Significant Difference In Diameter Research Articles

Postmortem sympathomimetic iris excitability

Background:A reliable estimation of time since death can be important for the law enforcement authorities. The compound method encompassing supravital reactions such as the chemical excitability of the iris can be used to further narrow intervals estimated by temperature-based methods. Postmortem iris excitability was mostly assessed by parasympatholytic or parasympathomimetic substances. Little is known regarding sympathomimetic agents. The present study aims to describe the postmortem iris excitability using the sympathomimetic drug phenylephrine. Methods:Cadavers were included after body donors gave written informed consent during lifetime. Exclusion criteria were known eye disease, or a postmortem interval exceeding 26 hours. A pupillometer with a minimum measurement range of 0.5 mm was used to determine the horizontal pupil diameter before and 20 minutes after the application of phenylephrine. Increase in pupil diameter was labeled as positive reaction, unchanged pupil diameter was labeled as negative reaction, and decrease in pupil diameter was labeled as paradox reaction. Results:30 eyes from 16 cadavers (median age = 80.0; 9 males, 7 females) were examined. Initial pupil size was in median 3.5 mm (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.0–4.5 mm) and progressed to 4.0 mm (IQR: 3.5–5.0 mm) 20 minutes after drug instillation. The achieved pupil diameter difference comprised in median 0.5 mm (IQR: 0.0–1.0 mm). A positive reaction was observed in 21 cases. Negative reactions were observed in 5 cases and paradox reactions in 4 cases. Overall, there was a statistically significant difference in diameter between the initial and the reactive pupil (P = 0.0002). Conclusion:Although relatively rarely used, sympathomimetic drugs seem to be eligible for chemical postmortem iris excitability. Currently, assessment of postmortem iris excitability usually only involves parasympatholytic and parasympathomimetic agents. The findings of the present study give a hint that the application of a third agent with a sympathomimetic mechanism of action could provide additional information. Further studies assessing such a triple approach in the compound method in comparison with the current gold standard for estimation of time since death are mandatory to ensure reliable results.

Morphometry of Superior Sagittal Sinus and Its Clinical Significance

AbstractThe position of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) in the midline along the sagittal suture is still a debate among neurosurgeons. The aim of the study is to evaluate the diameter and deviation of the SSS at various landmarks in the midline. We evaluated 100 computed tomography venography images. The mean diameter of SSS between nasion and bregma was 2.6 ± 0.7 mm and it was 3.7 ± 0.9 at bregma. Between bregma and lambda and at lambda, the mean diameters were 5.1 ± 1.2 and 5.7 ± 1.04, respectively. Deviation of SSS toward the right side was seen in approximately 77% of cases, while left deviation and no deviation were seen in 11 and 12%, respectively, between nasion and bregma. At bregma, 62, 10, and 28% deviation was seen toward the right side, left side, and in midline, respectively. In other three segments between bregma and lambda, at lambda and beyond lambda the right and left deviation of SSS were found in 68, 70, 71% and 11, 9, 11% respectively. While in these three segments there was no deviation in SSS in 21(between bregma and lambda), 21(at lambda) and 18% (beyond lambda). Further, we compared our data between genders and age groups. A statistically significant difference in diameter of SSS between genders was noted at the level of bregma and a significant difference in deviation of SSS between genders was noted in the segment between nasion and bregma. Thus, the findings of this study would serve as the crucial surgical data for the neurosurgeons in placing the burr holes in craniotomies and in the interhemispheric approach for midline tumors.

Design and build a green tent environment for growing and charactering mycelium growth in lab.

Mycelium-based materials have seen a surge in popularity in the manufacturing industry in recent years. This study aims to build a lab-scale experimental facility to investigate mycelium growth under a well-controlled temperature and humidity environment and explore how substrates of very different chemical and mechanical properties can affect the microscopic morphology of the mycelium fibers during growth. Here, we design and build a customized green tent with good thermal and humidity insulation for controlling the temperature and humidity and monitor the environmental data with an Arduino chip. We develop our procedure to grow mycelium from spores to fibrous networks. It is shown that a hydrogel substrate with soluble nutrition is more favorite for mycelium growth than a hardwood board and leads to higher growing speed. We take many microscopic images of the mycelium fibers on the hardwood board and the hydrogel substrate and found no significant difference in diameter (∼3 μm). This research provides a foundation to explore the mechanism of mycelium growth and explore the environmentally friendly and time-efficient method of its growth.

Field performance of one-year-old medicinal plant: Screw tree (Helicteres isora Linn.) from stem cuttings in the tropical savanna region

The purpose of this study is to assess the field performance of the medicinal plant Screw tree (Helicteres isora Linn.) Family Malvaceae in two home garden environments. The screw tree has been commercialized for the production of Jamu, an Indonesian traditional medicine. On Timor Island, however, this species has not yet been cultivated and is considered a weed. Using the t-student test, we compared and described the growth performance of a vegetatively propagated screw tree in two environments. According to field plantation, screw tree grows well in both home gardens, with a survival rate of 97% and 99% for home garden 1 and 2, respectively. For home garden1 and 2, the Increment growth diameter was 0.1 mm month−1 and 0.2 mm month−1, respectively, and increment height was 1.22 cm month−1 and 0.95 cm month−1. For home garden 1 and 2, the average diameter was 0.4 cm; 0.5 cm (P>0.05, ns) and height was 58 cm; 48 cm (P<0.05). There is no significant difference in diameter, but there is a significant difference in height between home garden 1 and 2. In home garden 1, 26% of the plants have begun to flower, compared to 13% in home garden 2. Farmers may benefit from vegetative propagation due to faster flowering and fruiting. Furthermore, the screw tree is most likely appropriate for agroforestry tree/shrub components.

Influence of Super Absorbent Polymer on Root Characteristics and Anchorage of Amorpha fruticosa on Rocky Slope

Super absorbent polymer (SAP), known as a water retention agent, has a high capacity for water absorption, which can help enhance the soil structure. This paper studied the effects of SAP dosages on the root characteristics and anchorage of Amorpha fruticosa on rock slopes. The internal relationship between root growth effect and soil was discussed, and a specific reference was provided for the rational application of SAP on slopes. Using the pull-out and tensile resistance tests, we systematically studied the changes of soil properties, root distribution, root tensile strength, and root anchorage under six different SAP dosages. The results indicated that: (1) With the increase in SAP dosage, the natural soil water content and water content after 24 h of watering increased significantly, whereas the contents of TN, TP, and TK decreased dramatically. (2) With the increase in SAP dosage, the amount and length of first-order and secondary lateral roots decreased significantly, and there was no significant difference in diameter. The amount of downslope first-order and unembedded secondary lateral roots is greater than upslope. The amount of upslope embedded secondary lateral roots is greater than in downslope. (3) Tensile strength: embedded secondary root &gt; non-embedded secondary root &gt; first-order lateral root; upslope root &gt; downslope root. (4) With the increase in SAP dosage, the plant anchorage drops noticeably. This study concluded that the significant addition of SAP could enhance the tensile strength of upslope embedded secondary lateral roots but would adversely affect soil nutrients, root distribution, and root anchorage. The addition of SAP in this test had no significant effect on improving slope stability. From the perspective of reinforcement capacity, we cannot blindly pursue the survival rate and other high dosage use of water retention agents to increase the risk of slope destabilization.

The effectivity of binahong (anredera cordifolia (ten.) steenis) leaves extract for growth inhibition of streptococcus mutans in oral cavity

Objective: This research was conducted to determine the effectiveness of binahong (anredera cordifolia (ten.) steenis) leaves extract in inhibiting the streptococcus mutans growth.Material and Methods: The study is true experimental laboratories with posttest-only control group design. The study sample used was binahong leaves and streptococus mutans bacteria that were multiplied in Microbiology Laboratory of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara. This study used seven treatment groups namely, 75%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25% binahong leaves extract, amoxicillin (positive control) and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) (negative control). Testing the treatment group for the streptococcus mutans was carried out using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method with four repetitions. Extract was done by maceration using 96% ethanol solvent.Results: Indicate that the binahong leaves extract can inhibit the growth of streptococcus mutans which can be seen from the clear zone formed on paper discs that have been given binahong leaves extract with a concentration of 75%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, along with amoxicillin and dimethylsulfoxide/DMSO. The results also showed a significant difference in diameter of the inhibition zone from each treatment group (p &lt;0.005).Conclusion: Binahong leaves extract has antibacterial ability because it can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity and compared to other concentrations, 75% concentration is more effective in inhibiting the growth of streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity.

Fixed Dose Formulation Development and Evaluation of Bilastine and Montelukast Sodium Tablets

Aim: The present research work was carried out to formulate stable fixed dose combination tablets of Bilastine and Montelukast Sodium, used to treat allergic rhinitis associated with asthma and rhino-conjunctivitis on basis of pre and post post-compression parameters evaluation and drug-drug-excipients compatibility studies.&#x0D; Methods: Direct compression methodology was used for tablet production and final composition of drugs and excipients was optimized by evaluating pre and post compression evaluations of blend and tablets respectively. The chemical instability and stability studies were carried out using HPLC method.&#x0D; Results: The Evaluation of pre-compression parameters of batch F1 to F5 shows that as we increase the amount of sodium starch glycolate and colloidal silicon dioxide from F1 to F5, bulk density and tapped density increases slightly whereas the compressibility index and hausner’s ratio of tablets was shifted from excellent to good. Angle of repose shows excellent flow property from F3-F5. After evaluation of post-compression parameters from F1 to F5, there is no significant difference in diameter, thickness and average weight of tablets. The hardness of tablets was decreased slightly from F1 to F5 therefore, the % friability was found to be increased from F1 to F5 and disintegration time was found to be decreased from F1 to F5. Dissolution studies shows % release of Bilastine and Montelukast was increased towards F1 to F5 as the percentage of Sodium Starch Glycolate increases. The drug-drug-excipients compatibility shows that there is no physical and chemical incompatibility between the drug-drug-excipients at accelerated conditions. The stability studies show that % assay of long term and accelerated samples are within 100±2%.&#x0D; Conclusion: The optimized composition found in order to scale up the production of tablets.

Effect of insulin treatment on pulsatility ratio and resistance index of the retinal artery in patients with type 2 diabetes.

This study aimed to evaluate whether long-term insulin treatment is associated with abnormalities in retinal circulation in type 2 diabetic patients. We evaluated 19 eyes of nondiabetic individuals and 68 eyes of type 2 diabetic patients. The eyes of diabetic patients were classified into two groups according to the presence or absence of long-term insulin therapy. We used a Doppler optical coherence tomography flowmeter to measure diameter, velocity, and blood flow in the major temporal retinal artery. The pulsatility ratio (PR) and resistance index (RI), indices of vascular rigidity, were calculated from the blood velocity profile. PR and RI were significantly elevated in type 2 diabetic patients compared with nondiabetic subjects (P < 0.05). In type 2 diabetes patients, PR and RI were significantly higher in patients receiving long-term insulin treatment than in those without (P < 0.01). There was a significant difference in velocity (P < 0.05), but not diameter and blood flow, between nondiabetic subjects and type 2 diabetes patients. No significant difference in diameter, velocity, or blood flow was observed between the groups with and without long-term insulin treatment. Long-term insulin treatment can affect PR and RI, which might be associated with vascular rigidity of the retinal artery in patients with type 2 diabetes.

The characteristics of seedling regeneration and its influencing factors of Pinus tabuliformis under different wildfire severity of Liaoheyuan Nature Reserve

PurposeThis paper studies the characteristics of the seedling regeneration, stand structures, undergrowth biomasses, litter amounts and soil water contents of planted forests of Pinus tabuliformis in the Liaoheyuan Nature Reserve after a fire disturbance in 2014 and analyzes the significant factors affecting seedling regeneration to offer a scientific basis for the ecological restoration of vegetation in burned areas. MethodsPlots of forest stands that experienced different fire severities (high severity, moderate severity, low severity) and control sample plots were used to study the significance of differences in seedling regeneration, stand structure, undergrowth biomass, litter amount and soil water content characteristics among stands under the effects of different fire severities by using single element variance analysis. The major factors affecting seedling regeneration characteristics were also analyzed here by using correlation and principal component analyses. Results(1) There was no significant difference in the density and growth characteristics (base diameter, plant height and crown diameter) of regenerated seedlings of Pinus tabuliformis under the different fire severities (P ​> ​0.05), and the spatial distribution of regenerated seedlings fit the aggregated distribution pattern. (2) There was no significant difference in diameter at breast height (DBH), plant height or crown diameter of Pinus tabuliformis under different fire severities (P ​> ​0.05), but there were highly significant differences in scorch height, biomass of undergrowth woody plants, biomass of undergrowth herbs, undecomposed litter amount, semidecomposed litter amount and soil water content under different the fire severities (P ​< ​0.01). (3) According to the correlation and principal component analyses, the results indicate that the characteristics of regenerated seedlings of Pinus tabuliformis are significantly affected by stand structure, undergrowth plants and litter and soil factors in burned areas but not by stand density. ConclusionIn the 5th year after a fire disturbance, the seedling regeneration of Pinus tabuliformis in a burned area was influenced by factors such as the stand structure, undergrowth plants, litter and soil. Low- and moderate-severity fires promote the natural regeneration of stands and are conducive to the stable balance of ecosystems.

Assessment of the effects of thinnings in scots pine plantations in Mongolia: a comparative analysis of tree growth and crown development based on dominant trees

The post-thinning stand density and spacing in forest plantations influence individual tree growth and crown development, and the changes detected in dominant tree growth are a good indication of the thinning effect. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different thinning intensities on diameter and height growth in a Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) plantation. The field measurements were carried out between 2016 and 2020 on a Scots pine plantation, growing in Selenge province of northern Mongolia. Following this, experimental thinnings were carried out with different intensities. Thinning treatments comprised thinning with very low, low, medium, and high intensities, as well as an unthinned control stand. Stem analyses were performed to calculate the annual and cumulative diameter, height, and volume growth. For tree crown measurements several parameters were analyzed: crown diameter, crown projection area, and crown index. A total of 300 trees (5 treatments*3 replications*20 dominant trees from each plot) were subjected to the comparative analyses. This study revealed that thinning showed a stronger positive effect on diameter and volume growth of dominant trees in the plantation. Our results showed a gradual increase in diameter, basal area, and volume growth depending on the thinning intensity. An ANOVA test for growth analyses of dominant trees showed a significant difference in diameter (p < 0.0001) and height (p < 0.0001) growth performance following experimental felling with different thinning intensities. Finally we elaborated linear mixed effect models (LMM) for tree growth between 2016 and 2020 of selected dominant trees. With the help of the LMM we analyzed and described the thinning impact on DBH, BA, height, volume and crown diameter. The models confirmed that higher thinning intensity triggered growth of the response variables except for height. A greater height growth was found in very low (10%) and low (15%) intensity treatments. Due to reduction of competition and optimization of the distance between individuals, thinnings contributed to a relatively faster development of the tree crown in radial directions. Based on our analysis results and comparative graphs representing post-thinning dominant tree growth in diameter, height, basal area, and volume, we recommend medium- (30%) and high-intensity (45%) thinnings as at the beginning stage of plantation establishment.

SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC INVESTIGATING DIFFERENT TYPE OF SENSORY SENSILLAE ON THE HEAD APPENDAGES OF ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITO, AEDES ALBOPICTUS (SKUSE)

In Aedes albopictus various types of sensillae were on the head and its appendages with distinctmorphological features. The antennae and maxillary palps play a major role in host detection,and other sensory-mediated behaviors. Six long sensilla chaetica were arranged in circularshape and spread uniformly across the diameter of the antennal flagellomers. Maxillarypalp is a relatively simple organ compared to antennae, consists of five segments, which denselycovered dorsal side with flattened scales, but chemosensory sensilla on ventral side. Thus,a desirable model for exploring neuromolecular networks surrounds chemo- and mechanosensation.Proboscis analyses gustatory code via food intake and involved in identification. Labellumexhibits the most of sensory structures on the proboscis. Numerous sensillatrichoidea distributeon antennal flagellomers.A significant difference in diameter of sensillacoeloconica that protruding from distal tip ofantennal flagellomers. Sensillachaetica with greater morphological variation were distributedthroughout Ae. albopictus head and appendages. Variation between different sensillae indicatestheir functions. Aporous sensilla play the mechanoreceptive role but, porous sensillawere contact chemoreceptors and olfactory ones. sensory mechanisms were extensivestudied, about Asian tiger mosquito, Ae. albopictus sensory systems is insufficient.

Relationship between papillary muscles abnormalities and apparently unexplained infero-lateral T-wave inversion in athletes

Abstract Aims To evaluate by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) if left ventricle papillary muscle abnormalities, such as hypertrophy and abnormal location, may be the anatomo-functional substrates responsible for TWI inversion in lateral or infero-lateral leads in otherwise healthy athletes. Methods We included competitive athletes with TWI in lateral or infero-lateral leads in the absence of cardiac diseases detected by CMR. The control population included healthy athletes with normal ECG, matched for age and gender. We compared thickness, volume (both absolute and relative to the cardiac mass) and position of the papillary muscles between cases and controls. Results We included 53 athletes with apparently unexplained TWI in the lateral or infero-lateral leads (median age 20 years (17–42), 86.8% males) and 53 athletes with no TWI matched for age and gender. 4 patients (7.6%) had family history for cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death. Athletes with TWI showed more hypertrophic papillary muscles compared to controls, with statistically significant difference in diameter, area and volume (p&amp;lt;0.01). The median ratio between the papillary muscles and the left ventricular mass was 4.4% among athletes with TWI versus 3% among those without TWI (p&amp;lt;0.001). Papillary muscles showed apical displacement in 47% of cases, compared to 17% in the control group (p=0.001). Conclusions Idiopathic TWI in lateral or infero-lateral leads is associated with left ventricle papillary muscle hypertrophy and their apical displacement detected by CMR. The comprehension of clinical and prognostic significance of papillary muscle abnormalities responsible for these ventricular repolarization alterations requires further studies. Example Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Value of the Perineal Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Anterior Urethral Stricture in Male Patient

Objectives: Determine the role of perineal ultrasound in the diagnosis of anterior urethral strictures andassessment of peristenotic fibrosis.Material and Method: Thirty healthy adult male and thirty patients with suspected urethral stricture havehad urethral ultrasound after distension of urethra with a normal saline. The thirty patents also underwentretrograde urethrogram (RUG).Results: Average diameters healthy urethra were 11.6 +/- 3.1 mm at penile level, 11.2 +/- 2.7 mm at thebulbar level, and 9.7 +/- 2.88 mm at the bulbomembranous level. The periurethral tissue thickness averaged2.7 +/- 0.5 mm at penile level, from 3.5 +/- 0.65 mm to bulbar level and 3.8±0.6 mm at the bulbomembranouslevel. Ultrasound made the diagnosis of 31 stenosis or 96.87%. On ultrasound, the length of the stenosiswas significantly longer than that seen on retrograde urethrogram with a significant difference between thetwo techniques (P = 0.045). There is also a significant difference in diameter of urethral strictures betweenthe two techniques. The thickness of the periurethral tissue at the level urethral stenosis was more thanthat measured in a healthy zone in all cases, whatever the urethral portion concerned. There was not nocorrelation between periurethral tissue thickness and degree of stenosis.Conclusion: Urethral ultrasound is a method that allows us to make the diagnosis of urethral stricture andto assess periurethral fibrosis. It could validly replace retrograde urethrogram in diagnosing anterior urethralstricture.

Experimental study of individualized 3D printing-guided template combined with thoracolumbar pedicle screw placement for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis

To evaluate accuracy and safety of individualized 3D printing guided template for thoracolumbar pedicle screw placement in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. From January 2016 to September 2019, thoracolumbar spine three-dimensional CT data of 8 patients with ankylosing spondylitis were included, Mimics 17.0 and ideaMaker computer software were applied to design thoracolumbar pedicle screw guided template of patients with AS, physical model of all patients (T10-L2)were printed by 3D printer, 2 parts in each patient, and divided into guide-plate-assisted screw group (experimental group) and free-hand nail group (control group). Thoracolumbar pedicle screws of both groups were placed by the same spinal surgeon. The accuracy of pedicle screw placement between two groups were evaluated according to results of postoperative CT, the accuracy of the fixation of thoracolumbar pedicle screw was divided into 4 grades, grade 0 and 1 screws were acceptable nails, grade 2 and 3 screws were unacceptable nails. The diameter and length of pedicle screws, the distance between entry point and posterior median line designed by preoperative 3D printing were compared with actual use in operation. Twenty three blocks of thoracolumbar 3D printing screw of ankylosing spondylitis guided templates were designed and printed in guide-plate-assisted screw group, 46 screws were inserted and 44 screws were accepted. The time of implanting a screw into thoracolumbar pedicle was (4.20±1.15) min, the frequency of X-ray was (5.00±1.25) times and the average adjustment times of screw and Kirschner needle during screw placement was (1.76±1.32) times. In the control group, 46 nails were placed by traditional surgical method and 30 screws were accepted. The time of implanting a screw into thoracolumbar pedicle was (14.67±2.23) min, the frequency of X-ray fluoroscopy was (14.46±2.21) times and the average times of Kirschner needle adjustment was (4.76±3.39) times. The success rates between experimental group and control group were 95.65%(44 / 46) and 56.22%(30 / 46) respectively, and had statistical difference (χ2=13.538, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in diameter, length of pedicle screws and the distance of posterior median line between virtual designed by 3D printing before operation and actual situation in opertaion (P>0.05). The operation time of inserting a single screw, the times of X-ray fluoroscopy, and the average times of adjustment screw and Kirschner needle in experimental group were significant less than those in control group(P<0.01). The personalized guide template assisted the thoracolumbar fixation designed by 3D printing could significantly improve safety, accuracy and efficiency of surgery, especially suitable for thoracolumbar vertebral bodies requiring posterior pedicle screw fixation for fracture or dislocation with AS.

Antibacterial Potency of Pleurotus ostreatus Extract From Fruiting Body and its Solid Substrate on Staphyllococcus aureus

The objective of this research was to evaluate the antibacterial potency of ethanol extract from fruiting body of Pleurotus ostreatus and Its solid substrate made from coffee husk and sawdust on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25922. The extract of Ganoderma lucidum fruiting body and Tetracycline antibiotic paper disk 30µg/disk were used as control. The samples were extracted by using maceration method in 30% ethanol solution. The extracts were diluted with sterile distilled water to concentration 500, 1000, and 5000ppm. The result showed that the ethanol extracts from fruiting body of Pleurotus ostreatus and Ganoderma lucidum and the extracts of coffee husk and sawdust substrate fermented by Pleurotus ostreatus could inhibit the growth of bacteria for all the concentration. There was a significant difference in diameter of cleared zones between Tetracycline antibiotic disc 30?g and the ethanol extracts of the samples (p&lt;0.01). The diameter of cleared zones among the sample extracts and each dilution concentrations were not a significant difference (p&gt;0.05). Tetracycline was sensitive to S.aureus ATCC25922, while all the extracts were resistant. This study confirmed that there were the antibacterial potency of mushroom extracts from the fruiting body and also its solid substrates.

Distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms treated with flow diversion: experience of a large-volume center and systematic review of the literature

BackgroundEvidence about the safety and the efficacy of flow diversion for distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms is scant. To provide further insight into flow diversion for aneurysms located at,...

Altered erythrocyte morphology in Mexican adults with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus evaluated by scanning electron microscope.

To evaluate the erythrocyte morphology in people with prediabetes, T2DM and healthy subjects in a Mexican population and its association with biochemical parameters. Cross-sectional study consisted of three groups: healthy (HG), people with prediabetes (PG) and with T2DM (DMG). A blood sample was obtained from all participants to assess the erythrocyte morphology, and levels of HbA1c, glucose and lipid profile. Anthropometrical parameters were also evaluated. It was observed that compared with healthy individuals, people with prediabetes presented a significant decrease in the diameter (-0.08 μm, P = 0.014) and height (-0.07 μm, P = 0.004), as well as people with T2DM (-0.33 μm, P < 0.001 in diameter; and -0.36 μm, P < 0.001 in height). Besides, it was found a significant difference in diameter (-0.25 μm, P < 0.001) and height (-0.29 μm, P < 0.001) between the PG and DMG. No significant differences in the axial ratio between groups. Also, HbA1c, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference were significantly associated with diameter and height. Erythrocyte morphological alterations can serve as an indicator of early diagnosis of T2DM and a factor implicated in the course of the clinical condition, so the correction of these alterations could serve as a treatment for prediabetes and T2DM. It is essential to promote constantly checkups of biochemical and anthropometrical parameters, as well as erythrocyte morphological alterations to prevent the onset of prediabetes and T2DM and possible clinical complications.

Effect of Soil Types on Growth, Survival and Abundance of Mangrove (Rhizophora racemosa) and Nypa Palm (Nypa fruticans) Seedlings in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

The invasion of nypa palm into mangrove forest is a serious problem in the Niger Delta. It is thus hypothesized that soil will influence the growth, survival and abundance of mangrove and nypa palm seedlings. The objective was to compare the growth, survival and abundance of both species in mangroves, nypa palm and farm soils (control). The seeds were planted in polyethylene bags and monitored for one year. Seed and seedling abundance experiment was conducted in the field. The result indicates that there was significant difference in height (F3, 162 = 4.54, P<0.001) and number of leaves (F3, 162 = 21.52, P<0.0001) of mangrove seedlings in different soils, but there was no significant difference in diameter (F3, 162 = 4.54, P = 0.06). Height of mangrove seedling was influenced by highly polluted soil (P = 0.027) while number of leaves was influenced by farm soil (P = 0.0001). On the other hand, mangrove seedlings planted in farm soil were taller (7.8±0.7 cm) than seedlings planted in highly polluted (7.7±0.4 cm), lowly polluted (6.3±1.4 cm) and nypa palm (6.0±0.8 cm) soils whereas Nypa palm seedlings planted in farm soil were the tallest (42±3.4 cm) followed by mangrove-high (38.8±5.8 cm), mangrove-low (34.2±cm) and nypa palm (21.1±1.0 cm) soils. Furthermore, species abundance of the different growth stages of mangrove and nypa palm seedlings were significantly different (F1, 37 = 3.07, P = 0.04). Nypa palm seedlings outnumbered mangroves (27:1) and had higher overall survival rate (0.48) than mangroves seedlings (0.35) in all soils. This implies that nypa palm has competitive advantage over mangrove in mangrove soil.

Computed tomography evaluation of patent paraumbilical vein and its aneurysm in relation to other portosystemic collateral channels in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension

PurposeThe aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the diameter and aneurysmal dilatation of the paraumbilical vein (PUV) and the presence of portosystemic collateral shunts and their relationship with age and portal vein diameter.Material and methodsThe retrospective analysis, performed in the II Department of Radiology, Medical University Hospital in Warsaw, included 126 patients (77 males and 49 females) with patent umbilical vein and signs of portal hypertension due to liver cirrhosis. All patients underwent contrast enhanced abdominal CT. The average age was 54.7 ±12.98. We analysed the number and type of portosystemic collateral channels in respect of age, sex, presence of oesophageal varices, and the diameter of the paraumbilical vein and the portal vein.ResultsOur results disclosed statistically significant negative correlation between patient age and diameter of paraumbilical vein, number of portosystemic collateral channels and diameter of portal vein and positive correlation between diameter of paraumbilical vein and diameter of portal vein. A statistically significant difference in diameter of portal vein and number of collateral channels was found in groups with and without oesophageal varices. No significant difference in age and portal vein diameter was found in these groups.ConclusionsOur study showed that younger patients with liver cirrhosis are characterised by wider paraumbilical veins and higher number of portosystemic collateral channels. The presence of oesophageal varices does not correlate with age, sex, diameter of paraumbilical vein, and number of collateral portosystemic channels.

Evaluation of qualitative phytochemicals and antifungal activity of aqueous leaf extract of Senna tora on downy mildew of cabbage

This study was embarked upon to evaluate the efficacy of aqueous extracts of Senna tora leaf against Perenospora parasitica, causing downy mildew on cabbage. Phytochemical analysis of the leaf extracts revealed the presence of some secondary metabolites (Tannins, Saponins, Flavonoid, Glycosides, Alkaloids, Phenolic compounds and Carbohydrates) which have been reported to have antimicrobial effects. Assays were performed using extract concentrations of 1000, 500, 250, 125 mg/ml by agar well diffusion technique. Results obtained, revealed a significant difference in diameter of mycelial zone of inhibition between the concentrations. Highest zone of inhibition was recorded at 1000 and 500 mg/ml (20 and 15 mm) respectively. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were determined and recorded at 250 mg/ml. The antifungal screening revealed that the extract exhibited inhibitory activities at varying concentrations against the downy mildew pathogen. These activities observed could be attributed to the presence of active metabolites contained in the extract.Keywords: Aqueous leaf extract, Downy mildew, Perenospora parasitica and Senna tora