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Context: Permanent pacemaker insertion is a recognised mode of therapy for cardiac arrhythmias. The procedure is carried our regularly at the Cardiac Catheterization laboratory of Madras Medical Mission India. Aims: This study reviewed the associated morbidity and complications of cardiac pacemaker insertions carried out over fifteen years. Settings and Design: This study was carried out in the Cardiac Electrophysiology department, of the Institute of Cardiovascular diseases, Madras Medical Mission, India. The study was retrospective. Material and methods: Data was collected when previously paced patients presented for cardiac interrogation between January to July of 2013. The patients had undergone implantation over the preceding fifteen years. 501 consecutive cases were chosen for analysis.The data obtained was analysed using SPSS statistical software version 15. Results: The 501 patients had been on pacemaker for variable durations. They comprised 321 males and 180 females. A variety of complications were observed in 33 (6.58%) patients but there was no procedure-related mortality. Conclusions: Pacemakers were generally well tolerated. Majority of patients were asymptomatic and the rate of complications is 6.58%.

This investigation explores the analytical solutions to the time-fractional multi-dimensional Navier–Stokes (NS) problem using advanced approaches, namely the Aboodh residual power series method and the Aboodh transform iteration method, within the context of the Caputo operator. The NS equation governs the motion of fluid flow and is essential in fluid dynamics, engineering, and atmospheric sciences. Given the equation’s extensive and diverse applicability across several disciplines, we are motivated to conduct a thorough analysis to understand the complex dynamics associated with the nonlinear events it describes. For this purpose, we effectively handle the challenges posed by fractional derivatives by utilizing the Aboodh approach. This will enable us to obtain accurate analytical approximations for the time fractional multi-dimensional NS equation. By conducting thorough analysis and computational simulations, we provide evidence of the efficiency and dependability of the suggested methodologies in accurately representing the dynamic behavior of fractional fluid flow systems. This work enhances our comprehension of the utilization of fractional calculus in fluid dynamics and provides valuable analytical instruments for examining intricate flow phenomena. Its interdisciplinary nature ensures that the findings are applicable to various scientific and engineering fields, making the research highly versatile and impactful.

A numerical framework is established for a two-dimensional steady flow of the magnetized Jeffery fluid model over elongated/shrinking sheets, with potential applications such as coating sheets, food products, fiber optics, drilling fluids, and the manufacturing processes of thermoplastic polymers. The model also demonstrates the influence of chemical reaction, magnetic field, and stability analysis which provide a novel contribution to this study. To ensure the ease and effectiveness of this analysis, we transform the set of difference equations governing the system into ordinary equations using the similarity transformation. The reliability of the solution is examined by using stability analysis. The Navier–Stokes equations have been transformed into self-similar equations by adopting appropriate similarity transformations and subsequently solved numerically using the bvp4c (three-stage Labatto-three-A formula) approach. The comparison between the derived asymptotic solutions and previously documented numerical results is quite remarkable. The self-similar equations display a duality of solutions within a limited range of the shrinking parameter, as observed from the data. For each stretching scenario, there is a unique solution. Hence, an examination of temporal stability has been conducted through linear analysis to establish the most fundamentally viable solution. The determination of stability in the analysis is based on the sign of the smallest eigenvalue, which indicates whether a solution is unstable or stable. The analysis of stability reveals that the first solution, which describes the primary flow, remains stable. Through the utilization of graphs, we thoroughly examine and discuss the influence of emerging factors. The numerical results obtained from this analysis demonstrate multiple solutions within a certain range of M1≥Mci{M}_{1}\ge {M}_{{ci}}, i=1,2,3i=1,2,3, and no solution in the range M1

This article presents a new approach for solving the fuzzy fractional Degasperis–Procesi (FFDP) and Camassa–Holm equations using the iterative transform method (ITM). The fractional Degasperis–Procesi (DP) and Camassa–Holm equations are extended from the classical DP and Camassa–Holm equations by incorporating fuzzy sets and fractional derivatives. The ITM is a powerful technique widely used for solving nonlinear differential equations. This approach transforms the fuzzy fractional differential equations into a series of ordinary differential equations, which are then solved iteratively using a recursive algorithm. Numerical simulations demonstrate the proposed approach’s accuracy and effectiveness. The results show that the ITM provides an efficient and accurate method for solving the FFDP and Camassa–Holm equations. The proposed method can be extended to solve other fuzzy fractional differential equations.

This study demonstrates the use of fractional calculus in the field of epidemiology, specifically in relation to dengue illness. Using noninteger order integrals and derivatives, a novel model is created to examine the impact of temperature on the transmission of the vector–host disease, dengue. A comprehensive strategy is proposed and illustrated, drawing inspiration from the first dengue epidemic recorded in 2009 in Cape Verde. The model utilizes a fractional-order derivative, which has recently acquired popularity for its adaptability in addressing a wide variety of applicable problems and exponential kernel. A fixed point method of Krasnoselskii and Banach is used to determine the main findings. The semi-analytical results are then investigated using iterative techniques such as Laplace-Adomian decomposition method. Computational models are utilized to support analytical experiments and enhance the credibility of the results. These models are useful for simulating and validating the effect of temperature on the complex dynamics of the vector–host interaction during dengue outbreaks. It is essential to note that the research draws on dengue outbreak studies conducted in various geographic regions, thereby providing a broader perspective and validating the findings generally. This study not only demonstrates a novel application of fractional calculus in epidemiology but also casts light on the complex relationship between temperature and the dynamics of dengue transmission. The obtained results serve as a foundation for enhancing our understanding of the complex interaction between environmental factors and infectious diseases, leading the way for enhanced prevention and control strategies to combat global dengue outbreaks.

In this research, we use the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) combined with the Elzaki transform to investigate the fractional Biswas–Milovic equation (BME) within the framework of the Caputo operator. The fractional BME is a significant mathematical model with applications in various scientific and engineering fields, including physics, biology, and chemistry. However, its fractional nature introduces analytical complexities. By integrating the HPM with the Elzaki transform, we aim to provide an effective approach for obtaining accurate solutions to this equation. The combination of these mathematical techniques allows us to explore the behavior of the fractional BME in a comprehensive manner. The research outcomes are supported by numerical results and comparisons, demonstrating the reliability and efficiency of the proposed methodology. This study contributes to advancing the tools for solving fractional equations and enhances our understanding of the intricate dynamics described by the fractional BME.

In this article, we propose a novel new iteration method and homotopy perturbation method (HPM) along with the Elzaki transform to compute the analytical and semi-analytical approximations of fractional Airy’s-type partial differential equations (FAPDEs) subjected to specific initial conditions. A convergent series solution form with easily commutable coefficients is used to examine and compare the performance of the suggested methods. Using Maple graphical method analysis, the behavior of the estimated series results at various fractional orders ς\varsigma and its modeling in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) spaces are compared with actual results. Also, detailed descriptions of the physical and geometric implications of the calculated graphs in 2D and 3D spaces are provided. As a result, the obtained solutions of FAPDEs that are subject to particular initial values quite closely match the exact solutions. In this way, to solve FAPDEs quickly, the proposed approaches are considered to be more accurate and efficient.

The human immunodeficiency virus, which attacks the immune system and especially targets CD4 cells that are crucial for immunological defense against infections, is the cause of the severe illness known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This condition has the potential to take a patient’s life. Understanding the dynamics of AIDS and evaluating potential methods of prevention and treatment have both significantly benefited from the use of mathematical modeling. This research article proposes a unique technique that solves a model system of differential equations representing diverse populations, such as susceptible populations, acute populations, asymptomatic populations, and symptomatic populations or populations with AIDS. The method uses an artificial neural network (ANN) to do this. A specific Caputo–Fabrizio derivative is included in the suggested method to validate the system’s stability via the use of Krassnoselskii’s and Banach’s fixed-point approach in combination with the exponential kernel. In order to solve the differential equations and get the required data, the Laplace Adomian Decomposition (LAD) technique is used. Training the ANN involves obtaining simulated data from LAD and doing it within the context of a supervised learning framework. The performance of the ANN is assessed by comparing its predicted solutions to the LAD solutions. This allows for the calculation of the average error for each of the system’s functions. This study presents a potentially useful computational tool for understanding the dynamics of AIDS and delivering important insights into the design of new prevention and treatment methods.

Momentum and heat transmission influence the coated physical characteristics of wire product. As a result, understanding the polymeric movement and heat mass distribution is crucial. An increase in thermal efficiency is necessary for the wire covering technology. So, the aim of this work is to investigate the influence of nanomaterials on the heat and mass transport processes in wire coating analyses. A thin film nanofluid is used to investigate heat and mass transfer in three dimensions over a rotating inclined disc. Both the suction and injection effects of nanofluids and the thermal radiation of their fluxes are taken into account. By employing similarity variables, the set of governing equations can be transformed into a differential equation system. The necessary differential equation system is solved using the Haar wavelet collocation method. Plots and observations of the velocity distribution, concentration, and thermal fields within the boundary layer across an inclining, steadily rotating plane are made. Flow characteristics change as a result of varying embedded factors such as S,Sc,Nb,Pr,S,{\rm{Sc}},{N}_{{\rm{b}}},\Pr , and thermophoretic parameters. Evidence suggests that as the number of rotation parameters grows, the thermal boundary layer weakens.

In this study, we use a dual technique that combines the Laplace residual power series method (LRPSM) and the new iteration method, both of which are combined with the Caputo operator. Our primary goal is to solve two unique but difficult partial differential equations: the foam drainage equation and the nonlinear time-fractional Fisher’s equation. These equations, which are crucial in modeling complex processes, confront analytical complications, owing to their fractional derivatives and nonlinear behavior. We develop exact and efficient solutions by merging these unique methodologies, which are supported by thorough figures and tables that demonstrate the precision and trustworthiness of our methodology. We not only shed light on the solutions to these equations, but also demonstrate the prowess of the LRPSM and the new iteration method as powerful tools for grappling with complex mathematical and physical models, significantly contributing to advancements in various scientific domains.

This investigation explores two numerical approaches: the optimal auxiliary function method (OAFM) and the new iterative method (NIM). These techniques address the physical fractional-order Klein-Gordon equations (FOKGEs), a class of partial differential equations (PDEs) that model various physical phenomena in engineering and diverse plasma models. The OAFM is a recently introduced method capable of efficiently solving several nonlinear differential equations (DEs), whereas the NIM is a well-established method specifically designed for solving fractional DEs. Both approaches are utilized to analyze different variations in FOKGE. By conducting numerous numerical experiments on the FOKGE, we compare the accuracy, efficiency, and convergence of these two proposed methods. This study is expected to yield significant findings that will help researchers study various nonlinear phenomena in fluids and plasma physics.

This study examines the heat transfer properties of a recently created hybrid nanofluid in contrast to a traditional nanofluid. The aim is to improve the transfer of heat in the flow of the boundary layer by employing this novel hybrid nanofluid. Our study investigates the impact of the Lorentz force on a three-dimensional stretched surface. We utilize a new model that incorporates thermo-physical factors. A quantitative parametric study is performed to investigate the influence of different physical parameters, enabling meaningful comparisons. The results demonstrate that the hybrid nanofluid exhibits a higher heat transfer rate compared to the conventional fluid, even in the presence of a magnetic field. Moreover, the efficiency of heat transfer can be enhanced by modifying the concentration of nanoparticles in the hybrid nanofluid.

The optimal auxiliary function method (OAFM) is introduced and used in the analysis of a nonlinear system containing coupled Schrödinger–KdV equations, all within the framework of the Caputo operator. The OAFM, known for its efficiency in solving nonlinear issues, is used to obtain approximate solutions for the coupled equations’ complicated dynamics. Numerical and graphical assessments prove the suggested method’s correctness and efficiency. This study contributes to the understanding and analysis of coupled Schrödinger–KdV equations and their many applications by providing insights into the behavior of nonlinear systems within mathematical physics.

In this article, exact solutions of some Laplace-type fractional boundary value problems (FBVPs) are investigated via natural decomposition method. The fractional derivatives are described within Caputo operator. The natural decomposition technique is applied for the first time to boundary value problems (BVPs) and found to be an excellent tool to solve the suggested problems. The graphical representation of the exact and derived results is presented to show the reliability of the suggested technique. The present study is mainly concerned with the approximate analytical solutions of some FBVPs. Moreover, the solution graphs have shown that the actual and approximate solutions are very closed to each other. The comparison of the proposed and variational iteration methods is done for integer-order problems. The comparison, support strong relationship between the results of the suggested techniques. The overall analysis and the results obtained have confirmed the effectiveness and the simple procedure of natural decomposition technique for obtaining the solution of BVPs.

The purpose of this study is to find out the impact of Terrorism on FDI inflow in Pakistan as well as other variables such as economic growth, market size, trade openness and infrastructure. Using a simple regression model to estimate time series, annual data from 2001 to 2016, the study concludes that market size, economic growth, and trade openness have a significant positive relationship with FDI. At the same time, the result shows that Terrorism and infrastructure has a significant negative relationship with FDI. This empirically builds up the way that Terrorism is a real threat to FDI and economic development of the economies of Pakistan. The empirical outcomes of the study of Terrorism confirmed the way that Terrorism based oppression has harmed the economic prosperity of Pakistan and has debilitated FDI inflows during the sample period. Therefore, Pakistan will take to measures the investment environment in this area. Government strategy makers should consider the situation of Terrorism, instability and lawfulness circumstance to decrease the risk of investors and to ensure their investment ability to host FDI.

Aconitum violaceum Jacq. ex Stapf is a threatened medicinal plant with restricted global distribution. The highest frequency of seed germination was recorded on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) basal medium, supplemented with 0.5 mg L−1 kinetin with a germination rate of 77.32% and mean germination time of 27 days. Among the various plant growth regulators examined, 0.1 mg L−1 kinetin (Kn) + 0.5 mg L−1 indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) proved to be effective for maximum embryogenic callus production (51.0%) within 31 days of inoculation. The conversion rate of somatic embryos into complete plantlets was highest in the MS medium augmented with 0.1 mg L−1 Kn + 0.5 mg L−1 IAA (68.00%), with an average root initiation time of 25 days. The rooted plantlets were subsequently hardened into jiffy pots with a combination of loamy soil, coco-peat, and vermicompost (1:1:1 v/v), and then transplanted into a greenhouse with a 60% survival rate. To our knowledge, this is the first study on direct in vitro propagation and embryogenic callus induction from seeds. The established regeneration protocol could be employed to propagate A. violaceum on a large scale in a short time. This would contribute significantly to its rapid propagation and germplasm conservation, and establish a framework for the domestication of this highly valued threatened medicinal plant.

Although lots of new drugs are developed to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD), many clinical trials of monotherapy have failed to affect disease progression or symptoms compared with placebo. Recently, scientists believe that combination treatment is more promising than monotherapy. Previous studies found that microRNA-195 (miR-195) was down-regulated in the hippocampi and cortices of chronic brain hypoperfusion (CBH) rats and ApoE4(+/+) mice, and up-regulation of miR-195 can improve the declined cognitive function of ApoE4(+/+) mice and CBH rats by targeting multi-genes that are related to AD pathology, including amyloid precursor protein (APP) and β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) genes. However, whether the gain-of-function of miR-195 could improve the impaired learning and memory ability of APP/PS1 transgenic mouse has not been reported. In this study, we stereotaxically injected lentiviral-carried miR-195 into the bilateral hippocampus of 4-month-old (4M) APP/PS1 mice. Morris water maze (MWM) was performed to detect the effect of miR-195 on the cognitive function of APP/PS1 mice after 1M, 2M, and 3M treatment. Western blot was used to detect the expression of APP, BACE1, and AT8. Aβ plagues were quantitatively assessed by immunofluorescence technique. We found that the declined cognitive phenotype of APP/PS1 mice occurred at the age of 6M, not at the age of 5M. And treatment of Lv-pre-miR-195 to APP/PS1 mice for 1M did not achieve any changes. Although Lv-pre-miR-195 treatment for 2M improved the declined learning ability of APP/PS1 mice, it did not affect the memory functions. However, Lv-pre-miR-195 treatment in APP/PS1 mice for 3M can effectively improve both the learning and memory ability of APP/PS1 mice at the age of 7M. Further studies demonstrated that gain-of-function of miR-195 by Lv-pre-miR-195 injection could inhibit the increased APP and AT8 expression of APP/PS1 mice but did not affect BACE1 level that was not changed in both hippocampus and cortex. By counting the number of Aβ plaques of different sizes, we found that Lv-pre-miR-195 treatment mainly reduced the number of Aβ plaques of less than 20 μm, but did not affect the number of Aβ plaques of greater than 50 μm. Taken together, the gain-of -function of miR-195 in the hippocampus can improve the cognition of APP/PS1 mice, probably by blocking the formation of Aβ plagues rather than clearing those that have already formed Aβ plagues.

Aconitum chasmanthum Stapf ex Holmes, an essential and critically endangered medicinal plant from Kashmir Himalayas, was studied for its antioxidant and antifungal properties. The shade-dried powdered rhizome was extracted sequentially with hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. These subsequent fractions were evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC); total flavonoid content (TFC); antioxidant assays, such as 1,1-diphenyl 1-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH); ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP); superoxide radical scavenging (SOR); hydroxyl radical scavenging (OH) and antifungal activity using the poisoned food technique. Highest TPC (5.26 ± 0.01 mg/g) and TFC (2.92 ± 0.04 mg/g) were reported from methanolic extracts. The highest values of radical scavenging activities were also observed in methanolic extracts with IC50 values of 163.71 ± 2.69 μg/mL in DPPH, 173.69 ± 4.91 μg/mL in SOR and 159.64 ± 2.43 μg/mL in OH. The chemical profile of ethyl acetate extract was tested using HR-LCMS. Methanolic extracts also showed a promising inhibition against Aspergillus niger (66.18 ± 1.03), Aspergillus flavus (78.91 ± 1.19) and Penicillium notatum (83.14 ± 0.97) at a 15% culture filtrate concentration with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 230 μg/mL, 200 μg/mL and 190 μg/mL, respectively. Overall, the methanolic fractions showed significant biological potential, and its pure isolates might be used to construct a potential new medicinal source.

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is considered a preclinical condition of mild cognitive impairment and thought to precede dementia. However, as the principal cholinergic source of hippocampus, whether the septo-hippocampal neurocircuit was impaired after CCH is still unknown. In this study, we established the CCH rat model by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2VO). Under anesthesia, the medial septum (MS) of rats was stimulated to evoke the field excitatory post-synaptic potential (fEPSP) in the pyramidal cell layer of dCA1. Consequently, we observed decreased amplitude of fEPSP and increased paired-pulse ratio (PPR) after 8-week CCH. After tail pinch, we also found decreased peak frequency and shortened duration of hippocampal theta rhythm in 2VO rats, indicating the dysfunction of septo-hippocampal neurocircuit. Besides, by intracerebroventricularly injecting GABAergic inhibitor (bicuculline) and cholinergic inhibitors (scopolamine and mecamylamine), we found that CCH impaired both the pre-synaptic cholinergic release and the post-synaptic nAChR function in MS–dCA1 circuits. These results gave an insight into the role of CCH in the impairment of cholinergic MS–dCA1 neurocircuits. These findings may provide a new idea about the CCH-induced neurodegenerative changes.

The present study aimed to analyze the phytoconstituents of Neptunia triquetra (Vahl) Benth. Anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities of ethanol (EE), chloroform (CE) and dichloromethane (DCME) of stem extracts were evaluated using in vivo experimental models. The extracts were analyzed for phytoconstituents using GC-HRMS. Anti-inflammatory activity of CE, EE and DCME was accessed using carrageenan-induced paw oedema, cotton pellet-induced granuloma and the carrageenan-induced air-pouch model in Wistar albino rats. The hepatotoxicity-induced animal models were investigated for the biochemical markers in serum (AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, total lipids and total protein) and liver (total protein, total lipids, GSH and wet liver weight). In the in vivo study, animals were divided into different groups (six in each group) for accessing the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity, respectively. GC-HRMS analysis revealed the presence of 102 compounds, among which 24 were active secondary metabolites. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of stem extracts was found in the order: indomethacin > chloroform extract (CE) > dichloromethane extract (DCME) > ethanolic extract (EE), and hepatoprotective activity of stem extracts in the order: CE > silymarin > EE > DCME. The results indicate that N. triquetra stem has a higher hepatoprotective effect than silymarin, however the anti-inflammatory response was in accordance with or lower than indomethacin.

Aconitum chasmanthum Stapf ex Holmes, a highly valued medicinal plant, is a critically endangered plant species with restricted global distribution. Because there is no published report on the in vitro micropropagation of A. chasmanthum, the present study was undertaken to contribute to the development of an efficient micropropagation protocol for its conservation. Seeds collected from the wild showed enhanced germination after being given a chilling treatment (−4 °C and −20 °C) for different durations (10, 20, 30 and 40 days). Seeds given a chilling treatment of −4 °C for 10 days showed enhanced germination rates of 47.59 ± 0.53% with a mean germination time of 10.78 ± 0.21 days compared to seeds kept at room temperature when grown in an MS basal medium. Nodes, leaves and stems, taken from 20–40-day-old seedlings, were used as an explant for micropropagation. An MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of cytokinins (BAP, Kn), auxins (2,4-D, NAA), and an additive adenine sulphate were tested for callusing, direct shoot regeneration and rooting. Only nodal explants responded and showed direct multiple shoot regeneration with 7 ± 0.36 shoots with an elongation of 5.51 ± 0.26 cm in the MS medium supplemented with BAP 0.5 mg/L, and with a response time (RT) of 10.41 ± 0.51 days and a percentage culture response of 77.77 ± 2.77%. Rhizome formation was observed after 8 weeks, with the highest culture response of 36.66 ± 3.33% in the MS basal media with an RT of 43.75 ± 0.50 days. These rhizomes showed a 60% germination rate within 2 weeks and developed into plantlets. The present in vitro regeneration protocol could be used for the large-scale propagation and conservation of A. chasmanthum.

Contents When buffalo embryonic stem (ES) cell-like cells that expressed surface markers SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, TRA-1-81, CD9 and CD90 and intracellular markers OCT4, SOX2 and FOXD3, as shown by immunofluorescence, and that expressed REX-1 and NUCLEOSTEMIN as confirmed by RT-PCR, were subjected to suspension culture in hanging drops in absence of LIF and buffalo foetal fibroblast feeder layer support, they differentiated to form three-dimensional embryoid bodies (EBs). Of 231 EBs examined on Day 3 of suspension culture, 141 (61.3 ± 3.09%) were of compact type, whereas 90 (38.4 ± 3.12%) were of cystic type. The cells obtained from EBs were found to express NF-68 and NESTIN (ectodermal lineage), BMP-4 and α-skeletal actin (mesodermal lineage), and α-fetoprotein, GATA-4 and HNF-4 (endodermal lineage). When these EBs were cultured on gelatin-coated dishes, they spontaneously differentiated to several cell types such as epithelial- and neuron-like cells. When EBs were cultured in the presence of 1 or 2% DMSO or 10−8 m or 10−7 m retinoic acid for 25 days, ES cells could be directed to form muscle cell-like cells, the identity of which was confirmed by expression of α-actinin by immunofluorescence and of MYF-5, MYOD and MYOGENIN genes by RT-PCR. MYOD was first detected on Day 10 in both treatment groups and on Day 15 in controls, whereas MYOGENIN was first detected on Day 10, Day 15 and Day 25 in the presence of retinoic acid, in the presence of DMSO and in controls, respectively. The present study demonstrates the ability of buffalo ES cell-like cells to undergo directed differentiation to cells of skeletal myogenic lineage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenogenetic activation using zona-free oocytes offers an alternative model that could be applied to develop protocols for the activation of reconstructed embryos for cloning. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of different methods for the activation of zona-free buffalo oocytes in terms of their effects on the developmental competence of parthenogenetic embryos. The effects of zona removal on parthenogenetic activation and in vitro developmental competence of metaphase II oocytes were also examined. All activation methods were followed by incubation of 2 m 6-dimethylaminopurine (6-DMAP) for 4 h. Out of three different pulse strengths (1.2, 2.1 or 3.3 kV/cm) used, 2.1 kV/cm resulted in the highest blastocyst rate (25.3%). On comparing different chemical agents and electric pulse, highest blastocyst rate was observed for calcium ionophore (CaI) (28.6%) followed by ethanol (25.0%), electric pulse (22.5%) and combined CaI and ethanol treatment (16.7%) although differences among them were not significant. Furthermore, a significantly reduced developmental potential was observed in zona-free oocytes when compared to zona-intact ones up to the blastocyst stage (44.3% vs 27.1%). In conclusion, zona-free buffalo oocytes can be successfully activated for parthenogenetic development using chemical or electrical stimulation. Out of different agents examined, CaI followed by 6-DMAP resulted in the highest blastocyst rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) is a relatively new technique that is being increasingly used by surgeons around the world. Unlike the multi-port cholecystectomy, a standardised technique and detailed description of the operative steps of SILC is lacking in the literature. This article provides a stepwise account of the technique of SILC aimed at surgeons wishing to learn the procedure. A brief review of the current literature on SILC follows.

Aspergilloma refers to a fungal ball formed by saprophytic overgrowth of Aspergillus species and is seen secondary to cavitatory/cystic respiratory diseases. Paucity of clinical and pathological data of aspergilloma in India prompted us to analyze cases of aspergilloma over 15 years. The clinical features were recorded in all and correlated with detailed pathological examination. Aspergillomas were identified in 41 surgical excisions or at autopsy. There was male predominance; half the patients were in their fourth decade. Episodic hemoptysis was the commonest mode of presentation (85.4%). Forty aspergillomas were complex, occurring in cavitatory lesions (82.9%) or in bronchiectasis (14.6%). Simple aspergilloma was seen as an incidental finding in only one. Tuberculosis was the etiological factor in 31 patients, producing cavitatory or bronchiectatic lesions; other causes were chronic lung abscess and bronchiectasis (unrelated to tuberculosis). Surgical resections are endorsed in view of high risk of unpredictable, life-threatening hemoptysis.

Thoracoscopic surgery, i.e., video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has been in use in children for last 98 years. Its use initially was restricted to the diagnostic purposes. However, with the improvement in the optics, better understanding of the physiology with CO2 insufflation, better capabilities in achieving the single lung ventilation and newer vessel sealing devices have rapidly expanded the spectrum of the indication of VATS. At present many complex lung resections, excision of mediastinal tumors are performed by VATS in the experienced centre. The VATS has become the standard of care in empyema, lung biopsy, Mediastinal Lymphnode biopsy, repair of diaphragmatic hernia, etc. The article discusses the indications of VATS, techniques to achieve the selective ventilation and surgical steps in the different surgical conditions in children.

Desmoplastic Ameloblastoma is a rare variant of ameloblastoma. 90 cases of desmoplastic ameloblastoma have been reported so far in literature. We are presenting a rare case of desmoplastic ameloblastoma in the ramus region of mandible with regards to its clinical and radiographical viewpoints. Only one other case of desmoplastic ameloblastoma has been reported in the ramus region of mandible of the 90 cases that we have reviewed. Review of literature has revealed the tumour to most commonly occur in the 3rd to 5th decade of life with a high preponderance of Japanese males. The anterior region of either jaw was most commonly found to be affected. Radiological appearance was most commonly of a mixed radio-lucent/radio-opaque type with a high incidence of poorly defined borders. However our case differed from the reviewed cases as it was found to be a unilocular lesion with well defined borders. Histopathological findings of our case were consistent with the hisotpathological appearance of the reviewed cases and showed extensive stromal desmoplasia and small tumour nests of odontogenic epithelium scattered in stroma.

We derived a Reynolds type equation for a ferrofluid lubrication in a squeeze film between two circular plates using Jenkins model and considering combined effects of rotation of the plates, anisotropic permeability in the porous matrix and slip velocity at the interface of porous matrix and film region. We used it to study the case of a parallel-plate squeeze film bearing. Expressions were obtained for dimensionless pressure, load capacity and response time. Computed values were displayed some in tabular form and some in graphical form. The load capacity decreased with increasing values of the radial permeability and attained a minimum when the plates rotated in the opposite directions with nearly the same speed. It increased with increasing values of the axial permeability or material constant of Jenkins model and attained a maximum when the value of the material constant was near unity. It increased or decreased for increasing values of the speed of rotation of the upper plate according as the value of the material constant is zero or not. The response time slowly decreased with increasing values of the radial permeability, speed of rotation of upper plate or the material constant. But, it increased with increasing values of the axial permeability and attained a maximum when the plates rotated in opposite directions with nearly the same speed. Anisotropic permeability affected the bearing characteristics considerably.

Abstract Background Based on findings primarily using self-report measures, physical activity has been recommended to reduce disability in old age. Collecting objective measures of total daily physical activity in community-dwelling older adults is uncommon, but might enhance the understanding of the relationship of physical activity and disability. We examined whether greater total daily physical activity was associated with less report of disability in the elderly. Methods Data were from the Rush Memory and Aging Project, a longitudinal prospective cohort study of common, age-related, chronic conditions. Total daily physical activity was measured in community-dwelling participants with an average age of 82 using actigraphy for approximately 9 days. Disability was measured via self-reported basic activities of daily living (ADL). The odds ratio and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were determined for the baseline association of total daily physical activity and ADL disability using a logistic regression model adjusted for age, education level, gender and self-report physical activity. In participants without initial report of ADL disability, the hazard ratio and 95% CI were determined for the relationship of baseline total daily physical activity and the development of ADL disability using a discrete time Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for demographics and self-report physical activity. Results In 870 participants, the mean total daily physical activity was 2. 9 × 105 counts/day (range in 105 counts/day = 0.16, 13. 6) and the mean hours/week of self-reported physical activity was 3.2 (SD = 3.6). At baseline, 718 (82.5%) participants reported being independent in all ADLs. At baseline, total daily physical activity was protective against disability (OR per 105 counts/day difference = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.47, 0.65). Of the participants without baseline disability, 584 were followed for 3.4 years on average. Each 105 counts/day additional total daily physical activity was associated with reduced hazard of developing disability by 25% (HR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.66, 0.84). The results were unchanged after controlling for important covariates including cognition, depressive symptoms, and chronic health conditions. Conclusions Greater total daily physical activity is independently associated with less disability even after controlling for self-reported physical activity.