Genetic variations among the isolates of Bipolaris Maydis based on phenotypic and molecular markers

Abstract Maydis leaf blight, caused by Bipolaris maydis, is an important disease of maize crop in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Pakistan. Fifteen isolates of the pathogen, collected across KP, were studied for variability based on phenotypic and molecular markers. Significant variability among the isolates was observed when assessed using phenotypic traits such as radial growth, spore concentration, fungicide sensitivity and virulence. The isolates were classified into six culture groups based on colour, texture and margins of the colony. Conidial morphology was also variable. These were either straight or slightly curved and light to dark brown in colour. Fungicide test showed significant variation in the degree of sensitivity against Carbendazim. Isolate Bm8 exhibited maximum radial growth on carbendazim spiked plates. Conversely, isolate Bm15 showed the lowest radial growth. Variations in virulence pattern of the isolates were evident when a susceptible maize variety Azam was inoculated with spores of B. maydis. Genetic variability amongst the isolates was also estimated by RAPD as well as sequencing of ITS region. The RAPD dendrogram grouped all the isolates into two major clusters. Average genetic distance ranged from 0.6% to 100%, indicating a diverse genetic gap among the isolates. Maximum genetic distance was found between isolates Bm9 and Bm10 as well as Bm2 and Bm8. Conversely, isolates Bm13 and Bm15 were at minimum genetic distance. Phylogenetic dendrogram based on sequencing of ITS region grouped all the isolates into a single major cluster. The clusters in both the dendrogram neither correlate to the geographical distribution nor to the morphological characteristics.

Resumo A ferrugem das folhas de maydis, causada por Bipolaris maydis, é uma doença importante da cultura do milho em Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Paquistão. Quinze isolados do patógeno, coletados em KP, foram estudados quanto à variabilidade com base em marcadores fenotípicos e moleculares. Variabilidade significativa entre os isolados foi observada quando avaliada por meio de características fenotípicas, como crescimento radial, concentração de esporos, sensibilidade a fungicida e virulência. Os isolados foram classificados em seis grupos de cultura com base na cor, textura e margens da colônia. A morfologia dos conídios também foi variável. Estes eram retos ou ligeiramente curvos e de cor marrom-claro a escuro. O teste de fungicida mostrou variação significativa no grau de sensibilidade ao carbendazim. O isolado Bm8 exibiu crescimento radial máximo em placas com adição de carbendazim. Por outro lado, o isolado Bm15 apresentou o menor crescimento radial. As variações no padrão de virulência dos isolados foram evidentes quando uma variedade de milho suscetível Azam foi inoculada com esporos de B. maydis. A variabilidade genética entre os isolados também foi estimada por RAPD, bem como sequenciamento da região ITS. O dendrograma RAPD agrupou todos os isolados em dois grupos principais. A distância genética média variou de 0,6% a 100%, indicando uma lacuna genética diversa entre os isolados. A distância genética máxima foi encontrada entre os isolados Bm9 e Bm10 e também entre Bm2 e Bm8. Por outro lado, os isolados Bm13 e Bm15 estavam a uma distância genética mínima. O dendrograma filogenético baseado no sequenciamento da região ITS agrupou todos os isolados em um único aglomerado principal. Os agrupamentos em ambos os dendrogramas não se correlacionam com a distribuição geográfica nem com as características morfológicas.

Peri-implant clinicoradiographic status among betel-quid chewers and controls

Abstract The aim of the present case-control observational study was to evaluate the peri-implant clinicoradiographic status among betel-quid chewers and controls. Self-reported betel-quid chewers and controls were included. Participants were categorized into 3 groups: Group-1: Individuals chewing betel-quid with tobacco; Group-2: Individuals chewing betel-quid without tobacco; and Group-3: Controls (individuals not using tobacco in any form). Demographic data was collected using a questionnaire. Periodontal and peri-implant clinicoradiologic parameters (plaque and gingival indices [PI and GI], probing depth [PD] and crestal bone loss/marginal bone loss [CBL/MBL]) were assessed. Clinical attachment loss (AL) around teeth was also assessed. Group comparisons were done using the one-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni Post-hoc adjustment tests. Correlation of periodontal and peri-implant inflammatory parameters with the duration of betel-quid chewing habit and duration of placement in the mouth were assessed using logistic regression analysis. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Thirty, 30 and 30 patients were included in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Full-mouth PI (P<0.01), GI (P<0.01), clinical AL (P<0.01), PD (P<0.01) and mesial and distal MBL (P<0.01) were higher in groups 1 and 2 than Group-3. Peri-implant mPI (P<0.01), mGI (P<0.01), PD (P<0.01) and MBL/CBL (P<0.01) were significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 than Group-3 with no significant difference in groups 1 and 2. Betel-quid chewing habit either with or without tobacco is a risk-factor of peri-implant soft-tissue inflammation and CBL.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo observacional de casos-controles foi avaliar o estado clínico-radiográfico periimplantar dos usuários de bétele. Foram incluídos usuários que relataram utlizar a substância bétele como tabaco de mascar. Os participantes foram categorizados em 3 grupos: Grupo-1: Indivíduos que mascam bétele com tabaco; Grupo-2: Indivíduos que mascam bétele sem tabaco; e Grupo-3: Controle (indivíduos que não usam tabaco sob qualquer forma). Os dados demográficos foram recolhidos utilizando um questionário. Foram avaliados parâmetros clínico-radiográfico e periimplantares (índices placa e gengivais [IP e IG], profundidade de sondagem [PS] e perda de crista óssea/ perda óssea marginal [PCO/POM]). Também foi avaliada a perda inserção clínica (IC) em torno dos dentes. As comparações de grupo foram feitas utilizando a análise de variância unidireccional e os testes de ajustamento post-hoc de Bonferroni. A correlação dos parâmetros inflamatórios periodontais e periimplantares com a duração do hábito de mastigação da bétele e duração da colocação na boca foi avaliada utilizando a análise de regressão logística. P<0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Foram utilizados 30 pacientes em cada grupo. O IP de boca inteira (P<0,01), IG (P<0,01), IC clínica (P<0,01), PS (P<0,01) e POM mesial e distal (P<0,01) foram mais elevados nos grupos 1 e 2 do que no grupo 3. O mPI peri-implantar (P<0,01), '(P<0,01), PD (P<0,01) e POM/PCO (P<0,01) foram significativamente mais elevados nos grupos 1 e 2 do que no grupo 3, sem diferença significativa nos grupos 1 e 2. O hábito de mastigar a substância bétele com ou sem tabaco é um fator de risco de inflamação dos tecidos moles periimplantares e PCO.

Oxidative stress markers as early predictors of diabetes complications in Type 2 diabetic patients

Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex disease that affects many organs. Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and ?-cell dysfunction. Thus, the present study aimed to use oxidative stress markers as early predictors for the progression of diabetic complications. Materials and Methods: The study sample included 400 individuals (300 T2DM and 100 non-diabetic controls) aged from 35 to 59 years randomly selected from the outpatient clinic of the National Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology. T2DM patients were divided into subgroups: Subgroup (1) patients without any complications, Subgroup (2) patients with diabetic nephropathy(DN) and Subgroup (3) patients with cardiovascular disorders (CVD). Biochemical markers of fasting blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), lactate, arginase, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), haemoglobin (Hb), triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), urea, creatinine, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and nitric oxide (NO) were performed. Results: DM patients showed significant increases in body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, FBS, HbA1C, cholesterol, TG, LDL-C and glomerular filtration rate, while HDL-C decreased. Significant increases were observed in HO-1, MDA and NO, while G6PD/lactate, GSH and CAT decreased in DM patients. The DN and CVD patients exhibited a significant increase in HO-1, MDA and NO; while G6PD/lactate, GSH and CAT decreased compared with DM patients. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of oxidative stress markers were 66.67–100%. Conclusion: Hexose monophosphate (HMP)/glycolysis pathways are shifted during DM near glycolysis rather than HMP pathway to produce energy where the amount of glucose enters the cells is low, causing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress markers could be used as early predictors of diabetes complications.

Effect of Different Preparations of Fluoride Gel on Salivary pH of Albino Rats

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of different preparations of fluoride gels on the salivary pH of albino rats. Material and Methods: This experimental study consisted of 40 Albino rats randomly divided into four equal groups. Group A was the control group and received no intervention. Experimental group B received a topical application of 0.2% sodium fluoride gel. Experimental group C received topical application of stannous fluoride gel 0.4%. Experimental group D received topical application of APF gel (1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride gel). The different preparations of the gels were applied once daily for 4 minutes on the occlusal surface of the right maxillary molars for 14 days. Salivary pH values were recorded immediately after the application of gels with the help of pH paper on day 1 and day 14. Results: There was a significant difference in the pH level of groups B, C and D after 14 days of fluoride application (p < 0.05). The non-parametric Kruskal Wallis test was applied for the comparison between the groups. Conclusion: This study concluded that all the fluoride gels after administration caused the acidic pH of saliva with the most acidic effect produced by APF gel (AU).

Determination of Shear Bond Strength of Nanocomposite to Porcelain and Metal Alloy

Abstract Objective: To compare porcelain and metal repair done with both nanocomposite and conventional composite. Material and Methods: A total of 30 cylinders were fabricated from Porcelain (I), Porcelain fused to metal (II), and metal (III) substrate each. Control group (A) was bonded with conventional micro-hybrid composite and experimental group (B) was bonded with nanocomposite in a 2 mm thickness. All specimens were thermocycled and stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 7 days. A universal testing machine was used to measure the Shear bond strength (SBS). The difference between bond strengths of the groups was compared using an independent t-test. Results: In all three groups, the SBS was higher in the experimental group as compared to the control group. The use of nanocomposite of metal alloy presented maximum shear bond strength, followed by samples of porcelain fused to metal and finally porcelain, showing the lowest values of SBS. Conclusion: Porcelain and alloys bonded with nanocomposite exhibit enhanced adhesiveness as well as aesthetic and mechanical properties. This subsequently would translate into providing higher clinical serviceability and durability and hence a cost-effective and accessible repair option for human welfare (AU).

The SARS-COV2 (COVID-19) Pandemic: What Clinicians should Know

In late 2019, a novel coronavirus, now designated SARS-CoV-2, emerged and was identified as the cause of an outbreak of acute respiratory illness in Wuhan, a city in China, named as COVID-19. Since then the waves of the virus exponentially hit many countries around the globe with high rates of spread associated with variable degrees of morbidity and mortality. The WHO announced the pandemic state of the infection in March 2020 and by June 1st 2020 more than 6 million individuals and more than 370 thousands case fatalities were documented worldwide. In this article, we discussed many aspects regarding this emerged infection based on the available evidence aiming to help clinician to improve not only their knowledge but also their practices toward this infection.

The SARS-COV2 (COVID-19) Pandemic: What Clinicians should Know

In late 2019, a novel coronavirus, now designated SARS-CoV-2, emerged and was identified as the cause of an outbreak of acute respiratory illness in Wuhan, a city in China, named as COVID-19. Since then the waves of the virus exponentially hit many countries around the globe with high rates of spread associated with variable degrees of morbidity and mortality. The WHO announced the pandemic state of the infection in March 2020 and by June 1st 2020 more than 6 million individuals and more than 370 thousands case fatalities were documented worldwide. In this article, we discussed many aspects regarding this emerged infection based on the available evidence aiming to help clinician to improve not only their knowledge but also their practices toward this infection.

Molecular, biochemical, and phenotypic characterization of a newly isolated Enterobacter hormaechei subsp. xiangfangensis strain associated with diarrhea cases in Iraq

Aims@#The current study aimed to isolate and characterize bacterial strains associated diarrhea with the focus on Enterobacter species strains and test for susceptibility to antibiotics.@*Methodology and results@#A total of 400 stool samples from inpatients suffering from diarrhea in Al-Qasim Hospital at Al-Hilla City of Iraq were screened form January 2018 to January 2019. Phenotypic, molecular, and biochemical methods were used to identify the isolated bacteria. A new strain of Enterobacter hormaechei was obtained from two stool samples of inpatients suffering from diarrhea for more than two weeks. This strain is Gram negative, rod shaped, and facultative anaerobic. Multiple sequence alignment analysis and phylogenetic tree construction of the sequenced 16S rRNA gene of the isolated strain suggested that this strain can be identified as E. hormaechei subsp. xiangfangensis, named as E. hormaechei subsp. xiangfangensis strain AA1. This strain was resistant to augmentin, ampicillin, cephalothin, cefoxitin, ceftazidime, cefixime, ticracillin/clavulanic acid, cefotaxime, streptomycin, erythromycin, amikacin, ciprofloxacin, and chloramphenicol, while it was susceptible to meropenem along with imipenem. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@# In the present study, E. hormaechei subsp xiangfangensis was isolated for the first time in Iraq and was resistant to most of the tested antibiotics, making it an etiologic agent that is not easy to be treated.

Effect of scaling and root planing on the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-9, IL-10, and IL-13)in the gingival crevicular fluid of electronic cigarette users andnon-smokers with moderate chronic periodontitis

Purpose@#The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the effect of scaling and root planing (SRP) on the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-4, IL-9, IL-10, and IL-13) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of electronic cigarette users and non-smokers with moderate chronic periodontitis (CP). @*Methods@#Electronic cigarette users and non-smokers with CP were included in the study. Full-mouth plaque and gingival indices, probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and marginal bone loss (MBL) were assessed. The GCF was collected, and its volume and levels of IL-4, IL-9, IL-10, and IL-13 were assessed. These parameters were evaluated at baseline and 3 months after SRP. The sample size was estimated, and comparisons between groups were performed. P<0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. @*Results@#Thirty-six electronic cigarette users (47.7±5.8 years old) and 35 non-smokers (46.5±3.4 years old) with CP were included. At baseline, there were no differences in plaque index (PI), PD, CAL, MBL, and GCF IL-4, IL-9, IL-10, and IL-13 between electronic cigarette users and non-smokers. At the 3-month follow-up, there were no significant differences in PI, gingival index (GI), PD, CAL, and MBL in electronic cigarette users compared to baseline, while there were significant reductions in PI, GI, and PD among non-smokers. At the 3-month follow-up, GCF IL-4, IL-9, IL-10, and IL-13 levels were significantly elevated in both groups (P<0.05) compared to baseline. The increases in GCF IL-4, IL-9, IL-10, and IL-13 levels were significantly higher in non-smokers (P<0.05) than in electronic cigarette users at the 3-month follow-up. @*Conclusions@#Levels of GCF IL-4, IL-9, IL-10, and IL-13 increased after SRP in electronic cigarette users and non-smokers with CP; however, the anti-inflammatory effect of SRP was more profound in non-smokers than in electronic cigarette users.

Clinical and radiographic assessment of narrow-diameter and regular-diameter implants in the anterior and posterior jaw: 2 to 6 years of follow-up

Purpose@#The present retrospective clinical study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic parameters, complications, and satisfaction in patients who received fixed prostheses supported by narrow-diameter implants (NDIs) in the anterior and posterior jaw. @*Methods@#Patients aged ≥30 years who had NDI-supported fixed prostheses in the anterior or posterior region of either jaw for at least 2 years were included. Complications such as chipping of the crown; loosening or fracture of the screw, crown abutment, or implant; and loss of retention were recorded. Clinical peri-implant outcomes and crestal bone loss (CBL) were measured. A questionnaire was used to record responses regarding the aesthetics and function of the fixed restorations. Analysis of variance was used to assess the significance of between-group mean comparisons. The log-rank test was performed to analyze the influence of location and prosthesis type on technical complications. @*Results@#Seventy-one patients (mean age: 39.6 years) provided informed consent with a mean follow-up duration of 53 months. Only bleeding on probing showed a statistically significant difference between NDIs in the anterior and posterior regions. The complication rate for NDIs in the posterior region was significantly higher than that for NDIs in the anterior region (P=0.041). For NDIs, CBL was significantly higher around splinted crowns than single crowns (P=0.022). Overall mean patient satisfaction was 10.34±3.65 on a visual analogue scale. @*Conclusions@#NDIs in the anterior and posterior jaws functioned equally well in terms of peri-implant soft and hard tissue health and offered acceptable patient satisfaction and reasonable complication rates.

Quantitative ethnopharmacological profiling of medicinal shrubs used by indigenous communities of Rawalakot, District Poonch, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Abstract This paper presents the first comprehensive report on traditional uses of medicinal shrubs of Rawalakot city, district Poonch, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Ethobotanical data obtained from 120 informants were analyzed by relative frequency citation, use value, family use value, informant consensus factor, fidelity level and Jaccard index. In total, 41 shrubs belonging to 24 families and 34 genera were documented. Rosaceae was reported the most dominant family in the area (six species) and Berberidaceae showed maximum family use value (0.68). Leaves (35%) and fruits (33%) were the most commonly used plant parts and most of the medicines were prepared in the form of decoction. The high informant consensus factor value (0.94) was recorded for diabetic disease category. Medicinal plants with high fidelity level values (100% each) were Berberis lycium, Cydonia oblanga, Ricinus communis, Ziziphus jujuba and Nerium oleander. Berberis lycium was the most significant shrub in the area with highest use value (0.68). Relative frequency citation value was maximum for Rubus ellipticus (0.30), Nerium oleander and Indigofera heterantha (0.10 each). Percentage of similar plant uses ranged from 21.05 to 0.62% and dissimilarity percentage ranged from 32.50 to 0.66%. Out of the 41 shrub species, six were reported with new therapeutic uses and may represent new bioresources. These were Debregeasia salicifolia (diabetes), Desmodium elegans (anti-cancerous), Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (jaundice), Hypericum oblongifolium (arthritis), Sarcococca saligna (tuberculosis), Rubus niveus (chronic cough) and Otostegia limbata (renal disorders). We suggest that species reported with high use value should be involved in cultivation and agricultural practices for their sustainable use and those reported with new therapeutic uses should be employed in further biotechnological, pharmacological and clinical studies in order to validate their traditional uses.

Serum and tissue angiotensin-converting enzyme in patients with alopecia areata

Background: Alopecia areata is an immune-dependent disorder characterized by the interaction of T-lymphocytes with follicular antigens. Recent studies have shown the existence of a local renin–angiotensin system in the skin, where angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) plays a role in autoimmunity and inflammation. Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate serum and tissue ACE activity in patients with alopecia areata. Methods: This case–control study was conducted on patients with alopecia areata and healthy controls. Serum and tissue ACE activity were assessed and compared between the two groups. Results: Twenty-five alopecia areata patients (60% male, mean age 32.1 ± 9.9 years) and 24 controls (50% male, mean age 37.4 ± 8.8 years) were included. Mean serum ACE activity was 52.1 ± 9 U/L in cases and 55.3 ± 14.7 U/L in controls (P = 0.37). Tissue ACE activity was significantly lower in cases in all parts of the skin i.e. epidermis (P = 0.016), follicular epithelium (P = 0.004), and endothelium (P = 0.037). Among cases, serum ACE activity was significantly higher in patients with more severe disease (P = 0.030), nonpatchy alopecia areata (alopecia universalis; ophiasis, patchy and ophiasis, diffuse) (P = 0.029), and with nail involvement (P = 0.027). Limitations: The sample size was too small to draw definite conclusions. Further, most of the patients had only mild or moderate alopecia areata. Conclusion: Unlike in some other inflammatory diseases, the tissue level of ACE seems to be significantly lower in alopecia areata compared to normal controls. Serum ACE was significantly higher in patients with more severe disease.

A Study on Obstetric Outcome of Postdated Pregnancy among Private Hospital Patients in Sylhet

Introduction: Any pregnancy which has passed beyondexpected date of delivery (EDD) is called postdated pregnancyor prolonged pregnancy.Objective: Main goal of this study is to evaluate obstetricoutcome in postdated pregnancy.Method: This was a prospective observational type study.Patients whose pregnancy extended beyond 40 weeks ofgestational age, patients who were sure of the date of lastmenstrual period (LMP) along with 1st trimester obstetrics scanwere included for this study. Patients not sure of LMP wereexcluded in this study. The study was conducted in theDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, of different privatehospital Sylhet for study duration of 3 years. Total 223 caseswere selected purposively for this study.Results: The study result shows fetus condition among the223 pregnant women highest 96.41% were alive and only3.59% were dead. Male baby and female baby was almostsame male 49.33% and female baby 50.67%. After deliverybaby admitted in hospital 76.23%, NICU 6.28% not admitted17.49%. Most of the pregnant women’s (88.34%) managementwas oligo induction failure and rest was laparoscopy. Peroperative finding of the patients shows highest 74.89% pretermpre-mature rapture of membrane, 18.83% Ectopic pregnancyand 6.28% rapture uterus.Conclusion: Postdated pregnancy having 50% risk ofrecurrence in next pregnancy. It is a high risk pregnancy thefoetal complication in the form of foetal distress, meconiumaspiration syndrome, birth trauma etc. It also increases rate ofinstrumental delivery and operative delivery.

Incidence of Egyptian Live Births of Cleft Lip and/or Palate in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and New Valley Governorates: A Survey Study in 237,783 Children

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence, cleft types distribution and etiological risk factors among newly born babies with cleft lip and/or palate (CL±P) in four governorate of the Arab Republic of Egypt, beginning the 1st of January 2013 till the 31st of December 2013. Material and Methods: Total 237,783 newly born babies from Cairo (162174), Aswan (42880), Luxor (32729), and New Valley (877) governorate in the Arab Republic of Egypt were included in this study. Incidence of CL±P babies per 1000 births was calculated in each district for the four studied governorates. Percentage distribution of cleft types within each governorate. Chi-square test was used for determining significance of difference of incidence and percentages within and between the governorates. Results: The mean prevalence value of CL±P in the four Egyptian studied governorates was 0.40/1000. The highest percentage of cleft type was cleft lip and palate followed by cleft lip and isolated cleft palate. The highest etiological risk factor was maternal passive smoking in the four studied governorates followed by consanguineous marriage and medicine intake during pregnancy. Conclusion: These data provided a picture of the prevalence of CL±P in four different governorate of Egypt and also provided a useful reference for cleft types distribution and etiological risk factors of CL±P data in Egypt and internationally.

TNF-alpha increases angiogenic potential in a co-culture system of dental pulp cells and endothelial cells

Abstract We recently demonstrated that a co-culture system of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) could enhance angiogenesis ability in vitro. However, whether tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) could promote blood vessel formation during pulp regeneration remained unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of TNF-α on the formation of endothelial tubules and vascular networks in a co-culture system of hDPSCs and HUVECs. hDPSCs were co-cultured with HUVECs at a ratio of 1:5. The Matrigel assay was performed to detect the total tubule branching lengths and numbers of branches, and the Cell-Counting Kit 8 assay was performed to examine the effect of TNF-α on cell proliferation. Real-time polymerase chain reactions and western blot were used to detect vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA and protein expression. The Matrigel assay showed significantly greater total branching lengths and numbers of branches formed in the experimental groups treated with different concentrations of TNF-α compared with the control group. The decomposition times of the tubule structures were also significantly prolonged (P < 0.05). Treatment with 50 ng/ml TNF-α did not significantly change the proliferation of co-cultured cells, but it significantly increased the VEGF mRNA and protein expression levels (p < 0.05). In addition, the migration abilities of HUVECs and hDPSCs increased after co-culture with TNF-α (p < 0.05). TNF-α enhanced angiogenic ability in vitro in the co-culture system of hDPSCs and HUVECs.

Myths about Insulin Resistance: Tribute to Gerald Reaven

Gerald Reaven was often called the “father of insulin resistance.” On the 1-year anniversary of his death in 2018, we challenge three myths associated with insulin resistance: metformin improves insulin resistance; measurement of waist circumference predicts insulin resistance better than body mass index; and insulin resistance causes weight gain. In this review, we highlight Reaven's relevant research that helped to dispel these myths associated with insulin resistance.

Isolation and Identification of Orange M2R and Green GS Dye Decolourizing Bacteria from Textile Sludge (Soil) Samples and Determination of Their Optimum Decolourization Conditions

Objectives: Azo dye accounts for majorly produced synthetic dye substances in industries, posing a threat to all possible life forms. This study was focused to isolate azo dye “Orange M2R” and “Green GS” degrading bacterial strain from textile effluent soil samples and optimization of their optimum physio-chemical growth conditions. Methodology: To achieve above-mentioned objective, sludge samples were collected from textile industrial area and were applied to 1%, 3% and 5% dye containing SM broth to observe the dye degrading capability of those samples that contain acclimatized bacteria. ABIS microbiology software (Advanced Bacterial Identification Software) was used to justify and determine the identity of these bacteria with the aid of results obtained from the biochemical tests that were undertaken. Results: Bacterial strains identified in this study were Enterococcus termitis, Enterococcus camelliae, Bacillus farraginis, Bacillus muralis, Paenibacillus macerans, Bacillus decolorationis, and Macrococcus brunensis. Out of these isolates Enterococcus termitis, Bacillus farraginis, Paenibacillus macerans, Bacillus decolorationis emerged out to be most potent decolourizer, being selected for further studies. Bacillus farraginis was identified as the best decolourizer of OM2R (Orange M2R) dye that decolourized 98% of the dye and Paenibacillus macerans showed maximum decolourization on GGS(Green GS) dye that decolourized 97% of the dye. The effect of pH, NaCl, temperature and initial concentration of dye was studied with an aim to determine the optimal conditions required for maximum decolourization. The research showed different decolourization rate with varying parameters. The optimum pH for decolourization of OM2R and GGS dye was 7.0, the optimum NaCl concentration for decolourization was 2%, initial dye concentration was 1% and the temperature was 37°C for optimum decolourization by the selected isolates. Conclusion: The findings are well acclimatized and have potentials for bioremediation in textile waste effluent treatment plants.

Degree of conversion and depth of cure of Ivocerin containing photo-polymerized resin luting cement in comparison to conventional luting agents

Objective: To evaluate the degree of conversion [DC] and depth [extent] of cure of four resin cements [Variolink E, Calibra, NX3 and Variolink N] using Fourier transform infrared [FTIR] and Vickers Micro hardness [MH]

Methods: Ten disks [1mmx2mm] of each resin cement were light cured through a ceramic disk for 40 seconds prior to assessment. The ATR spectra of the uncured resin were collected in absorbance mode from 16 scans at 4 wave number resolutions. Degree of conversion was calculated by estimating the changes in peak height ratio of the absorbance intensities of aliphatic C=C peak at 1638 cm-1 and that of an internal standard peak of aromatic C=C at 1608 cm-1 during polymerization. For Vickers microhardness testing 10 disks of each cement specimen was exposed to 100 grams of load for 15 seconds. Three indentations were made 0.5mm apart and an average Vickers micro-hardness [MH] for each specimen. Two way ANOVA and multiple comparison tests were performed to assess data

Results: The highest degree of conversion by peak area was shown by Variolink-Esthetic [light-cure [87.18+/-2.90%]]; however the lowest was observed in samples of Variolink-N [Dual cure [44.55+/-4.33%]]. Similarly, Variolink-Esthetic and NX3 cement showed significantly higher MH as compared to other groups

Conclusion: Ivocerin containing Variolink-E cement showed high degree of conversion and extent of polymerization when compared to conventional light and dual cure luting cements

Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in Pakistan: a systematic review

Objectives: Primary aim was to review the literature on the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy [DR] and Vision threatening diabetic retinopathy [VTDR] in Pakistan

Methods: A search of the bibliographic databases [Medline, Pub med, and Google scholar] was conducted from 1990 to March 2017. Articles about prevalence of DR and VTDR in Pakistan were retrieved and scrutinized. The studies satisfying the inclusion/exclusion criteria were considered for detail review

Results: Forty one articles on prevalence of DR were traced out. Exclusion and inclusion criteria were met in 29 studies. In selected studies [29], pooled Prevalence of DR was found to be 28.78% with a variation of 10.6% to 91.3%. Out of 29 studies, DR was classified in 19 studies. Pooled Prevalence of VTDR in these 19 studies was found to be 28.2% [variation of 4% to 46.3%] of patient with retinopathy and 8.6% of all diabetics

Conclusion: A great variation in the values of DR and VTDR was observed in this study. Researchers suggest a community based study with uniform methodology to find out a comparable value of prevalence of DR and VTDR in all provinces of Pakistan

Rotavirus infection in children under 2 years of age at tertiary care hospital

Objective: To determine frequency of rotavirus infection in children under 2 years of age presenting with acute watery diarrhea at tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pediatrics, MH Rawalpindi, from Jan to Jun 2016

Material and Methods: Total 246 children, hospitalized with complaints of non-bloody acute watery diarrhea at the time of admission were included. Stool samples were collected and transported to Armed forces institute of Pathology [AFIP] for stool antigen detection for Rotavirus. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Stratification was done and post stratification Chi-square test was applied. A p-value <0.05 was considered as significant

Results: There were 48.8% [120] male and 51.2% [126] female children. Mean no. of stools per day were 6.62 +/- 1.92 in children whose stools for Rotavirus antigen were positive in 174 [70.7%] patients, no. of stools per day was significantly associated with positive results

Conclusion: Rotavirus was found to be positive in majority of children causing substantial morbidity. There was significant association of rotavirus infection with increased no of watery stools per day