Comparative study of a new structure of HTS-bulk axial flux-switching machine

A high-temperature superconducting (HTS) axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machine was designed, using superconducting bulks over the rotor surface and rare-earth magnets in the middle of the stator teeth. Because of diamagnetic behavior of the HTS bulks and zero field cooling, leakage flux significantly reduces in the proposed machine compared to the existing machine with mounting rare-earth magnets. Three-dimensional finite element (FE) modelling was used to validate the design performance. The magnetic flux distribution, induced electromotive force (EMF), inductance, PM flux, losses, total harmonic distribution and cogging torque are computed and compared in two structures. The results show that the proposed machine structure is more efficient than the existing one

Short-Term Results of Sutureless Scleral Tunnel Trabeculectomy Using Adjunctive Topical Bevacizumab

This study was performed to assess the short-term effect of sutureless scleral tunnel trabeculectomy procedure with and without topical bevacizumab. Thirty patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) were enrolled and randomly divided to two groups. Patients in the first group (15 patients) underwent sutureless trabeculectomy without topical bevacizumab and patients in the second group (15 patients) underwent sutureless trabeculectomy with 1.25 mg of topical bevacizumab. Intraocular Pressure (IOP) of both groups was measured by an expert ophthalmologist, without awareness of the patient’s study group before the operation and six months post-operatively. Out of 30 patients in this study, six females (40%) and nine males (60%) underwent the sutureless trabeculectomy procedure (group A) as well as seven females (46.7%) and eight males (53.3%) underwent sutureless trabeculectomy with topical bevacizumab (group B). The mean age of the patients was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.91). A statistically significant difference in time variation of IOP was found between the two groups (P < 0.001). Mean IOP was 18.4 ± 4.35 mmHg in the sutureless group without bevacizumab and 11.73 ± 2.12 mmHg in the sutureless group with bevacizumab, six months post-surgically. No statistical significant differences were found in the baseline IOP between the two groups (P = 0.28). However, IOP changed significantly in group A and B from baseline to six months post-operatively (P = 0.004 and P < 0.001 respectively). According to the current findings, the sutureless trabeculectomy procedure is an effective surgical method for reduction of IOP. Addition of a single dose of 1.25 mg topical bevacizumab was more effective in reduction of IOP compared to sutureless trabeculectomy alone.Â

Short-Term Results of Sutureless Scleral Tunnel Trabeculectomy Using Adjunctive Topical Bevacizumab

This study was performed to assess the short-term effect of sutureless scleral tunnel trabeculectomy procedure with and without topical bevacizumab. Thirty patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) were enrolled and randomly divided to two groups. Patients in the first group (15 patients) underwent sutureless trabeculectomy without topical bevacizumab and patients in the second group (15 patients) underwent sutureless trabeculectomy with 1.25 mg of topical bevacizumab. Intraocular Pressure (IOP) of both groups was measured by an expert ophthalmologist, without awareness of the patient’s study group before the operation and six months post-operatively. Out of 30 patients in this study, six females (40%) and nine males (60%) underwent the sutureless trabeculectomy procedure (group A) as well as seven females (46.7%) and eight males (53.3%) underwent sutureless trabeculectomy with topical bevacizumab (group B). The mean age of the patients was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.91). A statistically significant difference in time variation of IOP was found between the two groups (P < 0.001). Mean IOP was 18.4 ± 4.35 mmHg in the sutureless group without bevacizumab and 11.73 ± 2.12 mmHg in the sutureless group with bevacizumab, six months post-surgically. No statistical significant differences were found in the baseline IOP between the two groups (P = 0.28). However, IOP changed significantly in group A and B from baseline to six months post-operatively (P = 0.004 and P < 0.001 respectively). According to the current findings, the sutureless trabeculectomy procedure is an effective surgical method for reduction of IOP. Addition of a single dose of 1.25 mg topical bevacizumab was more effective in reduction of IOP compared to sutureless trabeculectomy alone.

Evidence for a Founder Effect among HIV-infected injection drug users (IDUs) in Pakistan.

Background: We have previously reported a HIV-1 subtype A infection in a community of injection drug users (IDUs) in Karachi, Pakistan. We now show that this infection among the IDUs may have originated from a single source. Methods: Phylogenetic analysis was performed of partial gag sequences, generated using PCR, from 26 HIV-positive IDU samples. Results: Our results showed formation of a tight monophyletic group with an intra-sequence identity of \u3c 98% indicating a founder effect . Our data indicate that the HIV-1 epidemic in this community of IDUs may have been transmitted by an HIV positive overseas contract worker who admitted to having contact with commercial sex workers during stay abroad. Conclusion: Specific measures need to implemented to control transmission of HIV infection in Pakistan through infected migrant workers

Plasmodium in the bone marrow: Case series from a hospital in Pakistan, 2007-2015

Background: Malaria is a life-threatening, multisystem disease caused by the plasmodial parasite with a global incidence of approximately 229 million annually. The parasites are known to have unique and crucial interactions with various body tissues during its life cycle, notably the liver, spleen, and recent work has shown the bone marrow to be a reservoir of infection.Methods: This study is a case series of patients in whom examination of bone marrow revealed malarial parasites. A retrospective record review of 35 parasite-positive bone marrow specimens examined at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, Pakistan, over the years 2007 to 2015 was conducted. Bone marrow aspirates were collected as per International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH) guidelines.Results: The median age of patients was 22 years (range 1-75), and 60 % (n = 21) were male. 22 patients had evidence of Plasmodium falciparum, 12 had evidence of Plasmodium vivax and 1 patient had a mixed infection. Gametocytes and trophozoites were the most common stages identified on both peripheral blood and bone marrow examinations. Indications for bone marrow examination included fever of unknown origin and the workup of cytopenias and malignancies.Conclusions: The incidental finding of Plasmodium in samples of bone marrow suggests the reticuloendothelial system may be regularly harbour these parasites, be the infection acute or chronic in character

The Role of Neighborhood Environment in Promoting Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease among Young Adults: Data from Middle to High Income Population in an Asian Megacity

Background: Modifiable risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have their triggers in the neighborhood environments of communities. Studying the environmental triggers for CVD risk factors is important to understand the situation in a broader perspective. Young adults are influenced the most by the environment profile around them hence it is important to study this subset of the population.Methods: This was a descriptive study conducted using the EPOCH research tool designed by the authors of the PURE study. The study population consisted of young adults aged 18-25 in two areas of Karachi. The study setting was busy shopping malls frequented by young adults in the particular community being studied.Results: Our total sample size was 120 individuals, who consented to be interviewed by our interviewers. Less than 50% of the population recognized some form of restriction regarding smoking in their communities. The largest contributor to tobacco advertising was actors smoking in movies and TV shows with 89% responses from both communities. Only 11.9% of the individuals disapproved of smoking cigarettes among men with wide acceptance of \u27sheesha\u27 across all age groups. Advertising for smoking and junk food was more frequent as compared to smoking cessation, healthy diet and exercise in both the areas. Unhealthy food items were more easily available in contrast to healthier options. The cost of healthy snack food options including vegetables and fruits was higher than sugary drinks and foods.CONCLUSION: This assessment showed that both communities were exposed to environments that promote risk factors for cardiovascular diseases

Global disparities in surgeons’ workloads, academic engagement and rest periods: the on-calL shIft fOr geNEral SurgeonS (LIONESS) study

: The workload of general surgeons is multifaceted, encompassing not only surgical procedures but also a myriad of other responsibilities. From April to May 2023, we conducted a CHERRIES-compliant internet-based survey analyzing clinical practice, academic engagement, and post-on-call rest. The questionnaire featured six sections with 35 questions. Statistical analysis used Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression (SPSS® v. 28). The survey received a total of 1.046 responses (65.4%). Over 78.0% of responders came from Europe, 65.1% came from a general surgery unit; 92.8% of European and 87.5% of North American respondents were involved in research, compared to 71.7% in Africa. Europe led in publishing research studies (6.6 ± 8.6 yearly). Teaching involvement was high in North America (100%) and Africa (91.7%). Surgeons reported an average of 6.7 ± 4.9 on-call shifts per month, with European and North American surgeons experiencing 6.5 ± 4.9 and 7.8 ± 4.1 on-calls monthly, respectively. African surgeons had the highest on-call frequency (8.7 ± 6.1). Post-on-call, only 35.1% of respondents received a day off. Europeans were most likely (40%) to have a day off, while African surgeons were least likely (6.7%). On the adjusted multivariable analysis HDI (Human Development Index) (aOR 1.993) hospital capacity > 400 beds (aOR 2.423), working in a specialty surgery unit (aOR 2.087), and making the on-call in-house (aOR 5.446), significantly predicted the likelihood of having a day off after an on-call shift. Our study revealed critical insights into the disparities in workload, access to research, and professional opportunities for surgeons across different continents, underscored by the HDI

Evaluation of LATS1 and LATS2 Promoter Methylation with the Risk of Pterygium Formation

Purpose. Pterygium is a serious eye problem in countries with high exposure to UV. However, despite numerous studies, the molecular etiology of pterygium is unclear. Recent studies have indicated that LATS1 and LATS2 genes are involved in DDR signaling pathways against continuous UV exposure. Our aim was to evaluate the LATS1 and LATS2 promoter methylation with the risk of pterygium formation. Methods. We evaluated the promoter methylation status of LATS1 and LATS2 using methylation-specific PCR technique. Also, mRNA expression of LATS1 and LATS2 was assessed in 14 cases of pterygium and 14 normal specimens by real-time PCR. Results. Promoter methylation of LATS1 and LATS2 was detected significantly between pterygium tissues and normal tissues [LATS1; OR = 4.9; 95% CI: 1.54 to 15.48, P=0.003; LATS2; OR = 7.1; 95% CI: 1.53 to 33.19, P=0.004]. The gene expression analysis showed a statistically significant difference between pterygium tissues and healthy controls for both LATS1 and LATS2 (P<0.05). Conclusions. The data of this study is the first report regarding the effect of promoter methylation of the LATS1 and LATS2 in the pterygium. To confirm these data, doing further studies in various genetic populations with large sample sizes using advanced molecular techniques is proposed

Evaluating the application of argon laser on pterygium surgery: Report of 30 patients

BACKGROUND: The recurrence rate plays a key role in using various treatments of pterygium. This study assessed the effectiveness of argon laser therapy before the excision of pterygium on the recurrence rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The eyes (n = 60) of patients (n = 30) were divided into two groups based on the treatment. All eyes had undergone pterygium excision with the bare sclera technique. Three weeks before surgery, an argon laser was applied to 30 eyes. Patients have been followed up for 1 year, and the progression of pterygium has been evaluated at days 1, 7, 14, and 30, and then, every 2 months until month 6 and then every 3 months until month 12. Recurrence was defined as more than 1 mm growth of pterygium from the limbus. RESULTS: In the group with adjuvant argon laser therapy, the mean size of pterygium was 3.7 ± 0.47 mm before surgery and 2.3 ± 0.98 after 12 months (P = 0.001). These were 3.8 ± 0.43 mm and 2.4 ± 1 mm in the other group (P = 0.001). The recurrence of the pterygium was 76% (23/30) in the group treated with an argon laser and 90% (27/30) in another group (P = 0.16). There was no correlation between pterygium sizes before surgery and the pterygium recurrence rate in both eyes (P = 0.272 [right] and 0.916 [left]). CONCLUSION: Argon laser therapy on pterygium before surgery cannot decrease its recurrence rate, but its application gives a good vision and clarifies the surgery's target area

Expression and Promoter-Hyper Methylation Analysis of MGMT Gene in Patients with Pterygium

1)Background: Pterygium is a benign legion and is observed as aggressive growth ofconjunctiva fibro-vascular tissue on the cornea. The alkylating agents are observed asconsiderable threats for human health because alkylated lesions lead to cytotoxic,teratogenic and cancerizing effects. MGMT is one of the repair proteins of DNA whichrepairs the alkylated lesions. Expression and activity of MGMT is controlled byepigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation in the promoter regions liketranscription factors which are connected to MGMT promoter and lead to positive ornegative induction of that activity, protein-protein interactions, and negative regulation.2)Materials and methods: In order to study methylation, DNA samples of 43 patientsand 40 healthy individuals were extracted, bisulfited and then were studied. Also inorder to study the expression, RNA was extracted from 15 other patients and 15 otherhealthy individuals; and then, the technique of Real-time PCR was used. 3)Results:analysis of promoter methylation of MGTM gene showed that there is no significantrelationship in the situation of promoter methylation between the patients and controlindividuals (P value = 0.43; 95%Cl = 0.66-2.40; OR = 1.52). However, analysis ofMGMT gene expression showed significant difference between the patients and controlindividuals (Mean ± SD: 1.25 ± 0.10 and 1.52 ± 2.91, respectively; P value = 0.009). 4)Conclusion: since there are no significant changes of promoter methylation of MGMTgene, there seems to be other unknown procedures that regulate this gene’s expressionlevels. In this respect, expression of MGMT gene in the pterygium increases throughunknown procedures. In order to approve this data, further studies are suggested in morepopulations with bigger sample sizes by the use of advanced molecular techniques