Studying biodiversity of spiders species in seven different localities of Charsadda District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract The current research work aims to provide knowledge about the diversity of spiders’ fauna and their occurrence throughout the year from District Charsadda Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Research data were collected from March-2015 to January-2017 from seven different localities of Charsadda District by using the camera, bottle, plastic bags, paraffin films, field book and 70% of ethylene alcohol and 20% of glycerine were used as chemicals. By using special identification keys, spiders were differentiated into families, genera and species. During the study time, a total of 2734 specimens of spiders were collected belonging from 35 genera, 15 families and 44 species were identified. Salticidae was the dominant family according to genera studied plus spiders samples numbers collected with 10 genera and 616 species specimens count. The high occurrence of spiders was studied during July. The result of the current study also shows a reduction of spider’s species in December due to lowering the temperature. The current study shows that Salticidae were the dominant family as capered to other species. The occurrence of spiders species greatly depends on changing the weather condition. The present study also shows great fluctuation in spider’s occurrence with changing of hot climate to colder during the study duration. Moreover, the wet season plays a great role in spiders’ population increase and growth.

Impact of methodological choices in comparative effectiveness studies: application in natalizumab versus fingolimod comparison among patients with multiple sclerosis

Background

Natalizumab and fingolimod are used as high-efficacy treatments in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. Several observational studies comparing these two drugs have shown variable results, using different methods to control treatment indication bias and manage censoring. The objective of this empirical study was to elucidate the impact of methods of causal inference on the results of comparative effectiveness studies.

Methods

Data from three observational multiple sclerosis registries (MSBase, the Danish MS Registry and French OFSEP registry) were combined. Four clinical outcomes were studied. Propensity scores were used to match or weigh the compared groups, allowing for estimating average treatment effect for treated or average treatment effect for the entire population. Analyses were conducted both in intention-to-treat and per-protocol frameworks. The impact of the positivity assumption was also assessed.

Results

Overall, 5,148 relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients were included. In this well-powered sample, the 95% confidence intervals of the estimates overlapped widely. Propensity scores weighting and propensity scores matching procedures led to consistent results. Some differences were observed between average treatment effect for the entire population and average treatment effect for treated estimates. Intention-to-treat analyses were more conservative than per-protocol analyses. The most pronounced irregularities in outcomes and propensity scores were introduced by violation of the positivity assumption.

Conclusions

This applied study elucidates the influence of methodological decisions on the results of comparative effectiveness studies of treatments for multiple sclerosis. According to our results, there are no material differences between conclusions obtained with propensity scores matching or propensity scores weighting given that a study is sufficiently powered, models are correctly specified and positivity assumption is fulfilled.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12874-022-01623-8.

In hospital mortality and outcomes of patients with acute decompensated diastolic heart failure with and without amyloidosis

Introduction

The incidence of heart failure has exponentially increased over the last few decades and acute decompensated diastolic heart failure is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and readmission. Cardiac amyloidosis is one of the rapidly progressing heart conditions. It occurs due to amorphous proteinaceous material called amyloid into the extracellular space of the heart. The infiltration of the heart from amyloid protein has a broad spectrum of presentation, including diastolic heart failure.

Purpose

Heart failure due to amyloidosis is characterized by diastolic dysfunction resulting from restrictive cardiomyopathy. The outcomes of hospitalized patient with acute decompensated diastolic heart failure in amyloidosis patients compared to those without amyloidosis is not well defined.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study by utilizing the National Inpatient sample database from 2017. Using International Classification of disease (ICD)-10 codes, patients with the diagnosis of acute and acute on chronic diastolic heart failure were enrolled in the study. They were further stratified based on the presence of amyloidosis. The primary outcome was to measure in-hospital mortality, while secondary outcomes included development of acute kidney injury (AKI), Acute respiratory failure (ARF), shock and arrhythmias.

Results

Out of the 915,694 patients with Acute Decompensated diastolic heart failure, about 2270 had amyloidosis as secondary diagnosis. 6.1% of ADHF and amyloidosis died in hospital, compared to 4.2% in those without amyloidosis (aOR=1.35 CI=0.89–2.05, p=0.197). On multivariate analysis, patients with Amyloidosis had increased odds of developing AKI (aOR=1.40 CI 1.13–1.72, p=0.001), Cardiogenic shock (aOR=2.67 CI 1.56–4.55, p<0.001) and arrhythmias (aOR=1.34, CI 1.10–1.64, p=0.004). The incidence of ARF was however lower in patients without amyloidosis compared to those with it (aOR=0.60, CI 0.47–0.75, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Amyloidosis is one of the underappreciated and underdiagnosed causes of heart failure. Our study shows an increased risk of complications in acute decompensated heart failure with the presence of amyloidosis. Thus, physicians must be aware of this clinical entity for early diagnosis as patients with advanced disease are likely to have poor prognoses.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Assessment of autonomic innervation of the foot in familial amyloid polyneuropathy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Distal involvement of autonomic nerve fibers is critical in familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) due to transthyretin (TTR) mutation. This study compares different methods for assessing autonomic foot innervation in TTR-FAP patients.

METHODS

Three groups of seven TTR-FAP patients were included, according to disease severity: clinically asymptomatic, moderate or advanced neuropathy. The autonomic investigation included the eutectic mixture of local anesthetics test and laser Doppler flowmetry for vasomotor aspects and the Sudoscan® (measuring electrochemical skin conductance) and Neuropad® test for sudomotor aspects. Somatic innervation was assessed by performing nerve conduction studies, quantitative sensory testing [including vibration, cold and warm detection threshold (WDT) measurements] and laser evoked potentials.

RESULTS

The results of all neurophysiological tests varied according to TTR-FAP severity (P ≤ 0.01, Kruskal-Wallis test), except for the eutectic mixture of local anesthetics test and laser Doppler flowmetry variables. In addition, the sudomotor tests (Sudoscan or Neuropad) or WDT measurement provided early markers of neuropathy in two of the seven asymptomatic carriers. Finally, all neurophysiological results correlated with the Neuropathy Impairment Score (r values between -0.88 and -0.66, P < 0.005, Spearman test), except the cold detection threshold.

CONCLUSIONS

The Neuropad test could be used to detect TTR-FAP onset, but confirmation requires electrochemical skin conductance and WDT measurement. The Sudoscan technique, but not the Neuropad test (at least assessed at a fixed time point), could be valuable to follow the progression of the neuropathy. Follow-up investigation should also include large-fiber investigation (e.g. nerve conduction studies and vibration detection threshold). Conversely, reliable tests for assessing vasomotor disturbances in limb extremities of TTR-FAP patients are still awaited.

Acute Aluminium Phosphide Poisoning: An Update

Acute aluminium phosphide poisoning is an extremely lethal poisoning. Ingestion is usually suicidal in intent, uncommonly accidental and rarely homicidal. Unfortunately the absence of a specific antidote results in very high mortality and the key to treatment lies in rapid decontamination and institution of resuscitative measures. This article aims to identify the salient features and mechanism of aluminium phosphide poisoning along with its management strategies and prognostic variables.

Human behavior state profile mapping based on recalibrated speech affective space model

People typically associate health with only physical health. However, health is also interconnected to mental and emotional health. People who are emotionally healthy are in control of their behaviors and experience better quality of life. Hence, understanding human behavior is very important in ensuring the complete understanding of one's holistic health. In this paper, we attempt to map human behavior state (HBS) profiles onto recalibrated speech affective space model (rSASM). Such an approach is derived from hypotheses that: 1) Behavior is influenced by emotion, 2) Emotion can be quantified through speech, 3) Emotion is dynamic and changes over time and 4) the emotion conveyance is conditioned by culture. Empirical results illustrated that the proposed approach can complement other types of behavior analysis in such a way that it offers more explanatory components from the perspective of emotion primitives (valence and arousal). Four different driving HBS; namely: distracted, laughing, sleepy and normal are profiled onto the rSASM to visualize the correlation between HBS and emotion. This approach can be incorporated in the future behavior analysis to envisage better performance.

Comparison between the classical and a modified trans-septal technique of alar cinching for Le Fort I osteotomies: a prospective randomized controlled trial

The aim of this prospective randomized control trial was to analyse the efficacy of a new trans-septal alar base cinch suture in controlling alar width in patients undergoing maxillary intrusion and setback by comparing it with the traditional cinch suture. Statistical evaluation was carried out in 62 of 76 patients. Group I (31 patients) received the traditional alar base cinch suture, and group II (31 patients) received the alar base cinch suture with an anchoring bite taken through the nasal septum 10mm behind its anterior edge. In both groups the accurate identification of alar fibroareolar tissue was facilitated by an 18 gauge green needle passed extra orally. Alar base width was measured before and 6 months after surgery using Vernier callipers. Preoperative alar base width for group I was 29.76 mm (1.901SD) and for group II 29.79 mm (3.141SD); the postoperative values were 32.42 mm (1.858SD) and 29.94 mm (2.568SD), respectively. Mean alar base widening was 2.661 mm (0.800SD) in group I and 0.145 mm (2.050) in group II. The difference in alar widening was statistically significant (p<0.001). In conclusion, the trans-septal modified alar cinch suture offers better control of alar base architecture in maxillary intrusion and setback.

Formulation, and physical, in vitro and ex vivo evaluation of transdermal ibuprofen hydrogels containing turpentine oil as penetration enhancer

The aim of the present study was to investigate the transdermal permeation enhancing capability of turpentine oil for ibuprofen from hydrogels. Ibuprofen 1% w/v hydrogels were developed with carboxypolymethylene with and without turpentine oil. Turpentine oil was incorporated in increasing concentrations, i.e. 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3% of the total gel formulation, and its permeation enhancing effect was examined. Gels were examined physically for pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, smoothness and appearance. To study the in vitro and ex vivo permeation potential of formulated gels, permeation studies were performed with a Franz diffusion cell using cellulose membrane and excised rabbit abdominal skin. Ibuprofen hydrogel with 3% turpentine oil showed a maximum flux of 10.87 mg/cm2/h across artificial skin and 17.26 mg/cm2/h across rabbit abdominal skin.

Formulation and evaluation of controlled release matrices of ketoprofen and influence of different co-excipients on the release mechanism

The present work reports the study of different controlled release formulations of ketoprofen, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and like other NSAIDs requires large and frequent daily doses, resulting in severe side effects and non-compliance. To avoid these problems, controlled release matrices were developed using different grades of ethylcellulose polymer with a drug-polymer ratio of 10:3 by the direct compression method. The effect on drug release of partial replacement of lactose by different co-excipients, HPMC K100 M, starch and CMC, was also studied. The tablets were tested for their drug content, weight variation, friability, hardness, thickness and diameter, all these physical properties being within the USP range. The release profile of all formulations containing polymer and co-excipients was compared with a formulation developed without polymer and co-excipients. After a 24-hour release study, it was concluded that formulations containing different grades of ethylcellulose polymer showed prolonged release for 6-18 hours, but the formulation containing the polymer Ethocel standard FP 7 Premium without co-excipient showed controlled release for 24 hours. DSC and FT-IR studies were performed to investigate any incompatibility between drug, polymer and co-excipient but no interaction was found. Different kinetic models were used, such as first order equation, zero order equation, Higuachi equation, Hixon Crowel's equation and Korsmeyer-Peppas to study the release mechanism. The formulations containing co-excipients showed an enhanced release rate.

Solitary mesenteric vascular anomaly presenting as acute abdomen

A 4-year-old girl with a solitary vascular anomaly of the mesentery presented with acute lower abdominal pain. Despite the use of ultrasound, computed tomography scan and image-guided core biopsies, the lesion was initially mistaken for an inflammatory intra-abdominal mass. The correct diagnosis was made at laparotomy. Solitary vascular anomaly of the mesentery is rare and its presentation as an acute abdomen has not been reported before.

A study of heart rate variability and QT dispersion in patients of acute ST elevation myocardial infarction

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To study the effect of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and QT dispersion (QTd) in patients presenting with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS

100 patients of Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were evaluated by history and examination. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Holter monitoring was done in all patients. HRV, QTd, Standard Deviation of the mean RR interval (SDNN) and Standard Deviation of the average of RR interval measured every five minutes during 24 hr (SDANN) were calculated. Results were statistically analyzed using Student 't' test, Paired 't' test and Pearson's formula.

RESULTS

The most common presenting symptoms were chest pain (88%) and dyspnoea (50%). Tachycardia was seen in 565 while congestive heart failure was present in 29% patients. Mean SDNN was 61.4 +/- 24.4 ms and SDANN was 50 +/- 18.2 ms. HRV values were significantly decreased while QTd was higher in patients who died in comparison to patients who survived. A strong negative correlation was seen between HRV and QTd.

CONCLUSIONS

Markers of autonomic regulation of heart like HRV and QTd provide valuable information about the future course of events in a patient following acute STEMI which can be utilized to plan the future course of management in patients especially predisposed to adverse and catastrophic outcomes.

Antimycobacterial activity of flavonoids from Lantana camara Linn

Linaroside (1) and lantanoside (2), two flavonoids isolated from Lantana camara and their common acetyl derivative (3) were examined for antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, strain H(37)Rv. These compounds exhibited 30, 37 and 98% inhibition, respectively at 6.25 microg mL(-1) concentration. Among these flavonoids acetylated compound was found to be the most active.

Is MRI as safe as we think?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is nowadays widely used as a noninvasive imaging modality for a wide variety of diseases and disorders. A patient placed in the MR system for scanning remains under the influence of powerful static magnetic field, rapidly varying gradient magnetic field and radiofrequency field in addition to the risk factors associated with gadolinium based MR contrast agents. At present, there is no conclusive evidence for adverse biological effects in patients undergoing MRI. However, a clear understanding of the various bioeffects associated with MRI diagnostics is necessary in order to ensure the safety of the patient as well as to justify its clinical use.

Patterns of electrical propagation in the intact pregnant guinea pig uterus

Previous studies have reported on propagation of individual spikes in isolated segments of the pregnant uterus, but there is no information on patterns of spike propagation in the intact organ. There is also no information on propagation of myometrial burst. The aim of this study was to record, at high resolution, patterns of propagation of electrical activities in the pregnant uterus. Sixteen timed-pregnant guinea pigs were euthanized at term, and their uteruses isolated. Fetuses were removed and replaced by an equal amount of Tyrode. A 240-electrode array was positioned at various locations along the organ, all signals were recorded simultaneously, and the electrical propagations were reconstructed. In the intact pregnant uterus at term, spikes propagated with high velocity in longitudinal (6.8 +/- 2.4 cm/s) and slower velocity in circular direction (2.8 +/- 1.0 cm/s; P < 0.01). Direction of propagation and frequency of activity were highly variable but showed similar patterns at the ovary or cervical end and along the anterior, posterior, and antimesometrial borders. Along mesometrium, spike propagation was sparse and fractionated. Migration of burst (0.6 +/- 0.4 cm/s) was significantly much slower than that of individual spikes (P < 0.001). Initial burst activity was located at variable locations along the ovarial end of the antimesometrial border, while the latest excitation occurred at the cervical end (1.2 +/- 0.9 min). In conclusion, high resolution electrical mapping of the intact pregnant uterus reveals fundamental properties in spatial and temporal patterns of spike and burst propagation that determine the contraction of the organ.

Nematicidal natural products from the aerial parts of Lantana camara Linn

Lantanilic acid, camaric acid and oleanolic acid possessing nematicidal activity were isolated from the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Lantana camara Linn. through bio-assay guided fractionation. These compounds exhibited 98%, 95% and 70% mortality respectively against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita at 0.5% concentration. Conventional nematicide furadan showed 100% mortality at this concentration.

Field evaluation of cypermethrin and cyfluthrin against dengue vectors in a housing estate in Malaysia

Cynoff 25ULV (cypermethrin 25 g/l) and Solfac UL015 (cyfluthrin 1.5% w/v) were evaluated against the sentinel sugar-fed adults and 4th-instar larvae of Aedes aegypti in a housing estate endemic of dengue in Malaysia. The impact of both pyrethroids on field populations of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti larvae was monitored weekly using bottle containers. Both Cynoff 25ULV and Solfac UL015 showed adulticidal effects and larvicidal effects. This field trial using Cynoff 25ULV against dengue vectors showed its potential for use in dengue vector control programs.

Tulip liposuction in plastic surgery

Tulip liposuction is a recent modification of the classical Mayo liposuction, which is done by suction apparatus consisting of large cannula, non collapsible wide bore tubing and a big suction device. Tulip liposuction is an entirely hand operated device comprising of special syringes, designed to fit snugly to thinner metallic cannula, with proximal ends shaped like a Tulip hence the Tulip liposuction. This modification has many advantages over the Mayo type. This paper presents the experience 110 cases of liposuction in Bangladesh. The study was carried out at different hospitals in Dhaka from December 1997 to February 2001. One hundred ten patients underwent this procedure. Of them hundred and one were carried out for cosmetic reasons. The other nine for extraction of lipomas. The age range was 21 to 49 years. Twenty four were males and eighty six were females. Sixty seven patients received spinal anesthesia and thirty nine patients received general anaesthesia. Only four cases were done under local anaesthesia. Hyaluronidase, adrenaline and normal saline were injected in the subcutaneous fat. A small stab incision was made and then fat was aspirated. No stitches were required. Complications were minimal and insignificant.

MCMAC-cVT: a novel on-line associative memory based CVT transmission control system

This paper describes a novel application of an associative memory called the Modified Cerebellar Articulation Controller (MCMAC) (Int. J. Artif. Intell. Engng, 10 (1996) 135) in a continuous variable transmission (CVT) control system. It allows the on-line tuning of the associative memory and produces an effective gain-schedule for the automatic selection of the CVT gear ratio. Various control algorithms are investigated to control the CVT gear ratio to maintain the engine speed within a narrow range of efficient operating speed independently of the vehicle velocity. Extensive simulation results are presented to evaluate the control performance of a direct digital PID control algorithm with auto-tuning (Trans. ASME, 64 (1942)) and anti-windup mechanism. In particular, these results are contrasted against the control performance produced using the MCMAC (Int. J. Artif. Intell. Engng, 10 (1996) 135) with momentum, neighborhood learning and Averaged Trapezoidal Output (MCMAC-ATO) as the neural control algorithm for controlling the CVT. Simulation results are presented that show the reduced control fluctuations and improved learning capability of the MCMAC-ATO without incurring greater memory requirement. In particular, MCMAC-ATO is able to learn and control the CVT simultaneously while still maintaining acceptable control performance.

Effect of electrical field stimulation on insulin and glucagon secretion from the pancreas of normal and diabetic rats

The effect of electrical field stimulation (EFS) on insulin (INS) and glucagon (GLU) secretion from normal and diabetic rat pancreas is poorly understood. In our study, EFS (5-20Hz, 50 V amplitude and 1.0 ms pulse width), when applied alone, resulted in a significant (p<0.05) increase in INS secretion from the pancreas of both normal and diabetic rats. Atropine (10(-5) M) did not inhibit the EFS (5 Hz)-evoked INS secretion in normal pancreas and failed to alter the effect of EFS (10-20 Hz) on INS secretion from the pancreas of both normal and diabetic rats. Propranolol (Prop) inhibited INS secretion to below basal level in the presence of EFS (5 Hz) but not at EFS (10- 20 Hz). Tetrodotoxin (TTX) also significantly (p = 0.002) inhibited INS secretion from normal pancreas in the presence of EFS (5-20 Hz). The decrease in insulin secretion observed when pancreatic tissue fragments were incubated in Prop and TTX in the presence of EFS was reversed by yohimbine (10(-5) M). In contrast, TTX did not significantly modify INS secretion from diabetic pancreas in the presence of EFS. EFS (5-20 Hz) significantly (p<0.05) increased GLU release from normal and diabetic rat pancreas when applied alone. Neither atropine, Prop nor TTX significantly modified GLU release from the pancreas of either normal or diabetic rats. This suggests that GLU secretion may be controlled through a different pathway. The EFS-evoked INS and GLU secretion is probably executed via different mechanisms. These mechanisms include 1) activation of cholinergic nerves by EFS; 2) EFS of alpha- and beta-adrenergic nerves; 3) activation of non-adrenergic non-cholinergic pathway by EFS; 4) EFS-induced depolarization and subsequent action potential in pancreatic endocrine cells and 5) electroporosity caused by EFS-induced membrane permeability. All of these effects may be summative. In conclusion, EFS (5-20 Hz), when applied alone, can evoke significant increases in INS and GLU secretion from the pancreas of both normal and diabetic rats. Insulin secretion is controlled via alpha-2 adrenergic (inhibition) and beta-adrenergic (stimulation) receptors. Glucagon secretion is enhanced by alpha2 adrenergic stimulation.

Infant mortality among Indonesian boys and girls: effect of sibling status

The effect of gender and sibling status on the infant mortality rate (IMR) in Purworejo District, Central Java, Indonesia was investigated using direct estimation of IMR. A cohort of 1,948 infants born between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 1996 was followed for 1 year within a surveillance system. IMR was higher (not significantly) in male infants, and males (but not females) had a higher mortality rate if born after more than two siblings. This was significant in the Highland area only. Mothers' education and quality of drinking water had no modifying effect in either sex on the association between IMR and sibling status. Thus, in contrast with studies from South Asia, there are no indications of preferential treatment of infant boys compared with infant girls in Central Java.

Antifungal activity of new 1,3,4-oxadiazolo[3,2-a]-s-triazine-5, 7-diones and their 5-thioxo-7-ones

N(1)- and N(3)-(4-fluorophenyl) ureas (III a-e) were cyclocondensed with ethyl chloroformate and CS(2)/KOH to yield 2-aryl-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolo[3,2-a]-s-triazine-5, 7-diones (IVa-e) and their 5-thioxo-7-ones (Va-e), respectively. The compounds III-V(a-e) have been compared with Dithane M-45 for their fungitoxic action against A. niger and F. oxyporum, and the results have been correlated with the structural features of the tested compounds.

Field evaluation of deltamethrin/S-bioallethrin/piperonyl butoxide and cyfluthrin against dengue vectors in Malaysia

Deltacide (S-bioallethrin 0.71% w/v, deltamethrin 0.5% w/v, piperonyl butoxide 8.9% w/v excipients to 100% w/v) and Solfac UL 015 (cyfluthrin 1.5% w/v) were evaluated against the sentinel sugar-fed adults and 4th-instar larvae of Aedes aegypti at 17 storey high-rise apartments in Malaysia using ULV applications. The impact of both insecticides on field populations of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus larvae was monitored weekly using bottle containers. Both Deltacide and Solfac UL 015 showed adulticidal and larvicidal effects. This was the first field trial using Deltacide against dengue vectors in Malaysia and showed its potential for use in dengue vector control programs.

Nematicidal constituents of the aerial parts of Lantana camara

Two new constituents, lantanoside (1) and lantanone (2), and the known compounds linaroside (3) and camarinic acid (4) were isolated from the aerial parts of Lantana camara. Compounds 1, 3, and 4 were tested for nematicidal activity against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita and showed 90, 85, and 100% mortality, respectively, at 1.0% concentration. The results were comparable to those obtained with the conventional nematicide furadan (100% mortality at 1.0% concentration). Structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical techniques.

The durability of parylene coatings on neodymium-iron-boron magnets

A parylene coating is frequently used to prevent corrosion of neodymium-iron-boron magnets when they are used intra-orally. This in vitro study was designed to test the durability of parylene coating in a simulated oral environment. Single and double parylene-coated magnets were subjected to grinding and crushing forces in an industrial ball mill. The results demonstrate that abrasion and wear was visible around the edges after 1 hour of testing, with a breach of the coating noted under high magnification scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The conclusion of the study is that parylene coating is unlikely to withstand intra-oral forces. The shape of the magnets, the manufacturing process involved in their production, and the thickness of the parylene coating are important factors to consider with respect to the durability of magnets used in the mouth.

Field efficacy of fipronil 3G, lambda-cyhalothrin 10%CS, and sumithion 50EC against the dengue vector Aedes albopictus in discarded tires

The efficacy of three insecticides, fipronil 3G, lambda-cyhalothrin 10%CS, and sumithion 50EC were evaluated against the dengue vector Aedes albopictus in discarded tires in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The dosage given for each insecticide was 0.01 g of active ingredient/m2. Fipronil 3G was the most effective larvicide with a residual activity of up to two weeks, causing 88% mortality in Aedes albopictus. Lambda-cyhalothrin 10%CS was effective for one week causing 92% larval mortality and two weeks with 63% larval mortality. Sumithion 50EC had a residual efficacy of one week with 79% larval mortality.

Field evaluation of cyfluthrin and malathion 96 TG ULV spraying at high-rise flats on dengue vectors in Malaysia

Cyfluthrin (Solfac ULO15) and malathion 96 TG were evaluated against sentinel sugar-fed adults and 4th-instar larvae of Aedes aegypti at high-rise flats in Malaysia by ULV spraying. The impact of both insecticides on field populations of Aedes spp. (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus) larvae were monitored weekly using containers. Both cyfluthrin and malathion 96 TG showed adulticidal effects but cyfluthrin showed more significant larvicidal effect than malathion 96 TG (P < 0.05).

A randomized trial of three iron dextran infusion methods for anemia in EPO-treated dialysis patients

Forty-three hemodialysis patients receiving recombinant erythropoietin (rHuEPO, epoietin alpha) were randomized to receive intravenous iron dextran as a total-dose infusion, 500-mg infusion to total dose, or 100-mg bolus to total dose, in each case during the dialysis procedure. The dose of iron dextran was calculated from the patient's existing hemoglobin to achieve a desired hemoglobin. Patients were eligible to receive intravenous iron dextran if they had a serum ferritin of < or = 100 ng/mL or a serum ferritin of 100 to 200 ng/mL, along with a transferrin saturation of < or = 19%. Patients were excluded if they had prior therapy with iron dextran, aluminum intoxication, or transfusion during the study. The time to the maximum hemoglobin, acute adverse reactions, and delayed adverse reactions were analyzed statistically, and no differences were seen in any of the three groups. Total-dose intravenous iron dextran infusion is safe, convenient, less expensive, and as efficacious as divided-dose infusions.

Field evaluation of Vectobac G, Vectobac 12AS and Bactimos WP against the dengue vector Aedes albopictus in tires

The efficacy of three formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis was studied against Aedes albopictus in discarded tires. The formulations were: Vectobac G (corn cob formulation), Vectobac 12AS (aqueous suspension), and Bactimos WP (wettable powder formulation). Both Vectobac G and Vectobac 12AS were effective for 24 hr with more than 80% mortality. Both Vectobac formulations were significantly more effective than Bactimos WP for 24 hr after treatment (P < 0.0005). A week after treatment, Vectobac 12AS was significantly different than Bactimos WP (P < 0.05). However, Vectobac G did not differ significantly from Bactimos WP (P > 0.05); two weeks after spraying there was no significant difference among the various formulations (P > 0.05).

Relationship between Breteau and House indices and cases of dengue/dengue hemorrhagic fever in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The relationship between the Breteau index, the House index, and the occurrence of dengue/dengue hemorrhagic fever in the 6 zones of Kuala Lumpur was studied throughout 1994. Cases of dengue/dengue hemorrhagic fever varied between zones and between months, ranging from 0 to 21 cases. In most of the zones in Kuala Lumpur, the occurrence of dengue/dengue hemorrhagic fever has no relationship with the Breteau and House indices. Cases of dengue/dengue hemorrhagic fever occurred in all zones despite the low Breteau and House indices.

Biosocial perspective of consanguineous marriages in rural and urban Swat, Pakistan

Consanguineous marriages in two population samples, one rural and one urban, from Swat (Pakistan) were studied. The frequency of consanguineous marriages was found to be 37.13% and 31.11%, and mean inbreeding coefficients were calculated as 0.0168 and 0.0162, for the rural and urban populations respectively. The most frequent type of marriage was between first cousins, in both samples. Among first cousin marriages, those with father's brother's daughter were predominant. Mean inbreeding coefficient was higher for higher socioeconomic groups in both samples. Differences by ethnic and educational groups were also found. Contrary to previous studies, a significant increase in the incidence of consanguineous marriages over the years has been observed. The incidence of premature mortality was significantly higher only in the offspring of first cousin marriages. Significantly higher incidence of morbidity in the offspring of consanguineous marriages was also observed.

[Aponeurotic suspension of the bladder neck as elective treatment of minimal stress urinary incontinence in women]

To correct urine incontinence at minimal exertion in woman, most especially in those who have undergone unsuccessful vaginal techniques, we advice the aponeurotic suspension of the vesical cervix, with anchorage, in fixed tissue (Cooper's ligament or ischiopubic branch) in order to avoid displacement of the supporting band and new drops of the vesical cervix, with incontinence relapse in the long run. Since 1983 this procedure has been performed in 400 women, with various degrees of urinary incontinence on exertion, 140 of whom had previously undergone other procedures. Our results have been completely successful in 383 patient who at year from surgery no longer presented urinary incontinence of any degree. These good results lead us to recommend this procedure as the most suitable to solve urinary incontinence at minimal exertion, relapses and that associated to feeling of urgency in many occasions.

Cytokine responsiveness in germfree and conventional NMRI mice

We have investigated the proliferative response of thymocytes from different mouse strains to cytokines in vitro. Interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-4 and IL-7 induced proliferation of thymocytes from NMRI/KI (a locally bred NMRI mouse strain), NMRI/H ('traditional' NMRI mice), C3H/HeJ and C3H/HeN mice. NMRI/KI thymocytes showed the most prominent proliferation in response to IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta. IL-3, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), inhibin and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced no thymocyte proliferation. Germfree NMRI/KI mouse thymocytes showed a significantly lower proliferation in response to IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta than conventional mice. Rat tissues, previously shown to contain lymphocyte activating factors (LAFs), were also tested. Skin, tongue, esophagus, proventricular stomach, testis and placenta were all positive in the LAF assay utilizing NMRI/KI thymocytes, whereas none of the tissue extracts could induce proliferation in NMRI/H thymocytes. The higher cytokine responsiveness in conventional mice compared with germfree might suggest that exposure to microflora induces a higher state of activation of the immune system. The LAF assay, utilizing NMRI/KI thymocytes, is a highly sensitive IL-1 bioassay with a detection level of 1 pg/ml for IL-1 beta and 2 pg/ml for IL-1 alpha. The specificity of the assay is increased by utilizing NMRI/H mice to exclude the presence of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-7.

Insulin-like growth factors selectively stimulate spermatogonial, but not meiotic, deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis during rat spermatogenesis

The in vitro effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II), truncated IGF-I, insulin, and human GH (hGH) on premitotic and premeiotic DNA synthesis of adult rat germ cells in vitro were investigated. Two-millimeter segments of seminiferous tubules from four different stages containing type A4-spermatogonia (stage I), type B spermatogonia (stage V), resting preleptotene spermatocytes (stage VIIa), and preleptotene spermatocytes in the S-phase (stage VIII-IX), respectively, were isolated by transillumination-assisted microdissection. They were cultured in serum-free medium at 34 or 37 C with and without growth factors, labeled for 4 h with tritiated thymidine, and harvested at 24, 48, and 72 h. Spontaneous progression of spermatogenesis was noted at both incubation temperatures, with a more rapid rate at 37 C. IGF-I significantly stimulated [3H]thymidine uptake in originally stage I and stage V tubule segments (type A4 and B spermatogonia, respectively) after 48 h of culture at 37 C. Improved maintenance of the DNA synthesis of stage VIII-IX tubules was found after 48 h at 37 C and 72 h at 34 C. Truncated IGF-I produced a similar response, but was more potent. IGF-II showed slight stimulation of stage V tubules after 72 h at both 34 and 37 C and maintenance of stage VIII-IX tubules after 48 h at 37 C and 72 h at 34 C. hGH was effective only at 34 C, showing slight stimulation of stage I tubule segments after 48 and 72 h of incubation. Insulin at high concentrations was effective only at 37 C and stimulated DNA synthesis in stages I, V, and VIIa after 48 h and stages V and VIIa after 72 h of incubation. It is concluded that IGFs stimulate premitotic DNA synthesis of rat germ cells in vitro and may also maintain premeiotic DNA synthesis. Whether the slight response to hGH is mediated via local production of IGF-I by the tissue cultures remains to be investigated. As IGF-I and IGF-II are locally produced in the testis, the present results suggest that these factors have a selective paracrine or autocrine role in the regulation of spermatogonial proliferation during spermatogenesis.

Fibular hypoplasia and complex brachydactyly (Du Pan syndrome) in an inbred Pakistani kindred

A Pakistani kindred comprising 7 generations contained 7 men and 2 women with fibular hypoplasia and complex brachydactyly (syn: Du Pan syndrome). Analysis of the pedigree is strongly suggestive of autosomal recessive inheritance. The average inbreeding coefficient (F) for the affected persons was found to be significantly greater than that for unaffected persons in the pedigree and consanguineous loops could account for all affected persons being homozygous for the abnormal allele.