On Strong Split Middle Domination of a Graph

The middle graph M(G) of graph G is obtained by inserting a vertex xi in the “middle” of each edge ei, 1 ? i ? |E(G)|, and adding the edge xixj for 1?i ? j ? |E(G)| if and only if ei and ej have a common vertex. A dominating set D of graph G is said to be a strong split dominating set of G if ?V(G) – D? is totally disconnected with at least two vertices. Strong split domination number is the minimum cardinality taken over all strong split dominating sets of G. In this paper we initiate the study of strong split middle domination of a graph. The strong split middle domination number of a graph G, denoted as ?ssm (G) is the minimum cardinality of strong split dominating set of M(G). In this paper many bounds on ?ssm(G) are obtained in terms of other domination parameters and elements of graph G. Also some equalities for ?ssm(G) are established

XRN2 interactome reveals its synthetic lethal relationship with PARP1 inhibition

Persistent R-loops (RNA–DNA hybrids with a displaced single-stranded DNA) create DNA damage and lead to genomic instability. The 5′-3′-exoribonuclease 2 (XRN2) degrades RNA to resolve R-loops and promotes transcription termination. Previously, XRN2 was implicated in DNA double strand break (DSB) repair and in resolving replication stress. Here, using tandem affinity purification-mass spectrometry, bioinformatics, and biochemical approaches, we found that XRN2 associates with proteins involved in DNA repair/replication (Ku70-Ku80, DNA-PKcs, PARP1, MCM2-7, PCNA, RPA1) and RNA metabolism (RNA helicases, PRP19, p54(nrb), splicing factors). Novel major pathways linked to XRN2 include cell cycle control of chromosomal replication and DSB repair by non-homologous end joining. Investigating the biological implications of these interactions led us to discover that XRN2 depletion compromised cell survival after additional knockdown of specific DNA repair proteins, including PARP1. XRN2-deficient cells also showed enhanced PARP1 activity. Consistent with concurrent depletion of XRN2 and PARP1 promoting cell death, XRN2-deficient fibroblast and lung cancer cells also demonstrated sensitivity to PARP1 inhibition. XRN2 alterations (mutations, copy number/expression changes) are frequent in cancers. Thus, PARP1 inhibition could target cancers exhibiting XRN2 functional loss. Collectively, our data suggest XRN2’s association with novel protein partners and unravel synthetic lethality between XRN2 depletion and PARP1 inhibition

Vulval elephantiasis as a result of tubercular lymphadenitis: two case reports and a review of the literature

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Elephantiasis as a result of chronic lymphedema is characterized by gross enlargement of the arms, legs or genitalia, and occurs due to a variety of obstructive diseases of the lymphatic system. Genital elephantiasis usually follows common filariasis and lymphogranuloma venereum. It may follow granuloma inguinale, carcinomas, lymph node dissection or irradiation and tuberculosis but this happens rarely. Vulval elephantiasis as a consequence of extensive lymph node destruction by tuberculosis is very rare. We present two very unusual cases of vulval elephantiasis due to tuberculous destruction of the inguinal lymph nodes.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>Two Indian women - one aged 40 years and the other aged 27 years, with progressively increasing vulval swellings over a period of five and four years respectively - presented to our hospital. In both cases, there was a significant history on presentation. Both women had previously taken a complete course of anti-tubercular treatment for generalized lymphadenopathy. The vulval swellings were extremely large: in the first case report, measuring 35 × 25 cm on the right side and 45 × 30 cm on the left side, weighing 20 lb and 16 lb respectively. Both cases were managed by surgical excision with reconstruction and the outcome was positive. Satisfactory results have been maintained during a follow-up period of six years in both cases.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Elephantiasis of the female genitalia is unusual and it has rarely been reported following tuberculosis. We report two cases of vulval elephantiasis as a consequence of extensive lymph node destruction by tuberculosis, in order to highlight this very rare clinical scenario.</p

Impact of Mask Mandates on K-12 and Higher-Ed Teaching along with the Recommendation for Mask-Wearing during an Infectious Disease Outbreak

Mask mandates were used as a multilayered approach to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. The state of New Mexico had one of the longest indoor mask mandates during the pandemic. We surveyed the K-12 teachers located throughout the state as well as higher-ed faculty members at New Mexico Tech to determine the impact of mask mandates on their teaching. Many instructors indicated minor problems, especially their ability to judge students’ engagement and/or participation. While some reported that their classrooms adopted masks as a new norm and it has become part of their school lives with no major issues. Some instructors did report negative impacts because of the participants’ opposition to mask-wearing. Two of the instructors provided unique perspectives by comparing secondary school vs. higher-education (higher-ed) teaching during the pandemic. Moreover, three K-12 teachers who worked with hearing-impaired students reported the initial issues of being unable to use facial expressions; however, they also noted their students learned to sign with masks on. Collectively the benefits of masks in slowing the spread of COVID-19 outweigh many of the communication issues noted here. After the mask mandate was lifted in February 2022, instructors reported general excitement and/or social awkwardness in some cases

Impact of Mask Mandates on K-12 and Higher-Ed Teaching along with the Recommendation for Mask-Wearing during an Infectious Disease Outbreak

Mask mandates were used as a multilayered approach to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. The state of New Mexico had one of the longest indoor mask mandates during the pandemic. We surveyed the K-12 teachers located throughout the state as well as higher-ed faculty members at New Mexico Tech to determine the impact of mask mandates on their teaching. Many instructors indicated minor problems, especially their ability to judge students&rsquo; engagement and/or participation. While some reported that their classrooms adopted masks as a new norm and it has become part of their school lives with no major issues. Some instructors did report negative impacts because of the participants&rsquo; opposition to mask-wearing. Two of the instructors provided unique perspectives by comparing secondary school vs. higher-education (higher-ed) teaching during the pandemic. Moreover, three K-12 teachers who worked with hearing-impaired students reported the initial issues of being unable to use facial expressions; however, they also noted their students learned to sign with masks on. Collectively the benefits of masks in slowing the spread of COVID-19 outweigh many of the communication issues noted here. After the mask mandate was lifted in February 2022, instructors reported general excitement and/or social awkwardness in some cases

A COMPARISON OF INTRAPERITONEAL INSTILLATION OF ROPIVACAINE AND ROPIVACAINE WITH DEXMEDETOMIDINE FOR POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA FOLLOWING LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Objective: laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgeries are having advantages over open cholecystectomy with less pain and quick recovery. Intraperitoneal route of administration of a local anaesthetic is a cheap, easy and non-invasive method of reducing the intensity of post laparoscopic pain. This study compared the postoperative analgesic effect of intraperitoneal instillation of ropivacaine 0.5% and ropivacaine 0.5% with dexmedetomidine (1µg/kg) in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia. Methods: Total 86 patients were divided equally in 2 groups. Patients in group R received 20 ml 0.5% isobaric ropivacaine hydrochloride+5 ml NS where in Group RD, patients received 20 ml 0.5% isobaric ropivacaine hydrochloride with 1µg/kg dexmedetomidine hydrochloride. Solution was diluted with normal saline to make a total volume 25 ml. Hemodynamic parameters were noted during surgery Postoperatively, patient was assessed for pain using the visual analogue scale (VAS) at 30 min, then 2,4,8,12 and 24 h. Total analgesic consumption in the first 24 h also compared. Results: Baseline demographic profile of study participants were similar. Mean duration of analgesia was significantly higher in group RD (10.05±6.916 h) as compared to group R (5.59±6.8) (p=0.003). Mean dose of rescue analgesia was significantly higher in group R (130.81±61.44) as compared to group RD (75±36.6) (p&lt;0.001). VAS score was significantly higher in group R as compared to group RD at different time intervals. Conclusion: We concluded that intraperitoneal Ropivacaine with Dexmedetomidine produced postoperative analgesia better than ropivacaine alone