Evaluation of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) in a subset of Pakistani population, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)

Objective: To evaluate variations in the shape, diameter, length and width of the nasopalatine canal along with the width of the buccal cortical bone anterior to it, using cone beam computed tomography imaging. Methods: The retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from September to October 2020, and comprised pre-existing cone beam computed tomography scans taken between 2015 and 2020 of patients of either gender aged 18-60 years who had maxillary central incisors present. The shapes and dimensions of the nasopalatine canal were observed along with the buccal bone anterior to the nasopalatine canal. Data was compared with respect to age and gender. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. Results: Of the 90 scans evaluated, 46(51.1%) belonged to females with a mean age of 37.85±18.19 years, and 44(48.9%) belonged to males with a mean age of 38.07±13.58 years. The mean length and width of the nasopalatine canal was 11.28±1.90mm and 2.62±0.91mm, respectively. The nasopalatine canal was significantly longer (p\u3c0.01) and wider (p=0.02) in males than females. The mean diameter of foramen of Stenson was 2.99±1.17mm and incisive foramen was 6.09±1.80mm. The mean width of the buccal cortical bone at the most coronal, middle and most incisal levels was 7.20±1.70mm, 6.12±1.31mm and 6.12±1.31mm, respectively. Buccal bone width was wider in males than females, but the difference was significant only at the midpoint (p\u3c0.05). Conclusion: There was a significant difference in the dimensions of the width and length of the NPC with respect to gender. No significant differences were observed with respect to ag

RISK PERCEPTION OF SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTORS IN MUSLIM COUNTRIES

From the evidence that socially responsible investment is an emerging concept in Muslim countries, we have developed a socio-demographic behavior based model. We have shown the direct effect of social factors (religion and family influence) and indirect effect of demographic factors (age, education and income) on investment choices through risk perception. Investors may be experienced in investment market but particularly in SRI investments of Muslim countries they will be new entrants. We have developed hypotheses from literature in our study regarding this concept of new entrants. In Pakistan, SRI investment is not prevailing but opportunities do exist. Pakistani firms can take the initiative by attracting SRI investments if firms develop more sophisticated CSR

Kinetic, Thermodynamic and Adsorption Isotherm Studies of Detoxification of Eriochrome Black T Dye from Wastewater by Native and Washed Garlic Peel

Eriochrome Black T (EBT) is mutagenic and carcinogenic, and thus its presence in water may result in severe illnesses. This study was aimed at adsorbing EBT from simulated water samples by using a batch adsorption process, onto native (GP) and washed garlic peel (WGP). Surface and structural characterization of native and washed GP was performed using FTIR, SEM, BET, and BJH analysis. The effects of several parameters, affecting the process of adsorption, like pH, temperature, contact time, adsorbent dose, and initial dye concentration, were also examined. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms were applied to the equilibrium data. Pseudo-first and pseudo-second order models were used to study the adsorption kinetics. The Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order model perfectly explained the equilibrium data. ΔG°, ΔH°, ΔS° studies indicated that adsorption of EBT onto GP and WGP was a favorable, spontaneous, and physical process. Maximum dye removal by GP (96%) and WGP (82%) was observed at pH 2. Similarly Maximum adsorption capacities were found to be 99.5 mg/g and 89.4 mg/g for GP and WGP, respectively. It is concluded from these results that garlic peel can be used as a cheaper and more efficient material for the adsorptive removal of EBT from contaminated water samples

Evaluation of Salivary Mucin, Amylase, Protein Profile, and Periodontal Parameters among Hypertensive and Diabetic Patients

Systemic and localized oral disease instigates alterations in salivary composition and content. The objective of the study was to evaluate the levels of salivary amylase, mucin, total protein levels, and periodontal inflammatory parameters in Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertensive (HTN) patients, and healthy controls. The study sample was divided into three groups: healthy, T2DM, and HTN. Salivary samples were collected from the included participants and salivary flow rate (SFR) and pH were measured. The salivary levels of amylase, mucin, and total protein concentration were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The effect of anti-hypertensive and hypoglycemic drugs on the salivary flow rate, salivary pH, mucin, amylase, and total protein concentrations was evaluated. The results were analyzed with Chi-squared and analysis of variance to compare the means and standard deviations of variables among the study groups. SFR was significantly (p 2) and HTN (799.4 ± 155.05 mm2) subjects when compared to controls, indicating a high inflammatory burden of oral cavity caused by these conditions, and showed statistically significant difference between the groups (p-value p-value p-value p-value < 0.001). Use of antihypertensive and hypoglycemic drugs showed a significant influence on salivary flow rate, protein, mucin, and amylase levels. T2DM and HTN induced irregularities in salivary flow rate, pH, amylase, and mucin levels and showed an increased incidence of moderate to severe periodontitis in patients. UWS levels of SFR, mucin, amylase, and total protein can be used as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in patients with T2DM and HTN with oral disease

Evaluation of Salivary Mucin, Amylase, Protein Profile, and Periodontal Parameters among Hypertensive and Diabetic Patients

Systemic and localized oral disease instigates alterations in salivary composition and content. The objective of the study was to evaluate the levels of salivary amylase, mucin, total protein levels, and periodontal inflammatory parameters in Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertensive (HTN) patients, and healthy controls. The study sample was divided into three groups: healthy, T2DM, and HTN. Salivary samples were collected from the included participants and salivary flow rate (SFR) and pH were measured. The salivary levels of amylase, mucin, and total protein concentration were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The effect of anti-hypertensive and hypoglycemic drugs on the salivary flow rate, salivary pH, mucin, amylase, and total protein concentrations was evaluated. The results were analyzed with Chi-squared and analysis of variance to compare the means and standard deviations of variables among the study groups. SFR was significantly (p &lt; 0.01) lower among diabetics (0.78 &plusmn; 0.45 mL/min) in comparison to healthy (1.52 &plusmn; 0.62 mL/min) and hypertensive (1.07 &plusmn; 0.7 mL/min) subjects. PISA values were significantly higher in T2DM (1029 &plusmn; 234.6 mm2) and HTN (799.4 &plusmn; 155.05 mm2) subjects when compared to controls, indicating a high inflammatory burden of oral cavity caused by these conditions, and showed statistically significant difference between the groups (p-value &lt; 0.001). Mucin levels were significantly higher (p-value &lt; 0.05) in hypertensive patients (4.6 &plusmn; 1.17 units) compared to diabetics (3.59 &plusmn; 1.03 unit/mL) and healthy (2.26 &plusmn; 1.09 units/mL) subjects. Amylase levels were significantly higher among healthy subjects (1.76 &plusmn; 0.75 mg/mL) compared to both hypertensive (1.33 &plusmn; 1.0 mg/mL) and diabetic (0.88 &plusmn; 0.57 mg/mL) patients. Total protein concentration was significantly raised (p-value &lt; 0.001) in diabetics (37.67 &plusmn; 3.12 mg/mL) compared to healthy (29.3 &plusmn; 3.22 mg/mL) subjects. Significant differences in BOP, CAL, and PPD was observed (p-value &lt; 0.001). Use of antihypertensive and hypoglycemic drugs showed a significant influence on salivary flow rate, protein, mucin, and amylase levels. T2DM and HTN induced irregularities in salivary flow rate, pH, amylase, and mucin levels and showed an increased incidence of moderate to severe periodontitis in patients. UWS levels of SFR, mucin, amylase, and total protein can be used as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in patients with T2DM and HTN with oral disease

A loss of function variant in AGPAT3 underlies intellectual disability and retinitis pigmentosa (IDRP) syndrome

Intellectual disability (ID) and retinal dystrophy (RD) are the frequently found features of multiple syndromes involving additional systemic manifestations. Here, we studied a family with four members presenting severe ID and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Using genome wide genotyping and exome sequencing, we identified a nonsense variant c.747 C &gt; A (p.Tyr249Ter) in exon 7 of AGPAT3 which co-segregates with the disease phenotype. Western blot analysis of overexpressed WT and mutant AGPAT3 in HEK293T cells showed the absence of AGPAT3, suggesting instability of the truncated protein. Knockdown of Agpat3 in the embryonic mouse brain caused marked deficits in neuronal migration, strongly suggesting that reduced expression of AGPAT3 affects neuronal function. Altogether, our data indicates that AGPAT3 activity is essential for neuronal functioning and loss of its activity probably causes intellectual disability and retinitis pigmentosa (IDRP) syndrome.</p

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population.The aim of this study was to inform vaccination prioritization by modelling the impact of vaccination on elective inpatient surgery. The study found that patients aged at least 70 years needing elective surgery should be prioritized alongside other high-risk groups during early vaccination programmes. Once vaccines are rolled out to younger populations, prioritizing surgical patients is advantageous