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Migraine, a primary headache disorder, is a debilitating condition with reduced productivity, increased disability, and a very high economic burden. The present study aimed to individualize the treatment protocols for episodic and chronic migraine in order to reduce the duration, frequency, and severity of attacks, as well as the disability associated with migraine by comparing monotherapy and dual therapy.

The main aim of this article is to explore the real-life problem-solving potential of the proposed Lévy flight-based chaotic gravitational search algorithm (LCGSA) for the minimization of engineering design variables of speed reducer design (SRD), three bar truss design (TBTD), and hydrodynamic thrust bearing design (HTBD) problems. In LCGSA, the diversification of the search space is carried out by Lévy flight distribution. Simultaneously, chaotic maps have been utilized for the intensification of the candidate solutions towards the global optimum. Moreover, the penalty function method has been used to deal with the non-linear and fractional design constraints. The investigation of experimental outcomes has been performed through various performance metrics like statistical measures, run time analysis, convergence rate, and box plot analysis. Moreover, statistical verification of experimental results is carried out using a signed Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Furthermore, eleven heuristic algorithms were employed for comparative analysis of the simulation results. The simulation outcomes clearly show that LCGSA provides better values for TBTD and HTBD benchmarks than standard GSA and most of the competing algorithms. Besides, all the participating algorithms, including LCGSA, have the same results for the SRD problem. On the qualitative side, LCGSA has successfully resolved entrapment in local minima and convergence issues of standard GSA.

Here, we describe a new species of Crotalaria L. discovered in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, China. The new species, Crotalariamenglaensis S.A.Rather, was confirmed by identifying diagnostic morphological characteristics, performing principal component analyses of phenotypic traits, and phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ITS and plastid mat K sequences. Phylogenetic analyses recovered the two accessions of the new species to be sister to C.bracteata Roxb. ex DC. In turn, these two species formed the sister clade to the two accessions of C.incana L. The morphometric analyses revealed that all three species were distinct, while the analyses of distinctive characters enabled unambiguous distinction of the new species by its growth habit, leaflets, flower structure and pod morphology. In contrast to the two related species, the new species is currently known only from ca. 100 mature individuals. Thus, this species is considered to be critically endangered., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Shabir A. Rather, Sirilak Radbouchoom, Kaikai Wang, Yunxue Xiao, Hongmei Liu, Harald Schneider.)

Introduction. Dextransucrase produced by Streptococcus mutans plays a vital role in the formation of dental caries by synthesizing exopolysaccharides from sucrose, which helps in the attachment of microbes to the tooth surface, causing caries. Exploring antibody production against S. mutans antigens could be an effective method to protect against dental caries. Hypothesis. Dextransucrase antibodies may help in the prevention of caries formation by inhibiting essential cariogenic factors. Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dextransucrase antibodies on biofilm formation and certain associated cariogenic factors of S. mutans . Methodology. Dextransucrase was purified from culture of S. mutans . The antisera against the enzyme were raised in rabbits. The effect of dextransucrase antibodies on biofilm formation was studied using scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The effects of the antibodies on associated cariogenic factors were examined using established methods. The cross-reactivity of antibodies with human lung, liver, heart, thyroid and kidney tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Results. Our findings showed impaired biofilm formation in S. mutans in the presence of dextransucrase antibodies. Genes associated with biofilm formation such as gtfB, gtfC, brpA, relA, Smu.630 and vicK were downregulated (50-97 %) by dextransucrase antibodies in S. mutans . The adherence of S. mutans to glass surface was reduced by 58 % and hydrophobicity was reduced by 55.2 % in the presence of the antibodies compared to the controls. Immunohistochemistry studies revealed no cross-reactivity of human tissues with dextransucrase antibodies. Conclusions. These findings suggest that antibodies raised against dextransucrase exhibit a profound inhibitory effect on biofilm formation and vital cariogenic factors of S. mutans , which supports the contention that dextransucrase could be a promising antigen to study for its anticariogenic potential.

Morphological characters currently used to differentiate Caraganaopulens as a species have been found to be insufficient and inconsistent. Through extensive research and comparisons of specimens, it has been revealed that C.opulens and its synonyms have overlapping geographical distributions, and that typification is necessary for C.opulens . Therefore, a lectotype is designated for the name C.opulens , with comments on its typification. Additionally, the current typification status is discussed for all its synonyms, accompanied by substantive notes., (Shabir A. Rather, Anand Kumar, Hongmei Liu.)

Artemisia annua L. is a medicinal plant valued for its ability to produce artemisinin, a molecule used to treat malaria. Plant nutrients, especially phosphorus (P), can potentially influence plant biomass and secondary metabolite production. Our work aimed to explore the genetic and metabolic response of A. annua to hardly soluble aluminum phosphate (AlPO 4 , AlP), using soluble monopotassium phosphate (KH 2 PO 4 , KP) as a control. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to analyze artemisinin. RNA sequencing, gene ontology (GO), and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were applied to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under poor P conditions. Results showed a significant reduction in plant growth parameters, such as plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf areas, and total biomass of A. annua. Conversely, LC-MS analysis revealed a significant increase in artemisinin concentration under the AlP compared to the KP. Transcriptome analysis revealed 762 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the AlP and the KP. GH3, SAUR, CRE1, and PYL, all involved in plant hormone signal transduction, showed differential expression. Furthermore, despite the downregulation of HMGR in the artemisinin biosynthesis pathway, the majority of genes (ACAT, FPS, CYP71AV1, and ALDH1) were upregulated, resulting in increased artemisinin accumulation in the AlP. In addition, 12 transcription factors, including GATA and MYB, were upregulated in response to AlP, confirming their importance in regulating artemisinin biosynthesis. Overall, our findings could contribute to a better understanding the parallel transcriptional regulation of plant hormone transduction and artemisinin biosynthesis in A. annua L. in response to hardly soluble phosphorus fertilizer., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Reference-guided de novo assembly of the Dalbergia congesta chloroplast genome was carried out using whole-genome sequencing data. The newly generated chloroplast genome size had a total length of 156,048 bp and a GC content of 36.1%. The plastome showed the classical quadripartite structure with two inverted repeats regions (IRs; each 25,715 bp) separating the large single-copy region (LSC; 85,456 bp) from the small single-copy region (SSC; 19,162 bp). The plastid genome contained 111 unique genes, including 77 protein-coding genes (CDS), 30 tRNAs, and 4 rRNAs. The phylogenomic analyses based on whole chloroplast genome sequences recovered Dalbergia as a distinct clade of the Papilionoideae, with Dalbergia congesta having a sister relationship to a clade comprising D. fusca and D. cultrata. The newly available plastome sequence will facilitate future genetic and conservational research aiming to protect this economically important but highly threatened legume species., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

The study aimed to compute the effective dose (E) and size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) of routine adult patients undergoing thorax and abdominal computed tomography (CT) imaging and to present their multivariate analysis. All adult thorax and abdominal CT examinations conducted from March 2022 to June 2022 were prospectively included in this study. The Water Equivalent Diameter ( D w ) and SSDE of all the examinations were computed from CT dose index volume ( CTDI vol ) and Dose length product (DLP) displayed on the dose report in the CT console. The multivariate statistical analysis was performed to investigate the correlation of SSDE and E on CTDI vol , D w area of the region of interest (ROI) ( Area ROI ), body mass index (BMI), conversion factor ( f size ) and hounsfield ( HU mean ) number in the ROI at 95% level of significance ( P < 0.05). The linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the dependence of SSDE and E on other parameters for both abdominal and thorax patients. A total number of 135 (Abdomen = 61 and Thorax = 74) measurements were performed. The mean value of effective dose for abdomen and thorax patients was found to be 7.17 ± 3.94 and 4.89 ± 2.16 mSv , respectively. The SSDE was observed to be 13.24 ± 3.61 and 13.04 ± 3.61 mGy for thorax and abdomen respectively. The multivariate analysis suggests that SSDE for abdominal CT is found significantly dependent on CTDI vol , D w and f size with P < 0.05 and E is found to be significantly dependent on DLP, Area ROI , D w and f size at 95% level of confidence for abdominal CT imaging. SSDE for thorax CT was found significantly dependent on BMI, CTDI vol , HU mean , D w and f size at 95% level of confidence. Furthermore, E was observed dependent on DLP at P < 0.05. The linear regression analysis also shows that E is strongly correlated with DLP ( r = 1.0) for both thorax and abdominal CT, further the SSDE was observed strongly correlated with CTDI vol with r = 0.79 and r = 0.86 for abdomen and thorax CT respectively. A strong correlation was observed between BMI and for D w abdominal CT imaging ( r = 0.68). The mean value of SSDE for thorax is slightly greater than abdomen. The average value of effective dose for abdomen and thorax measurements was found to be 7.17 ± 3.94 and 4.89 ± 2.16 mSv and , correspondingly. SSDE for both abdomen and thorax CT is significantly dependent on CTDI vol , D w and f size at 95% level of confidence. The strong correlation was also observed E on DLP and SSDE on CTDI vol for both Abdomen and Thorax CT. The strong dependence of D w on BMI ( r = 0.68) is due to the excessive fat concentration around the stomach and abdomen., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2023 Journal of Medical Physics.)

Intercropping cover crops with trees enhance land productivity and improves the soil’s physio-chemical properties while reducing the negative environmental impact. However, there is a lack of quantitative information on the relationships between fine root biomass and available soil nutrients, e.g., nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), especially in the rubber-Flemingia macrophylla intercropping system. Therefore, this study was initiated to explore the seasonal variation in fine root biomass and available soil nutrients at different stand ages (12, 15, and 24 years) and management systems, i.e., rubber monoculture (mono) and rubber-Flemingia macrophylla intercropping. In this study, we sampled 900 soil cores over five seasonal intervals, representing one year of biomass. The results showed that the total fine root biomass was greater in 12-year-old rubber monoculture; the same trend was observed in soil nutrients P and K. Furthermore, total fine root biomass had a significant positive correlation with available N (p < 0.001) in rubber monoculture and intercropping systems. Thus, it suggests that fine root growth and accumulation is a function of available soil nutrients. Our results indicate that fine root biomass and soil nutrients (P and K) may be determined by the functional characteristics of dominant tree species rather than collective mixed-species intercropping and are closely linked to forest stand type, topographic and edaphic factors. However, further investigations are needed to understand interspecific and complementary interactions between intercrop species under the rubber-Flemingia macrophylla intercropping system.

In the present study, chitosan (CH) based biodegradable films were developed enriched with thyme essential oil (TEO) incorporated with different additives including zinc oxide (ZnO), polyethylene glycol (PEG), nano clay (NC), and calcium chloride (CaCl 2 ) and characterize the postharvest quality of 'collard greens' during refrigerated storage. The results indicated that the incorporation of ZnO/PEG/NC/CaCl 2 in CH-based films significantly decreased water vapor transmission rate, increased tensile strength, and were water soluble and biodegradable in nature. Moreover, CH-TEO based films incorporated with ZnO/PEG/NC/CaCl 2 were significantly effective in reducing physiological weight loss, retained total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and preserved chlorophyll contents as well as showed lesser a* values, suppressed microbial growth, and preserving appearance/sensory quality of collard greens for 24 days than LDPE and other biodegradable films. Our results suggest that CH-based films enriched with TEO and additives such as ZnO/CaCl 2 /NC/PEG are an ecological, environmental friendly, and effective alternative approach to retain shelf life of collard greens during refrigerated storage., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Heavy metal (HM) contamination resulting from industrialization and urbanization during the Anthropocene along with plant invasion can severely threaten the growth and adaptation of local flora. Invasive alien plant species generally exhibit a growth pattern consistent with their functional traits in non-contaminated environments in the introduced range. However, it remains unclear whether invasive alien plants have an advantage over native plants in contaminated environments and whether this growth pattern is dependent on the adaptation of their leaf functional traits. Here, we selected two congeneric pairs of invasive alien and native grasses that naturally co-exist in China and are commonly found growing in contaminated soil. To evaluate the effect of cadmium (Cd) on the structural and physiological leaf traits, we grew all four species in soil contaminated without or with 80 mg/kg Cd. Invasive plants contained significantly higher concentrations of Cd in all three organs (leaf, stem, and root). They displayed a higher transfer factor and bioconcentration factor (BCF) of shoot and root than natives, indicating that invasive species are potential Cd hyperaccumulators. Invasive plants accumulated polyphenol oxidase (PPO) to higher levels than natives and showed similar patterns of leaf structural and physiological traits in response to changes in Cd bioconcentration. The quantifiable leaf structural traits of invasive plants were significantly greater (except for stomatal density and number of dead leaves) than native plants. Leaf physiological traits, chlorophyll content, and flavonoid content were also significantly higher in invasive plants than in natives under Cd stress conditions after 4 weeks, although nitrogen balance index (NBI) showed no significant difference between the two species. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters decreased, except for the quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII) and the proportion of open photosystem II (qP), which increased under Cd stress conditions in both species. However, invasive plants exhibited higher fluorescence parameters than natives under Cd stress, and the decrement observed in invasive plants under Cd stress was greater than that in natives. High Cd adaptation of invasive grasses over natives suggests that invasive plants possess optimal leaf structural and physiological traits, which enable them to adapt to stressful conditions and capture resources more quickly than natives. This study further emphasizes the potential invasion of alien plants in contaminated soil environments within the introduced range. To a certain extent, some non-invasive alien plants might adapt to metalliferous environments and serve as hyperaccumulator candidates in phytoremediation projects in contaminated environments., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Ilyas, Shah, Lai, Sher, Bai, Zaman, Bibi, Koul, Wani, Majrashi, Alharby, Hakeem, Wang and Rather.)

An increase in temperature and extreme heat stress is responsible for the global reduction in maize yield. Heat stress affects the integrity of the plasma membrane functioning of mitochondria and chloroplast, which further results in the over-accumulation of reactive oxygen species. The activation of a signal cascade subsequently induces the transcription of heat shock proteins. The denaturation and accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins generate cell toxicity, leading to death. Therefore, developing maize cultivars with significant heat tolerance is urgently required. Despite the explored molecular mechanism underlying heat stress response in some plant species, the precise genetic engineering of maize is required to develop high heat-tolerant varieties. Several agronomic management practices, such as soil and nutrient management, plantation rate, timing, crop rotation, and irrigation, are beneficial along with the advanced molecular strategies to counter the elevated heat stress experienced by maize. This review summarizes heat stress sensing, induction of signaling cascade, symptoms, heat stress-related genes, the molecular feature of maize response, and approaches used in developing heat-tolerant maize varieties., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 El-Sappah, Rather, Wani, Elrys, Bilal, Huang, Dar, Elashtokhy, Soaud, Koul, Mir, Yan, Li, El-Tarabily and Abbas.)

Objective: Conventional treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) like 5alpha-reductase inhibitors and invasive surgery are associated with some obvious side effects. Conversely, evidence, though limited, has shown that alternative medicines are safer and have potential to improve the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and quality of life in addition to improving sexual dysfunction in patients with BPH. The current article aimed to include an overview of BPH, different ways of its management, and particularly its appreciation in Greco-Arab (Unani) system of medicine, one of the alternative medicinal systems., Methods: PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar databases and classical texts of Greco-Arab medicine were searched for data collection., Results: In Unani system of medicine, BPH, traced under the headings of Waram unuq al-mathana (bladder neck swelling) and Insidad majra-i-mathana (bladder outlet obstruction), has been managed for centuries with herbal medicines yet demanding a comprehensive scientific validation. Among the herbs, Cucurbita pepo , Tribulus terrestris , Urtica dioica , and Linum usitatissimum are worth mentioning., Conclusion: For achieving the goal of LUTS-free ageing men, and safer and cost-effective future management of BPH, Unani herbal medicine could hopefully prove beneficial., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2022 Editorial Office of Asian Journal of Urology. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.)

Gradually rising atmospheric temperature is the vital component of the environment, which is anticipated as the riskiest abiotic stress for crop growth. Nanotechnology revolutionizing the agricultural sectors, notably, zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnO) has captured intensive research interests due to their distinctive properties and numerous applications against abiotic stresses. Mungbean ( Vigna radiata L.), being a summer crop, is grown all over the world at an optimum temperature of 28-30°C. A rise in temperature above this range, particularly during the flowering stage, can jeopardize the potential performance of the plant. Hence, an outdoor study was performed to evaluate the effect of multiple suspensions of nano-ZnO (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 mg l -1 ) on physicochemical attributes and yield of mungbean crop under heat stress. Heat stress was induced by fine-tuning of sowing time as: S1 is the optimal sowing time having day/night temperatures <40/25°C and S2 and S3 are late sown that were above >40/25°C during the flowering stage. In vitro studies on Zn release from nano-ZnO by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICPMS) disclosed that the Zn release and particles uptake from nano-ZnO were concentration-dependent. Exogenous foliar application of nano-ZnO significantly upstreamed the production of antioxidants and osmolytes to attenuate the shocks of heat stress in S2 and S3. Likewise, nano-ZnO substantially rebated the production of reactive oxygen species in both S2 and S3 that was associated with curtailment in lipid peroxidation. Adding to that, foliar-applied nano-ZnO inflates not only the chlorophyll contents and gas exchange attributes, but also the seeds per pod (SPP) and pods per plant (PPP), which results in the better grain yield under heat stress. Thus, among all the sowing dates, S1 statistically performed better than S2 and S3, although foliar exposure of nano-ZnO boosted up mungbean performance under both the no heat and heat-induced environments. Hence, foliar application of nano-ZnO can be suggested as an efficient way to protect the crop from heat stress-mediated damages with the most negligible chances of nanoparticles delivery to environmental compartments that could be possible in case of soil application., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Kareem, Saleem, Saleem, Rather, Wani, Siddiqui, Alamri, Kumar, Gaikwad, Guo, Niu and Wang.)

Drought is a major environmental threat that affects plant growth and productivity. Strategies to mitigate the detrimental impacts of drought stress on plants are under scrutiny. Nanotechnology is considered an effective tool in resolving a wide range of environmental issues by offering novel and pragmatic solutions. A pot experiment was performed to determine the efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as a foliar application (25 mg L -1 and 100 mg L -1 ) on the growth performance of cucumber subjected to drought stress. Applied ZnO NPs under normal conditions resulted in significant growth and biomass enhancement while reducing drought-induced decline. Photosynthetic pigments, photosynthesis, and PSII activity enhanced due to ZnO NPs application, attaining maximal values at 100 mg L -1 of ZnO NPs. Drought stress restricted growth and biomass buildup in cucumber seedlings by stimulating oxidative stress, which was manifested to excessive buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and peroxidation, thereby decreasing membrane functioning. Plants exposed to ZnO NPs exhibited a reduction in ROS accumulation and lipid peroxidation. The substantial reduction in oxidative damage was manifested with the enhancement of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant components. The phenol and mineral contents were reduced due to drought stress. In addition, the content of proline, glycine betaine, free amino acids, and sugars increased due to ZnO NPs under normal and drought conditions. Furthermore, the drought-induced decline in the content of phenol and mineral nutrients was mitigated by ZnO NPs foliar application. These findings reveal that exogenous ZnO NPs application may be a pragmatic option in dealing with the drought stress of cucumber seedlings., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented realities into the medical field is being attempted by various researchers across the globe. As a matter of fact, most of the advanced technologies utilized by medical providers today have been borrowed and extrapolated from other industries. The introduction of AI into the field of hepatology and liver surgery is relatively a recent phenomenon. The purpose of this narrative review is to highlight the different AI concepts which are currently being tried to improve the care of patients with liver diseases. We end with summarizing emerging trends and major challenges in the future development of AI in hepatology and liver surgery., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (©The Author(s) 2021. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Three types of honeys viz. Robinia pseudoacacia (RSA), Plectranthus rugosus (PR) and multifloral honey (MF) from Kashmir Himalayas of India were characterized on the basis of physicochemical, antioxidant and FTIR-ATR spectroscopic features. The physicochemical parameters indicated that ash content, electrical conductivity, redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) were higher in MF honey, moisture content, Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and lightness (L*) in PR honey and Water activity (a w ) and proline content in RSA honey ( P  ≤ 0.05). Significantly higher values of total sugar, total reducing sugar and sucrose content was observed in MF honey ( P  ≤ 0.05). The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids, ferric reducing antioxidant power and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazy-IC 50 (DPPH- IC 50 ) free radical scavenging activity showed that MF honey had significantly higher antioxidant activity ( P  ≤ 0.05). ATR-FTIR analysis demonstrated that the absence of peaks at broad band around 1653.454-1637.656 cm -1 in MF honey, 1185.989-1153.072 cm -1 and 918.570-916.544 cm -1 wavenumbers in PR honey thus clearly discriminating different types of honeys. The results revealed that physico-chemical, antioxidant and spectroscopic characteristics of honey types vary with geographic origin and their floral sources and MF honey have a high therapeutic potential., (© Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India) 2021.)

By facilitating the chemical conversion of thiols to thiosulfonates, phosphoramidite/phosphite bearing sp 3 -hybridized carbon serves as an ideal coupling material to forge new connections at room temperature. In this work, a functional group-induced, additive-free, novel, S-P bond-forming approach is presented. This protocol exhibits good functional group tolerance with wide applications that include phosphorylation of cysteine derivatives, development of a one-pot approach to mixed unsymmetrical thiophosphonates, and extension of the concept to different Se-P bonds. Meticulously, our reaction also generated a S-P bond against cyclic 1,2-dithiane-1-dioxide in a byproduct-free manner. These Michaelis-Arbuzov-type reactions are easy to conduct, work efficiently in a reduced reaction time, and are applicable to gram-scale preparation as well.

Streptococcus mutans is a common principal causative agent of dental caries. In this communication, we describe that the antibodies raised against purified dextransucrase effectively inhibited the growth of S. mutans. The purified enzyme showed 58-fold enrichment, 17.5% yield and a specific activity of 3.96 units/mg protein. Purified IgG fraction of the antibody showed significant affinity with the antigenic protein. Immunotritation of the enzyme with dextransucrase antibody showed a gradual increase in inhibition of dextransucrase activity. The growth of S. mutans was also inhibited by 85% in the presence of 28 μg of IgG fraction of the antibody. Antibodies also impaired glucosyltransferase activity (72.8%) and biofilm formation by 92.6% in S. mutans. Western blot analysis revealed no cross reactivity with the various tissues of mice, rat, rabbit and humans. Dot blot analysis showed little reactivity with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Staphylococcus aureus and there was no reactivity with other bacterial strains like Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. These findings suggest that antibody raised against dextransucrase exhibit inhibitory effects on the growth of S. mutans and biofilm formation with no reactivity with various mammalian tissues, thus it could be an effective anticariogenic agent.

Dextransuccrase (E.C 2.4.1.5) is a key enzyme in S. mutans for the metabolism of sucrose which helps in the adherence and accumulation of bacteria on tooth surface leading to the formation of dental caries. Dextransuccrase resembles in its catalytic properties with the brush boarder sucrase and exhibits pH dependent inhibitory and stimulatory effects in response to Na + . In this communication we studied the effect of monovalent cations on the activity of dextransuccrase from S. mutans . The percentage inhibition of dextransuccrase was 65% at 0.5 mM NaCl which enhanced to 90% at 20 mM sodium concentration. However there was no effect on dextransucrase activity in presence of other monovalent cations (Rb + , Cs + , and K + ) tested. Enzyme activity was enhanced 20-24% in acidic pH but was strongly inhibited (59-89%) around neutral and alkaline pH by 0.5-2.0 mM sodium chloride. Upon dialysis, 86% of enzyme activity was restored to control values. There was no effect of 2 mM NaCl on glucosyltransferase activity of the enzyme. Kinetic studies revealed that enzyme showed biphasic effects in response to Na + ions. At acidic pH the enzyme exhibited mixed type of activation affecting both Vmax and Km, while in alkaline pH, the enzyme showed V- type effect reducing Vmax by 74% without affecting Km. The effects of sodium ions on dextransuccrase activity were specific, thus it can be useful to block its catalytic activity, and reducing the cariogenic potential of S. mutans., Competing Interests: All authors who contributed substantially to the work and participated in the writing of the manuscript, have seen and approved the revised version of this article and no part of the work has been published before. All authors declare that there is no conflict of interest with the contents of this article., (© 2019 Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Risk of massive intraoperative hemorrhage and the difficulty to control it makes the laparoscopic treatment of giant hepatic hemangiomas (GH) a challenge for minimally invasive hepatobiliary surgeons. Symptomatic GHs of more than 20 cm (extremely giant hepatic hemangiomas) are typically treated with an open resection. There is a paucity of literature on laparoscopic resection of extremely giant hepatic hemangiomas. We describe (with video), here, the technical nuances of pure laparoscopic resection of an extremely giant hepatic hemangioma using modified port positions and the anterior approach.

A series of oxo-phenylacetyl (OPAc)-protected saccharides, with divergent base sensitivity profiles against benzoyl (Bz) and acetyl (Ac) were synthesized, and KHSO 5 /AcCl in methanol was identified as an easy, mild, selective, and efficient deprotecting reagent for their removal in the perspective of carbohydrate synthesis. Timely monitoring of AcCl reagent was supportive in both sequential and simultaneous deprotecting of OPAc, Bz, and Ac. The salient feature of our method is the orthogonal stability against different groups, its ease to generate different valuable acceptors using designed monosaccharides, and use of OPAc as a glycosyl donar.

Two new species of Fabaceae-Papilionoideae are described and illustrated. Crotalaria suffruticosa from Karul Ghat region of Maharashtra is morphologically close to C. albida and C. epunctata. C. multibracteata from Panhala region of Maharashtra resembles C. vestita. C. suffruticosa differs from C. albida and C. epunctata in its habit, leaf, inflorescence, callosity, keel type, stigma, style morphology and number of seeds/pod. To test if the new species differ from their morphologically most similar species, we measured various traits and performed a Principal Component Analysis (PCA). This analysis shows that the new species differs from similar species in gross morphology for several diagnostic traits and showed correlations between the variables or distance among groups and estimated the contribution of each character. Phylogenetic analyses were also conducted based on nuclear (ITS) and plastid (matK) markers. The analyses revealed nucleotide differences between the new species and their close allies attributing to their distinctiveness. A map and key including all species of Crotalaria from Maharashtra state are provided. Conservation status of the two new species have also been assessed.

Vascular complications continue to have a devastating effect on liver transplantation recipients, even though their nature, incidence, and outcome might have actually changed with increasing experience and proficiency in high-volume centers. The aim of this study was to analyze the trends observed in vascular complications with changing protocols in adult and pediatric living donor liver transplantation over 10 years in 2 time frames in terms of nature, incidence, and outcome. It is a retrospective analysis of 391 (group 1, January 2006 to December 2010) and 741 (group 2, January 2011 to October 2013) patients. With a minimum follow-up of 2 years, incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) in adults has reduced significantly from 2.2% in group 1 to 0.5% in group 2 (P = 0.02). In group 2, nonsignificantly, more adult patients (75% with HAT) could be salvaged compared with only 25% patients in group 1 (P = 0.12). However, HAT in children had 100% mortality. Incidence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in complicated transplants in 2 eras remained the same (P = 0.2) and so has its mortality. The thrombosis rate of the neo-middle hepatic vein was significantly reduced in group 2 (P = 0.01). The incidence of HAT, particularly in adults, has decreased significantly though PVT has continued to puzzle surgeons in complicated transplants. In high-volume centers, increasing proficiency, technical modifications, early diagnosis, and multimodality of treatment is the key to decrease overall morbidity and mortality due to vascular complications. Liver Transplantation 23 457-464 2017 AASLD., (© 2016 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.)

Lung cancer is the most common malignancy throughout the world. Non-small cell lung carcinoma is the most common type and squamous cell type is the most common in India. Patients mostly present with chest related symptoms and signs. Isolated skeletal muscle metastasis (ISMM) is rarely seen. We describe a patient who presented with ISMM and hypercalcemia without any pulmonary symptoms., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) coatings alone and in combination with gamma irradiation was tested for maintaining the storage quality, inhibiting fungal incidence and extending shelf-life of cherry fruit. Two commercial cherry varieties viz. Misri and Double after harvest at commercial maturity were coated with CMC at levels 0.5-1.0 % w/v and gamma irradiated at 1.2 kGy. The treated fruit including control was stored under ambient (temperature 25 ± 2 °C, RH 70 %) and refrigerated (temperature 3 ± 1 °C, RH 80 %) conditions for evaluation of various physico-chemical parameters. Fruits were evaluated after every 3 and 7 days under ambient and refrigerated conditions. CMC coating alone at levels 0.5 and 0.75 % w/v was not found effective with respect to mold growth inhibition under either of the two conditions. Individual treatment of CMC coating at 1.0 % w/v and 1.2 kGy irradiation proved helpful in delaying the onset of mold growth up to 5 and 8 days of ambient storage. During post-refrigerated storage at 25 ± 2 °C, RH 70 %, irradiation alone at 1.2 kGy gave further 4 days extension in shelf-life of cherry varieties following 28 days of refrigeration. All combinatory treatments of CMC coating and irradiation proved beneficial in maintaining the storage quality as well as delaying the decaying of cherry fruit during post-refrigerated storage at 25 ± 2 °C, RH 70 % but, combination of CMC at 1.0 % w/v and 1.2 kGy irradiation was found significantly ( p  ≤ 0.05) superior to all other treatments in maintaining the storage quality and delaying the decaying of cherry fruit. The above combinatory treatment besides maintaining storage quality resulted in extension of 6 days in shelf life of cherry varieties during post-refrigerated storage at 25 ± 2 °C, RH 80 % following 28 days of refrigeration. Above Combination treatment gave a maximum of 2.3 and 1.5 log reduction in yeast and mold count of cherry fruits after 9 and 28 days of ambient and refrigerated storage, thereby ensuring consumer safety.

Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate, anti-obesity effect of Aloe vera (AV), and Gymnema sylvestre (GS) whole extract powders administration to high-fat diet (HFD) fed C57BL/6J mice for 12 weeks., Materials and Methods: At the end of experiment, different parameters such as body weight, feed intake, organ weights, fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, plasma lipid levels, and expression analysis of adipocytokines were evaluated., Results: At the end of experimental period, oral administration of both herbs showed a significant ( P < 0.05 and P < 0.001) decrease in the plasma glucose and lipid levels in HFD fed mice. In addition, increased in the epididymal fat (E. fat) weight in the HFD group was significantly ( P < 0.05) reduced on GS administration alone. Finally, quantitative mRNA expression analysis of adiponectin gene was significantly up-regulated in AV supplementation. Further, no effect was observed with the both herbs on pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor-a) in the E. fat tissue of HFD fed group., Conclusions: The anti-obesity and other metabolic studies depend on the type of diet, different parts of herbal extractions, and animal models used. Further studies are required in this area to strengthen the anti-obesity effects of herbs with active component, and it can be used a pro-drug instead of whole extract., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: None declared.

The physicochemical, oxidative, texture and microstructure properties were evaluated for low fat meat emulsions containing varying levels of guar/xanthan gum mixture (1:1 ratio) as a fat substitute. Partial replacement of fat with guar/xanthan gum resulted in higher emulsion stability and cooking yield but lower penetration force. Proximate composition revealed that high fat control had significantly higher fat and lower moisture content due to the difference in basic formulation. Colour evaluation revealed that low fat formulations containing gum mixture had significantly lower lightness and higher yellowness values than high fat control formulation. However non-significant difference was observed in redness values between low fat formulations and the high fat control. The pH values of the low fat formulations containing gum mixture were lower than the control formulations (T0 and TC). The MetMb% of the high fat emulsion formulation was higher than low fat formulations. The significant increase of TBARS value, protein carbonyl groups and loss of protein sulphydryl groups in high fat formulation reflect the more oxidative degradation of lipids and muscle proteins during the preparation of meat emulsion than low fat formulations. The SEM showed a porous matrix in the treatments containing gum mixture. Thus, the guar/xanthan gum mixture improved the physicochemical and oxidative quality of low fat meat emulsions than the control formulations.

Milk proteins were hydrolyzed by papain and their effect on the rheological, textural and sensory properties of bread were investigated. Water absorption capacity, emulsification capacity, foam volume, foam stability and solubility of Whey and casein protein concentrates and their hydrolysates were determined. The farinograph parameters of wheat flour and blends of wheat flour with casein and whey protein and their hydrolysates were determined to evaluate changes in water absorption capacity, dough development time, dough stability time and mixing tolerance index. The incorporation of WPC, casein and their hydrolysates up to the level of 5 % showed dough properties comparable to control. It was also found that 5 % level incorporation of milk proteins and their hydrolysates have no drastic effect on physical and sensory attributes of bread. The pasting properties showed significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) when compared with wheat flour at all levels of addition of whey and casein protein concentrates and hydrolysates. Scanning electron microscopy of bread samples shows disruption in the well-defined protein - starch complex of wheat flour bread and the structure of gluten was weak as the concentration of whey protein increases in the wheat flour bread.

Goshtaba is a restructured meat product of Kashmiri wazwan prepared from meat emulsion with added fat (20 %), salt, spices and condiments and cooked in the curd. The present study was undertaken for the development of low fat goshtaba with the addition of xanthan gum as a fat replacer and was evaluated for proximate composition, pH, colour, lipid and protein oxidation, texture, microstructure and sensory properties. Low fat goshtaba formulations containing xanthan gum were higher in protein and moisture contents but, lower in fat content and pH value than the high fat control (p < 0.05). Colour evaluation revealed that high fat goshtaba had significantly higher L* value, but lower a* value than its low fat counterparts (p < 0.05). The significant decrease of TBARS values, protein carbonyls and loss of protein sulphydryl groups in low fat goshtaba formulations reflects the potential antioxidant activity of xanthan gum (p < 0.05). Hardness was significantly higher in high fat control but, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness did not show any significant difference. Springiness increased with the increasing concentration of xanthan gum (0.5-1.5 %) and was higher in low fat product containing 1.5 % xanthan gum. SEM results indicate that xanthan gum lead to formation of an additional gel network which holds more water. Sensory evaluation revealed that goshtaba product with 0.5 % xanthan gum had quality characteristics that were similar to the control product containing 20 % fat.

Aim: To compare the profile of postoperative outcome in secondary peritonitis with sepsis due to complicated appendicitis in two cohorts (drainage vs no-drainage) after appendicectomy in adults in the modern era of effective antibiotics., Methods: A retrospective review of all adult patients who were operated for secondary peritonitis with sepsis due to complicated appendicitis was carried out. Total of 209 patients were identified from May 2005 to April 2009 with operative findings of gangrenous or perforated appendix. The patients were divided into two cohorts, those where prophylactic drainage was established (n = 88) and those where no drain was used (n = 121). Abdominal drain was removed once the drainage ceased or decreased (< 10-20 mL/d in closed system of drainage or when once daily dressing was minimally soaked in open system). Broad spectrum antibiotics to cover the gut flora were started in both cohorts at diagnosis and were stopped once septic features resolved. Peritoneal fluid for aerobic culture and sensitivity were routinely obtained intra operatively; however antibiotic regimens were not changed unless patient failed to respond to the antibiotics based on the institutional protocol. The co-morbidities and their influence on primary end points were noted. Immunocompromised patients, appendicitis complicated by inflammatory bowel disorder and tumors were excluded from the study., Results: Disease stratification and other demographic features were comparable in both cohorts. There was zero mortality in drainage group while as one patient (0.82%) died in the non-drainage group. The median duration (in days) of hospital stay (6.5 vs 4); antibiotic use (5 vs 3.5); regular parental analgesic use (5 vs 3.5) and paralytic ileus (2.5 vs 2) was more common in the drainage group. Incidence of major wound infection in patients 14 (15.9%) vs 22 (18.18%) and residual intra-abdominal sepsis (inter loop collection/abscess) -7 (8%) vs 13 (10.74%) requiring secondary intervention was not significantly different in drainage and non-drainage cohorts respectively. One patient in the drainage cohort had faecal fistula (1.1%)., Conclusion: The complicated appendicitis in the modern era of antibiotics does not necessitate the use of prophylactic drain placement which at times may even prove counterproductive.

Aim: To determine the long-term results of choledochodudenostomy in patients with benign billiary obstruction., Methods: This prospective study was conducted at Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Srinagar Kashmir, India over a period of 10 years from January 1997 to December 2007. The total number of patients who underwent choledochoduodenostomy during this period was 270. On the basis of etiology of biliary tract obstruction, patients were divided into a calculus group, an oriental cholangiohepatitis group, a benign biliary stricture group and others. Patients were followed for a variable period of 13 mo to 15 years., Results: Choledochoduodenostomy (CDD) with duo-denotomy was performend in four patients. CDD with removal of T- tube, CDD with left hepatic lobectomy and CDD with removal of intra biliary ruptured hydatid was performed in three patients each. In the remaining patients only CDD was performed. Immediate post operative complications were seen in 63 (23%) patients, while long-term complications were seen in 28 (11%) patients, which were statistically significant. Three patients died during hospitalization while four patients died in the late post-operative period., Conclusion: Our conclusion is that CDD is safe and produces good long term results when a permanent biliary drainage procedure is required.

Jejunogastric intussusception (JGI) is a rare but serious complication of previous gastrectomy or gastrojejunostomy, and a delayed diagnosis can lead to catastrophe. It can present as hematemesis, and an endoscopist aware of the condition can diagnose it early. We present a case of JGI presenting as hematemesis and diagnosed as tumor bleed on endoscopy. Diagnosis of JGI was confirmed on laparotomy, gangrenous efferent limb was resected and a fresh gastrojejunostomy performed.

Aim: To compare the results of subcutaneous internal lateral sphincterotomy under local anesthesia and nitroglycerin ointment treatments in acute and chronic anal fissures., Methods: This was a comparative, prospective study of 340 patients of acute and chronic anal fissure. The patients voluntarily opted either for the surgical procedure under local anesthesia, or the nitroglycerin treatment. All the patients were followed with regular checkups and complaints were documented., Results: Except for 1.75% patients having bleeding/hematoma formation, and with a dropout of 2.60% patients, no failure, recurrence or long term complications like incontinence, were observed in patients who underwent subcutaneous internal lateral sphincterotomy after a mean follow up of 28 months. With surgical treatment pain, bleeding per rectum and constipation showed significant improvement as compared to nitroglycerin treatment. Fissure healing was 100% in surgical group as compared to 56.90% in medical group (P=0.000, odds ratio=344.6). Nitroglycerin was equally effective in acute and chronic fissures (P=0.096)., Conclusion: Subcutaneous internal lateral sphincterotomy under local anesthesia is more curative, easy and safe, in the hands of a beginner as well as an experienced surgeon, with highest patient satisfaction, and should be considered as the first line of therapy in both chronic and resistant/recurrent acute anal fissures., (Copyright 2010 Surgical Associates Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Dandruff called Huzaz/Abria in Unani medicine is a common ailment in the world with easy options of treatment. Most of the treatment options have ignored the cosmetic aspect of hair. Unani medicine has got a vast array of drug formulation to evaluate the efficacy of Unani pharmacopoeal formulation in mild form of seborrhic dermatitis of scalp (dandruff). Its efficacy was compared with standard drug (2% ketakonazole shampoo). Patients were enrolled after ethical clearance and informed consent in the study. 30 patients were treated with Unani formulation and 20 patients with the standard drug. The assessment of various parameters like Itching, Scalp shedding, Erythema, Hair frizz, Hair combing ease, and Hair smoothness was made before and after 30 days. The assessments of the parameters were analyzed and compared using appropriate statistical tests. The study revealed that Unani formulation was equally effective as standard drug and the hair comesis was better than the standard drug as seen clinically, but was not statistically significant (p=0.576).