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Seerat Mehdi,1 Fiaz-ud-Din Ahmad,1 Arslan Hussain Lodhi,1 Umair Khurshid,2 Ahmed Awais Khalid,1 Sheikh Safeena Sidiq,1 Liaqat Hussain,3 Mirza Shaharyar Baig1 1Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan; 2Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan; 3Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, PakistanCorrespondence: Fiaz-ud-Din Ahmad, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Khawaja Fareed Campus, Railway Road, Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan, Tel +92-320-8402376, Email fiaz.ahmad@iub.edu.pkAim: Liver regulates metabolism of biomolecules and injury of liver causes distortion of metabolic functions. This injury may be oxidative or inflammatory induced by numerous factors including alcohol, pathogens and xenobiotics. This scientific study was planned to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant potential of p-coumaric acid (p-CA) on Lipopolysaccharide/D-Galactosamine (LPS/D-GalN) induced liver injury.Methods: DPPH analysis, reducing power assay and HPLC analysis were performed during in-vitro studies of p-CA. Similarly, in-vivo experiments were performed using Wistar Albino rats. Normal control and intoxicated group received (5mL/kg normal saline p.o), standard treatment groups received ascorbic acid (100mg/kg p.o) and silymarin (25mg/kg p.o), while p-CA treatment groups received (100mg/kg p.o) for 28-days. After completion of 28-days, LPS/D-GalN injection (300 mg D-GalN/kg and 10 μg LPS/kg i.p.) was given at 6th, 12th and 24-hours to all groups except normal control group. Animals were sacrificed; serum and liver samples were harvested and subjected to biochemical and histological examinations, respectively.Results: The results revealed that p-CA possess strong antioxidant activity. Increased levels of leukocyte infiltration (TLC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBIL), lipid panel (eg TG, TC, LDL-C, VLDL-C), whereas decreased HDL-C levels noticed in LPS/D-GalN groups as compared to normal control groups. Pro-Inflammatory markers (eg TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) and lipid peroxidation marker, eg malondialdehyde (MDA) increased while superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were decreased significantly in groups treated with LPS/D-GalN. ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc analysis was used for statistical analysis of. H&E staining was done to assess architectural abnormalities among liver cells.Conclusion: In conclusion, p-CA could ameliorate LPS/D-GalN induced hepatic injury via regulation of immune responses, liver function enzymes, lipid profile, oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory markers.Keywords: p-coumaric acid, lipopolysaccharide, D-galactosamine, oxidative stress, inflammation

This study was aimed to investigate baking quality of some bread wheat and water stress. A field experiment was carried out at the fields of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad during the seasons 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. Five local cultivars and 20 entrance genotypes were planted, during first season and the best 9 genotypes for baking ability were selected and tested in the second season, under moisture depletion levels of 50, 70, and 90% of field capacity, RCBD was used for the first season, with a splitplot design for the second season, with three replications for both seasons. The levels of moisture depletion occupied the main plots and the genotypes of the sub plots. In the second season, the results showed that reducing the moisture depletion to the level of 50% of the available water produced the highest grain yield, while the 90% moisture depletion level exceeded 90% produced the highest means of the protein%. It could be concluded that the availability of the appropriate quantities of irrigation water reflected positively on grain yield and that the decrease in the quantities of irrigation water improved protein%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was aimed to study the effect of the interaction of herbicides and varieties with different types of foliar nutrition in production the highest yield for three wheat varieties. A field experiment was carried out at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad / Jadiriyah for two seasons, as the seeds of the first season were sown on 13/12/2018 and harvested on 15/5/2019, and the seeds of the second season were sown on 4/12/2019 and harvested on 10/5/2020. The randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used in the arrangement of split plots, the nutrition included the main plots, while the varieties with herbicides treatments occupied the secondary plots with three replications. The treatment of V3H3 was significantly superior in achieving the highest average in the grain yield value 4.75 and 5.10 ton h -1 for the two seasons, respectively. As for the nutrition, treatment F3 gave the highest average in the grain yield amounted to 4.74 and 4.69 ton ha-1 for the two seasons, respectively. It could be concluded that V3H3 the best treatment to compete with the weeds by giving it the highest yield. Also, It is noted that the leaves feeding treatments all led to a significant increases in the yield and some of its components despite the normal fertilization treatment was the best treatment by giving it the highest grain yield and a significant increases in two of the yield components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global landscape of radiation oncology (RO) practices and educational frameworks exhibits intriguing variations across continents, yet a comprehensive understanding of these distinctions remains elusive. Aim of this study was to investigate the diverse working styles and educational paradigms among radiation oncologists (ROs) worldwide. Comprehensive international survey, targeting ROs worldwide was conducted. It reached out to 137 ROs across 86 countries spanning Africa, North-South America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. To qualify for the survey, participants needed to be practicing ROs within academic settings. This survey, which collected responses from 2020 to 2023, included a set of 18 questions, which were designed to gather insights into various aspects of RO profession of their respective countries, including educational background and work practices. Key topics addressed in the survey encompassed: (a) perceived adequacy of RO workforce numbers, (b) overall popularity of the RO field, (c) gender distribution within the profession, specifically the proportion of female ROs, and (d) availability of residency positions in the field of RO. Responses from 103 ROs representing 71 countries were received. Geographical distribution of respondents was Africa (10), Asia (29), Europe (37), North America (1 from Canada), South America (24), and Oceania (2, both from Australia). Key findings: (a) Concerning the sufficiency of ROs; A majority of respondents from Europe (57%), Asia (62%), and Africa (75%) felt there were insufficient ROs, while data from North America and Oceania was not indicative of a trend due to low response rates. A notable exception was Mongolia, where one respondent indicated an adequate number of ROs, attributing this to the existence of a single cancer center in the country. (b) Popularity of the RO field; over half of the respondents from each continent felt that the field was not widely recognized, with the highest perception of popularity in Africa (63% responded negatively) and a combined 74% negative response rate from other continents. (c) Proportion of female Ros; This was comparatively higher in Europe and North America, with median rates of 60% and 63%, respectively, while the median rate across other continents hovered around 45%. (d) Residency positions; Seven respondents indicated the absence of official training programs in their regions or reported zero available positions—four from Asia and three from South America. The results reveal a widespread deficiency of ROs in most countries and, in some, a lack of education programs. The low popularity of RO, as pointed out by most participants, is a shared concern While similarities were observed within continents, significant differences were also noted, which were not solely attributable to the economic conditions of the respective countries, suggesting other complex factors to play in influencing the availability and recognition of RO services globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce and discussarecent type of fibrewise topological spaces, namely fibrewise soft bitopological spaces. Also, we introduce the concepts of fibrewise closed soft bitopological spaces, fibrewise open soft bitopological spaces, fibrewise locally sliceable soft bitopological spaces and fibrewise locally sectionable soft bitopological spaces. Furthermore, we state and prove several propositions concerning these concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an exploratory investigation of ectoparasites of poultry commercial broiler chicken with age ranging from 4 to 7 weeks at different seasons of the year was found to suffer from urogenital myiasis varying from 0.52- 2.62 % with an average of 1.34% infestation. Data was generated from a total 4450 broiler chicken where 60 birds were found infested with urogenital myiasis in different seasons of the year, monsoon being the most preferred one. Laboratory bred larvae completed life cycle in 13-18 days at room temperature (20.3-32°C) and relative humidity of 85%. Larvae collected from lesions were identified as Chrysomya bezziana and the adult flies were emerged from those larvae were also morphologically identical to C. bezziana. Subsequently molecular characterization of the larvae was conducted. Results of BLAST showed the query sequence having 99% similarity with C. bezziana. Possible economic impact of the urogenital myiasis in poultry has been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We documented changes in practice from 2009 to 2012 for cervical cancer brachytherapy in Canada. Methods Centres with gynecologic brachytherapy services were sent an e-mail questionnaire querying their 2012 practice. Responses are reported and compared with practice patterns identified in a similar survey for 2009. Results The response rate was 77% (24 of 31 centres). Almost all use high-dose-rate brachytherapy (92%); lowdose- rate brachytherapy has been completely phased out. Most continue to move patients from the site of applicator insertion to the radiation treatment simulation suite (75%) or to a diagnostic imaging department (29%), or both. In 2012, the imaging modalities used for dose specification were computed tomography [ct (75%)], magnetic resonance imaging [mri (38%)], plain radiography (21%), and cone-beam ct (8%). The number of institutions using mri guidance has markedly increased during the period of interest (9 vs. 1). Most respondents (58% vs. 14%) prescribed using guidelines from the Groupe Européen de Curiethérapie and the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, but they also used point A as a reference. Commonly used high-dose radiation regimens included 30 Gy in 5 fractions and 24 Gy in 3 fractions. Conclusions In Canada, image-guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer continues to evolve. Although ct-based imaging remains the most commonly used modality, many centres have adopted mri for at least 1 brachytherapy treatment. More centres are using fewer fractions and a slightly lower biologically effective dose, but are still achieving EQD2 (2-Gy equivalent) doses of 80-90 Gy in combination with external-beam radiation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Quasi-lattice model of liquid binary mixtures has been used to establish a model for calculating some thermodynamic properties of compound forming ternary liquid alloys. The effect of varying Z on the concentration fluctuations was also investigated. Results obtained for limiting case of the model are presented and compared with that obtained by Bhatia and Singh for binary liquid alloys. A framework for calculating the Warren Cowley short range order for ternary liquid alloys as a function of Z is also formulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Behcet's disease (BD) is a multisystemic disease, with vasculitic lesions in the oral and genital mucosa, eyes, joints, skin and brain. We have previously found that gammadelta T cells are increased in peripheral blood of BD patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of gammadelta T cells in oral biopsies from BD patients with special emphasis on the restriction of Vgamma and Vdelta usage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Expression of Vgamma and Vdelta chains on peripheral blood gammadelta T cells from 31 BD patients and 19 healthy controls was analysed by flow cytometry and the expression of Vgamma and Vdelta chains in nine ulcerated and eight non-ulcerated oral mucosa from BD patients and non-ulcerated oral mucosa from three healthy controls was analysed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Vgamma9 and Vdelta2 were the predominant chains expressed in peripheral blood of BD patients, although other Vgamma and Vdelta chains were also expressed. The presence of gammadelta T cells was only observed in the ulcerated oral mucosa but not in the non-ulcerated mucosa from the BD patients, and not in the non-ulcerated mucosa from the healthy controls. These gammadelta T cells showed no preferential expression of any of the Vgamma or Vdelta chains. CONCLUSION: These data suggest a polyclonal rather than oligoclonal activation of the gammadelta T cells. This may indicate that during repeated inflammation of the oral mucosa, the gammadelta T cells are responding to a wide variety of antigenic stimuli with consequent expansion of gammadelta T cells expressing various Vgamma and Vdelta chains and that different antigenic stimuli or responses may be responsible for the clinical heterogeneity of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Behcet's disease (BD) is a multisystemic disease, with vasculitic lesions in the oral and genital mucosa, eyes, joints, skin and brain. We have previously found that γ δ T cells are increased in peripheral blood of BD patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of γ δ T cells in oral biopsies from BD patients with special emphasis on the restriction of V γ and V δ usage. Patients and methods: Expression of V γ and V δ chains on peripheral blood γ δ T cells from 31 BD patients and 19 healthy controls was analysed by flow cytometry and the expression of V γ and V δ chains in nine ulcerated and eight non-ulcerated oral mucosa from BD patients and non-ulcerated oral mucosa from three healthy controls was analysed by immunohistochemistry. Results: V γ9 and V δ2 were the predominant chains expressed in peripheral blood of BD patients, although other V γ and V δ chains were also expressed. The presence of γ δ T cells was only observed in the ulcerated oral mucosa but not in the non-ulcerated mucosa from the BD patients, and not in the non-ulcerated mucosa from the healthy controls. These γ δ T cells showed no preferential expression of any of the V γ or V δ chains. Conclusion: These data suggest a polyclonal rather than oligoclonal activation of the γ δ T cells. This may indicate that during repeated inflammation of the oral mucosa, the γ δ T cells are responding to a wide variety of antigenic stimuli with consequent expansion of γ δ T cells expressing various V γ and V δ chains and that different antigenic stimuli or responses may be responsible for the clinical heterogeneity of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rectal and cervicovaginal mucosa are common routes of transmission of HIV, although the mechanism of transmission is unknown. We have investigated human rectal and cervicovaginal epithelia for the expression of complement receptors (CR) and cell adhesion molecules which may be involved in HIV and other infections. In rectal mucosa, CR3 was detected in the surface and crypt epithelial cells by immunohistology, using MoAbs to CD18 and CD11b in 10 out of 15 specimens. RNA transcripts encoding both CD11b and CD18 were also demonstrated in surface and crypt epithelial cells by in situ hybridization. Although CD11b was detected in the epithelial cells in three out of the 14 cervicovaginal specimens, we were unable to detect CD18. We suggest that expression of the CD11b/CD18 heterodimer might facilitate transmission of HIV by enhancing binding of HIV-antibody complexes in seminal fluid to epithelial cells. Alternatively, since intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a receptor for CD11b/CD18, this may promote adhesion between epithelial cells and HIV-infected mononuclear cells in seminal fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism of transmission of HIV from the male to the female genital tract or in the reverse order is not clear. CD4 glycoprotein is the receptor lot HIV and Langerhans cells and the related dendritic cells could play a role in the initial transmission of HIV. For receptors (FcR) for IgG might be involved in antibody-mediated binding of HIV. We carried out an immunohistological study of normal human cervical and vaginal epithelia for the presence of CD4+ glycoprotein. Langerhans cells and FcR to IgG, CD4+ glycoprotein was not found in the vaginal or cervical epithelium with the exception of a few endocervical epithelial cells. A small number of CD4+ mononuclear cells were found in the endocervical epithelial of a third of the specimens but a large number of CD4+ cells was found in the submucosa of most of the cervical and vaginal specimens. Langerhans cells expressing CD4, HLA class IL, FcγR2 and FcγR3 were detected in most vaginal, ectocervical and transformation zone epithelia and in 9/14 endocervicul tissues. FcγR3 was detected in about two-thirds of the columnar endocervical epithelium and the transformation zone. A smaller number of specimens expressed FcγR2 in these epithelia, but FcγR1 was not detected. We then demonstrated mRNA for FcγR3 in the columnar endocervical epithelial cells and transformation zone by in situ hybridization using a CDl6-RNA probe. FcγR3 and FcγR2 gene transcripts were also found in fetal cervical tissue by applying the polymerase chain reaction to amplify portions of the FcγRl and FcγR2 coding sequences in cDNA prepared from fetal RNA. HLA-DR was found in the endocervical cells. transformation zone and in Langerhans cells of all specimens. The presence of Langerhans cells, Fey receptors and HLA class II antigen offers three potential mechanisms for cervico-vaginal HIV transmission: (i) direct HIV infection of Langerhans cells. (ii) binding of HIV antibody complexes to cervical epithelial Fcγ receptors and (iii) binding of HIV infected CD4+ cells to cervical HLA class IT antigen which may infect these or the adjacent CD4+ cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the feeding habits of common quail (Coturnix coturnix) in rural areas of Rawalpindi, Pakistan during September 2008 to May 2009. A total of 28 birds were captured (12 males and 16 females), gizzards were removed for feeding analysis. Out of 28 samples, two gizzards were empty and the remaining 26 samples contained 84.30% plant seeds viz., millet (Pennisetum americanum; 17.9%), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor; 17.2%), ground nut leaves (Arachis hypogaea; 10%), pohli (Carthamus oxyacantha; 9.8%), swank (Echinochloa crusgalli; 8.7%), baru (Sorghum halepense; 6.6%), and sesame (Sesamum indicum; 1%). The debris and stone contents in gizzards were 10.6 and 5.20%, respectively. The results of this study indicated that plant contents represented the major food items of the common quail in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to generate an understanding of the similarities and variations in international practice patterns for stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this IRB approved study, an online survey was conducted from October to December 2023 covering general clinical and technical considerations for SABR, and common practice for 5 different anatomical NSCLC locations (table). Invitations to participate were extended through email and were distributed on social media platforms. χ2 and г tests were used. p < 0.05 was significant. Two hundred fifty-five radiation oncologists (one per institution) representing 51 countries across 6 continents completed the survey (North America (NA) 34%, Europe 32%, Asia 20%, South/Central America 7%, Oceania 5%, Africa 2%). Respondents reported treating a median of 20 NSCLC SABR patients per year. Across the 5 clinical scenarios, 58 different dose regimes were recommended. Utilization of a single fraction was significantly higher in NA centers in comparison to other regions (57% of practitioners vs. 29%, p <0.01). Two third of practices recommend BED 10Gy < 100 for one or more anatomical locations. Prescribing a BED 10Gy ≥ 100 was significantly more frequent in NA centers for ultra-central (81% vs. 55%, p <0.01) and apical (93% vs. 82%, p = 0.04) tumors. Heterogeneity corrections were used by 85% (99% in NA vs. 78% elsewhere, p = <0.01). An upper limit of the Dmax was used by 58% of participants, but this limit varied between different regions, with 86% of NA centers using upper Dmax limit at 130% Rx or higher vs. 49% of respondents elsewhere (p <0.01). The number of annual treated cases per participant was correlated with higher Dmax values (г = 0.23, p <0.01). Conversely, a 120% Rx Dmax lower limit was used by 61% of NA centers vs. only 33% elsewhere (p <0.01). CI and R50 plan evaluation metrics were used by 65% and 56% of respondents, respectively, and they were more frequently used by NA practices (80% vs. 57% and 71% vs. 48% respectively; both p <0.01). PTV coverage was less frequently compromised in NA practices than other regions when chest wall dose exceed constraints for peripherally abutting chest wall tumors (19% vs. 48%, p <0.01). Our findings demonstrate significant clinical variation in global SABR practice, particularly in dose selection, determining the desired level of plan heterogeneity "hotness" within the target, plan evaluation metrics, and PTV coverage. More data are needed to help inform prescription decisions, and international experts' consensus may be beneficial to standardize practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A better understanding of cancer awareness is crucial to allow the appropriate implementation of interventions to improve screening and diagnosis. While the incidence of prostate cancer has been reported to increase over the last decade in the Middle East, data on prostate cancer awareness in this region remains limited. Therefore, an assessment of prostate cancer awareness is critically needed. The current study addresses this urgent need by investigating the level of awareness of prostate cancer among the general public in the Middle East. A cross-sectional survey of men residing in 13 Middle Eastern countries was conducted in 2022. A validated prostate cancer awareness questionnaire was used to assess participants' knowledge on several domains of prostate cancer. Men younger than 40 years of age or history of prostate cancer were excluded from the study. A total of 4,431 men completed the survey. The median age was 49 (range, 40-81) and the majority of participants (81%) had a formal education. Most participants (90%) were married and only 30% had a family history of cancer. Most participants (84%) reported hearing about prostate cancer in the past but only 31% of the participants recognized that prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men and 22% thought that prostate cancer affects both men and women. Awareness of risk factors for prostate cancer was low: 29% of the participants recognized family history as a risk factor and 30% associated increasing age with prostate cancer. Most participants were not aware of screening, specifically only 19% of the participants knew that PSA test is used for PC screening. In terms of prognosis, participants thought that the majority of prostate cancer patients (mean, 75%) die due to their disease as opposed to old age or another cause of death. Although the Middle Eastern men are familiar with the existence of prostate cancer, they are uninformed about the disease outcomes, risk factors, and screening. Overall, these results indicate critically low levels of awareness of prostate cancer in the Middle East. Thus, there is a vital need to target this population for practical interventions to increase awareness, in addition to screening and earlier diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]