced pain relief following shunt untethering. CONCLUSION: Untethering of calcified VP shunt catheters from soft tissue can be considered an effective treatment of shunt site pain and offered to patients presenting with a functional VP shunt.
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Calcinosis , Hidrocefalia , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adolescente , Hidrocefalia/cirugía , Derivación Ventriculoperitoneal/efectos adversos , Dolor/etiología , Resultado del Tratamiento , Prótesis e Implantes , Calcinosis/etiologíaRESUMEN
Motility is defined as the movement of cells by some form of self-propulsion. Some organisms motile by using long flagella that quickly rotate to propel them over various surfaces (in swarming and swimming mechanism), while few motile without the aid of flagella (in twitching, sliding and gliding mechanism). Among these modes, gliding motility is adopted by a rod-shaped organism famously known as gliding bacteria. It is hypothesized that in such type of motility, organism motile under their own power by secreting a layer of slime on the substrate. In this study, an active wall is considered as a substrate and a two-dimensional wavy sheet as an organism. Slip effects are also employed in the current work. The physical properties of the slime are governed by a suitable constitutive equation of couple stress model. A sixth order BVP is obtained by utilizing lubrication assumption. For an appropriate fixed pair of flow rate and organism speed the BVP is solved by MATLAB built-in function bvp-5c. This solution is utilized in the mechanical equilibrium conditions which are obviously not satisfied yet. To satisfy these conditions, the pair of flow rate and gliding speed is refined by a root finding algorithm (modified Newton-Raphson method). By employing this numerical scheme, various figures are shown to demonstrate the effect of several associated parameters on organism speed, flow rate, energy expended by the glider, streamlines and longitudinal velocity. It is observed from the graphical results that organism speed and energy consumption is directly proportional to the couple stress parameter and slip effects.
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Algoritmos , Movimiento , CinéticaRESUMEN
Bacteria are microscopic single-celled microbes that can only be spotted via a microscope. They occur in a variety of shapes and sizes, and their dimensions are measured in micrometers (one-millionth of a meter). Bacterial categorization is based on a variety of features such as morphology, DNA sequencing, presence of flagella, cell structure, staining techniques, oxygen, and carbon-dioxide requirements. Due to these classifications, gliding bacteria are a miscellaneous class of rodlike microorganisms that cling and propel over ooze slime connected with a substrate. Without the assistance of flagella, which are essential parts of bacterial motility, the organism movement is adopted by waves streaming down the outer layer of this microorganism. To simulate the locomotion of such gliding microorganisms, a wavy sheet over Oldroyd-4 constant fluid is utilized. Under the long wavelength assumption, the equations regulating the flow of slime (modeled as Oldroyd-4 constant slime) beneath the cell/organism are developed. The quantities such as slime flow rate, cell speed, and propulsion power are computed by using bvp4c (MATLAB routine) integrated with the modified Newton-Rasphson technique. Furthermore, the flow patterns and velocity of the slime are graphically shown and thoroughly described using precise (calculated) values of the cell speed and velocity of the slime.
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Bacterias , Locomoción , Movimiento (Física) , Locomoción/fisiologíaRESUMEN
The heat transfer ratio has an important role in industry and the engineering sector; the heat transfer ratios of CNT nanofluids are high compared to other nanofluids. This paper examines the analytical investigation of the time-dependent stagnation point flow of a CNT nanofluid over a stretching surface. For the investigation of the various physical restrictions, single and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs, MWCNTs) were used and compared. The defined similarity transformation was used, to reduce the given nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) to nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The model nonlinear ordinary differential equations were solved, with an approximate analytical (OHAM) optimal homotopy asymptotic method being used for the model problem. The impact of different parameters such as magnetic field parameter, unsteady parameter, dimensionless nanoparticles volume friction, Prandtl number, and Eckert number are interpreted using graphs, in the form of the velocity and temperature profile.
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OBJECTIVE: There are currently no definitive guidelines regarding the management of split-thickness skin-graft (STSG) donor sites. The literature reports biological and non-biological dressings as the two main groups; however, there is no conclusive evidence regarding the ideal type. A systematic review and meta-analysis of existing clinical trials was performed to compare biological and non-biological dressings in managing STSG donor sites. METHOD: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement standards was used to conduct this study. Electronic databases including MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched by two authors (SR and BL). Data analysis was performed with RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: In total, 10 studies, consisting of eight randomised controlled trials and two observational assessments, were identified. Wound healing time was faster with biological dressings compared to non-biological dressings (mean difference -5.44 days; p<0.05). A higher epithelialisation rate was also noted for biological dressings. There was no difference in the infection rate between the two study groups (odds ratio [OR] 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15-1.04) or wound exudation (OR 0.31; 95% CI 0.01-8.28). The pain level experienced during dressing changes in both groups was reported to be similar. CONCLUSION: The rate of epithelialisation and wound healing is greater for STSG donor sites when treated with biological dressings, but they offer no difference in terms of reducing pain, limiting infection or exudation.
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Apósitos Biológicos , Miel , Trasplante de Piel , Cicatrización de Heridas/fisiología , Amnios , Vendajes , Humanos , RepitelizaciónRESUMEN
Plant-derived smoke plays a key role in seed germination and plant growth. To investigate the effect of plant-derived smoke on chickpea, a gel-free/label-free proteomic technique was used. Germination percentage, root/shoot length, and fresh biomass were increased in chickpea treated with 2000â¯ppm plant-derived smoke within 6â¯days. On treatment with 2000â¯ppm plant-derived smoke for 6â¯days, the abundance of 90 proteins including glycolysis-related proteins significantly changed in chickpea root. Proteins related to signaling and transport were increased; however, protein metabolism, cell, and cell wall were decreased. The sucrose synthase for starch degradation was increased and total soluble sugar was induced. The proteins for nitrate pathway were increased and nitrate content was improved. On the other hand, although secondary metabolism related proteins were decreased, flavonoid contents were increased. Based on proteomic and immuno-blot analyses, proteins related to redox homeostasis were decreased and increased in root and shoot, respectively. Furthermore, fructosebisphosphate aldolase was increased; while, phosphotransferase and phosphoglycero mutase were decreased in glycolysis. In addition, phosphoglyceraldehyde3phosphate dehydrogenase and glutamine synthetase related genes were up-regulated. These results suggest that plant-derived smoke improves early stage of growth in chickpea with the balance of many cascades such as glycolysis, redox homeostasis, and secondary metabolism. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The current study examined the effects of plant-derived smoke on root of chickpea seedlings using a gel-free/label-free proteomic technique. Based on functional categorization of results from proteomics, proteins related to glycolysis, signaling, transport, protein metabolism, cell wall, and cell were predominantly changed in chickpea. The proteins related to carbohydrate and nitrate pathways were increased, while, those of secondary metabolism were decreased. Physiological analysis indicated that flavonoid, total soluble sugar, and nitrate content were increased in root of chickpea treated with plant-derived smoke for 6â¯days. Moreover, accumulated protein abundance of glyceraldehyde3phosphate dehydrogenase and fructose-bisphosphate aldolase was in agreement with immuno-blot results, which suggests that glycolysis process might be enhanced in root of chickpea in response to plant-derived smoke.
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Cicer/crecimiento & desarrollo , Proteínas de Plantas/metabolismo , Proteómica/métodos , Humo , Metabolismo de los Hidratos de Carbono , Germinación , Glucólisis , Nitratos/metabolismo , Oxidación-Reducción , Raíces de Plantas/metabolismo , Metabolismo Secundario , PlantonesRESUMEN
Oxalis corniculata is a common medicinal plant widely used against numerous infectious diseases. The agrochemical potential of methanolic extract, n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol fractions were assessed to measure the antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal activities of the plant. The crude, chloroform, and n-butanol soluble fractions showed excellent activities against Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella typhi, and Bacillus subtilis but have no activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Similarly the crude, n-hexane, and chloroform fractions were also found to have significant activity against fungal strains including Fusarium solani, Aspergillus flexneri, and Aspergillus flavus and have no activity against Aspergillus niger. Chemical pesticides have shown very good results at the beginning, but with the passage of time the need was realized to use the natural plant sources for the safe control of insects. The current study will provide minor contribution towards it. High mortality rate was recorded for the crude extract and chloroform fraction against Tribolium castaneum. The two isolated compounds 5-hydroxy-6,7,8,4'-tetramethoxyflavone (1) and 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-6,8-dimethoxyflavone (2) were evaluated for antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal activities. The results showed that compound 2 was more active than compound 1 against the tested bacterial strains and insects.
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Caralluma tuberculata is a cooked food item in Pakistan especially for diabetics. The current study was designed to explore the antidiabetic potential of extract/fractions of Caralluma tuberculata in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits and its effect on body weight. The crude extract of the plant provoked 24% and 44% antidiabetic action at 25 and 50 mg/kg OP, respectively, after the 24th day of treatment, which was strongly supported by a positive effect on the body weight of animals. On fractionation, pretreatment of the ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated most dominant (25.17% and 34.83%) antidiabetic activity followed by n-hexane (19.33% and 32.76%) and aqueous fractions (16.44% and 22.36%) at 25 and 50 mg/kg OP, respectively, after the 24th day of treatment. The corresponding effect on blood glucose was also observed on body weight of diabetic rabbits. In sum, extract/fractions of the plant showed marked antidiabetic action and thus a provided scientific foundation to the use of the plant as an antidiabetic.
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INTRODUCTION: Open surgical release for carpal tunnel syndrome is not devoid of complications and its quantitative assessment with the Boston questionnaire in a developing country had not been conducted, where, lack of facilities and surgical technique can influence the outcome. PRESENTATION OF CASE: This was a prospective study in which all cases of carpal tunnel syndrome undergoing open release between June 2007 and June 2012 and who returned for follow up were included. Each patient was requested to fill out the Boston questionnaire twice both pre and post op at 3 months. All complications were recorded as well as bio-data of patients and co morbidities. Follow up was at 2 weeks and at 3 months. Those reporting complications at 3 months were further followed up until 6 months. 373 patients were included in the study. Twenty four patients developed complications. Of these, 12 experienced pain resulting from reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Three patients developed wound dehiscence, 2 cases acquired infections, 4 patients developed immediate post-operative haemorrhage and in 3 patients there was late recurrence of median nerve compression. The symptom severity score pre-operatively was 3.30 (±0.60) and it improved to 1.65 (±0.75) post-operatively indicating a significant change (p<0.0001). The preoperative functional status score was 2.58 (±0.75) and post-op it became 1.60 (±0.80) again implying a good improvement with an effect size of 1.3. DISCUSSION: All of the complications produced were well managed. The complication incidence was low. The open release procedure produced good improvement in hand function and in decreasing the symptom severity. CONCLUSION: Conducting open release for carpal tunnel syndrome in a tertiary referral centre in a developing country offers a good outcome.