Roasted fox nuts (Euryale Ferox L.) contain higher concentration of phenolics, flavonoids, minerals and antioxidants, and exhibit lower Glycemic Index (GI) in human subjects

Fox nut (Euryale ferox) is categorized among superior quality foods because of its highly nutritious profile. It also serves as a good protein source for vegetarian diets. However, it is not widely consumed, due to soggy texture and bland flavor as compared to other nuts. In this study, we used roasting and seasoning to enhance its consumer acceptance. Furthermore, we have also compared biochemical, nutritional and physical properties of the roasted and unroasted fox nuts; and their Glycemic Index (GI) in human subjects. Results showed that roasting significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved the minerals content (from 0.58 to 0.66%), protein content (from 11.40 to 14.57%), total phenolics (from 346.02 to 470.62 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoids (from 4.15 to 4.43 mg CE/g), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (from 48.54 to 79.13% inhibition) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (from 662.46 to 957.14 μmol FeSO4/g). Consumer acceptance was evaluated with and without seasoning; both salt and spice seasoned roasted nuts had greater overall acceptability as compared to plain roasted and unroasted nuts. Fox nuts also reported low GI (37%) in human subjects (ethical approval #1772/01-06-2020). Thus, roasted fox nuts can be consumed as nutrient rich and low GI snack; not only as a component of healthy diet but can also be served to patients with metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes

Association of Human Papilloma Virus Infection and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Bangladesh

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide. In Bangladesh, it comprises 20% of the whole body malignancies. Several studies found that 15% to 25% of oropharyngeal cancer cases are associated with human papilloma virus (HPV). This study is done to find the association of human papilloma virus subtypes, particularly HPV type 16 and HPV type 18, with the oral squamous cell carcinoma in Bangladeshi patients. In total, 34 diagnosed patients of oral squamous cell carcinoma were included in the study. Extracted DNA from the cancerous tissues was checked for PCR reaction to detect the subtypes of human papilloma virus. Data of the present study suggest that oral squamous cell carcinoma are almost absent in Bangladeshi patients with human papilloma virus, particularly HPV 16 and 18

Isolation and Identification of Microbes on Hands and Mobile Phones Causing Urinary Tract Infections

Background: Hands and cell phones are the major source of cross-transmission of urinary tract infections. The aim of this study was to isolate, identify and evaluate Gram-negative bacteria from hand and mobile phones. Methods: This study was conducted in visiting area of Civil Hospital Karachi, Pakistan. Analysis was done by 100 wet sterile cotton tipped swabs, 50 each from mobile phones and hands of their owners. Samples were transported in a Cary Blair transport media, Swabs were streaked on Nutrient agar, Blood agar and MacConkey agar. Organisms were identified by cultural, biochemical, and microscopic characteristics. Results: Total samples n=100 was collected from hand and mobile phones samples (50 hand and 50 mobile swabs) from the Dow university Hospital and Civil Hospital Karachi were tested. Six species of bacteria were isolated along with their identification during the research study. The isolated bacteria were Serratia, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Proteus, Shigella and Escherichia coli. The participants’ hands showed high bacterial contamination (50%-56%) in comparison to mobile phones. The frequency (%) of bacteria isolated from mobile phone and hand swabs included Serratia, 12 (24%) with the highest quantity and frequently found bacteria. While, the rest of the results reported Escherichia coli 10 (20%), Klebsiella 9 (18%), Pseudomonas 5 (10%), Shigella 4 (8%) and Proteus 10 (20%) respectively. Conclusion: Patient attendants in hospitals and visitors are more susceptible to nosocomial infections through exchange of mobile phones n=12(24%). Therefore, hygienic practice of hands cleaning while mobile using may help to break the transmission cycle of pathogenic bacteria. Keywords: Urinary Tract Infections; Gram Negative Bacteria; Nosocomial Infections

p-tau Ser356 is associated with Alzheimer's disease pathology and is lowered in brain slice cultures using the NUAK inhibitor WZ4003

Tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation is a common feature of many dementia-causing neurodegenerative diseases. Tau can be phosphorylated at up to 85 different sites, and there is increasing interest in whether tau phosphorylation at specific epitopes, by specific kinases, plays an important role in disease progression. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-related enzyme NUAK1 has been identified as a potential mediator of tau pathology, whereby NUAK1-mediated phosphorylation of tau at Ser356 prevents the degradation of tau by the proteasome, further exacerbating tau hyperphosphorylation and accumulation. This study provides a detailed characterisation of the association of p-tau Ser356 with progression of Alzheimer's disease pathology, identifying a Braak stage-dependent increase in p-tau Ser356 protein levels and an almost ubiquitous presence in neurofibrillary tangles. We also demonstrate, using sub-diffraction-limit resolution array tomography imaging, that p-tau Ser356 co-localises with synapses in AD postmortem brain tissue, increasing evidence that this form of tau may play important roles in AD progression. To assess the potential impacts of pharmacological NUAK inhibition in an ex vivo system that retains multiple cell types and brain-relevant neuronal architecture, we treated postnatal mouse organotypic brain slice cultures from wildtype or APP/PS1 littermates with the commercially available NUAK1/2 inhibitor WZ4003. Whilst there were no genotype-specific effects, we found that WZ4003 results in a culture-phase-dependent loss of total tau and p-tau Ser356, which corresponds with a reduction in neuronal and synaptic proteins. By contrast, application of WZ4003 to live human brain slice cultures results in a specific lowering of p-tau Ser356, alongside increased neuronal tubulin protein. This work identifies differential responses of postnatal mouse organotypic brain slice cultures and adult human brain slice cultures to NUAK1 inhibition that will be important to consider in future work developing tau-targeting therapeutics for human disease.</p

Genetic and agronomic zinc biofortification modify processing and nutritional quality of common wheat

Background and Objectives: The combined genetic and agronomic zinc (Zn) biofortification of wheat is effective in minimizing Zn deficiency-related issues, but its milling efficiency, baking quality, and effectiveness to improve animals' Zn status are unknown. We, therefore, studied Zincol-2016 (genetically Zn-biofortified wheat) Zn nutrition, suitability for milling, and rheological properties; both with and without soil Zn application. Findings: Higher test weight and extraction rate suggest that Zincol-2016 is better suited (p < .0001) for milling, however its significantly lower gluten content and water absorption shows poor suitability for baking. More dietary Zn supply and higher Zn levels in blood and tissues confirm improved (p < .001) Zn nutrition trait of Zincol-2016, and that's further enhanced (p < .001) by soil Zn application. Conclusion: Cultivation of Zincol-2016, on Zn-deficient soil, with Zn application for optimum grain yield can improve wheat Zn nutrition but not up to desired levels, however, higher rates may achieve adequate Zn levels. Low protein content may limit Zincol-2016 application in baking industry, thus protein traits must be focused in genetic biofortification. Significance and Novelty: Our research may help millers and bakers intending to meet Zn-biofortified products demand, and the breeders trying to replace standard cultivars

Association of Human Papilloma Virus Infection and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Bangladesh

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide. In Bangladesh, it comprises 20% of the whole body malignancies. Several studies found that 15% to 25% of oropharyngeal cancer cases are associated with human papilloma virus (HPV). This study is done to find the association of human papilloma virus subtypes, particularly HPV type 16 and HPV type 18, with the oral squamous cell carcinoma in Bangladeshi patients. In total, 34 diagnosed patients of oral squamous cell carcinoma were included in the study. Extracted DNA from the cancerous tissues was checked for PCR reaction to detect the subtypes of human papilloma virus. Data of the present study suggest that oral squamous cell carcinoma are almost absent in Bangladeshi patients with human papilloma virus, particularly HPV 16 and 18

Student led outreach workshops to promote Basic Life Support

Objectives: Primary aim of this project was to provide BLS training to staff, students and faculty of higher educational institutes of Rawalpindi and Islamabad (twin cities in Punjab, Pakistan) through pre-trained medical students. Secondary aim of the study project was to qualitatively record the impact of community training on student facilitators who conducted BLS workshops, through semi structured interviews. Methods: A mixed method Quasi experimental study was carried out at Foundation University Islamabad in collaboration with Higher Education Commission of Pakistan from 2015 to 2018. BLS trained 120 volunteer medical students were divided in 20 teams to visit and provide hands-on training to 20 educational institutes with 45-50 participants each. These participants completed pre and post training questionnaires, whereas, student trainers went through post training semi structured interviews. Quantitative analysis of participants pre and post training responses was done using SPSS 21. Qualitative assessment of impact on students was done through constant comparative analysis of transcripts. Results: A total of 675 participants including students, faculty and staff received hands on BLS training. Questionnaire based analysis of participants BLS knowledge showed >99% improvement (p < 0.001) after training. Main recurring themes identified in transcribed student interviews were, opportunity to improve self-confidence and technical skill. Conclusion: Hands on training sessions conducted by pre-trained medical students not only resulted in improvement in BLS knowledge of participants at various educational institutes but also had substantial impact on student trainers self-confidence and technique. Continuous..

A Comprehensive Review of Internet of Things: Technology Stack, Middlewares, and Fog/Edge Computing Interface

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an extensive network of heterogeneous devices that provides an array of innovative applications and services. IoT networks enable the integration of data and services to seamlessly interconnect the cyber and physical systems. However, the heterogeneity of devices, underlying technologies and lack of standardization pose critical challenges in this domain. On account of these challenges, this research article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the enabling technologies and standards that build up the IoT technology stack. First, a layered architecture approach is presented where the state-of-the-art research and open challenges are discussed at every layer. Next, this research article focuses on the role of middleware platforms in IoT application development and integration. Furthermore, this article addresses the open challenges and provides comprehensive steps towards IoT stack optimization. Finally, the interfacing of Fog/Edge Networks to IoT technology stack is thoroughly investigated by discussing the current research and open challenges in this domain. The main scope of this study is to provide a comprehensive review into IoT technology (the horizontal fabric), the associated middleware and networks required to build future proof applications (the vertical markets)