Human-black bear conflict: crop raiding by Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Abstract Asiatic black bear has long been in conflict with human beings crop raiding is a major cause of this conflict frequently noted in South Asia. Crops raided by black bears affected by temporal, spatial and anthropogenic attributes. Insight in this conflict and its mitigation is vital for the conservation of this threatened species. Present study aimed to evaluate crop raiding by black bears in the mountainous region of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Field surveys were carried out to observe spatial and temporal crop raiding features between 2015-2020 and data gathered using designed questionnaires randomly tailored in villages nearby the forests. Results revealed that maize was the sole crop raided by black bears. A total of 28-acre area was raided by black bear in the fall season (Aug-November) resulting in a damage of 51 metric tons, whole raiding was carried out at night. Each respondent received crop damage on 0.09 acre with a loss of 0.17 metric ton yield. Crop quantity and area were significantly correlated to each other. District Neelum shared 49% of the total crop loss, while 47% of the maize was raided at the altitudinal range of 2100-2500 m. crop raiding was highly significantly ( χ 2 = 1174.64 ; d f = 308 ; p < 0.01) dependent upon distance to the forest. Linear regression revealed that maize quantity was determined by area, time and the total field area. Farmers faced 3.8 million PKRs loss due to crop damage by black bears. Despite the huge loss, the majority (23%) of the respondents did not respond to the query on mitigation measures indicating a poor adaptation of preventive measures. Preferred strategy to avoid crop damage was making noise (27.8%) when bears attacked their crops. A start of compensation scheme to the farmers is recommended that will have turned their negative attitude into a positive one toward the wildlife and black bear particularly. Study provides a new insight in human-bear conflict, particularly in spatial and temporal context of crop raiding in AJ&K.

Peristaltic motion of Jeffrey fluid with nonlinear mixed convection

Since previous few decays the consideration of non-Newtonian liquids motion due to its immense usages in medicine, biology, industrial procedures, chemistry of catalysts and in environment. Various studies examine the significance of bio-materials flow in physiological procedures to explore the cure of diagnosed symptoms of disease appearing during movement in a human physiological system. To illustrate the characteristics of physiological liquids various non-Newtonian models have been proposed, but yet no such single liquid model is exploited which describes all the properties of nonlinear behaving liquids. Among these several non-Newtonian models, Jeffery liquid model should be reduced to its base fluid case (i.e. viscous liquid) by choosing λ₁ = λ₂ = 0. Various physiological materials which represents both linear and nonlinear characteristics respectively blood is one of these. Jeffery fluid and peristaltic motion have some common properties such as radii, relaxation time and retardation time. Moreover heat and mass transfer is also an important phenomenon which is suitable for various physiological processes such as hemodialysis and oxygenation etc. Thus due to such motivating facts this research is conducted to investigate the peristaltic motion of electrically conducting Jeffery liquid. The peristaltic propagating channel walls are asymmetric and inclined. Joule heating and magnetic field effects are considered by applying magnetic field in transverse direction to the flow. Further conservation laws modelled the flow situation via considering quadric mix convection, thermos diffusion and diffusion-thermos, heat generation and absorption, chemical reaction with activation energy features. Moreover, creeping flow and long wavelength assumptions are used to simplify the mathematical modelling. The reduced system of equation is solved numerically through built-in technique in Mathematica software. This built-in technique is working through ND Solve command and shooting and RK-Felburg numerical schemes are behind this technique. These numerical results are used to discuss the flow quantities i.e., velocity, temperature and concentration against the sundry dimensionless quantities. Examining the results it comes to know that both thermal and concentration nonlinear mix convection have oppositely affecting the axial velocity. Both heat and mass transfer are escalating function of thermo-diffusion/diffusion-thermo aspects.

Patterns of recurrence in patients undergoing curative treatment for maxillary alveolus squamous cell carcinoma

The aim of this paper was to examine patterns of recurrence in patients undergoing curative treatment for maxillary alveolus squamous cell carcinoma (MASCC). Clinicopathological data on 41 patients undergoing curative resection for MASCC between February 2006 and May 2020 were retrospectively gathered. Outcomes included local, regional, or distant failure as first site of treatment recurrence. Univariate analysis identified significant clinicopathological variables for type of recurrence. Multivariate regression analysis generated predictive models. Ten of 41 patients developed regional recurrence, and nine manifested contralateral recurrence following ipsilateral neck dissection. In three patients the ipsilateral neck was pN0. Nodal metastasis was predictive of regional recurrence, particularly with extranodal tumour extension (ENE). Multivariate analysis with regional recurrence confirmed that ENE was independently predictive. Nodal disease and ENE in patients with MASCC was found to be predictive of contralateral regional recurrence. Management of the neck in MASCC that extends to the palatal aspect should therefore be considered as midline disease.

Evidence of novel Treponema phylotypes implicated in contagious ovine digital dermatitis and association of treponemes with major lameness causing foot pathogens

In this study 269 swabs collected from 254 ovine foot lesions and 15 apparently healthy ovine feet were screened by PCR for the presence of major lameness causing foot pathogens viz. Treponema species, D. nodosus, F. necrophorum and T. pyogenes with the presumption that ovine foot lesion positive for Treponema species alone or in association with other three pathogens were categorized as contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD). While samples positive for D. nodosus alone or its combination with F. necrophorum and T. pyogenes were considered as footrot (FR) and samples in which F. necrophorum or T. pyogenes was found either alone or in combination were considered as interdigital dermatitis (ID). The overall occurrence of Treponema sp. in ovine foot lesions was 48.0%, and ranged from 33 to 58%. In Treponema positive samples D. nodosus, F. necrophorum and T. pyogenes were present in 34 (27.4%), 66 (54.4%) and 84 (68.5%) in contrast to Treponema negative samples in which these were present in 15 (11.1%), 20 (14.12%) and 17 (12.6%) samples, respectively. The data signifies that Treponema sp. are significantly associated with these foot pathogens and their different combinations with Treponema sp. influence the severity of CODD lesion. The identification of Treponema phylotypes was done by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene fragment of ten representative samples. Out of ten sequences, four (Trep-2, Trep-4, Trep-7 and Trep-10) were identical to Treponema sp. phylotype 1 (PT1) that belongs to phylogroup T. refringens-like, one sequence (Trep-1) was genetically close (90% sequence homology) to Treponema brennaborense while five sequences (Trep-3, Trep-5, Trep-6, Trep-8 and Trep-9) matched with uncultured bacterium clones of treponemes forming separate monophyletic group in phylogenetic tree and could represent new digital dermatitis phylogroup presently containing five ovine specific phylotypes. This is the first report on the presence of Treponema phylotypes other than three digital dermatitis (DD) Treponema phylogroups viz. T. phagedenis-like, T. medium/T. vincentii-like, and T. pedis-like that are frequently detected in CODD lesions. Metagenomic analysis of two representative samples revealed the abundance of genus Treponema in CODD lesion while this genus was absent in swab collected from clinically healthy foot suggesting that it might play primary role in producing CODD. These findings may further aid in understanding the etiopathogenesis of CODD and could help to develop appropriate treatment and mitigation strategies to combat the disease.

Impacts of entropy generation in radiative peristaltic flow of variable viscosity nanomaterial

Current analysis highlights the aspects of different nanoparticles in peristalsis with entropy generation. Mathematical equations of considered problem are modelled via conservation laws for mass, momentum and energy. Such equations contain variable viscosity, nonlinear thermal radiation, viscous dissipation, heat generation/absorption and mixed convection aspects. Boundary conditions comprise the second order velocity and first order thermal slip effects. Entropy expression is obtained by utilization thermodynamics. Simplified and dimensionless forms of the considered conservative laws are obtained through lubrication technique. Resulting system of equations subject to the considered boundary conditions is solved numerically via built-in shooting procedure in Mathematica. Such numerical procedure is very suitable to obtain numerical results directly and fastly in the form of graphs. Further all the considered flow quantities are discussed graphically for the significant parameters of interest in detail. Both velocity and temperature are decreasing against large volume fraction parameter. Increasing temperature dependent viscosity effects decrease the entropy and enhance the Bejan number.

Predictors and risk factors for admission to critical care in cervicofacial infections: a Maxillofacial Trainee Research Collaborative (MTReC) study

Cervicofacial infections carry significant morbidity. Patients present on a broad spectrum of severity, with some requiring outpatient management and others admission to higher level care. Recognition of risk factors is helpful in decision making regarding the need for admission to higher level care. Prospective data were captured on 1002 patients in 25 centres across 17 regions of the United Kingdom (UK) by the Maxillofacial Trainee Research Collaborative (MTReC). Patients admitted to critical care were compared with those who received ward-level care. Multivariate and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to identify predictors for critical care admission. Our results show that the best predictor for critical care admission is the presence of three or more features of airway compromise (AUC 0.779), followed by C-reactive protein (CRP) >100 mg/L (OR 2.70; 95% CI 1.59 to 4.58; p < 0.005), submandibular space involvement (OR 3.82; 95% CI 1.870 to 7.81; p = 0.003), white cell count (WCC) >12 × 10⁹/ dl (1.05; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.10; p = 0.03), and positive systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria (OR 2.78; CI 1.35 to 5.80; p = 0.006). Admission to critical care is multifactorial, however, the presence of three or more features of airway compromise is the best predictor. Awareness of this alongside other key clinical findings in cervicofacial infections may allow for the early recognition of patients who may require escalation to critical care.

Prognostic significance of dysplasia associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma in patients undergoing surgery with curative intent

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of dysplasia in patients undergoing primary surgery with curative intent in the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study specifically aimed to demonstrate the effect of dysplasia on local recurrence, disease specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). Data collection for 833 patients with OSCC undergoing treatment for curative intent was undertaken retrospectively for the period of February 2006 to May 2020. Analysis of any association between known clinicopathological prognostic categorical variables with respect to dysplasia was undertaken using the chi squared test. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to demonstrate the impact of dysplasia on DSS and OS, and Cox's proportional-hazards model deployed to obtain hazard ratios associated with dysplasia and the outcomes of interest. Dysplasia was statistically significant in predicting disease specific and overall survival in patients undergoing primary surgery for OSCC (DSS p<0.001, HR 0.577; 95%CI 0.428 to 0.777), OS p<0.001 HR 0.691; 95%CI 0.562 to 0.850) with the absence of dysplasia predicting poorer outcomes. The absence of dysplasia correlated with pathological higher T and N stage, increased categorised depth of tumour invasion, non-cohesive invasive front, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, extranodal extension and increased modified Glasgow Prognostic Score. No significant prognostic relationship was attributable to the presence of dysplasia at a surgical margin. The absence of dysplasia appeared to be a significant independent prognostic indicator for patients with OSCC. The presence or absence of dysplasia may provide a heuristic means of stratifying OSCC primary lesions in terms of disease hostility.

Patterns of recurrence amongst patients undergoing resection of oral squamous cell carcinoma with curative intent

This study was aimed to identify key clinicopathological variables that predict recurrence in those undergoing curative resection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with emphasis on initial treatment failure patterns. Between February 2006 to May 2020, clinicopathological data on 833 patients who underwent curative resection of OSCC were gathered. Outcomes of interest included local, regional, distant, and overall recurrence. Univariate analysis was performed to identify significant clinicopathological variables for each recurrence type, and a multivariate regression analysis was utilised to generate predictive models. A total of 187 patients (22.4%) developed recurrent disease; 79 local, 63 regional, and 46 distant. For local recurrence: tumour depth of invasion (DOI) >5--10 mm, tumour DOI >10 mm and modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) 2 were independently predictive (c-index 0.708). For regional recurrence: primary OSCC of hard palate/maxilla, pN1, pN3b, and non-cohesive invasive front were independently predictive (c-index 0.738). For distant recurrence: pN1 pN2a, pN2b, pN2c, pN3b, and tumour DOI >10 mm were independently predictive (c-index 0.809). For recurrence at any site; pN1, pN2a, pN2b, pN2c, pN3b, tumour DOI >5-10 mm, tumour DOI >10 mm, mGPS 2, and involved surgical margins were independently predictive (c-index 0.750). Recurrence events after curative treatment for OSCC are relatively predictable on the basis of available clinicopathological characteristics. It seems likely that trials of adjuvant systemic therapy in high-risk OSCC will continue to be designed with emerging therapeutic agents. Trials should focus on those of highest risk of relapse and this study adds clarity to the selection of the correct target population.

Implementing 3HP vs. IPT as TB preventive treatment in Pakistan

BACKGROUND: We assessed treatment uptake and completion for 6 months of isoniazid (6H) and 3 months of isoniazid plus rifapentine weekly (3HP) in a programmatic setting in Pakistan.METHODS: All household contacts were clinically evaluated to rule out TB disease. 6H was used for TB preventive treatment (TPT) from October 2016 to April 2017; from May to September 2017, 3HP was used for contacts aged ≥2 years. We compared clinical evaluation, TPT uptake and completion rates between contacts aged ≥2 years in the 6H period and in the 3HP period.RESULTS: We identified 3,442 contacts for the 6H regimen. After clinical evaluation, 744/1,036 (72%) started treatment, while 46% completed treatment. In contrast, 3,722 contacts were identified for 3HP. After clinical evaluation, 990/1,366 (72%) started treatment, while 67% completed treatment. Uptake of TPT did not differ significantly between the 6H and 3HP groups (OR 1.03, 95%CI 0.86-1.24). However, people who initiated 3HP had 2.3 times greater odds (95% CI 1.9-2.8) of completing treatment than those who initiated 6H after adjusting for age and sex.CONCLUSION: In programmatic settings in a high-burden country, household contacts of all ages were more likely to complete TPT with shorter weekly regimens, although treatment uptake rate for the two regimens was similar.

HISTOPATHOLOGICAL PROFILE OF GASTROINTESTINAL NEUROENDOCRINE TUMORS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Background. Recently there has been a lot of discussion about the terminology and classification of neuroendocrine tumours of the gastrointestinal tract. The WHO has recommended a change of terminology and classification of these tumours. In 2019 a significant update was done in the WHO classification of neuroendocrine tumours of GIT in which neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) are all considered high-grade tumours. Previously, grade 1 and 2 tumours were regarded as neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) and grade 3 neoplasms as NECs. The new classification avoids confusion between these two clinically and molecularly distinct notions. Objective. The aim of the research was to study GI neuroendocrine neoplasms and classify them as per location and Histopathological classification of GI neuroendocrine neoplasms according to the recent WHO classification. To use IHC whenever and wherever required for categorization of GI NET’s. Methods. Over a period of 15 years, a total of 85 cases of neuroendocrine neoplasms of GIT were studied. The histopathological material of patients was reviewed and histopathological diagnosis confirmed. Paraffin embedded tissue blocks were used to study and review the material. Sections from tissue blocks were stained. Five-micron sections were cut and stained. The sections were stained using DAKO LSAB-2® system HRP glass slides coated with 0.5% poly-lysine. Results. Out of 85 cases 40 involved male and 45 female patients. The mean age was 46.4 years; age range 9-85 years. In our study, appendix 24 (28.23%) and stomach 11 (12.95%) were the commonest sites of primary involvement followed by colon (10), ileum (10), duodenum (5), GE junction (5), jejunum (3), oesophagus (2), rectum (2) and gall bladder (1). Metastasis to the liver were observed in 12 patients with known and unknown primary diagnosis. Based on the latest WHO classification 5 patients were classified under NECs and the rest under NETs. Conclusions. Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are uncommon malignancies of GIT. Appendix followed by stomach was the most common anatomical site. NET Grade 1 was the most common histological type. IHC markers NSE, Synaptophysin and Chromogranin can be used in diagnosis of NETs.

1588 A Rare Case of Arteriovenous Malformation Following TMJ Arthroscopy: A Case Report and Review of The Literature

Patients undergo temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy as part of the diagnosis and management of chronic pain in the TMJ. Known complications of the procedure include bleeding within the joint spaces, lacerations of the external auditory canal and local nerve damage. We present the case of a 25-year-old woman who developed an arteriovenous fistula in the right pre-auricular region secondary to TMJ arthroscopic examination. She had presented with ongoing TMJ pain necessitating further investigation with arthroscopy. Following her procedure her TMJ symptoms improved, however she developed right pre-auricular swelling of gradual onset, right-sided headaches, and pulsatile tinnitus. Due to her pregnancy of around 16 weeks this was originally linked to expansion in plasma volume and hyperdynamic circulation; however, this was later diagnosed as an extremely rare, post-operative complication of TMJ arthroscopy. Her examination revealed a pre-auricular pulsatile swelling measuring approximately 1.5 cm. Blood tests including ESR and CRP were within normal limits excluding temporal arteritis. An ultrasound scan revealed an AV fistula of the right superficial temporal artery; Her MRI confirmed single vessel supply. Following discussion in the vascular anomalies MDT, she underwent embolisation with PHIL and surgical excision via a preauricular approach. The procedure was successful, and the patient made a full recovery. The literature reports very few cases of iatrogenic arterio-venous fistulas resulting from TMJ arthroscopic surgery. Our case emphasises the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in combining embolisation with surgical excision resulting in the successful management of a rare post-operative complication.

Outcome of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve in Refractory Glaucoma – Our Population Analysis

Purpose:  To find out the outcomes of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation in a tertiary care hospital. Study Design:  Retrospective case series. Place and Duration of Study:  Shifa International Hospital Islamabad from January 2018 to July 2020. Methods:  This retrospective case series of 19 eyes of 17 patients with refractory glaucoma included patients who underwent AGV implantation with a follow-up period of 6 months to 01 year. AGV was done as a primary procedure in 3 patients and secondary procedure in 17 patients after a previously failed trabeculectomy. All patients underwent complete eye examination, before surgery and then at 1 month, 2months, 6 months and 1 year. Goldman tonometer was used to check IOP. Complications, interventions and the number of anti-glaucoma medications (in post-operative period) needed to achieve the target pressure were noted. Success was defined as an IOP of less than 18 mm Hg, with or without a single anti-glaucoma medication. Results:  Complete success was achieved in 57.9% and conditional success in 42.2%. The most common complication was encapsulated cyst formation in 31.6% and post-operative interventions were bleb deroofing in 10.5%, tube readjustment and tube wash in 10.5% and YAG vitreolysis in 5.3%. Conclusion:  AGV is an effective and relatively safe procedure in refractory glaucoma irrespective of initial diagnosis and age of the patient. Encapsulated bleb was the commonest complication. Key Words:  Ahmad Glaucoma valve, Glaucoma, Intra Ocular Pressure.

Automated chest radiography and mass systematic screening for tuberculosis

BACKGROUND: Systematic screening for TB using automated chest radiography (ACR) with computer-aided detection software (CAD4TB) has been implemented at scale in Karachi, Pakistan. Despite evidence supporting the use of ACR as a pre-screen prior to Xpert^® MTB/RIF diagnostic testing in presumptive TB patients, there has been no data published on its use in mass screening in real-world settings.METHOD: Screening was undertaken using mobile digital X-ray vehicles at hospital facilities and community camps. Chest X-rays were offered to individuals aged ≥15 years, regardless of symptoms. Those with a CAD4TB score of ≥70 were offered Xpert testing. The association between Xpert positivity and CAD4TB scores was examined using data collected between 1 January and 30 June 2018 using a custom-built data collection tool.RESULTS: Of the 127 062 individuals screened, 97.2% had a valid CAD4TB score; 11 184 (9.1%) individuals had a CAD4TB score ≥70. Prevalence of Xpert positivity rose from 0.7% in the <50 category to 23.5% in the >90 category. The strong linear association between CAD4TB score and Xpert positivity was found in both community and hospital settings.CONCLUSION: The strong association between CAD4TB scores and Xpert positivity provide evidence that an ACR-based pre-screening performs well when implemented at scale in a high-burden setting.

Various Spectrum Of Ocular Tuberculosis

Mycobacterium Tuberculosis may infect any organ in the body, when it affects ocular tissue symptoms are vague and hence diagnosis is challenging, through a number of cases reported in our clinic it is emphasized to make quantiferon test as part of routine investigation for cases of presenting with uveitis thus leading to timely diagnosis and accurate treatment.

Contribution of advanced fluorescence nano microscopy towards revealing mitotic chromosome structure

The organization of chromatin into higher-order structures and its condensation process represent one of the key challenges in structural biology. This is important for elucidating several disease states. To address this long-standing problem, development of advanced imaging methods has played an essential role in providing understanding into mitotic chromosome structure and compaction. Amongst these are two fast evolving fluorescence imaging technologies, specifically fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) and super-resolution microscopy (SRM). FLIM in particular has been lacking in the application of chromosome research while SRM has been successfully applied although not widely. Both these techniques are capable of providing fluorescence imaging with nanometer information. SRM or "nanoscopy" is capable of generating images of DNA with less than 50 nm resolution while FLIM when coupled with energy transfer may provide less than 20 nm information. Here, we discuss the advantages and limitations of both methods followed by their contribution to mitotic chromosome studies. Furthermore, we highlight the future prospects of how advancements in new technologies can contribute in the field of chromosome science.

Outcome of Intraoperative Mitomycin C Injection in Trabeculectomy and Phacotrabeculectomy in Patients with Glaucoma

Purpose:  To determine the efficacy and safety of per-operative mitomycin C injection during trabeculectomy and combined phaco-trabeculectomy in different types of glaucoma. Study Design:  Interventional case series. Place and Duration of Study:  Shifa International, between January 2018 to July 2020. Methods:  Thirty one patients requiring trabeculectomy or Phaco-trabeculectomy with mitomycin C because of maximum tolerable anti-glaucoma treatment or poor compliance were included in the study. Out of these 15 in group A underwent simple trabeculectomy with intra-operative mitomycin C and 16 patients in group B underwent phacotrabeculectomy with intra-operative mitomycin C and IOL implantation. All patients underwent an eye examination (including IOP and visual acuity) before surgery and then afterwards at 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, 6 months and 1 year. Main outcome measures were best corrected visual acuity, intra-ocular pressure and number of medications at base line and post-operatively. Results:  Demographic results of the two groups were similar. Mean follow-up period was 1 year, mean IOP was 11 in group Aand 15.5 in group B in last follow-up.Mean IOP reduction at 1 year was significant in both group A and B (p = 0.001, p = 0.022 respectively). Hypotony, post-operative inflammatory membrane and bleb fibrosis were the main complications in group A and group B. Conclusion:  Trabeculectomy with mitomycin C and phaco-trabeculectomy with mitomycin C are equally successful at lowering IOP in common types of glaucoma permitting significant and safe reduction of anti-glaucoma medications for atleast 1 year after surgery. Key Words:  Mitomycin, Glaucoma, Intra ocular pressure.

Acute myocardial infarction in several mental illness: a nationwide analysis of prevalence, management strategies and outcomes

Background

Severe mental illness (SMI) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. However, it is unclear whether SMI patients are just as likely to receive guideline-recommended therapy for AMI as those without mental illness.

Purpose

To examine national-level estimates of the prevalence, management strategies and in-hospital clinical outcomes of SMI patients presenting with AMI.

Methods

All AMI hospitalisations from the United States National Inpatient Sample were included, stratified by mental health status in to 5 groups: no-SMI, Schizophrenia, “Other non-organic psychoses” (ONOP), Bipolar Disorder and Major Depression. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was performed to examine the association between SMI subtypes and receipt of invasive management and subsequent in-hospital clinical outcomes, expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Out of 6,968,777 AMI hospitalisations between 2004 and 2014, a total of 439,544 (6.5%) had an SMI diagnosis. The prevalence of SMI amongst the ACS population doubled over the study period (from 4.5% in 2004 to 9.5% in 2014), primarily due to an increase in Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder diagnoses. All SMI subtypes were less likely to receive coronary angiography and PCI, with the Schizophrenia group being at least odds of either procedure (aOR 0.46 95% CI 0.45, 0.48 and aOR 0.57 95% CI 0.55, 0.59, respectively). Although patients with Schizophrenia and ONOP experienced higher crude rates of in-hospital mortality and stroke compared to those without SMI, only Schizophrenia patients were associated with increased odds of mortality (aOR 1.10 95% CI 1.04, 1.16), while ONOP were the only group at increased odds of stroke (aOR 1.53 95% CI 1.42,1.65) following multivariate adjustment. Patients with ONOP were the only group associated with increased odds of in-hospital bleeding compared to those without SMI (aOR 1.11 95% CI 1.04,1.17).

Conclusion

Patients with SMI are less likely to receive invasive management for AMI, with women and schizophrenia diagnosis being the strongest predictors of conservative management. Schizophrenia and “other non-organic psychoses” are the only SMI subtypes associated with adverse clinical outcomes after AMI. A multidisciplinary approach between psychiatrists and cardiologists could improve outcomes of this high-risk population.

Odds of management and clinical outcomes

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Genotyping and antibiotic resistance patterns of Campylobacter fetus subsp.venerealis from cattle farms in India

Bovine genital campylobacteriosis caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) is of considerable economic importance to the cattle industry worldwide. Cfv causes syndrome of temporary infertility in female cattle, early embryonic mortality, aberrant oestrus cycles, delayed conception, abortions and poor calving rates. In the present study, a total of 200 samples obtained from vaginal swabs, cervicovaginal mucous (CVM), preputial washes and semen straws were investigated that were obtained from organized cattle farm of MLRI, Manasbal and unorganized sectors. Out of a total of 200 samples, 49 (47·57%) vaginal swabs, 1 (3·33%) preputial wash and 8 (25%) carried out CVM samples were positive for Cfv, whereas none of the semen straws were positive for Cfv. A total of eleven isolates of Cfv were recovered. PFGE (Pulse field gel electrophoresis) analysis revealed four different pulsotypes (I-IV) circulating in the screened farms. A common pulsotype circulating among farms could not be established. Insertion element (ISCfe1), a 233 bp amplicon of Cfv, was sequenced and the sequence was deposited in GenBank (accession no: MK475662).

Variable characteristics of viscosity and thermal conductivity in peristalsis of magneto-Carreau nanoliquid with heat transfer irreversibilities

BACKGROUND

Peristaltic is a basic way of fluid transportation in physiology, engineering and nuclear industry. Importance of peristalsis is due to its contraction and compulsion property of symmetric and asymmetric type channel walls. Another beauty of this mechanism is that the channel walls propagates and push the material along the tube/conduit channel walls. This mechanism shows its presence in physiology while food particles are transferred through esophagus and stomach, urine through intestines, spermatoza transportation in reproductive tract. In industry it is found in roller and finger pumps, drug delivery and various nuclear materials e.g. toxic, corrosive, noxious etc. Magnetic field in peristalsis is found helpful in treatment of various treatments using magnets. Actually earth and human body as a whole comprises of magnetic and electric fields. The medical specialists found that unbalances of electromagnetic field in human body is the reason for emotional and physical disturbance. In addition it has significant and potential utilizations in modification of medical, industrial and chemical, procedures for example MRI, evaporation, convection, thermoregulation, MHD throttles, and in various types of tumor treatments. Entropy production work out irreversibility in complex systems which are frequently encountered in industrial mechanisms. In view of that, this methodology is effectually implemented in distinct technological applications covering porous media, propulsion ducts, electronic cooling, turbo-machinery and combustion.

METHOD

Modelled flow mechanism is nonlinear and coupled due to considered assumptions (i.e. nanofluid, nonlinear porous channel, mixed convection, variable viscosity and thermal conductivity, activation energy and chemical reaction). Such nonlinear and coupled system is difficult to tackle analytically. Thus to obtain the solution we employed RK algorithm for numerical simulations.

RESULTS

Stronger magnetic parameter shows resistive characteristics to the flow field. Nonlinear Darcy medium assists the fluid motion at channel center and resits at walls vicinity. Variable characteristics of thermal conductivity moderate the soak or disperse up heat ability which corresponds to temperature reduction. Thermal slip quantity increase the temperature whereas concentration slip deduct the concentration of Carreau nanomaterial. Entropy and Bejan number shows maximum response for higher dissipation estimations. Brownian and thermopherotic motions aspects has reverse impact on nanomaterial concentration.

CONCLUSION

Entropy and Bejan number deduces for higher variable thermal conductivity values. Carreau material variable enhance the entropy of the system as a whole.

Corrigendum to "Transport of hybrid type nanomaterials in peristaltic activity of viscous fluid considering nonlinear radiation, entropy optimization and slip effects" [Computer methods and programs in biomedicine 184 (2020) 105,086]

In this published paper, a mathematical modeling has been conducted for the peristaltic transport in flow of hybrid nanofluid between rotating channel in the presence of nonlinear thermal radiation, slip effects and entropy generation. This corrigendum correct the flow geometry, figures captions and plots "Transport of hybrid type nanomaterials in peristaltic activity of viscous fluid considering nonlinear radiation, entropy optimization and slip effects" [Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine 184 (2020) 105,086] where these mistake are occurred during production process and therefore, some captions are shuffled. The difference in the captions and plots however does not affect the authenticity and mathematical validity of the problem in purpose of this published research article is to investigate the peristaltic transport in flow of hybrid nanofluid between rotating channel subject to nonlinear thermal radiation, slip effects and entropy generation. However, the flow geometry and the captions and plots should be arranged.

Outcome of slip features on the peristaltic flow of a Rabinowitsch nanofluid in an asymmetric flexible channel

Purpose

Naturally, all the materials are not viscous (i.e. milk, mayonnaise, blood, vaccines, syrups, cosmetics, oil reservoirs, paints, etc.). Here present analysis focuses on the usage of non-Newtonian fluid rheological properties enhancing, damping tools, protection apparatus individuals and in various distinct mechanical procedures. Industrial applications of non-Newtonian liquids include minimum friction, reduction in oil-pipeline friction, scale-up, flow tracers and in several others. The peristaltic mechanism is used as a non-Newtonian material carrier here. This mechanism occurs because of continuous symmetrical and asymmetrical propulsion of smooth channel walls. Peristalsis is a very significant mechanism for carrying drugs and other materials during sensitive diseases treatments.

Design/methodology/approach

Keeping in mind the considered problem assumptions (Rabinowitsch fluid model, thermal Grashof number, Prandtl number, density Grashof number, wall properties, etc.), it is found that the modeled equations are coupled and nonlinear. Thus here, analytical results are quite challenging to acquire and very limited to extremely venerated circumstances unsettled to their nonlinearity. Hence various developments found in computing proficiencies, numerical procedures that provides accurate, stable and satisfying solutions for non-Newtonian material flows exclusively in complex dimensions play a significant role. Here BVP4C numerical technique is developed to evaluate the nonlinear coupled system of equations with appropriate boundary constraints.

Findings

Due to convectively heated surface fluid between the walls having a small temperature. Sherwood and Nusselt numbers both deduce for fixed radiation values and different Rabinowitsch fluid quantity. Skin friction is maximum in the case of Newtonian, while minimum in case of dilatant model and pseudoplastic models. The influence of numerous parameters associated with flow problems such as thermal Grashof number, density Grashof number, Hartman number, Brownian motion, thermophoresis motion factor and slip parameters are also explored in detail and plotted for concentration profile, temperature distribution and velocity. From this analysis, it is concluded that velocity escalates for larger

Originality/value

The work reported in this manuscript has not been investigated so far by any researcher.

Entropy generation minimization (EGM) in magneto peristalsis with variable properties

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND

This article featuring the peristaltic transport of viscous material with variable properties (i.e. temperature dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity) through curved configuration. Fluid saturating through porous channel walls of uniform space. Entropy generation consideration here is to analyze irreversibility aspects. Channel boundaries retain the velocity and thermal slip conditions.

METHOD

Wave frame of reference is attained with the utilization of long wavelength and small Reynolds number approach. Solution of the simplified coupled system of dimensionless constraints is obtained numerically. Detailed analysis of important quantities of interest has been presented in discussion portion.

RESULTS

Entropy generation variation near center is very small whereas in the vicinity of the channel wall is larger. Bejan number has reverse variation as observed for entropy generation.

CONCLUSION

Variable characteristics of viscosity has opposite impact on velocity and temperature is observed. It is also noticed small irreversibility effects are obtained for higher varying viscosity and thermal conductivity near the vicinity of the channel walls.

Transport of hybrid type nanomaterials in peristaltic activity of viscous fluid considering nonlinear radiation, entropy optimization and slip effects

BACKGROUND

In last few decades, a new class of working materials which comprises from two solid materials dispersed in a continuous phase liquid was established and deeply scrutinized. These materials are called hybrid nanomaterials. This research article aims to investigate entropy optimization in hybrid nanomaterial flow through a rotating peristaltic channel walls. Flow behavior is analyzed between the channels which is caused by propagation of sinusoidal waves. Viscosity of fluid is considered variable instead of constant characteristics. Fluid saturates through porous attributes of channel walls. Nonliear radiative flux and convective condition are considered. Slip conditions are imposed at the boundary of walls.

METHODS

Built-in-Shooting technique is employed to obtain the numerical outcomes for the considered flow problem.

RESULTS

Impacts of sundry variables on the entropy, temperature and velocity are scrutinized through different graphs. Numerical result presents that the axial velocity escalates with the inclusion of hybrid nanomaterial. The temperature of fluid enhances through higher estimations of hybrid nanoparticles.

CONCLUSIONS

Here the flow behavior is discussed between the channels which are caused by propagation of sinusoidal waves with speed c. Entropy generation rate is minimum for variable viscosity and maximum for hybrid nanoparticles. Hybrid nanoparticles increase the temperature of fluid. Bejan number presents the similar impact for variable viscosity and thermal slip parameters. Temperature field decays through higher values of Brinkman number.

Determination of prevalence, serological diversity, and virulence of Dichelobacter nodosus in ovine footrot with identification of its predominant serotype as a potential vaccine candidate in J&K, India

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, serological diversity, and virulence of Dichelobacter nodosus in footrot lesions of sheep and identification of its predominant serotype as a potential vaccine candidate. The overall prevalence of footrot in sheep was 16.19%, and ranged from 13.69 to 19.71%, respectively. A total of 759 flocks with 22,698 sheep were investigated for footrot and 2374 clinical samples were collected from naturally infected sheep exhibiting footrot lesions. Of the 2374 samples collected, 1446 (60.90%) were positive for D. nodosus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These positive samples when subjected to serogroup-specific multiplex PCR, 1337 (92.46%) samples carried serogroup B, 247 (17.08%) possessed serogroup E, 86 (5.94%) serogroup I, and one (0.069%) serogroup G of D. nodosus. While mixed infection of serogroups B and E was detected in 127 (8.78%), B and I in 46 (3.18%) and B, E, and I in 26 (1.79%) samples, respectively. The serogroup B of D. nodosus was the predominant (92.47%) serogroup affecting sheep population with footrot followed by serogroup E (19.91%) and serogroup I (4.57%), respectively. Virulent status of D. nodosus strains were confirmed by presence of virulence-specific integrase A (intA) gene and the production of thermostable proteases. The intA gene was detected in 709 (72.79%) samples while gelatin gel test carried out on 246 representative isolates all positive for intA gene produced thermostable proteases, confirming their virulence nature. The PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of whole fimA gene of serogroup B revealed the predominance of serotype B5 (82.97%) of serogroup B. This information suggests that serotype B5 is the predominant serotype of D. nodosus associated with severe footrot lesions in sheep in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), India. Hence, this serotype can be a potential vaccine candidate for the effective control and treatment of ovine footrot.

Serological diversity, molecular characterisation and antimicrobial sensitivity of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) isolates from broiler chickens in Kashmir, India

The present study has determined the serological diversity, virulence-gene profile and in vitro antibiogram of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) isolates from broiler chickens in India suspected to have died of colibacillosis. The virulence-gene profile of APEC was compared with that of the Escherichia coli isolates from faeces of apparently healthy chickens, called avian faecal E. coli (AFEC). In total, 90 representative isolates of APEC and 63 isolates of AFEC were investigated in the present study. The APEC were typed into 19 serogroups, while some isolates were rough and could not be typed. Most prevalent serogroup was O2 (24.44%). Among the eight virulence genes studied, the prevalence of seven genes (iss, iucD, tsh, cva/cvi, irp2, papC and vat) was significantly higher in APEC than in AFEC isolates. However, there was no significant difference between APEC and AFEC isolates for possession of astA gene. The most frequent gene detected among the two groups of organisms was iss, which was present in 98.88% and 44.44% of APEC and AFEC isolates respectively. The in vitro antibiogram showed that the majority (96.6%) of APEC isolates were resistant to tetracycline, while 82.2% were resistant to cephalexin, 78.8% to cotrimoxazole, 68.8% to streptomycin and 63.3% to ampicillin. However, most of them (84.45%) were sensitive to gentamicin. Thus, it is concluded that APEC from the broiler chickens carried putative virulence genes that attributed to their pathogenicity. Furthermore, the majority of APEC isolates were found to be multi-drug resistant, which, in addition to leading treatment failures in poultry, poses a public health threat.

Recurrent mutations at estrogen receptor binding sites alter chromatin topology and distal gene expression in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

The mutational processes underlying non-coding cancer mutations and their biological significance in tumor evolution are poorly understood. To get better insights into the biological mechanisms of mutational processes in breast cancer, we integrate whole-genome level somatic mutations from breast cancer patients with chromatin states and transcription factor binding events.

RESULTS

We discover that a large fraction of non-coding somatic mutations in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancers are confined to ER binding sites. Notably, the highly mutated estrogen receptor binding sites are associated with more frequent chromatin loop contacts and the associated distal genes are expressed at higher level. To elucidate the functional significance of these non-coding mutations, we focus on two of the recurrently mutated estrogen receptor binding sites. Our bioinformatics and biochemical analysis suggest loss of DNA-protein interactions due to the recurrent mutations. Through CRISPR interference, we find that the recurrently mutated regulatory element at the LRRC3C-GSDMA locus impacts the expression of multiple distal genes. Using a CRISPR base editor, we show that the recurrent C→T conversion at the ZNF143 locus results in decreased TF binding, increased chromatin loop formation, and increased expression of multiple distal genes. This single point mutation mediates reduced response to estradiol-induced cell proliferation but increased resistance to tamoxifen-induced growth inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that ER binding is associated with localized accumulation of somatic mutations, some of which affect chromatin architecture, distal gene expression, and cellular phenotypes in ER-positive breast cancer.

The detection and prevalence of leukotoxin gene variant strains of Fusobacterium necrophorum in footrot lesions of sheep in Kashmir, India

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and identification of leukotoxin gene, lktA, variant strains of Fusobacterium necrophorum in the footrot lesions of sheep. The detection of F. necrophorum was carried out by PCR targeting the lktA gene fragment and identification of lktA variant strains was done by PCR-single stranded conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and gene sequencing. Of the 450 swabs collected from footrot lesions of sheep, 117 were lktA-positive for F. necrophorum. Of the 50 swabs collected from apparently asymptomatic sheep, only one was lktA-positive for F. necrophorum. The overall prevalence of F. necrophorum in footrot affected sheep in Kashmir valley was 26%, and ranged from 20 to 34.8%, respectively. PCR-SSCP of lktA gene fragment analysis revealed three lktA variants, designated as JKS-F1/F2/F3, while two samples (1.7%) showed multiple lktA variant strains of F. necrophorum in a single footrot-affected sheep hoof. This appears to be the first report on the presence of more than one lktA variant of F. necrophorum in a footrot lesion of sheep. The JKS-F3 lktA variant was the most frequent (75.4%), followed by JKS-F2 (14.4%) and JKS-F1 (8.4%), respectively. Among the three lktA variants identified, JKS-F3 was detected in 74 (86.0%) samples from severe footrot affected sheep with a lesion score of 4. The data suggest that JKS-F3 is the predominant lktA variant of F. necrophorum and is associated with severe footrot in sheep. Hence, JKS-F3 may be a significant variant contributing to the severity and duration of the disease in sheep.

Mixed convection peristaltic motion of copper-water nanomaterial with velocity slip effects in a curved channel

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of present analysis is to model the peristalsis of copper-water based nanoliquid in the presence of first order velocity and thermal slip conditions in a curved channel. Mixed convection, viscous dissipation and heat generation/absorption are also accounted.

METHOD

Mathematical formulation is simplified under the assumption of small Reynolds number and large wavelength. Regular perturbation technique is employed to find the solution of the resulting equations in terms of series for small Brinkman number. The final expression for pressure gradient, pressure rise, stream function, velocity and temperature are obtained and discussed through graphs. Mathematica software is utilized to compute the solution of the system of equations and to plot the graphical results.

RESULTS

Results indicates that insertion of 30% copper nanoparticles in the basefluid (water) velocity and temperature reduces by almost 3% and 40% respecively. Moreover it is seen that size of the trapped bolus also reduces almost 20% with the insertion of 20% nanoparticles (copper) in the basefluid (water).

CONCLUSION

It is noted that velocity and temperature are decreasing functions of nanoparticle volume fraction. Moreover the temperature rises when heat generation parameter and Brinkman number are enhanced.