Improved super-elastic Ti-Ni alloy wire for the angle class III patient with anterior open bite:A case report

BACKGROUND Orthodontic treatment for open bite and crossbite cases is always challenging.In this paper,we demonstrate a skeletal class III patient with anterior open bite and crossbite whose problem was successfully corrected with improved super-elastic Ti-Ni alloy wire(ISW).CASE SUMMARY A 19 years old male came to our clinic with a chief complaint of anterior open bite and crossbite and not able to chew food well.Clinical examination revealed an angle class III malocclusion with anterior open bite,crossbite and spaced arch.Ra-diographic and clinical examination showed a skeletal class III pattern.We used ISW to level the upper and lower arch and to correct the anterior open bite and crossbite.Intermaxillary elastics were also used to achieve a better interdigitation.Finally,adequate overbite,overjet and a desirable occlusion were achieved.The active treatment time took 2 years and 2 months.CONCLUSION In a case of class III angular malocclusion with open bite and crossbite in the ante-rior teeth,ideal results were achieved using the ISW technique and the patient was satisfied with the outcome.

Influencing factors of early post-traumatic stress disorder in young and middle-aged individuals with open globe injuries in west China:a cross-sectional study

AIM:To evaluate the prevalence of early post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)among young and middle-aged patients who have suffered open globe injuries,and to identify the psychosocial factors influencing PTSD in these patients.METHODS:A total of 280 patients who underwent ocular trauma surgery between January 2023 and January 2024 were selected through convenience sampling.Data were collected using a custom-designed demographic questionnaire,the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale(CDRISC),the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire(C-ERRI),and the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version(PCL-C).Univariate analysis and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were performed to determine the factors affecting PTSD in these patients.RESULTS:The average PTSD score for the patients was 33.22±13.48.The scores for individual PTSD dimensions,ranked from highest to lowest,were recurrent traumatic experiences,heightened arousal,avoidance reactions,and social dysfunction.Positive PTSD symptoms were observed in 85 patients(30.36%).Univariate analysis indicated that gender,postoperative vision,marital status,psychological resilience,and rumination were significant factors affecting PTSD symptoms(χ^(2)/t=6.53,17.88,8.83,2.17,and 14.1,respectively;all P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between rumination and PTSD symptoms(r=0.73,P<0.01)and a negative correlation between psychological resilience and PTSD symptoms(r=-0.14,P<0.05).Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis identified postoperative vision(notably eye removal),rumination levels,and psychological resilience(optimism)as major factors influencing PTSD in these patients(R^(2)=0.57,P<0.001).CONCLUSION:Young and middle-aged patients with open globe injuries have a high incidence of PTSD.Significant risk factors for early PTSD include primary enucleation,high levels of rumination,and low psychological resilience(optimism).Conversely,patients with good postoperative vision recovery,low rumination levels,and high levels of optimism are less likely to develop PTSD.Healthcare providers should pay special attention to patients who undergo primary enucleation,strive to reduce their rumination levels,and enhance their psychological resilience,thereby promoting a positive and optimistic attitude towards their condition and reducing the incidence of PTSD.

Efficacy and safety of combined Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy with phacoemulsification in Chinese patients with primary open angle glaucoma

AIM:To report the one-year surgical outcome Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy combined with phacoemulsification(KDB-Phaco)in Chinese patients with primary open angle glaucoma(POAG).METHODS:This is a retrospective study included 43 eyes of 28 Chinese POAG patients with cataract who accepted KDB-Phaco and followed-up for 12mo.Intraocular pressure(IOP),glaucoma medications and surgical complications were recorded.Success 1 and success 2 was defined as 5-21 mm Hg and 5-18 mm Hg,and success plus was determined if additional criteria of IOP reduction≥20%from baseline was reached.A corrected IOP by adding 3 mm Hg for each medication was used to do correlation test.Cox’s proportional hazards regression model was used to test the hazard ratio for factors associated with surgical success.RESULTS:After a 12-month follow up,the IOP decreased from 28.1±6.3 to 13.8±3.0 mm Hg(47.92%reduction,P<0.001),and the medications used decreased from 2.0(1.0)to 0.0(0.0)(95%reduction,P<0.001).The mean IOP of all postoperative visits were lower than preoperative IOP(all P<0.001),so as the number of glaucoma medications(all P<0.001).Complete success 1 and qualified success 1 were 87.80%and 100.00%respectively.The complete success 1 plus and qualified success 1 plus were 85.37%and 97.56%,respectively.Totally 82.93%and 90.24%of patients got complete success 2 and qualified success 2 while 80.49%and 87.80%of patients satisfied complete success 2 plus and qualified success 2 plus.Age(r=-0.511,P=0.001)and visual acuity(VA;r=-0.321,P=0.041)were negatively correlated with postoperative corrected IOP at 12mo,while anterior chamber depth(r=0.432,P=0.005),mean deviation(r=0.617,P<0.001)and visual field index(r=0.524,P<0.001)were positively correlated with it.Preoperative VA(OR=33.092,P=0.004)and MD(OR=1.481,P=0.018)were hazard factors associated with failure based on qualified success as 18 mm Hg.The main complications of KDB were hyphema(9.30%),IOP spike(11.63%)and peripheral anterior synechia(6.98%).CONCLUSION:KDB goniotomy is a safe and effective in the treatment for Chinese POAG patients.Preoperative VA and mean deviation may predict the surgical success.

基于CAPE-OPEN标准的简捷炼油过程建模及常减压蒸馏流程在线模拟

简捷炼油过程模型广泛应用于运行监测、在线计算、实时优化等领域,但大多数模型只是将输入、输出变量进行关联,无法计算出各组分流量组成,难以集成在模拟软件中进行全流程模拟。本研究简化了炼油分离过程,开发了基于CAPE-OPEN标准的简捷炼油塔模型。首先,将炼油过程简化为连续的分离单元,根据实际产品数据校正模型参数,实现某一实际工况流程模拟;其次,将模型参数与实际工况操作变量数据相结合,采用径向基函数插值确定操作变量对模型参数的影响关系,实现多种工况流程模拟;最后,通过常减压蒸馏工业装置实例的3种工况进行验证。结果表明:各工况模拟结果与Aspen计算结果相比,初馏塔塔顶油馏出温度点偏差大多在2%以内,常减压蒸馏塔各侧线油的馏出温度点平均偏差在3%以内;与实际结果相比,平均误差都在5%以内,符合工程允许误差范围要求。所建模型的计算速度快,各塔均在0.2 s左右完成计算,适用于在线生产、调度等。

我国高质量教育资源供给机制创新与路径研究——来自美国“#GoOpen”计划的启示

数字化是当下教育改革的重点,也是未来教育发展的趋势。无论是作为“十四五”规划中的战略举措,还是党的二十大中提出的必然要求,构建数字化教育资源为主体的高质量教育资源体系在当下具有必要性与迫切性。美国#GoOpen计划自实施以来,在教育资源数字化、个性化、均等化三个方面均取得了一定成果。通过对该计划官方文件与政策进行解读,对其内涵与特点进行分析,我国在进行高质量教育资源建设及其供给路径探究过程中应当重视统筹规划,循序渐进,同时完善多重考核与评估机制,结合社会多方力量,保证每个学习者的享有权利,最终走向教育公平,共同发展。

基于YOLO-OpenMax的水声通信信号开集识别方法

水声通信信号调制方式随着技术进步从典型的传统调制方式发展为水声通信机厂商私有开发的新型调制方式,这使得现有的水声通信信号闭集调制识别技术实用性受到制约,但现阶段鲜有研究基于深度学习的水声通信信号调制方式的开集识别方法。针对此现状,提出一种基于YOLO图像检测识别网络和OpenMax模型的开集识别方法。利用YOLOv5网络的输出特点,将传统OpenMax模型的处理方法进行改进,提出一种两步测试方法,实现了在多径信道下的水声通信信号的开集识别。仿真实验表明:在归一化系数为0.5,信噪比等于10 dB条件下的归一化开集识别准确率达到90%以上,实测数据同样验证了本文方法的有效性。

Artificial Self-Recovery Opens up a New Journey of Autonomous Health of Mechanical Equipments

1.Introduction With the implementation of modern production strategies,such as“Industry 4.0”and“Made in China 2025,”the development of high-end mechanical equipment is gradually reaching a high degree of parameterization,digitalization,networking,and intelligence[1].High-end mechanical equipment no longer consists of traditional single devices,but is closely linked to the overall production process;that is,a variety of devices interact with each other and collectively form a complex system.However,faults can lead to production delays throughout the system and even seriously threaten the safety of workers[2].In addition,equipment operating in unmanned air or space vehicles(including space robots)cannot be repaired by humans if they break down[3].Until recently,the typical method of addressing machine faults was primarily the“fault cure”method,which involves manually shutting down,inspecting,and repairing the equipment to restore normal operation.Accordingly,the maintenance cycle of the traditional“fault cure”method is time-consuming,and the quality of the maintenance depends on the skills of the technician[4].

Dust-Holding Capacity and Bio-Chemical Changes of Plant Species Growing in an Around Opencast Mining Area of Bundelkhand Region of Uttar Pradesh, India

The present study has been carried out on a total of 50 available plant species to assess their dust-capturing capacity and biochemical performances in and around open cast granite mine areas of Jhansi district and Bundelkhand University campus treated as control site. Plant species existing under a polluted environment for a long time may be considered as potentially resistant species and recommended for green belt design in mining areas, especially to cope with dust pollution. Results showed the pollution level, especially of mining-originated dust particles holding capacity of leaves and effects of different biochemical parameters (Total Chlorophyll, Protein and Carotenoid) of existing plant species both from mining areas as well as from Bundelkhand University campus. Based on their performances, Tectona grandis L., Ficus hispida L., Calotropis procera Aiton., Butea monosperma Lam. and Ficus benghalensis L., etc. are highly tolerant species while Ficus infectoria L., Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam., Ipomoea purpurea L., Allianthus excelsa Roxb. and Bauhinia variegata L. are intermediate tolerant species. T. grandis had shown the highest dust-holding capacity (2.566 ± 0.0004 mg/cm2) whereas Albizia procera (0.018 ± 0.0002 mg/cm2) was found to be the lowest dust-holding capacity. Our findings also showed that the T. grandis and F. hispida have significant dust deposition with minimal effect of dust on their leaf chlorophyll (17.447 ± 0.019 mg/g and 14.703 ± 0.201 mg/g), protein (0.699 ± 0.001 mg/g and 0.604 ± 0.002 mg/g) and carotenoid (0.372 ± 0.003 mg/g and 0.354 ± 0.003 mg/g) content respectively among all selected plant species. Therefore, in the present investigation, plant species with high tolerance to high dust-holding capacity on their leaf surfaces are preferable for green corridors as open cast granite mines and their adjacent areas.

Are outcomes for emergency index-admission laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed by hepatopancreatobiliary surgeons better compared to non-hepatopancreatobiliary surgeons?A 10-year audit using 1:1 propensity score matching

Background:Emergency index-admission cholecystectomy(EIC)is recommended for acute cholecystitis in most cases.General surgeons have less exposure in managing“difficult”cholecystectomies.This study aimed to compare the outcomes of EIC between hepatopancreatobiliary(HPB)versus non-HPB surgeons.Methods:This is a 10-year retrospective audit on patients who underwent EIC from December 2011 to March 2022.Patients who underwent open cholecystectomy,had previous cholecystitis,previous endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or cholecystostomy were excluded.A 1:1 propensity score matching(PSM)was performed to adjust for confounding variables(e.g.age≥75 years,history of abdominal surgery,presence of dense adhesions).Results:There were 1409 patients(684 HPB cases,725 non-HPB cases)in the unmatched cohort.Majority(52.3%)of them were males with a mean age of 59.2±14.9 years.Among 472(33.5%)patients with EIC performed≥72 hours after presentation,40.1%had dense adhesion.The incidence of any morbidity,open conversion,subtotal cholecystectomy and bile duct injury were 12.4%,5.0%,14.6%and 0.1%,respectively.There was one mortality within 30 days from EIC.PSM resulted in 1166 patients(583 per group).Operative time was shorter when EIC was performed by HPB surgeons(115.5 vs.133.4 min,P<0.001).The mean length of hospital stay was comparable.EIC performed by HPB surgeons was independently associated with lower open conversion[odds ratio(OR)=0.24,95%confidence interval(CI):0.12–0.49,P<0.001],lower fundus-first cholecystectomy(OR=0.58,95%CI:0.35–0.95,P=0.032),but higher subtotal cholecystectomy(OR=4.19,95%CI:2.24–7.84,P<0.001).Any morbidity,bile duct injury and mortality were comparable between the two groups.Conclusions:EIC performed by HPB surgeons were associated with shorter operative time and reduced risk of open conversion.However,the incidence of subtotal cholecystectomy was higher.

基于CAPE-OPEN标准的乙苯脱氢反应器模块开发与全流程模拟

基于某乙苯负压绝热脱氢制苯乙烯装置转化率低于设计值的现状,建立了包括小分子水蒸气转化反应在内的乙苯绝热脱氢制苯乙烯反应动力学模型和反应器模型,基于工业数据,估计了模型动力学参数,模型具有较高的精度;采用C++语言和COM技术开发了符合CAPE-OPEN标准的乙苯脱氢制苯乙烯反应器单元模块;在Aspen Plus平台构建了内嵌反应器模块的乙苯脱氢制苯乙烯全流程模型,反应器与精馏塔的模拟结果与实际相吻合;进一步考察了工艺参数对装置运行中期反应的影响,提出了适宜的工艺参数,为乙苯脱氢制苯乙烯的工艺设计、生产优化提供有益的支持。

Effect of Mouth Opening Training Stick Combined with Oral Massage on Mouth Opening Difficulty in Head and Neck Cancer Patients after Treatment

Objective: To study the application effect of mouth-opening training sticks combined with oral massage on patients with mouth-opening difficulty after treatment for head and neck cancer. Methods: Using convenient sampling, 60 patients with mouth-opening difficulty after treatment for head and neck cancer admitted to the Oncology Department from February 2022 to October 2023 were selected for a 2-week exercise and nursing program. The patients were divided into a control group (February 1, 2022 to November 30, 2022) and an observation group (December 1, 2022 to October 31, 2023), with 30 patients in each group. The control group underwent routine mouth-opening functional exercises combined with cork for oral support training, while the observation group underwent routine mouth-opening functional exercises combined with oral massage and mouth-opening training sticks for oral support training. The mouth-opening degree, mouth-opening difficulty level, comfort level, compliance, and quality of life were observed in both groups. Results: Before the intervention, there were no statistically significant differences in mouth-opening degree and mouth-opening difficulty level between the two groups (P > 0.05). After the intervention, the mouth-opening degree, mouth-opening difficulty level, oral comfort level, compliance, and QLICP-HN scores in the observation group were all better than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of mouth-opening training sticks and oral massage with mouth-opening functional exercises can effectively improve the degree of mouth-opening difficulty, enhance oral comfort, increase compliance with mouth-opening exercises, and improve quality of life.

Establishment and evaluation of an improved rat model of open abdomen

Introduction:This study aimed to establish an animal model of open abdomen(OA)through temporary abdominal closure via different techniques.Methods:Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups:group A(OA with polypropylene mesh alone);group B(OA with polypro-pylene mesh combined with a patch);and group C(OA with polypropylene mesh and a sutured patch).Vital signs,pathophysiological changes,and survival rates were closely monitored in the rats for 7 days after surgery.Abdominal X-rays and histopathological examinations were performed to assess abdominal organ changes and wound healing.Results:The results showed no significant difference in mortality rates among the three groups(p>0.05).However,rats in group B exhibited superior overall condi-tion,cleaner wounds,and a higher rate of wound healing compared to the other groups(p<0.05).Abdominal X-rays indicated that varying degrees of distal intestinal obstruction in all groups.Histopathological examinations revealed fibrous hyperpla-sia,inflammatory cell infiltration,neovascularization,and collagen deposition in all groups.Group B demonstrated enhanced granulation tissue generation,neovasculari-zation,and collagen deposition compared to the other groups(p<0.05).Conclusions:Polypropylene mesh combined with patches is the most suitable method for establishing an animal model of OA.This model successfully replicated the patho-logical and physiological changes in postoperative patients with OA,specifically the progress of abdominal skin wound healing.It provides a practical and reliable animal model for OA research.

OpenAI发布首个文生视频模型Sora

2024年2月16日,OpenAI发布首个文生视频模型Sora。Sora模型可以通过文本描述生成60秒长视频,还可以对视频色彩风格等要素精确理解,创造出人物表情丰富、情感生动的视频内容。据介绍,Sora模型有三大突出亮点,实现了AIGC领域的里程碑式进展。

Open-Source Software Defined Networking Controllers:State-of-the-Art,Challenges and Solutions for Future Network Providers

Software Defined Networking(SDN)is programmable by separation of forwarding control through the centralization of the controller.The controller plays the role of the‘brain’that dictates the intelligent part of SDN technology.Various versions of SDN controllers exist as a response to the diverse demands and functions expected of them.There are several SDN controllers available in the open market besides a large number of commercial controllers;some are developed tomeet carrier-grade service levels and one of the recent trends in open-source SDN controllers is the Open Network Operating System(ONOS).This paper presents a comparative study between open source SDN controllers,which are known as Network Controller Platform(NOX),Python-based Network Controller(POX),component-based SDN framework(Ryu),Java-based OpenFlow controller(Floodlight),OpenDayLight(ODL)and ONOS.The discussion is further extended into ONOS architecture,as well as,the evolution of ONOS controllers.This article will review use cases based on ONOS controllers in several application deployments.Moreover,the opportunities and challenges of open source SDN controllers will be discussed,exploring carriergrade ONOS for future real-world deployments,ONOS unique features and identifying the suitable choice of SDN controller for service providers.In addition,we attempt to provide answers to several critical questions relating to the implications of the open-source nature of SDN controllers regarding vendor lock-in,interoperability,and standards compliance,Similarly,real-world use cases of organizations using open-source SDN are highlighted and how the open-source community contributes to the development of SDN controllers.Furthermore,challenges faced by open-source projects,and considerations when choosing an open-source SDN controller are underscored.Then the role of Artificial Intelligence(AI)and Machine Learning(ML)in the evolution of open-source SDN controllers in light of recent research is indicated.In addition,the challenges and limitations associated with deploying open-source SDN controllers in production networks,how can they be mitigated,and finally how opensource SDN controllers handle network security and ensure that network configurations and policies are robust and resilient are presented.Potential opportunities and challenges for future Open SDN deployment are outlined to conclude the article.

Atomically Dispersed Ruthenium Catalysts with Open Hollow Structure for Lithium-Oxygen Batteries

Lithium–oxygen battery with ultrahigh theoretical energy density is considered a highly competitive next-generation energy storage device,but its practical application is severely hindered by issues such as difficult decomposition of discharge products at present.Here,we have developed N-doped carbon anchored atomically dispersed Ru sites cathode catalyst with open hollow structure(h-RuNC)for Lithium–oxygen battery.On one hand,the abundance of atomically dispersed Ru sites can effectively catalyze the formation and decomposition of discharge products,thereby greatly enhancing the redox kinetics.On the other hand,the open hollow structure not only enhances the mass activity of atomically dispersed Ru sites but also improves the diffusion efficiency of catalytic molecules.Therefore,the excellent activity from atomically dispersed Ru sites and the enhanced diffusion from open hollow structure respectively improve the redox kinetics and cycling stability,ultimately achieving a high-performance lithium–oxygen battery.

Suicide risk in juvenile open angle glaucoma patients

AIM:To investigate the association between juvenile open angle glaucoma(JOAG)and mental health among Koreans.METHODS:This study used nationally representative data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(KNHANES)2021.Glaucoma diagnosis followed the International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology criteria based on glaucomatous structural defects,visual field defects,corrected vision,and intraocular pressure.As outcomes,suicidal behaviors,psychiatric counseling,and depression were evaluated through mental health questionnaires.Odds ratios(ORs)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs)were estimated using logistic regression models,adjusting for covariates.RESULTS:Among 7090 participants,3446 met the inclusion criteria for analysis,and 88(2.6%)were diagnosed with open angle glaucoma(OAG).After adjusting for age,sex,and best-corrected visual acuity(VA),participants with OAG were revealed to have significantly higher odds of suicidal behaviors(i.e.,ideation,planning,or attempts)compared with those without OAG(OR:2.70;95%CI:1.12-6.54;P=0.028).This association remained significant after further adjustments for socioeconomic status,lifestyle factors,and presence of chronic conditions(P=0.031 and 0.035,respectively).However,there was no significant difference for the other two outcomes,psychiatric counseling and depression.An age-stratified analysis revealed a stronger association between OAG and suicidal behaviors in younger JOAG participants(<40y)than in older OAG participants(≥40y;OR:3.80 vs 2.22;95%CI:0.79-18.22 vs 0.56-8.80,respectively).CONCLUSION:OAG patients show a higher risk of suicidal behaviors than those without glaucoma particularly in JOAG patients.

The Importance of Stakeholder Engagement in Progressive Rehabilitation of Large-Scale Open Pit Mines—A Case Study of Lumwana Mine

Mining globally contributes to the growth of many economies of the world. Since its inception, the Zambian mining industry has contributed largely to the country’s economy. The various developments both in technology and knowledge have contributed to the scale at which mining is being done. Challenges in such a setting arise due to the socio-economic and environmental impacts of mining, which create multidimensional problems. The study investigated the importance of engaging stakeholders in progressive rehabilitation programs for large-scale open pit mines, using a case study of the Lumwana Mine and its host community, Manyama. A qualitative approach was used, and data was collected through one-on-one interviews. A combination of convenient and quota sampling was used to engage with host community leaders, professionals and academicians from various fields and institutions. Results showed that most participants had agreed that stakeholder engagement is important for progressive rehabilitation, but the challenge was that the host community and municipal council representatives were not aware of any progressive rehabilitation efforts at Lumwana Mine. This was attributed to a lack of stakeholder engagement and communication of mitigation progress activities by the Lumwana Mine. Results also revealed that the lack of environmental impact assessment regulations to compel companies to involve stakeholders throughout the entire life of the mine other than just at the pre-mining stage led to a lack of compliance and accountability in rehabilitation.

基于Open CASCADE的拱桥建模研究

几何引擎是三维BIM建模软件中的核心组件,对软件的性能、准确性、互操作性和用户体验等方面有着重要影响。商业软件的几何引擎虽然经过了多年的发展和优化具有较好的性能和稳定性,但常受限于软件厂商提供的API接口和商业软件所需要的系统环境,无法对底层数据进行访问或修改,灵活性较差,且不具备完全自主商业版权。基于开源几何引擎的应用在很多领域已有相关的研究成果,但在桥梁工程领域较少,基于开源几何引擎Open CASCADE对桥梁工程领域的模型构建技术进行探索,实现自主可控的桥梁工程三维建模平台,以拱桥为研究对象,结合几何引擎的模型构建技术,实现拱桥模型的创建。探索开源几何引擎在桥梁工程领域的建模实现能力,为实现更多桥型的三维建模以及基于模型更进一步的衍生应用积累经验,并为打造自主可控的桥梁工程建模软件提供参考。

Analysis of SMOC2 gene variants in familial and nonfamilial primary open angle glaucoma Pakistani patients

AIM:To find out the association of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine(SPARC)-related modular calcium binding 2(SMOC2)gene variants rs2255680 and rs13208776 with genotypic and phenotypic characteristics in both familial and non-familial primary open angle glaucoma(POAG)patients.METHODS:A total of 212 POAG patients,comprising 124 familial and 88 non-familial,were enrolled.For genotyping the SMOC2 variant rs2255680,amplification refractory mutation system(ARMS)-polymerase chain reaction(PCR)method and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP)were utilized for analyzing rs13208776 variant.RESULTS:The mean age of familial POAG patients was 50.92±9.12y,with 78 males and 46 females.The mean age of non-familial POAG patients was 53.14±13.44y,with 52 males and 36 females.The SMOC2 gene variant rs13208776 showed the significant association with POAG between familial and non-familial groups.The homozygous G/G variant was frequent among non-familial(60.2%)whereas the heterozygous G/A variant was more frequent in familial POAG patients(46%).There were significant differences in G/A variant between familial and non-familial glaucoma patients,and the risk was decreased to 0.53-fold in non-familial glaucoma patients[odds ratio(OR):0.53;95%confidence interval(CI):0.29-0.94;P=0.033]in codominant model.The risk was further reduced to 0.49-fold(95%CI:0.28-0.86;P=0.012)in dominant model for non-familial patients.No significant association of SMOC2 gene variant rs2255680 between familial and non-familial glaucoma patients was found in our population.The haplotype analysis showed the decreased risk for TA[OR:0.48(95%CI:0.29-0.79);P=0.004]and an increased risk for TG[OR=2.28(95%CI:1.22-4.25);P=0.01]haplotypes.CONCLUSION:Current findings show significant association of SMOC2 gene variant rs13208776 with POAG between familial and non-familial Pakistani patients.

Surface Water Quality Profiling Using Physicochemical Parameters in Open Defecation Free and Non-Open Defecation Free Local Government Areas in Benue State, Nigeria

Physicochemical parameters of surface water sources in the study of local government areas (LGAs) were assessed using standard procedures. The mean physicochemical parameters for pH (5.49), NO2 (0.23 mg/L), SO4 (0.77 mg/L), Na (28.72 mg/L), Ca (28.94 mg/L), Mg (17.50 mg/L), Cl (11.65 mg/L), TSS (6.27 mg/L), TDS (104.23 mg/L), BOD (2.83 mg/L) and F (0.87 mg/L) were below WHO standards irrespective of their defecation status. The values for electrical conductivity (EC) (2770.50 µs/cm, turbidity (481.24 NTU), dissolved oxygen (DO) (5.32 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (COD) (445.50 mg/L), K (125.06 mg/L), PO4 (0.78 mg/L) and Fe (0.57 mg/L) were above the WHO limits for safe water. Higher EC and COD values obtained in the study is evidence of pollution of the water sources by organic matter.