Mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein 15 gene causing defective protein secretion in Cholistani infertile sheep / Mutações no gene da proteína morfogenética óssea 15 causadoras de defeitos na secreção proteica em ovelhas inférteis Cholistani

Naturally occurring mutations in morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are associated with decreased ovulation rate (OR), litter size (LS), and sterility. It is of a great interest to elucidate BMP15 gene in Cholistani sheep breed to uplift socio-economic status and the knowledge of Cholistani sheep breeding in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. In our study, a total of 50 infertile Cholistani sheep aged between 2-6 years and having no blood relation were screened for BMP15 mutations. For this purpose, a high-quality DNA was extracted from the blood of sheep followed by primer designing, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification, DNA sequencing, and in silico analyses. Out of total 50 samples, 9 samples including case 1 (T3), case 2 (T8), case 3 (T17), case 4 (T22), case 5 (T25), case 6 (T33), case 7 (T40), case 8 (T44), and case 9 (T47) were found positive for a variety of already reported and novel BMP15 mutations. Further in silico analyses of the observed mutations have shown the functional impact of these mutations on different characteristics (molecular weight, theoretical PI, estimated half-life, instability index, sub-cellular localization, and 3D confirmation) of the encoded proteins, possibly altering the normal functionality. In a nutshell, findings of this study have confirmed the possible essential role of the BMP15 mutations in the infertility of the Cholistani sheep.

Mutações de ocorrência natural na proteína morfogenética 15 (BMP15) estão associadas à diminuição da taxa de ovulação (TO), tamanho da ninhada (TN) e esterilidade. Estudar a BMP15 na raça Cholistani para elevar o status socioeconômico e o conhecimento da criação de ovinos Cholistani no sul de Punjab, Paquistão. Em nosso estudo, 50 ovelhas Cholistani inférteis sem parentesco sanguíneo foram rastreadas para mutações BMP15. Para tanto, um DNA de alta qualidade foi extraído do sangue dessas ovelhas, seguido de concepção do primer, amplificação da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), sequenciamento de DNA e análises in silico. Do total de 50 amostras, 9, incluindo caso 1 (T3), caso 2 (T8), caso 3 (T17), caso 4 (T22), caso 5 (T25), caso 6 (T33), caso 7 (T40), caso 8 (T44) e caso 9 (T47), foram consideradas positivas para uma variedade de mutações BMP15 novas e já relatadas. Mais análises in silico das mutações observadas mostraram o impacto funcional dessas mutações em diferentes características (peso molecular, PI teórico, meia-vida estimada, índice de instabilidade, localização subcelular e confirmação 3D) das proteínas codificadas, possivelmente alterando a funcionalidade normal. Nossos achados confirmaram o possível papel essencial das mutações BMP15 na infertilidade de ovelhas Cholistani.

Mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein 15 gene causing defective protein secretion in Cholistani infertile sheep

Abstract Naturally occurring mutations in morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are associated with decreased ovulation rate (OR), litter size (LS), and sterility. It is of a great interest to elucidate BMP15 gene in Cholistani sheep breed to uplift socio-economic status and the knowledge of Cholistani sheep breeding in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. In our study, a total of 50 infertile Cholistani sheep aged between 2-6 years and having no blood relation were screened for BMP15 mutations. For this purpose, a high-quality DNA was extracted from the blood of sheep followed by primer designing, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification, DNA sequencing, and in silico analyses. Out of total 50 samples, 9 samples including case 1 (T3), case 2 (T8), case 3 (T17), case 4 (T22), case 5 (T25), case 6 (T33), case 7 (T40), case 8 (T44), and case 9 (T47) were found positive for a variety of already reported and novel BMP15 mutations. Further in silico analyses of the observed mutations have shown the functional impact of these mutations on different characteristics (molecular weight, theoretical PI, estimated half-life, instability index, sub-cellular localization, and 3D confirmation) of the encoded proteins, possibly altering the normal functionality. In a nutshell, findings of this study have confirmed the possible essential role of the BMP15 mutations in the infertility of the Cholistani sheep.

Resumo Mutações de ocorrência natural na proteína morfogenética 15 (BMP15) estão associadas à diminuição da taxa de ovulação (TO), tamanho da ninhada (TN) e esterilidade. Estudar a BMP15 na raça Cholistani para elevar o status socioeconômico e o conhecimento da criação de ovinos Cholistani no sul de Punjab, Paquistão. Em nosso estudo, 50 ovelhas Cholistani inférteis sem parentesco sanguíneo foram rastreadas para mutações BMP15. Para tanto, um DNA de alta qualidade foi extraído do sangue dessas ovelhas, seguido de concepção do primer, amplificação da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), sequenciamento de DNA e análises in silico. Do total de 50 amostras, 9, incluindo caso 1 (T3), caso 2 (T8), caso 3 (T17), caso 4 (T22), caso 5 (T25), caso 6 (T33), caso 7 (T40), caso 8 (T44) e caso 9 (T47), foram consideradas positivas para uma variedade de mutações BMP15 novas e já relatadas. Mais análises in silico das mutações observadas mostraram o impacto funcional dessas mutações em diferentes características (peso molecular, PI teórico, meia-vida estimada, índice de instabilidade, localização subcelular e confirmação 3D) das proteínas codificadas, possivelmente alterando a funcionalidade normal. Nossos achados confirmaram o possível papel essencial das mutações BMP15 na infertilidade de ovelhas Cholistani.

Characterization of the species of genus Physa on the basis of typological species concept from Central Punjab / Caracterização das espécies do gênero Physa com base no conceito tipológico de espécie do Punjab Central

Physids belong to Class Gastropoda; Phylum Mollusca have important position in food web and act as bio indicators, pests and intermediate host. Being resistant these are called cockroaches of malacology. Physid snails were collected from different water bodies of Faisalabad (Punjab) and were identified up to species using morphological markers. The morphometry of the specimens was carried out with the help of a digital Vernier caliper in millimeters (mm) using linear measurement of shell characters. Linear regression analysis of the AL/SW ratio vs AL and SL/SW ratiovs AL indicated that allometric growth exists only in Physa acuta when compared with P.gyrina and P. fontinalis. This study will lead to assess the status of the Physid species in Central Punjab. The Principal component analysis shows that the Component 1 (Shell Length) and component 2 (Shell Width) are the most prolific components and nearly 80 percent of the identification. The distance between P. acuta and P. fontinalis is 5.4699, P. acuta and P. gyrina is 7.6411, P. fontinalis and P. gyrina is 16.6080 showing that P. acuta resembles with P. fontinalis, and both these specimens donot resemble with P. gyrina. P.acuta is an invasive species and shows bioactivity making it a potent candidate for bioactive substances.

Os físidos pertencem à classe Gastropoda; o filo Mollusca possui importante posição na teia alimentar e atua como bioindicador, praga e hospedeiro intermediário. Por serem resistentes, são chamadas baratas de malacologia. Os caramujos físidos foram coletados em diferentes corpos d’água de Faisalabad (Punjab) e identificados até as espécies por meio de marcadores morfológicos. A morfometria dos corpos de prova foi realizada com auxílio de paquímetro digital Vernier em milímetros (mm) por meio de medida linear dos caracteres da casca. A análise de regressão linear da razão AL / SW vs. AL e razão SL / SW vs. AL indicou que o crescimento alométrico existe apenas em Physa acuta quando comparado com P. gyrina e P. fontinalis. Este estudo levará a avaliar a situação das espécies de físido no Punjab Central. A análise do componente principal mostra que o componente 1 (comprimento da casca) e o componente 2 (largura da casca) são os componentes mais prolíficos e quase 80% da identificação. A distância entre P. acuta e P. fontinalis é 5,4699, P. acuta e P. gyrina é 7,6411, P. fontinalis e P. gyrina é 16,6080, mostrando que P. acuta se assemelha a P. fontinalis, e ambos os espécimes não se parecem com P. gyrina. P. acuta é uma espécie invasora e apresenta bioatividade, tornando-se uma candidata potente para substâncias bioativas.

Molecular Phylogenetics of Physa acuta (Pulmonata: Basommatophora): an invasive species in Central Punjab Pakistan / Molecular Phylogenetics of Physa acuta (Pulmonata: Basommatophora): uma espécie invasora no centro de Punjab, Paquistão

Physids belong to Class Gastropoda; belong to Phylum Mollusca and being bioindicators, intermediate hosts of parasites and pests hold a key position in the ecosystem. There are three species of Genus Physa i.e. P. fontinalis, Physa acuta and P. gyrina water bodies of Central Punjab and were characterized on the basis of molecular markers High level of genetic diversity was revealed by polymorphic RAPD, however SSR markers were not amplified. The multivariate analysis revealed polymorphism ranging from 9.09 percent to 50 percent among the three Physid species. Total number of 79 loci were observed for the three species under study and 24 loci were observed to be polymorphic. These RAPD fragment(s) can be developed into co dominant markers (SCAR) by cloning and can be further sequenced for the development of the Physa species specific markers to identify the introduced and native species in Pakistan.

Os físidos pertencem à classe Gastropoda; pertencem ao filo Mollusca e, sendo bioindicadores, hospedeiros intermediários de parasitas e pragas, ocupam uma posição-chave no ecossistema. Existem três espécies do gênero Physa, ou seja, P. fontinalis, Physa acuta e P. gyrina em corpos d’água do Punjab Central e foram caracterizadas com base em marcadores moleculares. Alto nível de diversidade genética foi revelado por RAPD polimórfico, no entanto os marcadores SSR não foram amplificados. A análise multivariada revelou polimorfismo variando de 9,09% a 50% entre as três espécies de Physid. Um número total de 79 loci foi observado para as três espécies em estudo e 24 loci foram observados como polimórficos. Esses fragmentos RAPD podem ser desenvolvidos em marcadores codominantes (SCAR) por clonagem e podem ser posteriormente sequenciados para o desenvolvimento de marcadores específicos da espécie Physa para identificar as espécies introduzidas e nativas no Paquistão.

Characterization of the species of genus Physa on the basis of typological species concept from Central Punjab

Abstract Physids belong to Class Gastropoda; Phylum Mollusca have important position in food web and act as bio indicators, pests and intermediate host. Being resistant these are called cockroaches of malacology. Physid snails were collected from different water bodies of Faisalabad (Punjab) and were identified up to species using morphological markers. The morphometry of the specimens was carried out with the help of a digital Vernier caliper in millimeters (mm) using linear measurement of shell characters. Linear regression analysis of the AL/SW ratio vs AL and SL/SW ratio vs AL indicated that allometric growth exists only in Physa acuta when compared with P.gyrina and P. fontinalis. This study will lead to assess the status of the Physid species in Central Punjab. The Principal component analysis shows that the Component 1 (Shell Length) and component 2 (Shell Width) are the most prolific components and nearly 80 percent of the identification. The distance between P. acuta and P. fontinalis is 5.4699, P. acuta and P. gyrina is 7.6411, P. fontinalis and P. gyrina is 16.6080 showing that P. acuta resembles with P. fontinalis, and both these specimens donot resemble with P. gyrina. P.acuta is an invasive species and shows bioactivity making it a potent candidate for bioactive substances.

Resumo Os físidos pertencem à classe Gastropoda; o filo Mollusca possui importante posição na teia alimentar e atua como bioindicador, praga e hospedeiro intermediário. Por serem resistentes, são chamadas baratas de malacologia. Os caramujos físidos foram coletados em diferentes corpos dágua de Faisalabad (Punjab) e identificados até as espécies por meio de marcadores morfológicos. A morfometria dos corpos de prova foi realizada com auxílio de paquímetro digital Vernier em milímetros (mm) por meio de medida linear dos caracteres da casca. A análise de regressão linear da razão AL / SW vs. AL e razão SL / SW vs. AL indicou que o crescimento alométrico existe apenas em Physa acuta quando comparado com P. gyrina e P. fontinalis. Este estudo levará a avaliar a situação das espécies de físido no Punjab Central. A análise do componente principal mostra que o componente 1 (comprimento da casca) e o componente 2 (largura da casca) são os componentes mais prolíficos e quase 80% da identificação. A distância entre P. acuta e P. fontinalis é 5,4699, P. acuta e P. gyrina é 7,6411, P. fontinalis e P. gyrina é 16,6080, mostrando que P. acuta se assemelha a P. fontinalis, e ambos os espécimes não se parecem com P. gyrina. P. acuta é uma espécie invasora e apresenta bioatividade, tornando-se uma candidata potente para substâncias bioativas.

Molecular Phylogenetics of Physa acuta (Pulmonata: Basommatophora): an Invasive species in Central Punjab Pakistan

Abstract Physids belong to Class Gastropoda; belong to Phylum Mollusca and being bioindicators, intermediate hosts of parasites and pests hold a key position in the ecosystem. There are three species of Genus Physa i.e. P. fontinalis, Physa acuta and P. gyrina water bodies of Central Punjab and were characterized on the basis of molecular markers High level of genetic diversity was revealed by polymorphic RAPD, however SSR markers were not amplified. The multivariate analysis revealed polymorphism ranging from 9.09 percent to 50 percent among the three Physid species. Total number of 79 loci were observed for the three species under study and 24 loci were observed to be polymorphic. These RAPD fragment(s) can be developed into co dominant markers (SCAR) by cloning and can be further sequenced for the development of the Physa species specific markers to identify the introduced and native species in Pakistan.

Resumo Os físidos pertencem à classe Gastropoda; pertencem ao filo Mollusca e, sendo bioindicadores, hospedeiros intermediários de parasitas e pragas, ocupam uma posição-chave no ecossistema. Existem três espécies do gênero Physa, ou seja, P. fontinalis, Physa acuta e P. gyrina em corpos dágua do Punjab Central e foram caracterizadas com base em marcadores moleculares. Alto nível de diversidade genética foi revelado por RAPD polimórfico, no entanto os marcadores SSR não foram amplificados. A análise multivariada revelou polimorfismo variando de 9,09% a 50% entre as três espécies de Physid. Um número total de 79 loci foi observado para as três espécies em estudo e 24 loci foram observados como polimórficos. Esses fragmentos RAPD podem ser desenvolvidos em marcadores codominantes (SCAR) por clonagem e podem ser posteriormente sequenciados para o desenvolvimento de marcadores específicos da espécie Physa para identificar as espécies introduzidas e nativas no Paquistão.

Characterization of the species of genus Physa on the basis of typological species concept from Central Punjab / Caracterização das espécies do gênero Physa com base no conceito tipológico de espécie do Punjab Central

Abstract Physids belong to Class Gastropoda; Phylum Mollusca have important position in food web and act as bio indicators, pests and intermediate host. Being resistant these are called cockroaches of malacology. Physid snails were collected from different water bodies of Faisalabad (Punjab) and were identified up to species using morphological markers. The morphometry of the specimens was carried out with the help of a digital Vernier caliper in millimeters (mm) using linear measurement of shell characters. Linear regression analysis of the AL/SW ratio vs AL and SL/SW ratio vs AL indicated that allometric growth exists only in Physa acuta when compared with P.gyrina and P. fontinalis. This study will lead to assess the status of the Physid species in Central Punjab. The Principal component analysis shows that the Component 1 (Shell Length) and component 2 (Shell Width) are the most prolific components and nearly 80 percent of the identification. The distance between P. acuta and P. fontinalis is 5.4699, P. acuta and P. gyrina is 7.6411, P. fontinalis and P. gyrina is 16.6080 showing that P. acuta resembles with P. fontinalis, and both these specimens donot resemble with P. gyrina. P.acuta is an invasive species and shows bioactivity making it a potent candidate for bioactive substances.

Resumo Os físidos pertencem à classe Gastropoda; o filo Mollusca possui importante posição na teia alimentar e atua como bioindicador, praga e hospedeiro intermediário. Por serem resistentes, são chamadas baratas de malacologia. Os caramujos físidos foram coletados em diferentes corpos d'água de Faisalabad (Punjab) e identificados até as espécies por meio de marcadores morfológicos. A morfometria dos corpos de prova foi realizada com auxílio de paquímetro digital Vernier em milímetros (mm) por meio de medida linear dos caracteres da casca. A análise de regressão linear da razão AL / SW vs. AL e razão SL / SW vs. AL indicou que o crescimento alométrico existe apenas em Physa acuta quando comparado com P. gyrina e P. fontinalis. Este estudo levará a avaliar a situação das espécies de físido no Punjab Central. A análise do componente principal mostra que o componente 1 (comprimento da casca) e o componente 2 (largura da casca) são os componentes mais prolíficos e quase 80% da identificação. A distância entre P. acuta e P. fontinalis é 5,4699, P. acuta e P. gyrina é 7,6411, P. fontinalis e P. gyrina é 16,6080, mostrando que P. acuta se assemelha a P. fontinalis, e ambos os espécimes não se parecem com P. gyrina. P. acuta é uma espécie invasora e apresenta bioatividade, tornando-se uma candidata potente para substâncias bioativas.

Molecular Phylogenetics of Physa acuta (Pulmonata: Basommatophora): an Invasive species in Central Punjab Pakistan / Molecular Phylogenetics of Physa acuta (Pulmonata: Basommatophora): uma espécie invasora no centro de Punjab, Paquistão

Abstract Physids belong to Class Gastropoda; belong to Phylum Mollusca and being bioindicators, intermediate hosts of parasites and pests hold a key position in the ecosystem. There are three species of Genus Physa i.e. P. fontinalis, Physa acuta and P. gyrina water bodies of Central Punjab and were characterized on the basis of molecular markers High level of genetic diversity was revealed by polymorphic RAPD, however SSR markers were not amplified. The multivariate analysis revealed polymorphism ranging from 9.09 percent to 50 percent among the three Physid species. Total number of 79 loci were observed for the three species under study and 24 loci were observed to be polymorphic. These RAPD fragment(s) can be developed into co dominant markers (SCAR) by cloning and can be further sequenced for the development of the Physa species specific markers to identify the introduced and native species in Pakistan.

Resumo Os físidos pertencem à classe Gastropoda; pertencem ao filo Mollusca e, sendo bioindicadores, hospedeiros intermediários de parasitas e pragas, ocupam uma posição-chave no ecossistema. Existem três espécies do gênero Physa, ou seja, P. fontinalis, Physa acuta e P. gyrina em corpos d'água do Punjab Central e foram caracterizadas com base em marcadores moleculares. Alto nível de diversidade genética foi revelado por RAPD polimórfico, no entanto os marcadores SSR não foram amplificados. A análise multivariada revelou polimorfismo variando de 9,09% a 50% entre as três espécies de Physid. Um número total de 79 loci foi observado para as três espécies em estudo e 24 loci foram observados como polimórficos. Esses fragmentos RAPD podem ser desenvolvidos em marcadores codominantes (SCAR) por clonagem e podem ser posteriormente sequenciados para o desenvolvimento de marcadores específicos da espécie Physa para identificar as espécies introduzidas e nativas no Paquistão.

CD8+ Mycosis Fungoides in Peripheral Blood; A Rare Finding

Cutaneous T cell lymphomas are mature lymphomas of T lymphocyte presenting with skin lesions and/or systemic manifestations. Majority of these cases show CD4+ phenotype and are classified as Mycosis Fungoides (MF)/Sezary syndrome (SS) spectrum.Here we present a case of 74-year-old male patient, having no known comorbid, presented in Dr. Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi OPD with complains of generalized skin lesions, itching for 2 years, generalized weakness for 4 months and no lymphadenopathy or visceromegaly. CBC showed absolute lymphocytosis and absolute eosinophilia. Some lymphocytes exhibited cerebriform nuclei. CT scan neck, chest and abdomen showed bilateral enlarged superficial inguinal lymph nodes and multiple enlarged bilateral axillary lymph nodes. Skin biopsy was inconclusive. Immunophenotyping of peripheral blood was then performed which showed an aberrant T cell population showing positivity for CD3, CD8, CD2, CD25 and negative for CD4, CD45, CD5, CD30, CD56 with variable expression of CD7. Case was finalized as CD8+ Mycosis Fungoides with peripheral blood involvement.These findings are very rare and highlight the importance of integrated approach to clinical course, morphological findings and other ancillary tests to be used in correlation with each other. These findings also highlight the diversity present in T cell malignancies in terms of immunophenotype.

Histopathological Analysis of Biopsy Cases Processed at Diagnostic Centers of PAF Faisal And Masroor Hospital - A Prospective Study

Background: Histopathological patterns help to define the orientation as well as the duration of disease. The findings identified through this tool aids in the identification and selection of treatment modality as well as provides a prognostic assessment of the condition. Methods: A prospective study design was opted for this research. A total of 221 patients from either gender, ages between 31 to 38 years, undergoing different types of surgical procedures were en rolled from the Faisal and Masroor Base Hospital, Karachi Pakistan. After receiving consent, a biopsy specimen was taken and transferred to the laboratory for staining and further processing for histopathological examination. Results: The major findings i solated among specimens constituted of samples from the Appendix; 67.87% (150/221) followed by stomach; 18.10% (40/221). Among the appendix specimens, 82% (41/221) patients were suffering from acute appendicitis and the remaining had peri - appendicitis. Ami d the stomach specimens 65% (26/221) patients were diagnosed with (Mild) Chronic Superficial Gastritis, followed by 20% (8/221) patients with H - Pylori associated (Mild) Chronic Superficial Gastritis and the remaining were normal gastric antrum and chronic gastritis with partial villous atrophy. Conclusion: By using histopathological examination, the outcome of many diseases can be determined at an earlier stage thereby assisting in lowering the levels of morbidity and mortality among the population. In our research we were able to distinguish a variety of infections among different areas/ organs of the body.

Assessment of urinary interleukin-18 in the early post-burn period to predict acute kidney injury of various degrees of burn patients

Background:Early detection of acute kidney injury (AKI) in burn-injured patients can help modify the treatment to prevent progression of acute renal failure and reduce the need for renal replacement therapy. The aim of the study was to evaluateurinary interleukin-18 in the early post-burn period to predict the AKIfor the various degrees of burn patients. Methods:This prospective observational study was conducted in the department of nephrology, Dhaka medical college in collaboration with burn and plastic surgery unit of the same medical college hospital, from July 2017 to June 2018 for a period of one year. The 48 burn patients (Age>18 years) who attended in the burn unit of Dhaka medical college, Dhaka of both sexes were enrolled in this study. Data were analyzedby using SPSS 22.0. A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant for all tests. Results:In this study, mean age of the burn patients was 32.41�.59 years. Male female ratio was 3.36:1. Urinary IL-18 in diagnosis of AKI showed accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 93.8%, 91.7%, 94.4%, 84.6% and 97.1% respectively. AUC for urinary IL-18 at admission was 0.968 (CI, 0.921-1.000) and AUC for serum creatinine at admission was0.937 (CI, 0.871-1.000).Conclusions:According to Kappa value, AUC and sensitivity and specificity urinary IL-18 is a good biomarker in predicting of early AKI in burn patients

Study of anti-diabetic, beta-carotene-bleaching inhibiting and iron chelating properties of Carissa opaca root extracts

Abstract Degenerative diseases diabetes and oxidative stress constitute a major health concern worldwide. Medicinal plants are expected to provide effective and affordable remedies. The present research explored antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of extracts of Carissa opaca roots. Methanolic extract (ME) was prepared through maceration. Its fractions were obtained, sequentially, in hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. An aqueous decoction (AD) of the finely ground roots was obtained by boiling in distilled water. The leftover biomass with methanol was boiled in water to obtain biomass aqueous decoction (BAD). The extracts and fractions showed considerable porcine pancreatic α-amylase inhibitory activity with IC50 in the range of 5.38-7.12 mg/mL while acarbose had 0.31 mg/mL. The iron chelating activity in terms of EC50 was 0.2939, 0.3429, 0.1876, and 0.1099 mg/mL for AD, BAD, ME, and EDTA, respectively. The EC50 of beta-carotene bleaching activity for AD, BAD, ME, and standard BHA were 4.10, 4.71, 3.48, and 2.79 mg/mL, respectively. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of AD and BAD were also considerable. In general, ethyl acetate fraction proved to be the most potent. Thus, the C. opaca roots had excellent antioxidant activity while having moderate α-amylase inhibitory potentia

Dosimetric analysis of intracavitary brachytherapy applicators: a practical study

Purpose@#Intracavitary brachytherapy is one of the important methods of gynecological cancer treatment. The effect of attenuation is not considered in the dose calculation method released by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Task Group No. 43 Report (TG-43). In this study, the effect of high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy applicators on dose distribution was measured using Gafchromic films and well-type ionization chamber. @*Materials and Methods@#A plan created by the treatment planning system was first executed using a well-type ionization chamber with a water equivalent elasto-gel in place for charge collection. Again, same plan was executed using central tandems of various angulations with different diameters of vaginal cylinders and charge collection was measured. For in vitro dose measurements this plan was also executed on tandem and vaginal cylinder assembly with Gafchromic films fixed on the surface of vaginal cylinder. @*Results@#The results show that the central tandem when used with different vaginal cylinders resulted in increase in effective attenuation of the beam. The central tandem of 300 angulations when used with a 35-mm diameter vaginal cylinder results in maximum attenuation whereas the 0º tandem when used with 20-mm diameter vaginal cylinder results in least attenuation of the beam. @*Conclusion@#Due to the attenuation by various applicators used in brachytherapy for the treatment of gynecological cancers, it can be concluded that the difference between practical dose and the treatment planning system calculated dose should be considered for the correct estimation of the dose to the target and the organs-at-risk.

Early Dental Implant Failure in Patient with Active Implant Periapical Lesions: Lesson Learnt from Two Case Reports

ABSTRACT@#Implant periapical lesion (IPL) is also known as retrograde peri-implantitis and as the name suggests, it involves inflammation surrounding the apical part of the dental implants. Previously, many studies have reported the event of IPL that further delays osseointegration, and some reported failure of implant placement due to this disease. In this article, we described two cases of early dental implant failure that was associated with active IPL and correlated the clinical and radiographical findings with the histopathological findings.

Mandibular pre-molars endodontic anatomy and role in sex dimorphism for Western Asia population using CBCT 3d imaging technique / Anatomía endodóntica de premolares mandibulares y papel en el dimorfismo sexual para la población de Asia Occidental utilizando la técnica de imagen 3d CBCT

SUMMARY: Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) imaging technique can be used for identifying the root canal anatomy and its use in determining sexual dimorphism. The aim of current study was to identify the commonly found root canal morphology and gender dimorphism for mandibular pre-molars in Western Asia population according to Vertucci's classification using CBCT 3D imaging technique. On ethical approval 470 patients from Western Asia population with intact healthy mandibular first and second pre-molars were included in the study. The selected patients were sent to radiology department of Riyadh Elm University, Saudi Arabia for CBCT images. The observations recorded included: i) number of roots; and ii) type of root canal morphology based on Vertucci's classification. All the mandibular first and second pre-molars had single root both in males and females. The type of Vertucci's classification commonly observed was Type I both in males (88.94 %) and females (100 %) in mandibular first pre-molars. Similarly Type I was identified as a common root canal configuration in mandibular second pre-molars for males (82.77 %) and females (100 %). The two canal configurations Type IV and V were only observed in the males. It can be concluded from the results mandibular first and second pre-molars in the Western Asia population are single rooted with common Vertucci's Type I canal configuration in the females with rare evidence of two canals in males. Additionally CBCT is an effective technique and should be used for detection of root canals in the mandibular pre-molars which can aid dentists in providing a successful endodontic therapy.

RESUMEN: La imagen de la tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT) se puede utilizar para identificar la anatomía del conducto radicular y para determinar el dimorfismo sexual. El objetivo del estudio fue identificar la morfología del conducto radicular y el dimorfismo de sexo, comúnmente encontrados en los premolares mandibulares en la población de Asia occidental, de acuerdo con la clasificación de Vertucci, utilizando la técnica de imágenes CBCT 3D. Tras la aprobación ética, se incluyeron en el estudio 470 pacientes de la población de Asia occidental con primeros y segundos premolares mandibulares sanos intactos. Los pacientes seleccionados fueron enviados al departamento de radiología de la Universidad de Riyadh Elm, Arabia Saudita, para las imágenes CBCT. Las observaciones incluyeron: i) número de raíces; y ii) tipo de morfología del conducto radicular según la clasificación de Vertucci. Se observó solamente una raíz en los primeros y segundos premolares mandibulares tanto en hombres como en mujeres. El tipo de clasificación de Vertucci comúnmente observado fue Tipo I tanto en hombres (88,94 %) como en mujeres (100 %) en los primeros premolares mandibulares. El Tipo I se identificó como una configuración común del conducto radicular en los segundos premolares mandibulares para hombres (82,77 %) y mujeres (100 %). Ambas configuraciones de canal Tipo IV y V solo se observaron en los varones. Se puede concluir a partir de los resultados de los primeros y segundos premolares mandibulares en la población de Asia occidental, que éstos tienen una sola raíz con una configuración de canal de Vertucci Tipo I común en mujeres con una evidencia de dos canales infrecuente en los hombres. La CBCT es una técnica eficaz y debe usarse para la detección de conduc- tos radiculares en los premolares mandibulares, lo que puede ayu- dar a los dentistas a proporcionar una terapia endodóntica exitosa.

Supplementation of cryoprotective extender with resveratrol decreases apoptosis index and reactive oxygen species levels in post-thaw dog sperm

Resveratrol (RSV, 3,5,4′-trihydroxytrans-stilbene) protects sperm from cryo-induced damage in various animal and human species. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of dog sperm cryoprotective extender containing RSV on the quality of post-thaw dog sperm. Sperm were collected from 4 Beagles and supplemented with different concentrations of RSV (0, 100, 200, and 400 µM). After thawing, apoptosis index, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed to determine post-thaw sperm quality. Dog sperm cryopreserved with 400 µM RSV showed significant improvement in post-thaw sperm quality with lower apoptosis index and ROS levels (p < 0.05). Our results showed that the supplementation of dog sperm cryoprotective extender with RSV at a concentration of 400 µM improved the post-thaw dog sperm quality in the term of sperm ROS production and apoptosis. In addition, we emphasize the necessity of testing the ROS levels and apoptosis index using flow cytometry to determine the quality of post-thaw semen.

Determination of Bergenin in Different Parts of Bergenia ciliata using a Validated RP-HPLC Method

Bergenia ciliata (Family: Saxifragaceae) is a folklore remedy for the treatment of various ailments in Asian countries. Bergenin (1) has been isolated as an active constituent in many studies, however, the amount of bergenin has not been determined in all parts of the plant. A simple RP-HPLC method was developed to determine the amount of bergenin in methanol extracts of leaves, rhizomes and roots of the plant. Separation was achieved on an Agilent Eclipse XDB-C18 column maintained at 25 o C using isocratic solvent system (water: methanol: acetic acid; 62.5:37:0.5 v/v/v) adjusted at pH 2 0 at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. and detected at 275 nm. Correlation coefficient (0.9952) showed linearity of concentration (5-200 μg/mL) and response. The values of LOD (0.00947 μg/mL) and LOQ (0.02869 μg/mL) indicated that method was sensitive. The recovery of bergenin was 99.99-100% indicating accuracy of method. The methanol extract of rhizomes contained higher amount of bergenin (19.4%) than roots (9.2%) and leaves (6.9%). It is concluded that methanol extract of rhizomes is a better source of bergenin than other parts of the plant. The findings are useful for standardization of bergenin containing extracts and herbal preparations.

Clinical Applications of Dual-Energy CT

Dual-energy CT (DECT) provides insights into the material properties of tissues and can differentiate between tissues with similar attenuation on conventional single-energy imaging. In the conventional CT scanner, differences in the X-ray attenuation between adjacent structures are dependent on the atomic number of the materials involved, whereas in DECT, the difference in the attenuation is dependent on both the atomic number and electron density. The basic principle of DECT is to obtain two datasets with different X-ray energy levels from the same anatomic region and material decomposition based on attenuation differences at different energy levels. In this article, we discuss the clinical applications of DECT and its potential robust improvements in performance and postprocessing capabilities.

Determination of Bergenin in Different Parts of Bergenia ciliata using a Validated RP-HPLC Method

Bergenia ciliata (Family: Saxifragaceae) is a folklore remedy for the treatment of various ailments in Asian countries. Bergenin (1) has been isolated as an active constituent in many studies, however, the amount of bergenin has not been determined in all parts of the plant. A simple RP-HPLC method was developed to determine the amount of bergenin in methanol extracts of leaves, rhizomes and roots of the plant. Separation was achieved on an Agilent Eclipse XDB-C18 column maintained at 25 o C using isocratic solvent system (water: methanol: acetic acid; 62.5:37:0.5 v/v/v) adjusted at pH 2 0 at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. and detected at 275 nm. Correlation coefficient (0.9952) showed linearity of concentration (5-200 μg/mL) and response. The values of LOD (0.00947 μg/mL) and LOQ (0.02869 μg/mL) indicated that method was sensitive. The recovery of bergenin was 99.99-100% indicating accuracy of method. The methanol extract of rhizomes contained higher amount of bergenin (19.4%) than roots (9.2%) and leaves (6.9%). It is concluded that methanol extract of rhizomes is a better source of bergenin than other parts of the plant. The findings are useful for standardization of bergenin containing extracts and herbal preparations.

Clinical Applications of Dual-Energy CT

Dual-energy CT (DECT) provides insights into the material properties of tissues and can differentiate between tissues with similar attenuation on conventional single-energy imaging. In the conventional CT scanner, differences in the X-ray attenuation between adjacent structures are dependent on the atomic number of the materials involved, whereas in DECT, the difference in the attenuation is dependent on both the atomic number and electron density. The basic principle of DECT is to obtain two datasets with different X-ray energy levels from the same anatomic region and material decomposition based on attenuation differences at different energy levels. In this article, we discuss the clinical applications of DECT and its potential robust improvements in performance and postprocessing capabilities.