Peripheral Cytokines as a Chemical Mediator for Postconcussion Like Sickness Behaviour in Trauma and Perioperative Patients: Literature Review

Besides brain injury and systemic infection, cognitive and concussion like sickness behaviour is associated with muscular trauma and perioperative patients, which represents a major obstacle to daily activities and rehabilitation. The neuroinflammatory response triggers glial activation and consequently the release of proinflammatory cytokines within the hippocampus. We review clinical studies that have investigated neurocognitive and psychosomatic symptoms related to muscular trauma and in perioperative conditions. These include impaired attention and executive and general cognitive functioning. The purpose of this literature review is to focus on the systemic inflammation and the role of proinflammatory cytokines IL1, IL6,and TNF and other inflammatory mediators which mediates the cognitive impairment and induces sickness behaviour. Moreover, this review will also help to determine if some patients could have long-term cognitive changes associated with musculoskeletal injuries or as a consequence of surgery and thereby will lead to efforts in reducing that risk

The satisfaction with life scale: psychometric properties in Pakistani population

Background: The construct of satisfaction with life has been studied across various cultures through the Satisfaction with Life Scale. The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) has been validated across several populations and languages. There are no published psychometric properties of its Urdu version. Hence, the aim of this study was to ascertain the psychometric properties of the Urdu version of the SWLS among the Urdu speaking population of Pakistan. Methods: The SWLS has already been translated into Urdu, and the Urdu version is available on the author’s website however there is no information about its psychometric properties. To establish the psychometric properties especially the factor structure of the already translated Urdu SWLS, the SWLS-Urdu was administered to Urdu speaking population residing in Pakistan. The statistical analyses (i.e., normality through skewness and kurtosis, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett’s test of sphericity, and test and re-test reliability) were conducted through SPSS version 25.0. Structure Equation Modelling via maximum likelihood method of estimation was used to perform confirmatory factor analysis on the data using AMOS 20.0. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: The study was completed by recruiting 120 participants from different universities in Lahore, Pakistan. The sample was equally divided between male and female participants. The mean age of participants was 22.7(3.6) years. Test of the adequacy of the sample through Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin showed KMO=0.88 and Bartlett’s test of sphericity (p<0.001). The Cronbach’s alpha reliability of the scale was 0.90 and Confirmatory Factor Analysis confirmed a one-factor model as a good fit with strong statistical evidence. No factorial group variances were noticed in male and female participants. Conclusion: This study shows that Urdu SWLS has sound psychometric properties, is linguistically and culturally acceptable, and equally useful in assessing satisfaction with life in the Urdu speaking population

A nonsense mutation in S-antigen (p.Glu306*) causes Oguchi disease

Contains fulltext : 110974.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)PURPOSE: Genetic studies were performed to identify the causative mutation in a 15-year-old girl diagnosed with congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) presenting Mizuo-Nakamura phenomenon, a typical Oguchi disease symptom. The patient also had dural sinus thrombosis (DST), thrombocytopenia, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: Mutation analysis was done by sequencing two candidate genes, S-antigen (SAG; arrestin 1), associated with Oguchi type 1, and rhodopsin kinase (GRK1), associated with Oguchi type 2. In addition, the C677T variation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene was also screened in the family, to determine its probable association with hyperhomocysteinemia in the patient. RESULTS: Sequencing of the SAG and GRK1 resulted in identifying a novel homozygous nonsense mutation (c.916G>T; p.Glu306*) in SAG, which in unaffected siblings either was present in a heterozygous state or absent. The C677T heterozygous allele in the MTHFR gene was found to be associated with hyperhomocysteinemia in the patient and other family members. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of Oguchi type 1 in a Pakistani patient due to a nonsense mutation (c.916G>T; p.Glu306*) in SAG. The neurologic and hematological abnormalities likely are not associated with the SAG variant

A rural community-based investigation to assess mHealth for family planning advice in district Multan

Background: Globally, Pakistan is the 5th populous country. To increase the use of family planning services by public private business model, Punjab Population Innovation Fund selected “Connect4fp” project implemented by International Rescue Committee organization. The purpose of this research was to determine the impact of mobile health(mHealth) advice on family planning in project area. This project was implemented in 9 Union councils of district Multan, Pakistan. The innovative idea of this project was the use of mobile phones to spread family planning knowledge among community in the form of Interactive Voice Response (IVR) as well as Short Message Service (SMS) (i.e., text messages). Methods: A cross-sectional study targeted 197 men as well as women (mostly married women of reproductive age) receiving mobile messages or recorded robocalls from the project area. The purpose was to assess their family planning knowledge and awareness by using structured Likert scale questionnaire. Secondly the viewpoint about mHealth and its effect on family planning was determined from 40 private providers and 27 Family planning Champions (who were part of the project) by telephonic interviews. Their response was quantified by using Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were calculated of the study’s main variables. The association of family planning knowledge of community members was determined to their contraceptive use by using Chi square. Results:  The results specified that 60% community members included in this study told that their family planning knowledge is increased due to this mHealth program. 36% Private providers while 75% FP Champions were agreed that family planning patients are increased due to this mHealth program. Conclusion: Mobile messages and robocalls about family planning sent in local language positively contributed to increase FP knowledge and awareness in community. This may trigger communication about family planning within couples, as a result increase use of family planning services.

Surface-Functionalized Magnetic Silica-Malachite Tricomposite (Fe-M-Si tricomposite): A Promising Adsorbent for the Removal of Cypermethrin

This study assessed the efficacy of adsorption for eliminating the agricultural pesticide cypermethrin (CP) from wastewater using various adsorbents: silica, malachite, and magnetite. Magnetic nanocomposites (NCs) (with varying amounts of Fe3O4 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt/wt %) were synthesized, including Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs), bicomposites, and tricomposites, calcined at 300 and 500 °C, and then tested for CP removal. The study was conducted in two phases, with the objective of initially assessing how effectively each individual NP performed and then evaluating how effectively the NCs performed when used for the adsorption of CP. Notably, the Fe3O4–malachite combination exhibited superior CP removal, with the 0.25-Fe–M NC achieving the highest adsorption at 635.4 mg/g. This success was attributed to the large surface area, magnetic properties of Fe3O4, and adsorption capabilities of malachite. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) isotherm analysis indicated that the NCs had potential applications in adsorption and separation processes. The scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed the spherical, irregular shaped morphology of the synthesized NPs and NCs. However, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of surface functionalized materials such as surface functionalized malachite [Cu2CO3(OH)2] with Fe3O4 and SiO2 may be complicated by the specific functionalization method used and the relative amounts and crystallographic orientations of each component. Therefore, careful interpretation and analysis of the XRD pattern, along with other techniques, are necessary for accurate identification and characterization of the functionalized material. The originality of this study lies in its comprehensive investigation of several adsorbents and NCs for CP removal at neutral pH. The innovation stems from the synergistic action of Fe3O4 and malachite, which results in improved CP removal due to their combined surface properties and magnetic characteristics. The application of magnetic NCs in adsorption and separation, as validated by BET isotherm analysis, highlights the potential breakthrough in addressing pesticide contamination

Metallo-βeta-Lactamase Detection Comparative Evaluation of Double-Disk Synergy versus Combined Disk Tests

Objective: To establish (i) if carbapenemases are a major cause of carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae and belong to metallo- β-lactamases (ii) Which one is the best phenotypic method for the detection of metallo- β-lactamases. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at pathology department, Punjab Institute of Cardiology Lahore. Samples were randomly enrolled from daily lab work and analysed. During the period of September 2016 to January 2017, a total of 2970 clinical samples were enrolled and processed for bacterial culture. Every isolate of Enterobacteriaceae was processed for detection of carbapenem resistance and for the detection of carbapenemases producers by modified Hodge test. Metallo- β-lactamases detection (MBL) was done by three different phenotypic techniques, (i) Combined disk technique (0.1 M EDTA), (ii) (0.5 M EDTA). (iii) Double disk synergy technique (DSST). Results: Out of total n=2970 samples, 38.7% (n=1150) were culture positive of which 40.5% (n=550) were Enterobacteriaceae. Among these, 9.0 % (n=50) were carbapenem-resistant; 98% (49/50) were carbapenemase producers (modified Hodge test -Positive). According to (i) Combined disk technique (0.1 M EDTA), 98% (48/49) were metallo- β-lactamases positive (ii) Combined disk technique (0.5 M EDTA), 86% (42/49) were metallo- β-lactamases, 2% (1/49) were non-determinable (iii) Double disk synergy technique (DDST) showed 100% (49/49) isolates were metallo- β-lactamases positive. Chloramphenicol and Tigecycline were found sensitive in 28% and 16% respectively; all other antimicrobials were highly resistant against carbapenem-resistant isolates. Conclusion: Carbapenemases are a major cause of carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae. Double-disk synergy technique is good for the detection of MBL as compared to other phenotypic methods. Each carbapenemresistant isolate of Enterobacteriaceae should be process for the detection of Carbapenemase especially MBL

Adverse Childhood Experiences in Patients Admitted with Depression at A Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan

Objective: To consider adverse childhood experiences in patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan with depressive disorder. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan from Sep 2018 to Aug 2020. Methodology: All the patients who were admitted to the psychiatry ward of the hospital after being diagnosed with depression were included in the study. Detailed history and mental state examination were carried out on all patients by a psychiatrist, and the adverse childhood experience questionnaire was administered. Results: Out of 400 patients admitted with a diagnosis of depressive episode in the hospital during the study period, 59(14.75%) were males, and 341(85.25%) were females. The mean age of the study participants was 39.49±8.926 years. 153(38.25%) did not have significant adverse childhood experiences, while 247(61.75%) had significant adverse childhood experiences. The severity of depressive episodes and substance use had a statistically significant relationship with the presence of significant adverse childhood experiences in our study participants (p-value<0.001). Conclusion: The presence of significant adverse childhood experiences was alarmingly high in patients admitted with a depressive episode in our study. These experiences were associated with the more severe forms of depressive illness and comorbid illicit substance use

Assessment of Chlorophyll Content in Leaves of Crops and Orchards Based on SPAD, Multispectral, and Hyperspectral Techniques

Strategic planning in developed and developing countries has significantly benefited from early assessment, identification and crop production monitoring. Remote sensing surveillance of crop health has brought significant benefits to farmers regarding early detection of latent issues, such as nutrient deficiencies or crop ailments, and taking remedial action. The study used geospatial techniques to monitor the orchards and crops of Halani in the Pakistani province of Sindh, using GeoEye and Landsat-8 satellite imagery. The absorbance of chlorophyll content in six fruit trees: mango (Mangifera indica L.), banana (Musa acuminata Colla), musambi (Citrus limetta Risso), kino (Citrus aurantium L.), lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck) and guava (Psidium guajava L.), as well as four crops: maise (Zea mays L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), cotton (Gossypium herbaceum L.), and sugarcane (Saccharum) were recorded spectrophotometrically using a Beckman Coulter DU-530 single cell module spectrophotometer at 648 nm and 665 nm (homogenised in 100% ethanol), and non-destructive chlorophyll using a SPAD-502 portable chlorophyll meter (Minolta Corporation, New Jersey, USA) showed a strong positive correlation. The results of chlorophyll absorbance showed the same trend in crops through satellite data and laboratory analysis. Chlorophyll content and NDVI showed a positive correlation. The R² value for rice and banana was 0.9925 and 0.9578, respectively, while the SPAD and chlorophyll R² for rice was 0.838 and 0.75 for banana. The overall results indicate high chlorophyll content in the leaves of orchards rather than crops. The study's outcomes show that satellite data are a potentially reliable and resourceful tool for early assessment of the reliability of agricultural monitoring. The health and growth of crops can be monitored with satellite data, which are ultimately used for yield prediction, consequently helping growers strategically harvest and market

A review of recent advances in adsorption desalination technologies

Adsorption-based desalination (AD) is an emerging concept to co-generate distilled fresh water and cooling applications. The present study is aimed to provide a comprehensive review of the adsorption desalination systems and subsequent hybridization with known conventional cycles such as the multiple-effect AD (MED), solar regenerable, integrated evaporator-condenser cascaded, and ejector integrated systems. The systems are investigated for energy consumption, productivity enhancement, and performance parameters, including production cost, daily water production, and performance coefficient. Comprehensive economic aspects, future challenges, and future progress of the technologies are discussed accordingly to pave researchers' paths for technological innovation. Traditional AD systems can produce specific daily water production of 25 kg per kg of adsorbent. The solar adsorption desalination-cooling (ADC) showed a promising specific cooling power of 112 W/kg along with a COP of 0.45. Furthermore, for a hybrid MEDAD cycle, the gain output ratio (GOR) and performance ratio (PR) is found to be 40%, along with an augmented water production rate from 60% to two folds. The AD technology could manage the high salinity feed water with the production of low salinity water with a reasonable cost of US$0.2/m3