A new early Smithian ammonoid fauna from the Salt Range (Pakistan)

Recent extensive investigations in the Salt Range (Pakistan) yielded abundant, well-preserved ammonoid faunas of earliest to latest Smithian age that provided the basis for a major revision of Smithian ammonoid taxonomy and for the establishment of a high-resolution biostratigraphic sequence. Here, an additional new ammonoid fauna of typical early Smithian affinity from the uppermost part of the Ceratite Sandstone of the Nammal Gorge section is described. The new fauna, termed Euflemingites cirratus beds, is bracketed between the underlying early Smithian "Flemingites flemingianus beds”, here renamed Clypeoceras superbum beds, and the overlying middle Smithian Brayardites compressus beds. Comparison with a recently published high-resolution biochronological scheme for the Smithian of the NIM (northern Indian Margin) based on the Salt Range, Spiti (Himachal Pradesh, northern India) and Tulong (South Tibet) basins shows that the Euflemigites cirratus fauna correlates with the Dieneroceras beds from Spiti based on the common occurrence of the ammonoid species Kraffticeras pseudoplanulatum. The trans-panthalassic biogeographical distribution of Euflemingites cirratus allows correlating the new ammonoid fauna with part of the Meekoceras gracilitatis ammonoid zone of western USA. Three new species (Kashmirites weisserti, Arctoceras schalteggeri and Vercherites wyleri) are describe

Leukemic Infiltration of the Esophagus, a Rare Etiology for a Common Disease

Introduction: The etiology of esophagitis in patients with acute leukemia is usually related to infections, reflux, or chemotherapy toxicity. Infiltration of esophagus by leukemic cells is rarely considered in the differential diagnosis.Presentation of Case: Here we present a case of 87-year-old male patient with a recent diagnosis of acute myelocytic leukemia who was found to have severe diffuse esophagitis secondary to leukemic infiltration.Conclusion: Leukemic infiltration of the esophagus is a rare potential etiology of severe esophagitis in patients with disseminated leukemia. Esophageal biopsy is needed to identify the exact cause of esophageal lesions in leukemia patient

The Relevance of Internal Control System on Money Laundering in Jordanian Islamic and Commercial Banks

Purpose: This study seeks to determine whether internal control systems are important for preventing money laundering in Islamic and commercial banks in Jordan. It seeks to clarify the procedures and means for evaluating the internal control systems, identify the extent of their application, and determine their impact on reducing money laundering in banks.   Theoretical framework: Money laundering is a significant criminal activity that has serious economic and social impacts. Despite anti-money laundering legislation and emphasis on internal controls, money laundering remains a pervasive problem in the financial industry. Effective internal controls can help prevent errors, manipulation, and fraud that facilitate money laundering, thereby preventing crime and ensuring market competitiveness.   Design/methodology/approach: As part of the study, interviews were conducted using a qualitative methodology. It was essential that those selected for interviews work in a controlling position or department in banks. All facets of the internal control framework are covered in the interview questions.   Findings: Internal control has a positive impact on preventing money laundering in banks, and control activities are critical in preventing money laundering operations. The quality of information obtained and distributed by banks, along with channels for distributing information, are factors in improving a bank's ability to combat money laundering.   Research, Practical & Social implications: The study has practical and social implications in determining characteristics that affect the efficacy of anti-money laundering actions, which can aid in drastically reducing money laundering.   Originality/value: The study adds to what is already known about anti-money laundering initiatives and how well they work to stop money laundering in Islamic and Commercial banks. Its investigation of the effects of information and communication on developing effective internal control systems to prevent money laundering gives it originality and value. Additionally, it creates new opportunities for future study into how well internal control procedures work to lessen money laundering in various contexts and nations

The effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Artemisia herba alba on human laryngeal carcinoma and murine mammary adenocarcinoma cell lines

The present study was carried out to evaluate the cytological effects of aqueous (AE) and ethanolic (EE) extracts of Artemisia herba alba on human laryngeal carcinoma (Hep-2) cell line and murine mammary adenocarcinoma (AMN-3) cell line in vitro. The cytological study performed simultaneously with cell growth assay. The results of study revealed concentration-dependent cytological changes like patchy growth inhibition, loss of confluent feature and cellular degeneration after exposure to the lowest concentrations (156.25 and 312.5 μg/ml). The early findings of cytolysis were seen after exposure to 625 μg/ml. While the highest concentrations (1250, 2500 and 5000 μg/ml) caused severe growth inhibition with marked cytolytic features including loss of cellular outlines, large numbers of dead cells and high content of cellular debris. In conclusion, the results of this study revealed the high cytological effect of Artemisia herba alba extracts on Hep-2 and AMN-3 cell lines in vitro

Understanding the Role of Innate Immune Cells and Identifying Genes in Breast Cancer Microenvironment

The innate immune system is the first line of defense against invading pathogens and has a major role in clearing transformed cells, besides its essential role in activating the adaptive immune system. Macrophages, dendritic cells, NK cells, and granulocytes are part of the innate immune system that accumulate in the tumor microenvironment such as breast cancer. These cells induce inflammation in situ by secreting cytokines and chemokines that promote tumor growth and progression, in addition to orchestrating the activities of other immune cells. In breast cancer microenvironment, innate immune cells are skewed towards immunosuppression that may lead to tumor evasion. However, the mechanisms by which immune cells could interact with breast cancer cells are complex and not fully understood. Therefore, the importance of the mammary tumor microenvironment in the development, growth, and progression of cancer is widely recognized. With the advances of using bioinformatics and analyzing data from gene banks, several genes involved in NK cells of breast cancer individuals have been identified. In this review, we discuss the activities of certain genes involved in the cross-talk among NK cells and breast cancer. Consequently, altering tumor immune microenvironment can make breast tumors more responsive to immunotherapy

Case Report Acute Cholangitis following Biliary Obstruction after Duodenal OTSC Placement in a Case of Large Chronic Duodenocutaneous Fistula

Over-the-Scope Clip system, also called "Bear Claw, " is a novel endoscopic modality used for closure of gastrointestinal defect with high efficacy and safety. We present a patient with history of eosinophilic gastroenteritis and multiple abdominal surgeries including Billroth II gastrectomy complicated by a large chronic duodenocutaneous fistula from a Billroth II afferent limb to the abdominal wall. Bear Claw clip was used for closure of this fistula. The patient developed acute cholangitis one day after placement of the Bear Claw clip. Acute cholangitis due to papillary obstruction is a potential complication of Bear Claw placement at the dome of the duodenal stump (afferent limb) in patient with Billroth II surgery due to its close proximity to the major papilla

Efficacy and safety of empiric treatment with omeprazole continuous infusion in critically ill children with gastrointestinal bleeding

IntroductionGastrointestinal bleeding (GI) is a prevalent condition among pediatric patients, with a reported incidence of 6.4%, often severe enough to require admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). There are multiple therapies utilized in the management of GI bleeding in pediatrics, among which continuous intravenous (IV) infusion of omeprazole is used off-label without standard pediatric dosing recommendations. Reviewing the current literature reveals a lack of studies assessing the efficacy, safety, and appropriate dosing regimen of continuous omeprazole infusion in children with GI bleeding. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of continuous IV omeprazole infusion in comparison to other therapeutic modalities in children.MethodsThis study is a single-center, retrospective chart review of children admitted to the PICU at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The treatment group included pediatric patients with GI bleeding and receiving omeprazole IV continuous infusion over ≥24 h while the control group included pediatric patients with GI bleeding managed using other therapies. Primary outcomes were the efficacy of omeprazole continuous infusion in stopping GI bleeding, and PICU length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included instances of rebleeding post- therapy discontinuation, transfusion requirements, and the safety of omeprazole continuous infusion.ResultsThe study included 81 critically ill pediatric patients, 22 of whom received continuous infusion omeprazole while 59 received other therapies. The results indicated that patients in the control group had a significantly shorter PICU LOS (8 vs. 18.5 days, p < 0.001) and bleeding episode (4 vs. 10.5 days, p < 0.001) than those in the treatment group. However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding secondary outcomes. The treatment group had a significantly lower all-cause mortality rate during hospitalization compared to the control group (16 patients [72.7%] vs. 56 patients [94.9%], respectively, p = 0.005).ConclusionEmpirical use of omeprazole continuous intravenous infusion in children with GI bleeding was not favorable in terms of shortening PICU LOS and duration of GI bleeding. Our study results provide evidence supporting the safety and tolerability of omeprazole continuous infusion. Additional larger studies are necessary to determine the implication of such results

SPARC 2017 retrospect & prospects : Salford postgraduate annual research conference book of abstracts

Welcome to the Book of Abstracts for the 2017 SPARC conference. This year we not only celebrate the work of our PGRs but also the 50th anniversary of Salford as a University, which makes this year’s conference extra special. Once again we have received a tremendous contribution from our postgraduate research community; with over 130 presenters, the conference truly showcases a vibrant PGR community at Salford. These abstracts provide a taster of the research strengths of their works, and provide delegates with a reference point for networking and initiating critical debate. With such wide-ranging topics being showcased, we encourage you to exploit this great opportunity to engage with researchers working in different subject areas to your own. To meet global challenges, high impact research inevitably requires interdisciplinary collaboration. This is recognised by all major research funders. Therefore engaging with the work of others and forging collaborations across subject areas is an essential skill for the next generation of researchers

SPARC 2018 Internationalisation and collaboration : Salford postgraduate annual research conference book of abstracts

Welcome to the Book of Abstracts for the 2018 SPARC conference. This year we not only celebrate the work of our PGRs but also the launch of our Doctoral School, which makes this year’s conference extra special. Once again we have received a tremendous contribution from our postgraduate research community; with over 100 presenters, the conference truly showcases a vibrant PGR community at Salford. These abstracts provide a taster of the research strengths of their works, and provide delegates with a reference point for networking and initiating critical debate. With such wide-ranging topics being showcased, we encourage you to take up this great opportunity to engage with researchers working in different subject areas from your own. To meet global challenges, high impact research inevitably requires interdisciplinary collaboration. This is recognised by all major research funders. Therefore engaging with the work of others and forging collaborations across subject areas is an essential skill for the next generation of researchers