Assessment of Available Manganese in Milk by Using fodders Grown in Long-Term Wastewater Irrigated Soil

Heavy metals are considered as most important contaminations due to industrialization of countries and an influence on its existence in soil, plant and milk. A study was carried out to check manganese content in soil, forage and milk at three sites of city Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan. All samples (milk, soil, water, fodder plants and ground water) were analyzed for manganese by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Different health indices were also studied to check Mn flow in food chain. Level of Mn in samples was found within acceptable limits. Manganese level was higher in soil samples collected from Site-III than other sites. Manganese showed higher value (2.595 to 10.402 mg/kg) in soil than other samples. Fodders were found to accumulate manganese from 0.008 to 0.022 mg/kg. Manganese concentration was found to be 0.1482 to 1.241 mg/L, 0.164 to 0.9708 mg/L in water and milk, respectively. BCF and PLI values for manganese were also found to be less than 1. Estimated daily intake (EDI) and THQ of manganese are found within permissible limits in milk of cows feeding on fodders irrigated with wastewater and ground water. So, use of wastewater for irrigation purpose should be properly checked due to possible toxic effects

Detection, quantification and genotype distribution of HCV patients in Lahore, Pakistan by real-time PCR

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is considered as \u201cViral Time Bomb\u201d suggested by the World Health Organization and if it is not treated timely, it will lead towards cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Objective: The purpose of the present research is to study possible risk factors, frequent genotypes of HCV and its association with different age groups. Methods: Suspected blood samples from HCV patients were collected from different hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan. Out of 1000 HCV suspected samples, 920 samples were found HCV positive detected by Anti-HCV ELISA, CobasR. kit. The quantification of HCV load was determined by HCV quantification kit and LINEAR ARRAY KIT (Roche) was used for genotype determination by Real-Time PCR (ABI). Statistical analysis was done by using Microsoft Excel. Results: Out of 920 subjects, 77 subjects (8.4%) were false positive and they were not detected by nested PCR. Three PCR positive samples were untypeable. Genotype 3 was predominant in Lahore which was 83.5%, whereas type 1 and 2 were 5.1% and 0.7% respectively. There were also mixed genotypes detected, 1 and 3 were 0.4%, 2 and 3 were 1.41% and 3 and 4 were 0.2% only. Male were more infected of HCV in the age <40 years and females >40years. Conclusion: The major risk factor for HCV transmission is by use of unsterilized razors/blades. It is necessary to spread awareness among the general population of Pakistan about HCV transmission risk factors. Regular physical examination at least once a year is recommended, so that early detection of HCV could be done

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

Recent developments in bioactive pulp capping materials (direct and indirect): A review

The field of dentistry is rapidly shifting its focus toward biologically active restorative materials. Bioactive materials are those capable of inducing and promoting the regeneration of the damaged tissue and remineralizing demineralized dentinal structure as a vital dental pulp is necessary for the long-term healthy survival of a tooth. Vital pulp therapy intends to protect and prevail the vitality of pulp tissue which gets compromised when subjected to mutilating factors like dental caries, trauma, and operative or restorative procedures. During the therapy, the said bioactive material initially forms a non-irritant protective bridge over the vital pulp and later stimulates the pulpal odontoblasts to produce a reparative dentinal barrier which later forms a barrier and protects the underlying pulp’s vitality. The vitality of a tooth needs to be intact protected because the consensus reports that endodontically treated teeth, particularly molars, reportedly have a reduced survival probability than the vital teeth. [1] These factual arguments lead to the development of biologically active restorative materials. This review article intends to provide a review of the modern products introduced in the category of bioactive restorative materials

Assessment of prevalence and causative factors for replacement of composite and amalgam restorations: An observational study

Aim: This study intends to evaluate the frequency and causes of replacement for failed amalgam and composite dental restorations. Methodology: A cross-sectional study comprising female patients with failed permanent composite and amalgam restorations aged 15–60 years old was carried out at the dental clinics of Qassim University. Using a self-structured proforma, demographic data and causes for restoration failure were recorded. The effectiveness of the restorations was assessed by using the Ryge criteria after performing clinical and radiographic examinations. The Statistical Package for Social Science was used for the statistical analysis. Results: It is found that 84.6% of the 299 unsuccessful restorations examined were composite, and 15.4% were amalgam. The main reason for dental failure for both amalgam (95.6%) and composite (93.28%) restorations was secondary caries. Failure of amalgam restoration was largely caused by poor marginal adaptation. With varied incidences between amalgam and composite restorations, typical complaints included discomfort, sensitivity, pain, and food impaction with soreness. The main justification for replacement in amalgam restorations was sensitivity. Repair and replacement rates were similar for amalgam, composite, and mandibular/maxillary restorations. Moreover, 21.1% of individuals overall reported no symptoms, with 8.7% in the amalgam group and 23.3% in the composite group with significant differences (χ2 = 34.28, P = 0.001). Conclusion: According to the current study, secondary caries was found to be the main reason for both amalgam and composite restoration failure. The main problems reported were sensitivity, discomfort, and pain with amalgam showing more sensitivity-related failures

Relationship between corporate sustainability, corporate governance and financial performance

This study aims to investigate three crucial questions. First, whether the corporate governance and corporate sustainability leads to improved firm financial performance or not? Second, whether the sound corporate governance practices improve firm sustainable performance or not? Third, whether the corporate sustainability mediates the relationship between corporate governance and firm performance or not? We used the sample 425 firms listed on Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Using structural equation modeling approach, we find that corporate governance is positively linkedto corporate sustainability performance, and corporate sustainability performance leads to improved financial performance. We also find that corporate sustainability performancemediates the link between corporate governance and financial performance. These findings are important for two aspects. The first is for firms' management, the regulators, policymakersin promoting corporate governance and corporate sustainability practices. Second, our study provides empirical support to current policy debate that investing in good governanceand better sustainability practicesis vital for long-term value creation

Impact of Wastewater and Canal Water Irrigation on the Accumulation of Copper in Maize and Millet of Different Districts of Punjab Pakistan

In current work, we examined the absorption of metal Copper in generally grown food crops (Maize & Millet), cultivated in the waste water irrigated different Districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Analyzed samples of Water, Soil, shoot and grain were processed through atomic absorption spectrometric method. Our findings of Copper in water and Shoot were highest for Millet of Sargodha, irrigated with wastewater (1.69 mg/kg and 1.43 mg/kg respectively). In soil and grain samples maximum absorption of Cu was obtained in the waste water irrigated Maize (Sargodha) and Millet (Sheikhupura). Overall, Cu level was within the acceptable parameters set by FAO/WHO (2001). In this study, we also find out different indices such as Enrichment factor, Translocation factor, Pollution Load Index, Bio-concentration factor, Daily intake of metal and Health Risk Index. The study determined that frequently intake of waste watered forages in experimenting zone may carry possible health uncertainties in inhabitants

Molecular Docking studies on possible Neuraminidase Inhibitors of Influenza Virus

Background: Influenza generally known as flu is due to viruses that contaminate the respiratory region. It can result in light to cruel sickness, and may cause death. The influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 took life of a lot more people than the World War 1. Peramivir that inhibits the purpose of the viral neuraminidase protein of influenza virus, therefore stopping the virus from replicating through budding from the host cell has been shown to have hindrance against virus. The neuraminidase enzyme is a glycoside hydrolyses enzyme that is shown on the exterior. It allows the virus to be free from the host cell and slice sialic acid groups from glycoproteins and is necessary for influenza virus reproduction.Methods: This study concentrates on the in silico virtual screening and molecular docking examination for probable neuraminidase blockers by peramivir like compounds recovered by the ZINC database. ADME-Toxicity examination is done by in silico methods.Results: Molecular docking outcomes propose that modified ligand Anamivire have improved binding attraction than peramivir and its derivatives i.e. ZINC3981610, ZINC 40709762.Conclusion: Modified ligand Anamivire is shown to have resistance against neuraminidase enzyme and bioavailability troubles than ZINC3981610, ZINC40709762 and peramivir.</p