Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Patients of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Objective: To determine the left ventricular systolic dysfunction and the association of various factors with this dysfunction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Dec 2020 to May 2021. Methodology: We included the patients diagnosed with sleep apnea syndrome by a consultant pulmonologist based on a sleep study. Patients were labelled as having left ventricular systolic dysfunction if the ejection fraction was less than 40% on echocardiography. Results: Eighty patients diagnosed with sleep apnea syndrome were included in the study. The mean age of the study participants was 48.551±9.971 years. Out of 80 patients, 19(23.75%) had left ventricular systolic dysfunction on echocardiography, while 61(76.25%) had no evidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. With the application of relevant statistical tests, we found that patients with high body mass index and the presence of comorbid illnesses had a statistically significant relationship (p-value<0.05) with the presence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction among patients with sleep apnea syndrome. Conclusion: Considerable number of patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome showed the presence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction on echocardiography. High Body mass index and comorbid illnesses emerged as risk factors for left ventricular systolic dysfunction in our study population

Unlocking the potential of de-oiled seeds of Citrus sinensis loaded with metal nanoparticles for Congo red degradation and removal: a green water treatment strategy with bibliometric analysis

This research reported the utilization of novel adsorbent from the de-oiled waste material of orange seeds for preparing simple charcoal (SC) and iron oxide/activated charcoal (Fe2O3/AC) nanocomposites. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to evaluate the optimized conditions of the experiment. The results obtained indicated that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model best fitted the adsorption data (R2 &gt; 0.99) and that the Freundlich isotherm model best explained the adsorption of dye on Fe2O3/AC. The adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic in the temperature range of 293–333°K, as explained by calculated thermodynamic parameters, e.g., ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results publicized that carboxyl and amine functional groups are present on the surface of adsorbents, which are responsible for the attachment of dye. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that Fe2O3/AC has a porous surface and textual structure, which can efficiently adsorb dye molecules. A zetasizer was utilized for determining the size of the composites, and the thermal stability was determined by performing a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The findings of the comparative experiment indicated that Fe2O3/AC are more promising than raw activated carbon for the adsorption of Congo red (CR). The impregnation of iron oxide nanocomposites on an adsorbent resulted in an increased surface area-to-volume ratio, magnetic properties, and excellent reusable capacity. Overall, it can be reported as an innovative procedure promoting the recycling of waste products, which aids in protecting environmental and human health and in the development of the economy

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance

INTRODUCTION Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. RATIONALE We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs). RESULTS Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants. CONCLUSION Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ANTIOXIDANT PROFILES OF BARK, LEAVES AND SEEDS OF SYZYGIUM CUMINI (INDIAN BLACKBERRY)

Syzygium cumini plant is well known for its medicinal values. This study focuses on the comparative antioxidative capacity of bark, leaves and seeds of Syzygium cumini plant. Several fractions were made from the crude methanolic extract of bark, leaves and seeds in nhexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and butanol and aqueous. Leaves aqueous fraction showed highest phenolic content of 253.6 ± 0.025mg/mL while seed aqueous showed maximum flavonoid content of 0.732 ± 0.0005 mg/mL among all extracts. Bark Ethyl acetate fraction via reducing power assay showed absorbance 3.27 ± 0.19 abs and methanolic and Ethyl acetate fraction of leaves via phosphomolybdate assay showed maximum reducing strength of 15.97 ± 0.008 and 15.97 ± 0.037 mg/mL respectively among all. Seed Chloroform fraction showed maximum TEAC value of 6.28 whereas, Ethyl acetate leaves fraction has shown maximum DPPH inhibition. Where, Hexane fraction of bark showed maximum antioxidant consumption against peroxyl radical at 1.24 at 500 nm among all. The results of the assays showed that, in general, all the extracts of Syzygium cumini posses considerable antioxidant and radical scavenging properties, however, polar fractions of all three samples i.e., aqueous and ethyl acetate have exhibited a remarkable antioxidant behavior in all the antioxidant assays

Recent advancements in surface modifications of dental implants: systematic review

Implantology is one of the most investigated topic in modern dentistry, This review is aimed to systematically summarize all the industrial, mass production and experimental trends in dental implant manufacture relative primarily to their surface modification over the last year. Research was conducted in Army Medical college, NUMS, Rawalpindi, Armed forces institute of dentistry, CMH, Rawalpindi, Foundation University college of Dentistry, FFH, DHA, Islamabad and the HEC Library, HEC, Islamabad. Literature was searched on PubMed, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, Cochrane and Science direct. The key words employed were “dental Implants”, “surface modification”, “surface morphology”, “surface treatment” and “surface augmentation”. A total of 38 articles were short listed and reviewed in detail. There is abundant evidence suggesting the importance of these surface modification on improving the implant success. Several strategies have been suggested to modify the implant surface topography as well as surface chemistry in order to achieve a micro-porous structure with nano scale architecture, with increased bio activity; hydrophilicity and anti-bacterial properties. There is commendable success with many of these strategies in the lab. However, following the lab success in ex vivo studies, very few of these surface modalities have found their way to clinical set-ups. Key Words: Dental Implants, surface modification, surface morphology, Continuous..

Characterization, development and evaluation of a cream by using terminalia chebula and cucumber sativus extracts

Background: Continual exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation damages skin. Freckles are little brown patches that develop on the skin after repeated sun exposure. Terminalia chebula and Cucumber Sativus extracts-infused water in oil (W/O) emulsion is created, that has anti-freckle and emollient effect. Methodology: Base with no extract and formulation containing three different extract concentrations 4% of Terminalia Chebula with 1% Cucumber Sativus, 5% T. Chebula with 2% C. Sativus and 6% of T. Chebula with 3% of C. Sativus are formulated and after 4 weeks of study and their stability parameters are evaluated at 8oC, 25oC, 40oC and 40oC + 75RH. Different parameters such as anti freckle effect, skin melanin, skin moisture content, sebum level and TEW loss level are investigated by applying these formulations on the volunteer’s cheeks for 4 weeks. Results: Skin melanin levels, sebum level, moisture level and TEW loss level of three formulations containing both plant extracts are significant statistically (p &lt; 0.05). Skin melanin level and TEW loss are decreased after application of cream. But skin moisture and sebum level are increased after application of formulation

Impact of Dietary α-Lipoic Acid on Antioxidant Potential of Broiler Thigh Meat

The lipid oxidation depressed the meat quality and can be triggered during industrial processing. The current study was designed to assess the antioxidant activity of thigh meat and meat products enriched with natural antioxidants (α-lipoic acid and α-tocopherol acetate). Broilers (21 days) were fed on feed supplemented with varying α-lipoic acid and constant concentration of α-tocopherol acetate for 3 weeks. Birds were slaughtered at the age of 42 days and meat samples were collected and stored for further analysis and product preparation. TPC and DPPH value indicated that meat of broilers receiving 100 mg of α-lipoic acid with 200 mg of α-tocopherol acetate/kg of feed possessed the highest antioxidant activity. TBARS and peroxides values were found to be lower for meat of broilers fed on different levels of α-lipoic acid. The antioxidants (lipoic acid and tocopherol) enrichment in meat helps to reduce PUFAs. A similar lipid stability trend was observed in nuggets prepared from broiler thigh meat and maximum sensory evaluation scores for nuggets prepared from thigh meat of broilers having the highest dose of lipoic acid. The lipoic acid supplementation in feed enhances the antioxidant capacity of thigh meat and meat products

Retracted: Abiotic Stress Responses in Woody Plants: Morphological, Physiological, and Anatomical Features

Abiotic stressors may have intricate and varied impacts on the growth and development of forest trees. This article provides a comprehensive summary of the effects of abiotic stressors, such as flood, drought, severe temperature, salt, heavy metal, combination stresses, and microplastics, on the morphological, physiological, and anatomical features of woody plants. The focus is particularly on evaluating these effects from the viewpoint of the xylem. During abiotic stress, the ability of xylem to transport water declines, which is linked to the control of leaf stomata and the suppression of aquaporin (AQP) function. Concurrently, woody plants maintain control over the dimensions and structure of their roots and leaves in order to achieve a harmonious equilibrium between water intake and evaporation. The anatomical characteristics are modified as well, including increased density of leaf stomata, smaller conduits, and thicker cell walls. Furthermore, various types of stressors elicit distinct responses in plants. For instance, flooding leads to the development of adventitious roots and aeration tissues, while forest fires cause irreparable damage to the xylem. Low temperatures result in tissue freezing, salt stress hinders ion absorption, and exposure to heavy metals induces biological toxicity. Woody plants' growth may be periodically enhanced in conditions of drought, floods, and exposure to heavy metals. The impact of combined stress on the physiological, morphological, and anatomical characteristics of woody plants is not only cumulative. The underlying mechanism behind this phenomenon requires additional investigation, particularly in natural or near-natural environments. Retraction Notice: This paper has been retracted from the journal

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF INDOMETHACIN LOADED NANOSPONGES FOR ORAL DELIVERY

Nanosponges (NS) loaded sustained release tablet formulations of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug; Indomethacin were successfully developed and evaluated for their pharmaceutical properties. Twelve nanosponge formulations were fabricated by solvent diffusion method by using different ratios of drug and polymers (ethyl cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol). Particle size of all the formulations was in the nano range of 221 to 625 nm and it was found dependent on the polymer concentration. Drug loading and entrapment efficiency was ranged in 32.2 to 59.4 % and 30.1 to 64.8 %, respectively. Formulations with equal proportion of drug and polymer resulted in higher values of drug loading and entrapment efficiency. Percent yield was also found dependent on the relative drug polymer ratio with highest value of 51 % was achieved for the formulation having same drug to polymer ratio. SEM results confirmed the formation of spherical and porous structures. Structural analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD) showed the absence of any interaction between drug and polymer. In comparison to pure drug, NS formulations showed a linear intrinsic dissolution rate (IDR) profile depicting a controlled release profile. Diffusion studies of NS formulations performed by Franz diffusion cell and dialysis bag methods showed comparable results in terms of precision and linearity of diffusion profile. Tablets prepared from the drug loaded NS showed acceptable values for hardness, friability and drug content. Release of drug from NS tablets was confirmed as sustained release behaviour

Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Mulligan's Mobilization with Movement in Knee Osteoarthritis Immediate and Short-term Efficacy on Pain, Function, and Emotional Well-being

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) poses a significant global health challenge, impacting individuals' overall well-being through pain, compromised balance, and emotional distress. Mulligan's mobilization with movement (MWM) has emerged as a promising intervention, demonstrating immediate benefits in pain reduction and functional improvement. However, a comprehensive understanding of its sustained effects and potential synergies with other modalities remains limited. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the immediate and short-term efficacy of Mulligan's MWM on pain reduction, physical function, and emotional well-being in KOA patients. Additionally, the study explores the sustained positive effects of MWM and its potential synergies with exercise programs and pharmacological interventions. A systematic literature review spanning 2017 to 2023 was conducted, selecting over 15 peer-reviewed studies from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Mendeley. The analysis focused on pain reduction using the Visual Analogue Scale, improvements in physical function through Time Up and Go Test and range of motion assessments, and emotional well-being evaluated via the Beck Depression Inventory. Longitudinal studies provided insights into sustained effects, and a comparative analysis explored synergies with other therapeutic modalities. Mulligan's MWM demonstrated consistent and substantial pain reduction, validated by Visual Analogue Scale scores. Improvements in physical function were evident through enhanced Time Up and Go Test results and increased range of motion. Emotional well-being saw a notable reduction in depression scores. Longitudinal studies indicated sustained positive effects, while a network meta-analysis suggested comparable efficacy with pharmacological interventions. This meta-analysis supports the immediate and short-term efficacy of Mulligan's MWM in addressing pain, improving physical function, and positively impacting emotional well-being in KOA patients. Sustained positive effects and potential synergies with other therapeutic modalities highlight the versatility of Mulligan's MWM, encouraging its integration into evidence-based guidelines for KOA management