Mumps treatment by quacks in Pakistan: A neglected danger to public health

Dear Editor, In this letter, we aim to draw attention to mumps treatment through pseudo therapies by quacks in Pakistan. Our goal is to raise awareness and promote the prevention of mistreatment. Pakistan has seen an unprecedented rise in mumps outbreaks after the COVID-19 pandemic. From 1 January to 31 December 2022, a total of 19,444 mumps cases had been recorded from all provinces of the country. [1] Mumps is a common childhood respiratory infection caused by a paramyxovirus. It can be transmitted through direct contact and droplet spread. Symptoms include swelling of the parotid gland, which occurs in 60-70% of infections and 95% of patients with symptoms. [2] The swelling progresses over 2-3 days and persists for about a week. Sometimes mumps can lead to later complications such as epididymal-orchitis, oophoritis, meningitis, encephalitis, thyroiditis, unilateral deafness, spontaneous abortion, pancreatitis or infertility. Mumps is benign, resolving on its own, requiring only symptomatic relief by proven medical therapies. [3] Unfortunately, in Pakistan, especially in rural areas, people seek pseudo therapies for various diseases including Mumps from quacks which are found in a significant number of over 600,000 in the country. [4] The harmful effects of such malpractices include abandonment and delays in effective medical treatment, emergence of complications, psychological-physical traumas, and financial burden. [5] For treating Mumps, these mal practitioners offer the "massage" of the parotid gland, which involves rotating the index finger from the centre of the gland towards the outside while blowing on the patient's face. [6] These methods are not scientifically proven and may even be harmful. According to a study, non-medical interventions like acupuncture have also proved to be futile and of no advantage. [7] People often attribute the recovery to the quack's treatment, increasing their trust in these practitioners and propagation of false beliefs. These quacks often charge significant amounts of money, further exploiting their patients. We urge physicians, public health workers and the general public to prioritise the prevention and control of mumps outbreaks. This will require proactive education to address the misinformation surrounding mumps and quack treatments. Furthermore, research is needed to determine the frequency of mumps complications later in life, which may be associated with these ongoing practices for many years. Finally, the government should take stern action against quack practitioners, and the public needs to be better informed about the harms. ---Continue

Exploration of nonlinear optical properties of 4-methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)-N-phenylpropanamide based derivatives: experimental and DFT approach

Triazoles, nitrogen-containing heterocycles, have gained attention for their applications in medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, agrochemicals, and material sciences. In the current study, we synthesized novel derivatives of N-substituted 2-((5-(3-bromophenyl)-4-methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)-N-phenylpropanamide and conducted a comprehensive investigation using density functional theory (DFT). These novel structural hybrids of 1,2,4-triazole were synthesized through the multi-step chemical modifications of 3-bromobenzoic acid (1). Initially, compound 1 was converted into its methyl-3-bromobenzoate (2) which was then transformed into 3-bromobenzohydrazide (3). The final step involved the cyclization of compound 3, producing its 1,2,4-triazole derivative (4). This intermediate was then coupled with different electrophiles, resulting in the formation of the final derivatives (7a-7c). Additionally, the characterization of these triazole-based compounds (7a, 7b, and 7c) were carried out using techniques such as IR, HNMR, and UV-visible spectroscopy to understand their structural and spectroscopic properties. The DFT study utilized M06/6-311G(d,p) functional to investigate geometrical parameters, HOMO-LUMO energies, natural bond orbital analyses, transition density matrix (TDM), density of states, and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties. The FMO analysis revealed that compound 7c exhibited the lowest band gap value (4.618 eV). Notably, compound 7c exhibited significant linear polarizability (4.195 >  × 10-23) and first and second hyperpolarizabilities (6.317 >  × 10-30, 4.314 × 10-35), signifying its potential for nonlinear optical applications. These NLO characteristics imply that each of our compounds, especially 7c, plays a crucial part in fabricating materials showing promising NLO properties for optoelectronic applications.

Heterocyclic Donor Moiety Effect on Optical Nonlinearity Behavior of Chrysene-Based Chromophores with Push-Pull Configuration via the Quantum Chemical Approach

Organic-based nonlinear optical (NLO) materials may be used in many optical-electronic systems and other next-generation defense technologies. With the importance of NLO materials, a series of push-pull architecture (D-π-A) derivatives (DTMD2-DTMD6) were devised from DTMR1 through structural alteration of different efficient donor heterocyclic groups. Density functional theory-based computations were executed at the MPW1PW91/6-31G(d,p) level to explore the NLO behavior of the derivatives. To investigate the optoelectronic behavior of the said compounds, various analyses like the frontier molecular orbital (FMO), global reactivity parameters, density of state (DOS), absorption spectra (UV-vis), natural bond orbital, and transition density matrix (TDM) were performed. The derivatives have a smaller band gap (2.156-1.492 eV) and a larger bathochromic shift (λmax = 692.838-969.605 nm) as compared to the reference chromophore (ΔE = 2.306 eV and λmax = 677.949 nm). FMO analysis revealed substantial charge conduction out of the donor toward the acceptor via a spacer that was also shown by TDM and DOS analyses. All derivatives showed promising NLO results, with the maximum amplitude of linear polarizability ⟨α⟩ and first (βtotal) and second (γtotal) hyperpolarizabilities over their reference chromophore. DTMD2 contained the highest βtotal (7.220 × 10-27 esu) and γtotal (1.720 × 10-31 esu) values corresponding with the reduced band gap (1.492 eV), representing potential futures for a large NLO amplitude. This structural modification through the use of various donors has played a significant part in achieving promising NLO behavior in the modified compounds.

Photophysical and biological aspects of α, β-unsaturated ketones: Experimental and in silico approach

In this work, four fluorinated α, β-unsaturated ketones named as 3-(3-bromophenyl)-1-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (1), 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) prop-2-en-1-one (2), 3-(3-bromo-5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-1-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) prop-2-en-1-one (3) and 3-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-1-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (4) were synthesized by Claisen-Schmidt reaction. The synthesized molecules were then characterized through ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR, and mass spectrometry. The antioxidant potential, Urease inhibition, and interaction of compounds 1-4 with Salmon sperm DNA were experimentally explored and supported by molecular docking studies. The synthesized compounds strongly interact with SS-DNA through intercalative mode. It was noticed that compound 1 served as potent Urease inhibitor while compound 4 as better antioxidant among synthesized compounds. Moreover, frontier molecular orbitals, nonlinear optical (NLO) properties, natural bond orbitals, molecular electrostatic potential, natural population analysis, and photophysical properties of synthesized compounds were accomplished through density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory. The band gap of all the compounds have been worked out using Taucs method. In addition to that, a precise comparative account of UV and IR data obtained from theoretical and experimental findings showed good agreement between theoretical and experimental data. The findings of our studies reflected that compounds 1-4 possess better NLO properties than Urea standard and the band gap data also reflected their prospective use towards optoelectronic materials. The better NLO behavior of compounds was attributed to the noncentrosymmetric structure of synthesized compounds.

Quantum Chemical Exploration of A-π1-D1-π2-D2-Type Compounds for the Exploration of Chemical Reactivity, Optoelectronic, and Third-order Nonlinear Optical Properties

Organic compounds exhibit significant nonlinear optical (NLO) properties and can be utilized in various areas like optical parameters, fiber optics, and optical communication. Herein, a series of chromophores (DBTD1-DBTD6) with an A-π₁-D₁-π₂-D₂ framework was derived from a prepared compound (DBTR) by varying the structure of π-spacer and terminal acceptor. The DBTR and its investigated compounds were optimized at the M06/6-311G(d,p) level of theory. Frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), nonlinear optical (NLO) properties, global reactivity parameters (GRPs), natural bonding orbital (NBO), transition density matrix (TDM), molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), and natural population analysis (NPA) were accomplished at the abovementioned level to describe the NLO findings. DBTD6 has the lowermost band gap (2.131 eV) among all of the derived compounds. The decreasing order of highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) energy gap values was DBTR > DBTD1 > DBTD2 > DBTD3 > DBTD4 > DBTD5 > DBTD6. The NBO analysis was carried out to describe noncovalent interactions such as conjugative interactions and electron delocalization. From all of the examined substances, DBTD5 showed the highest λ_max value at 593.425 nm (in the gaseous phase) and 630.578 nm (in chloroform solvent). Moreover, the β_tot and ⟨γ⟩ amplitudes of DBTD5 were noticed to be relatively greater at 1.140 × 10^-27 and 1.331 × 10^-32 esu, respectively. So, these outcomes disclosed that DBTD5 depicted the highest linear and nonlinear properties in comparison to the other designed compounds, which underlines that it could make a significant contribution to hi-tech NLO devices.

Toward Efficient Bactericidal and Dye Degradation Performance of Strontium- and Starch-Doped Fe2O3 Nanostructures: In Silico Molecular Docking Studies

In this study, various concentrations of strontium (Sr) into a fixed amount of starch (St) and Fe₂O₃ nanostructures (NSs) were synthesized with the co-precipitation approach to evaluate the antibacterial and photocatalytic properties of the concerned NSs. The study aimed to synthesize nanorods of Fe₂O₃ with co-precipitation to enhance the bactericidal behavior with dopant-dependent Fe₂O₃. Advanced techniques were utilized to investigate the structural characteristics, morphological properties, optical absorption and emission, and elemental composition properties of synthesized samples. Measurements via X-ray diffraction confirmed the rhombohedral structure for Fe₂O₃. Fourier-transform infrared analysis explored the vibrational and rotational modes of the O-H functional group and the C=C and Fe-O functional groups. The energy band gap of the synthesized samples was observed in the range of 2.78-3.15 eV, which indicates that the blue shift in the absorption spectra of Fe₂O₃ and Sr/St-Fe₂O₃ was identified with UV-vis spectroscopy. The emission spectra were obtained through photoluminescence spectroscopy, and the elements in the materials were determined using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy micrographs showed NSs that exhibit nanorods (NRs), and upon doping, agglomeration of NRs and nanoparticles was observed. Efficient degradations of methylene blue increased the photocatalytic activity in the implantation of Sr/St on Fe₂O₃ NRs. The antibacterial potential for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was measured against ciprofloxacin. E. coli bacteria exhibit inhibition zones of 3.55 and 4.60 mm at low and high doses, respectively. S. aureus shows the measurement of inhibition zones for low and high doses of prepared samples at 0.47 and 2.40 mm, respectively. The prepared nanocatalyst showed remarkable antibacterial action against E. coli bacteria rather than S. aureus at high and low doses compared to ciprofloxacin. The best-docked conformation of the dihydrofolate reductase enzyme against E. coli for Sr/St-Fe₂O₃ showed H-bonding interactions with Ile-94, Tyr-100, Tyr-111, Trp-30, ASP-27, Thr-113, and Ala-6.

In Silico Designing of Thieno[2,3-b]thiophene Core-Based Highly Conjugated, Fused-Ring, Near-Infrared Sensitive Non-fullerene Acceptors for Organic Solar Cells

The performance of organic solar cells (OSCs) has been improving steadily over the last few years, owing to the optimization of device fabrication, fine-tuning of morphology, and thin-film processing. Thiophene core containing fused ring-type non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) achieved significant proficiency for highly efficient OSCs. Quantum chemical computations are utilized herein with the motive of suggesting new NIR sensitive, highly efficient low-band gap materials for OSCs. A series of extended conjugated A-π-D-π-A architectured novel fused-ring NFAs (FUIC-1-FUIC-6) containing thieno[2,3-b]thiophene-based donor core are proposed by substituting the end-capped units of synthesized molecule F10IC. Different properties including frontier molecular orbital analysis, density of states analysis, transition density matrix analysis, excitation energy, reorganizational energies of both holes (λ_h) and electrons (λ_e), and open-circuit voltage (V _oc) were performed employing the density functional theory approach. Charge transfer analysis of the best-designed molecule with the donor complex was analyzed to comprehend the efficiency of novel constructed molecules (FUIC-1-FUIC-6) and compared with the reference. End-caped acceptor alteration induces the reduction of the energy gap between HOMO-LUMO (1.88 eV), tunes the energy levels, longer absorption in the visible and near-infrared regions, larger V _oc, smaller reorganizational energies, and binding energy values in designed structures (FUIC-1-FUIC-6) in comparison to reference (FUIC). The designed molecules show the best agreement with the PTBT-T donor polymer blend and cause the highest charge from the HOMO to the LUMO orbital. Our findings predicted that thieno[2,3-b] thiophene-based newly designed molecules would be efficient NFAs with outstanding photovoltaic characteristics and can be used in future applications of OSCs.

Genetic variation between hybrid (Labeo rohita ♂, Cirrhinus mrigala ♀ and Labeo rohita) by RAPD marker

The present work was to study the genetic variability between the major carps Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala and their hybrids of L. rohita (male♂) and C. mrigala (female♀). Genetic variability was studied by employing RAPD molecular markers. 25 samples of each target species having different sizes with the same age group for the determination of interspecific variation were collected. The morphometric parameters such as body weight, total length, tail length, and lengths of dorsal and anal fins of each individual were recorded and results showed that wet body weight, total length, dorsal fin, anal fin, and tail fin length are positively correlated and then the DNA was extracted using the inorganic salt-based method and conformed by Gel electrophoresis. Twenty-four arbitrary decamer primers were used to get species-specific RAPD analysis Distinct and highly reproducible RAPD profiles with significant genetic variability was detected among species. Only five primers showed amplification. The RAPAD primer OPB-05 produced a total of seven bands out of these 5 monomorphic and 2 polymorphic, so in this case, the percentage polymorphism was 28.57%. The Hybrid show more than a 50% difference from the Labeo rohita. This shows that the Hybrid more resembles C.mrigala. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that hybrid (L. rohita ♂ X Cirrhinus mrigala ♀) is the closest to C. mrigala and the farthest from L. rohita. Overall data are presented concerning the applications of RAPD markers for hybrid identification, genetic diversity assessment, and studying taxonomic relationships at a molecular level.

Comprehensive Comparative Analysis of the GATA Transcription Factors in Four Rosaceae Species and Phytohormonal Response in Chinese Pear (Pyrus bretschneideri) Fruit

The GATA gene family is one of the most important transcription factors (TFs). It extensively exists in plants, contributes to diverse biological processes such as the development process, and responds to environmental stress. Although the GATA gene family has been comprehensively and systematically studied in many species, less is known about GATA genes in Chinese pears (Pyrus bretschneideri). In the current study, the GATA gene family in the four Rosaceae genomes was identified, its structural characteristics identified, and a comparative analysis of its properties was carried out. Ninety-two encoded GATA proteins were authenticated in the four Rosaceae genomes (Pyrus bretschneideri, Prunus avium, Prunus mume, and Prunus persica) and categorized into four subfamilies (Ⅰ-Ⅳ) according to phylogeny. The majority of GATA genes contained one to two introns and conserved motif composition analysis revealed their functional divergence. Whole-genome duplications (WGDs) and dispersed duplication (DSD) played a key role in the expansion of the GATA gene family. The microarray indicated that, among P. bretschneideri, P. avium, P. mume and P. persica, GATA duplicated regions were more conserved between Pyrus bretschneideri and Prunus persica with 32 orthologous genes pairs. The physicochemical parameters, duplication patterns, non-synonymous (ka), and synonymous mutation rate (ks) and GO annotation ontology were performed using different bioinformatics tools. cis-elements respond to various phytohormones, abiotic/biotic stress, and light-responsive were found in the promoter regions of GATA genes which were induced via stimuli. Furthermore, subcellular localization of the PbGATA22 gene product was investigated, showing that it was present in the nucleus of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) epidermal cells. Finally, in silico analysis was performed on various organs (bud, leaf, stem, ovary, petal, and sepal) and different developmental stages of fruit. Subsequently, the expression profiles of PbGATA genes were extensively expressed under exogenous hormonal treatments of SA (salicylic acid), MeJA (methyl jasmonate), and ABA (abscisic acid) indicating that play important role in hormone signaling pathways. A comprehensive analysis of GATA transcription factors was performed through systematic biological approaches and comparative genomics to establish a theoretical base for further structural and functional investigations in Rosaceae species.

Performance evaluation of the commercial aquafeeds available in the market of Pakistan on Channa marulius (Sole)

The present study aimed to determine the effect of different levels of protein on the growth, body composition, amino acid profile and serology of Channa marulius fingerlings. The experiment was conducted in ten happas installed in earthen ponds, each stocked with 10 fishes for 90 days. Four commercial fish feeds having 25%, 30%, 32% and 40% crude protein (CP) levels were fed to fish at 3% of their wet body weight three times a day. The results of the study revealed that highest weight gain, feed conversion ratio and survival rate were observed in 30% protein feed. Meanwhile, moisture content was higher in fish fed with 30% CP feed while highest crude protein was recorded in 40% CP fed fish. Lowest fat content was observed in 32% CP feed. Amino acid profile of fish revealed better results in 30% CP feed. Total protein, glucose and globulin were also highest in fish feeding 30% CP feed, while albumin was highest in 40% CP feed. It is concluded that 30% CP feed showed better results in terms of growth, amino acid profile and serological parameters without effecting fish body composition.

Effect of Moringa olifera leaves on growth and gut microbiota of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Moringa olifera on the growth and gut health of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The feed having 30% crude protein was prepared as an experimental diet with 4%, 8% and 10% M. olifera leaf supplementation, respectively. The control diet was devoid of M. olifera leaves. The 10 weeks feeding trial was carried out on 60 fish in aquaria. Fish was fed @ 3% of body weight twice a day. Diet with the high level of inclusion of M. olifera leaves significantly increased the growth rate, Survival Rate (SR), Specific Growth Rate (SGR) and Feed Conversion Efficiency (FCE) in all treatment groups compared to the control group. Similarly, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) gradually decreased and found highly-significant. To check the gut health of the Tilapia, random samples were selected and dissected. Nutrient agar was used as culture media to check the growth of bacteria. Pour Plate Method was used for viable colonies count by colony counter. Through staining method, the different bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were identify abundantly in the intestine of control diet fish but less number present in treatment diets groups. These results showed that M. olifera leaves up to 10% of dietary protein can be used for Nile tilapia for significant growth and healthy gut microbiota of fish.

Limiting amino acids supplementation in low crude protein diets and their impacts on growth performance and carcass composition in Labeo rohita (rohu) adult fish

Ninety days study was conducted in hapas installed in earthen ponds. Fish of an average initial weight (220g) were evenly distributed in triplicate groups within fifteen hapas. Five experimental diets labeled as T1 (25% CP and NRC recommended amino acid level) as control diet, T2 (with 2% low protein and 5% amino acid supplementation), T3 (with 2% low protein and 10% amino acid supplementation), T4 (with 4% low protein and 10% amino acid supplementation) and T5 (with 4% low protein and 20% amino acid supplementation) were prepared. Fish were fed with @3% of their body weight twice a day at 10.00 & 16:00 hour. Significantly higher percent weight gain (420.18 ± 66.84a) and specific growth rate (13499.33±1273.54a) along with improved feed conversion ratio (1.29 ± 0.09b) and hundred percent survivals were recorded during the trial. Furthermore proximate analysis of meat showed significant improvement in the crude protein level (81.77 ± 0.19a) served with diet containing 20% limiting amino acids mixture. Therefore, limiting amino acids can be a source of cost effective feed and use safely in L. rohita diet.

Efficient Synthesis, SC-XRD, and Theoretical Studies of O-Benzenesulfonylated Pyrimidines: Role of Noncovalent Interaction Influence in Their Supramolecular Network

Crystalline organic compounds, 2-amino-6-methylpyrimidin-4-yl benzenesulfonate (AMPBS) and 2,6-diaminopyrimidin-4-yl benzenesulfonate (DAPBS), were prepared via O-benzenesulfonylation of 2-amino-6-methylpyrimidin-4-ol 1 and 2,6-diaminopyrimidin-4-ol 2, respectively. The structural interpretations were achieved unambiguously by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) analysis. The Hirshfeld surface study showed that C-H···O, N-H···N, and especially C-H···C hydrogen bond interactions are the key contributors to the intermolecular stabilization in the crystal. Density functional theory (DFT) studies were used to obtain a better understanding of natural bond orbitals (NBOs) and nonlinear optical (NLO) analysis for AMPBS and DAPBS at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level. The time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT)/CAM-B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level was employed for frontier molecular orbital analysis of both compounds. DFT-based vibrations for C-H, C=N, N-H, and stretching for C-C were found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. Overall, the theoretical findings were acquired in correspondence to the SC-XRD-based parameters. Intracharge transfer occurred in AMPBS and DAPBS compounds, which was evaluated through FMO activity. Global reactivity indices had been acquired utilizing energies of HOMO-LUMO orbitals. Overall, the theoretical findings related to AMPBS and DAPBS consist of promising correspondence to experimental findings. The theoretical-based study also exhibited that both AMPBS and DAPBS compounds contain promising NLO features.

Relationship between positive clinical VTO and post-treatment soft tissue profile following phase l growth modification therapy

Introduction: Facial profile improvement is goal of cotemporary orthodontics and a reason to seek orthodontic therapy. The soft tissue profile plays a important role on orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between positive clinical VTO and actual post-treatment soft tissue profile after phase l therapy of growth modification in Class II. Materials & Method: Pretreatment simulation of post-treatment and actual post-treatment profile photographs of 30 class ll div l patients treated with twin block appliance were compared. Three profile photographs of each subject; pretreatment, positive clinical VTO and post-treatment were taken and on each photograph four angles; Nasofacial (NF), Nasomental (NM), Mentocervical (MC) and Nasolabial (NL) were drawn and measured. Mean, standard deviation, success and coefficient of determination of each angle was measured and linear regressions analysis was applied to find out the correlation. Result: Nasolabial and nasomental angles showed greater success i.e. 81.4% and 68.1% respectively showing greater correlation, while nasofacial and mentocervical angles showed less success i.e. 48.1% and 48.3% respectively showing less correlation. Linear regression analysis revealed that positive clinical VTO significantly predicted post-treatment profile whereas coefficient of determination for nasomental and mentocervical angles was 76.5% and 60% representing a better goodness of fit while nasolabial and nasofacial angles was 53.6% and 51.6% demonstrating poor fit of regression lines. Conclusion: Even though there is improved facial profile obtained by protracting the mandible into class l relation in a chair side maneuver in class ll div l malocclusions, yet the orthodontist should be tentative when predicting the outcome of growth modification to get benefit of this therapy.

Sinus of valsalva aneurysm rupturing into main pulmonary artery: A rare paediatric cardiac emergency

Congenital Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a rare congenital cardiac disease. Most common site of origin is the right sinus. It ruptures into right ventricle or right atrium most of the times. Only in less than 2% of the cases it ruptures into the pulmonary artery. We report a rare case of right sinus of valsalva aneurysm rupturing into pulmonary artery.

Does natural honey act as an alternative to antibiotics in the semen extender for cryopreservation of crossbred ram semen?

Antibiotics are added to semen extenders to take care of heavy microbial load, however, their continuous use poses a constant threat of developing antibiotic resistance by the common microbes present in the semen. Our hypothesis was that natural honey, having antibacterial activity and rich in fructose could replace the use of antibiotics and fructose in the semen extender. Twenty-four ejaculates from six crossbred rams were obtained and extended with tris-based extender without (control) and with honey at 2.5% (T1), 5% (T2) and 7% (T3). Sperm quality was measured in terms of percentage sperm motility, live sperm count, intact acrosome and hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) reacted spermatozoa. The semen samples at post-thaw were also evaluated for total viable count (colony forming units/ml). At post-thaw, control exhibited significantly (P<0.05) higher sperm motility in comparison to T2 and T3. The percent of live sperm count, intact acrosome and HOST reacted spermatozoa were significantly higher (P<0.05) for control than all other treatment groups at post-thaw. Among treatment groups, T1 maintained significantly higher (P<0.05) percentage of live sperm count, intact acrosome and HOST reacted spermatozoa than T2 and T3. The total viable count at post-thaw was significantly lower (P<0.05) for control than all the treatment groups. In conclusion, honey cannot be used as an alternative to antibiotics to take care of heavy microbial load in semen, however, levels up to 2.5% may be supplemented to semen as an energy source.

Processed foods as an integral part of universal salt iodization programs: a review of global experience and analyses of Bangladesh and Pakistan

BACKGROUND

Despite the reference to salt for food processing in the original definition of universal salt iodization (USI), national USI programs often do not explicitly address food industry salt. This may affect program impact and sustainability, given the increasing consumption of processed foods in developing countries.

OBJECTIVE

To review experience of the use of iodized salt in the food industry globally, and analyze the market context in Bangladesh and Pakistan to test whether this experience may be applicable to inform improved national USI programming in developing countries.

METHODS

A review of relevant international experience was undertaken. In Bangladesh and Pakistan, local rural market surveys were carried out. In Bangladesh, structured face-to-face interviews with bakers and indepth interviews with processed food wholesalers and retailers were conducted. In Pakistan, face-to-face structured interviews were conducted with food retailers and food labels were checked.

RESULTS

Experience from industrialized countries reveals impact resulting from the use of iodized salt in the food industry. In Bangladesh and Pakistan, bread, biscuits, and snacks containing salt are increasingly available in rural areas. In Bangladesh, the majority of bakers surveyed claimed to use iodized salt. In Pakistan, 6 of 362 unique product labels listed iodized salt.

CONCLUSIONS

Successful experience from developed countries needs to be adapted to the developing country context. The increasing availability of processed foods in rural Bangladesh and Pakistan provides an opportunity to increase iodine intake. However, the impact of this intervention remains to be quantified. To develop better national USI programs, further data are required on processed food consumption across population groups, iodine contents of food products, and the contribution of processed foods to iodine nutrition.

The role of apoptosis, proliferation, and the Bcl-2-related proteins in the myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia secondary to MDS

Bone marrow CD34(+) cell apoptosis (annexin V), proliferation (Ki-67), and Bcl-2-related protein expression was evaluated by flow cytometry in 102 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia secondary to MDS (MDS-AML) and in 30 normal donors (NBM). Apoptosis was significantly increased in refractory anemia (RA)/RA with ringed sideroblasts (RARS) (56.9% [20.4%-93.6%]) and refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB) (51.2% [25.2%-76. 6%]) compared with NBM (16.7% [3.4%-35.3%], P <.0001). In RA/RARS, apoptosis always exceeded proliferation (Ki-67-positivity, 26.1% [9.5%-47.8%]; apoptosis:proliferation ratio 2.08 [1.15-3.63]); whereas in RAEB, this ratio equalized (1.14 [0.93-2.08]) due to increased proliferation (40.4% [22%-69.5%]). Progression to RAEB in transformation (RAEB-t)/MDS-AML was associated with a significant reduction in apoptosis (22.3% [2.1%-53.2%]; P <.0001) and proliferation (16.8% [1.9%-75.8%); P =.04; ratio 1.69 [0.16-12.21]). Pro-apoptotic (Bax/Bad) versus anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2/Bcl-X) Bcl-2-related protein ratios were increased in RA/RARS compared with NBM (2.57 [1.93-9.42] versus 1.89 [0.65-4.1]; P =.06), whereas disease progression was associated with significantly reduced ratios (1.16 [0.06-3.32]; P <.0001) due primarily to increased Bcl-2 expression. Apoptosis and Bax/Bad:Bcl-2/Bcl-X ratio were inversely correlated with both International Prognostic Scoring System score and cytogenetic risk group; highest levels observed in patients with low score and/or good risk cytogenetics. There was a trend toward an association between Bcl-2-related protein expression and apoptosis (P =.07). This study indicates that MDS progression arises through multiple hits that alter levels of CD34(+) cell apoptosis and proliferation. Early disease is associated with excessive apoptosis and elevated ratio of apoptosis to proliferation. Increased proliferative rates are observed in RAEB, whereas leukemic transformation arises through inhibition of apoptosis rather than excessive cell growth. Although disease progression is accompanied by a fall in pro-apoptotic versus anti-apoptotic Bcl-2-related protein ratios, heterogeneity in patterns of protein expression indicates that factors additional to Bcl-2 family members play a role in the deregulated apoptosis in MDS. (Blood. 2000;96:3932-3938)

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of early loaded free-standing dental implants with various coatings in beagle dogs

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Immediate loading of implants may be a predictable treatment alternative when cross-arch stabilization with a fixed provisional is observed.

PURPOSE

This study investigated the effect of immediate masticatory loading on the stability of single-standing dental implants with 4 different surfaces.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 40 solid screw implants (diameter 3.3 mm, length 8 mm) were placed in the mandibles of 4 beagle dogs. Test groups included 3 hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings of titanium plasma-sprayed (TPS) implants. Implants with TPS alone served as control. Gold crowns were inserted 2 days after implant placement and the dogs were immediately put on a hard food diet. Implants were followed for 6 months after loading. Clinical and radiographic assessments of implants were performed at time of crown insertion (baseline) and after 1, 3, and 6 months of loading. The Periotest instrument was used for mobility measurements and radiographs were obtained for evaluation of peri-implant radiolucency and measurement of crestal bone changes.

RESULTS

Of 40 implants, 39 displayed no discernible mobility, corresponding to successful clinical function. Peri-implant radiolucencies were absent for all but the 1 mobile implant. The reduction in crestal bone levels adjacent to the implants between baseline and 6 months was statistically significant (P <.0001). No statistically significant differences in crestal bone level changes over time were found between the various coatings demonstrating the absence of a treatment effect initiated by the surface coatings.

CONCLUSION

In this study in beagle dogs, immediate masticatory loading of single-standing dental implants did not jeopardize tissue integration, provided the implants had excellent primary stability.

Evidence-based esthetic dentistry

Evidence-based clinical practice integrates the best available evidence with clinical expertise. This article presents a clinical case scenario and, using a four-step, evidence-based approach, demonstrates how to (1) ask an evidence-based question; (2) search MEDLINE for the best evidence; (3) critically appraise the evidence; and (4) apply the evidence to the patient. The procedure is demonstrated with the sample question, Does bleaching of bonded porcelain veneers increase marginal leakage? A MEDLINE search strategy was developed for synonyms of the key words that best identify the problem, the intervention, and the outcome. The synonyms were combined using the Boolean operator "or" to identify a "sensitive" (i.e., inclusive) universe of 140,000 journal articles. These categories were then combined using the Boolean operator "and" to identify the most "specific" (i.e., exclusive) four articles from among the 140,000. Finally, to find the best evidence, the articles were limited to "humans" and "randomized controlled trials." This identified one article. Critical appraisal of the limited data in this one article indicates that the methods are valid and statistically significant, but because of the methods employed, may not be clinically important. Evidence-based methods take one to the edge of the available information universe in about 15 minutes. The results can be both exhilarating and sobering. They can indicate the depth or limits of available information and suggest gaps in the knowledge-base that require further study. Most importantly, however, the results allow practitioners to communicate incisively and truthfully with patients and to make more informed clinical choices.