Genomic characterization of antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli isolated from domestic chickens in Pakistan

Poultry husbandry is important for the economic health of Pakistan, but the Pakistani poultry industry is negatively impacted by infections fro

Evaluation of Bone Mineral Density, Serum Osteocalcin, and Osteopontin Levels in Postmenopausal Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, with/without Osteoporosis

OBJECTIVE: Osteoporosis (OP) is a worldwide ailment; we aim to establish new biomarkers in diagnosis by determining the levels of serum osteocalcin and osteopontin along with bone mineral density (BMD) and lumbar T-score, in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with or without OP. METHODS: This observational study included 160 postmenopausal women who were an attendee at outpatient clinics in Al-Hussein Hospital, Thi-Qar province; subdivided into 3 groups based on their T-score testing: Group I (n = 40) comprised postmenopausal women without T2DM as controls, Group II (n = 60) comprised postmenopausal women with T2DM but without OP, and Group III (n = 60) comprised postmenopausal women with T2DM with OP. The dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure the BMD (total body, lumbar spine, and femoral) and T-score for lumbar spine and femoral. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), osteocalcin, and osteopontin levels were assessed in all three groups. RESULTS: Compared with controls, Group III demonstrated significantly lower BMD (total body, lumbar spine, and femoral), T-score for lumbar spine and femoral, serum osteocalcin, and osteopontin levels than Group II and Group I (P < 0.001). FBG and HbA1c levels were significantly higher in Group III than in Groups I and II (P < 0.001). A negative correlation was proved between HbA1c levels with BMD, osteocalcin levels, and osteopontin levels in the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Iraqi postmenopausal women with T2DM had a significantly lower bone mineral density, serum osteocalcin, and osteopontin levels. These results may serve as adjuvants in screening for OP, particularly among diabetic patients

Somatic embryogenesis, biochemical alterations and synthetic seed development in two varieties of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

Somatic embryogenesis (SE), biochemical alterations and syntheticseed formation were carried out in two Coriandrum sativum L. varieties(Rajendra Swathi ‘RS’ and Co-1). Callus was induced profusely in 1.0 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) added MS medium but Co-1 had more callus induction frequency (96.0%) compared to RS (89.3%). The callus turned into embryogenic tissue and variable embryogenic frequency (77.6% in RS and 72.8% in Co-1) was noted. Somatic embryos started to differentiate on the same 2,4-D added medium but the numbers of somatic embryos were more in RS (63.0 embryos per culture) compared to Co-1 (51.0 embryos per culture). These somatic embryos progressed well and showed maximum maturation inRS (78.7%) in 0.25 mg/l 6-benzyl adenine (BA) + 0.5 mg/l α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) added medium. The biochemical analyses of non-embryogenic-, embryogenic-callus and different stages of embryos were conducted in order to know the changes of physiology in different tissues. Sugar and proline content were noted to be high at embryo induction stage while protein level was higher at embryo maturation stage. Biochemical analysis also revealed that the catalase(CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were higher at maturation stage of embryos compared to other embryogenic stages. Matured somatic embryos were germinated in MS added with 1.0 mg/l BA + 0.5 mg/l gibberellic acid (GA3) in which 83.3% and 76.7% plantlet regeneration were noticed in RS and Co-1 respectively. Somatic embryos were encapsulated in various alginate and calcium chloride (CaCl2) solutions and were kept in different temperature regimes for varied periods. On regeneration medium, the encapsulated embryos germinated into plantlets; in 3% sodium alginate + 100 mM CaCl2,maximum plant regeneration (74.0% in RS and 70.6% in Co-1) was noted. The influence of low temperature on storage of synthetic seeds and their conversion into plantlets were also studied and we noted that the 4°C was the optimum temperature for synthetic seed conservation and plantlet regeneration compared to -20°C and 25oC temperature conditions

Study of depression among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at a tertiary care hospital

Background: Diabetes and depression are two major issues related to community health. Diabetes patients frequently co-occur with depression. Diabetes patients frequently co-occur with depression, which calls for serious attention because delayed diagnosis and treatment can worsen the patients' complications. Assessing the prevalence of depression in diabetic patients and identifying the various factors associated with it were the objectives of this research study. Methods: In this study 70 adult patients suffering from type 2 DM participated in this 6-month prospective study. Sociodemographic data and clinical features of the participants were collected. The presence and severity of depressive symptoms in patients have been assessed by a PHQ9 questionnaire. Ethical approval was taken before the commencement of the study. SPSS (Version 20) was used for data analysis. Results: The majority of the patients were from 41-50 years of age group (32.9%) with a female predominance (58.6%), with no symptoms of depression before type 2 DM (92.9%). Most of them had primary education (32.9%) and majority were homemakers (44.3%) residing in urban are (65.7%) living joint family setup (68.6%). Most of them had 11 to 20 years of type 2 DM duration (745.8%) with a high family history of type 2 DM (75.7%). Majority of them were on Oral therapy (47.1%) with ophthalmic complications (32.9%). The majority of them had mild depression (5-9) i.e. 67.1%. Conclusions: Due to patient-specific diabetes management and inappropriate diabetes treatment, the majority of cases were found to have depressive disorders. This article focused on a few common factors and their relationships that lead to depression in people with diabetes

Impact of Preoperative Anemia in Patients Undergoing Peripheral Vascular Intervention

Objectives: Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) is an emerging novel approach to carotid intervention, adopted and well-suited for high-risk patients. Our objective was to assess the outcomes of TCAR and determine its impact on the volume of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and non-TCAR carotid artery stenting (CAS) in a single-state experience. Methods: A large statewide quality consortium registry was queried. The indications and outcomes of TCAR compared with CEA and non-TCAR CAS from January 2018 to October 2019 were reviewed. Non-TCAR CAS included transfemoral, transbrachial stenting and transcarotid stenting without the flow reversal technique. We also assessed the impact of TCAR on the trend of CEA and non-TCAR CAS performed, analyzing data from 2012 to 2019. Outcome comparisons were performed using the χ 2 and Mann-Whitney U tests, depending on the distribution of the outcomes. Results: A total of 438 TCARs were performed by 39 physicians in 16 hospitals; 60% of the patients were asymptomatic and 40% symptomatic. The TCAR indication was physiologic high risk for 369 patients (84%) and restenosis for 69 patients (16%), with most occurring after prior CEA (94%). Of the non-TCAR CAS cases, 94% were performed via transfemoral access. The patients undergoing non-TCAR CAS had the highest 30-day mortality ( P \u3c .001) and the highest incidence of 30-day new neurologic deficits ( P = .008) compared with the patients undergoing CEA and TCAR. CEA had the lowest myocardial infarction rate ( P = .015; Table). The number of TCAR procedures performed and the number of physicians and hospitals performing them increased during the 2-year period. Since the introduction of TCAR, no significant frequency decrease has occurred in the number of non-TCAR CAS or CEA cases by hospitals or physicians (Fig). However, a significant negative trend was found in the number of CEAs performed by physicians since 2012 ( P \u3c .001; Fig). Conclusions: TCAR is a safe method of carotid revascularization and is becoming an increasingly used method. TCAR has not affected the CEA hospital or physician volume since its introduction. CEA volumes and physician usage are declining, which could have future credentialing implications. In the present single-state experience, TCAR compared favorably with CEA and non-TCAR CAS might be less appealing because of its higher neurologic event rate

Material Characterization and Geometric Segmentation of a Composite Structure Using Microfocus X-Ray Computed Tomography Image-Based Finite Element Modeling

This study utilizes microfocus x-ray computed tomography (CT) slice sets to model and characterize the damage locations and sizes in thermal protection system materials that underwent impact testing. ScanIP/FE software is used to visualize and process the slice sets, followed by mesh generation on the segmented volumetric rendering. Then, the local stress fields around several of the damaged regions are calculated for realistic mission profiles that subject the sample to extreme temperature and other severe environmental conditions. The resulting stress fields are used to quantify damage severity and make an assessment as to whether damage that did not penetrate to the base material can still result in catastrophic failure of the structure. It is expected that this study will demonstrate that finite element modeling based on an accurate three-dimensional rendered model from a series of CT slices is an essential tool to quantify the internal macroscopic defects and damage of a complex system made out of thermal protection material. Results obtained showing details of segmented images; three-dimensional volume-rendered models, finite element meshes generated, and the resulting thermomechanical stress state due to impact loading for the material are presented and discussed. Further, this study is conducted to exhibit certain high-caliber capabilities that the nondestructive evaluation (NDE) group at NASA Glenn Research Center can offer to assist in assessing the structural durability of such highly specialized materials so improvements in their performance and capacities to handle harsh operating conditions can be made

Outcomes of patients with acute type A aortic dissection and concomitant lower extremity malperfusion

OBJECTIVE: The occurrence of acute lower limb ischemia (ALLI) is a serious risk within the context of aortic dissection repair. The aim of the present study was to examine the outcomes of patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAD) and concomitant lower extremity malperfusion. METHODS: We performed a retrospective medical record review at our tertiary referral center of patients who underwent ATAD repair from January 2002 to June 2018. We used univariate and multivariate analyses to compare the outcomes of patients with and without lower extremity malperfusion. The primary outcomes were 30-day and 1-year mortality. RESULTS: A total of 378 patients underwent ATAD repair during the study period. Their mean age was 57 years, 68% were men, and 51% were White. A total of 62 patients (16%) presented with concomitant ALLI, including 35 (9%) who presented with isolated ALLI and 27 (7%) who presented with ALLI and concomitant malperfusion of at least one other organ. Of the 62 patients with ALLI, 46 underwent only proximal aortic repair. Of the 378 patients, 6 died within the first 24 hours, and their limb perfusion was not assessed. Among the 40 patients who underwent isolated proximal repair and survived \u3e24 hours, 34 (85%) had resolution of their ALLI. Of the 16 patients who underwent concomitant lower extremity peripheral vascular procedures, 10 had bypass procedures and 1 died within 24 hours due to refractory coagulopathy and hypotension. All six patients with adequate follow-up imaging studies had asymptomatic occlusion of the bypass graft with recanalization of the occluded native arteries. Patients who presented with any organ malperfusion had increased 30-day (odds ratio, 1.8; P = .04) and 1-year (odds ratio, 1.8; P = .04) mortality and decreased overall survival (P \u3c .01). For the patients with isolated ALLI, no significant differences were found in 30-day or 1-year mortality or overall survival (P = .57). CONCLUSIONS: Proximal repair of ATAD resolves most cases of associated ALLI, and isolated ALLI does not affect short- or long-term survival. All patients with follow-up in our study who underwent extra-anatomic bypass developed asymptomatic graft occlusion, which could be attributed to competitive flow from the remodeled native arterial system. We believe that rapid and aggressive restoration of flow to the lower extremity is the best method to treat ALLI malperfusion syndrome. Close monitoring for the development of compartment syndrome is recommended

Development of an innovative interlocking load bearing hollow block system in Malaysia

The paper describes the development of a new interlocking hollow block masonry system appropriate for load bearing masonry wall construction. The developed system is an alternative to the traditional bonded masonry system where the blocks in the wall are integrated through mortar layers. In the system developed, the blocks are stacked on one another and three-dimensional interlocking protrusions are provided in the blocks to integrate the blocks into walls. This paper includes the background, concept and procedure used to develop an efficient interlocking hollow block system, which may be used in the construction of load bearing walls. Twenty-one different block models have been investigated and analysed with respect to weight, bearing and shear areas, shape, ease of production, ability to accommodate vertical and horizontal reinforcing stabilising ties and efficiency of the interlocking mechanism under imposed loads. The blocks, developed under the name ‘PUTRA BLOCK’, have been used to construct a single-storey house at Universiti Putra Malaysia. The system provides a fast, easy and an accurate building system

Emergence and genomic diversification of a virulent serogroup W:ST-2881(CC175) Neisseria meningitidis clone in the African meningitis belt.

Countries of the African 'meningitis belt' are susceptible to meningococcal meningitis outbreaks. While in the past major epidemics have been primarily caused by serogroup A meningococci, W strains are currently responsible for most of the cases. After an epidemic in Mecca in 2000, W:ST-11 strains have caused many outbreaks worldwide. An unrelated W:ST-2881 clone was described for the first time in 2002, with the first meningitis cases caused by these bacteria reported in 2003. Here we describe results of a comparative whole-genome analysis of 74 W:ST-2881 strains isolated within the framework of two longitudinal colonization and disease studies conducted in Ghana and Burkina Faso. Genomic data indicate that the W:ST-2881 clone has emerged from Y:ST-175(CC175) bacteria by capsule switching. The circulating W:ST-2881 populations were composed of a variety of closely related but distinct genomic variants with no systematic differences between colonization and disease isolates. Two distinct and geographically clustered phylogenetic clonal variants were identified in Burkina Faso and a third in Ghana. On the basis of the presence or absence of 17 recombination fragments, the Ghanaian variant could be differentiated into five clusters. All 25 Ghanaian disease isolates clustered together with 23 out of 40 Ghanaian isolates associated with carriage within one cluster, indicating that W:ST-2881 clusters differ in virulence. More than half of the genes affected by horizontal gene transfer encoded proteins of the 'cell envelope' and the 'transport/binding protein' categories, which indicates that exchange of non-capsular antigens plays an important role in immune evasion

Upper Gastrointestinal Malignancy Among Dyspepsia Patients in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital Jakarta

Background: Upper gastrointestinal (GI) Malignancy was still a health problem in all over the world. The prevalence of the upper GI Malignancy vary among Asian countries. Data from Indonesia was scarcely reported. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of upper GI Malignancy among dyspepsia patients who underwent esophagoduodenoscopy (EGD) procedure. Method: This is a retrospectives study from subject with dyspepsia that had underwent upper GI endoscopy at the Department of Internal Medicine Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital from January 2005 to December 2007. All complete data from medical report and histopathology appearance will be recorded. Results: Out of 2,116 subjects underwent endoscopy due to dyspepsia, 110 (5.19%) subjects was diagnosed as cancer. This upper GI Malignancy consisted of gastric cancer in 63 (2.97%) cases, esophageal cancer 32 (1.51%) and duodenal cancer 15 (0.71%). The mean ages of the subjects was 53.36 ± 10.97 years, age less than 45 years was 20 (18.20%) subjects, more than 45 years was 90 (81.18%), male 71 (64.50%) subjects, female 39 (35.50%). Most of them had alarm signs 96 (87.30%). Histopathology finding showed adeno-carcinoma in 75 (68.20%) cases, signet ring cell carcinoma in 14 (12.70%), squamous cell carcinoma in 8 (7.30%), others in 13 (11.80%). Out of 59 gastric cancer, 48 (76.20%) cases was located at distal part while the rest 11 (17.50%) cases was located at the proximal gaster, and 4 (6.30%) in diffuse. By the ethnics founded Javanese 37 (33.60%) subjects, Betawinese 22 (20.00%), Sundanese 12 (10.90%) and Batak 13 (11.80%). Conclusions: Upper GI Malignancy was found in five percent of subjects with dyspepsia who undergo colonoscopy. The three most frequent Malignancies were gastric carcinoma, esophageal carcinoma, and duodenal carcinoma respectively. Most of gastric adenocarcinoma was located at distal stomach