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Background: Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) are rare, but the diagnosis should not be missed because of the limb and life threatening complications. The purpose of this study was to reach a consensus about the management of PAA based on our own experience and the available literature. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent an open surgical PAA repair at our institution from January 2015 to December 2016. Demographic data, risk factors, clinical presentation, aneurysm characteristics, type of repair and results were reviewed. Results include patency and major complications. Results: Seven patients underwent an open surgical PAA repair (six men). Median age was 72 years. A posterior approach (PA) was chosen four times and a medial approach (MA) was chosen three times. We performed six resections with interposition of a graft and only one ligation with a bypass. Five patients recovered well, did not develop any complication and did not need a second intervention to guarantee patency. These patients underwent a resection of the aneurysm and interposition of a graft (four via a PA and one via a MA). One patient treated by resection and interposition of a Dacron graft via a MA underwent an above-the-knee amputation at postoperative day 14. This patient had a preoperatively dysfunctional leg since several months with no patent outflow vessels. Our patient treated by ligation and bypass via a MA, developed an acute ischemia four months postoperatively because of an extreme flexion of the knee during several hours while watching TV. After unsuccessful trombolysis, he underwent a femorotibial bypass and a partial forefoot amputation. No long-term results are yet available. Conclusions: In our opinion, open surgical repair of PAAs by resection of the aneurysm and interposition of a venous graft has the best results. Depending on the relation to the knee joint and thus the accessibility of the aneurysm, a posterior approach is preferred. We are not convinced of endovascular techniques in the treatment of popliteal artery aneurysms

The recent introduction of the miniscrew in orthodontics revolutionized the clinical and biomechanical approach of anchoring. Used as direct or indirect anchoring, the orthodontic micro screws indications field is expanding due to their easy insertion, and their immediate loading ensuring an absolute anchoring. Our objective through this clinical case is to show the effectiveness of these miniscrews in the correction of the uncontrolled loss of anchoring.

Background: C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) was isolated from porcine brain and is a 22-amino acid peptide which belongs to the natriuretic peptide (NP) family. Even though this peptide shares structural similarity to other endogenous NPs including atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) its receptor selectivity is different from other NPs. The present study was undertaken to investigate the expression of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and its specific guanylyl cyclase (GC)-coupled receptor in the granulosa cells of the pig ovarian follicle. Results: Specific 125I-[Tyr0]-CNP(1-22) binding sites were localized in the granulosa cell layer of the ovarian follicle with an apparent dissociation constant (Kd>) and a maximal binding capacity (Bmax) of 1.41±0.39 nM and 2.75±0.65 fmol/mm2 respectively. Binding of 125I-[Tyr0]-CNP(1-22) to these sites was also prevented by atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP(1-28)), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP(1-26)) and des[Gln18,Ser19,Gly20, Leu21,Gly22] ANP(4-23) (C-ANP). Production of 3’,5’-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) by particulate GC in the granulosa cell membranes was stimulated by natriuretic peptides (NPs) with a rank order of potency of CNP(1-22)>>BNP(1-26)>ANP(1-28). HS-142-1, a selective antagonist of the two recognized GC-coupled NPRs, inhibited CNP(1-22)-stimulated cGMP production in granulosa cell membranes in a dose-dependent manner. Also mRNAs for all three recognized NPRs were detected in granulosa cells using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Serial dilution curves of granulosa cell extracts were parallel to the standard curve of synthetic CNP. Conclusion: These results indicate that CNP and its specific receptor are expressed in the granulosa cells of the pig ovary, and suggest that CNP may be a local autocrine and/or paracrine regulator via activation of its specific GC-coupled receptor, NPR-B.

Selective alveolar decortication and periodontal augmentation with a bone graft were the two procedures used for the correction of the skeletal class II malocclusion in the case reported. A 25-year-old male patient presented with a skeletal class II malocclusion with increased bi-maxillary dento-alveolar protrusion, increased overjet, deep bite and imbricated and rotated mandibular incisors with bilateral presence of supernumerary teeth in the maxillary right and left premolar regions. Extraction of supernumerary in the maxillary right and left premolar region, and impacted UL5 was done. Pre-adjusted edgewise appliance, Roth’s prescription (0.022x0.028-inch slot), was bonded and a week later full thickness labial and lingual flaps were reflected in the maxillary and mandibular arches. Circumscribed corticotomy cuts was done and subsequently augmented with a bone graft. Orthodontic treatment was commenced immediately after surgery and orthodontic adjustments were performed every 2 weeks. The entire orthodontic treatment was completed in 9 months. Regional acceleratory phenomenon, triggered by the alveolar decortication, was responsible for the rapid correction of the malocclusion and the augmentation with the bone graft provided adequate bone volume for housing the teeth, thereby decreasing the possibility of subsequent relapse. 

The prevailing dogma regarding urinary tract sterility has been fundamentally challenged by advances in culture-independent molecular techniques. The urinary microbiome, also known as the urobiome, is defined as a complex ecosystem comprising bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This microbiome plays a pivotal role in maintaining urological health. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between urinary microbial dysbiosis and the pathogenesis of Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (UCPPS), a clinical umbrella term that explicitly encompasses two major phenotypes: Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) and Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS).This review examines the paradigm shift in understanding urinary tract microbiology, characterizes the urobiome in health and disease, and explores the therapeutic implications of microbiome-targeted interventions for UCPPS management.

Background: A Grey 12-year-old Arabian endurance horse gelding was referred to the SHS Veterinary Center for anorexia, mild colic of 5 days duration, and melena of 1 day duration. The owner reported recurring colic, 12 episodes of mild colic in the previous year. Methods: On admission, vital signs were within normal limits and body condition score was estimated to be 3/9. Results: Packed cell volume (PCV) was 28% [reference range (RR): 31% to 47%] and plasma total protein was 58 g/L (RR: 60 to 80 g/L). Hematochezia was observed. Abdominal ultrasound examination detected no abnormalities. Over the next 12 h, the horse experienced hematochezia and several mild episodes of colic and death. A necropsy was performed. A mass arising from the right dorsal ascending colon near the base of the cecum and extending transmurally from the colonic mucosa into the mesocolon was a 8 cm × 5 cm × 8 cm firm, homogenous, tan mass. The portion of the mass that extended into the colonic lumen was pedunculated, with an ulcerated surface. The adjacent segments of colon were markedly reddened and edematous. Histologically, the mass was comprised of large interweaving sheets of small, spindle cells with ill-defined cell borders embedded in abundant myxomatous matrix. Tumor cells contained scant eosinophilic cytoplasm and oval to elongate nuclei with finely stippled chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli. Mitotic figures were rare (1/10) high power fields. Tumor infiltrated between the muscularis interna and the muscularis externa at the myenteric plexi. Conclusion: Gross and histologic appearance, were consistent with a diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor.

The study was conducted in Ilu and Waliso districs of South West Shoa Zone to investigate the perception of dairy cattle producers on oestrus synchronization and mass artificial insemination services. A total of 122 respondents (38 from Ilu and 84 from Waliso districts) owning at least one lactating cow and participated in synchronization program were randomly selected and interviewed individually by using semi- structured questionnaire. Both primary and secondary data were used to generate reliable information on the intended topic. All collected data were analyzed using SPSS statistical package version 20 and the output was presented by descriptive statistics such as percentage and mean values in inform of graphs. Most of the respondents (67.15%) indicated that their satisfaction level towards synchronization and mass artificial insemination was low. Only few of them reported being satisfied as (medium-13.45%, good - 12.35% and very good - 7.05%). This might be because of shortage of feed, silent heat, poor performance of the inseminator and low awareness of farmers on the technology. From the study it was also noted that the overall percentage (26.22%) of calving rate to oestrus synchronization and mass artificial insemination was low. This might be due to heat detection problem (36%); A.I technician efficiency (29.25%), absence of A.I technician (23.9%) and distance of A.I center (10.25%). Therefore, the skill and knowledge based training should be given for both the farmers and implementers to enhance perception and adoption of the technology.

Filariasis is one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) known to be of serious public health importance and pose devastating socio-economic burden especially among the poor people in tropical and subtropical countries of the world. The parasite is responsible for lymphatic filariasis affecting about 1.3 billion people in 72 countries worldwide. The major parasitic agents of the infection are three closely related nematodes of clade Onchocercidaei namely Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and B. timori that are transmitted to human through bites by mosquitoes of genera: Aedes, Anopheles, Culex and Mansonia. The disease is targeted by the World Health Organization (WHO) for elimination by 2020 through the use of chemically synthesized drugs used as therapeutic agents to cure the disease but there are some setbacks. Phytochemical extracts are viewed as alternative therapy in the management of the disease. Additionally, the species have many ecological variants and are diversified in terms of their genetic fingerprint. This diversification in terms of genomic sequences as well as rapid infection rate warrant the lymphatic filarial parasites to respond differently to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Thus understanding the genomic diversity of the parasite will help in efficient therapeutic management of the disease, thereby eliminating it to prevent unnecessary suffering and contribute to the reduction of poverty. In this review, we have highlighted on the used for phytochemical extracts in the therapeutic management of the lymphatic and the molecular genetic diversity of the parasite was delineated.

Microplastics (MPs) pose a significant risk to human health, particularly through seafood consumption. Once ingested, MPs can spread from the digestive system to other organs via phagocytosis and endocytosis, leading to toxicological effects. Accumulation of MPs in tissues causes swelling, blockages, oxidative stress, and Cytotoxicity. Studies show MPs alter metabolism, disrupt immune function, and contribute to autoimmune diseases. Chronic exposure has been linked to neurotoxicity, vascular inflammation, and increased cancer risk due to DNA damage. MPs can cross biological barriers, including the placenta, affecting fetal development. Additionally, they serve as vectors for pollutants and bacteria, further complicating health risks. MPs in the bloodstream can trigger inflammatory responses, endothelial adhesion, and red blood cell coagulation, leading to cardiovascular complications. In vitro studies indicate MPs impair renal function and cause long-term inflammation in distal tissues. Moreover, oxidative stress caused by MPs plays a critical role in carcinogenicity. Despite growing evidence of adverse health effects, further research is necessary to understand the full impact of MPs’ exposure on human health and develop effective mitigation strategies.

The current study was carried out to translate, adapt and validate Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale in Urdu language and in Pakistani culture. The current translation was aimed to produce a more user friendly and clinically applied version of DASS. The systematic procedure involved in translation focused on maximizing levels of semantic and conceptual equivalence. A test re-test pilot study was conducted on 30 participants to analyze the translated version initially, the results of which determined a significant positive correlation between original and translated versions. The main study involved 300 conveniently selected Pakistanis. The findings revealed that the translated version titled U-DASS-42 was highly reliable and valid in Pakistani culture. The newly developed U-DASS-42 is attached with this paper for the convenience of Pakistani researchers.