Alternative approaches for the treatment of Asthma and COPD: Focus on Cell-based therapies, Epigenetics, and Gene silencing approaches

Despite many organized health initiatives and critically acclaimed guidelines for proper management of asthma therapy, there is still a large population of severe asthmatics having an uncontrolled disease. Severe persistent asthma, characterized by chronic airway inflammation, increased eosinophils and serum IgE is currently managed by using inhaled corticosteroids. It is quite challenging to get the best treatment guidelines for bronchial asthma in severe asthmatics, particularly in the presence of steroid resistance and the non-responsiveness to β-agonists. For that purpose, other methodologies are required to reverse the uncontrolled airway remodeling in steroid-resistant severe asthma. These advanced alternative approaches should be able to treat asthma symptoms and to improve the inflammatory conditions underlying characteristic pathological features of asthma. The current review focuses and summarizes the alternative approaches used in severe asthma patients. Agents targeting inflammatory cytokines, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, antibodies, oligonucleotides, stem cells, and target drug delivery using gene silencing, offer promise in treating severe asthma.Keywords: Asthma; COPD; Therapies; Epigenetics; Gene silencin

New FxLMAT-Based Algorithms for Active Control of Impulsive Noise

In the presence of non-Gaussian impulsive noise (IN) with a heavy tail, active noise control (ANC) algorithms often encounter stability problems. While adaptive filters based on the higher-order error power principle have shown improved filtering capability compared to the least mean square family algorithms for IN, however, the performance of the filtered-x least mean absolute third (FxLMAT) algorithm tends to degrade under high impulses. To address this issue, this paper proposes three modifications to enhance the performance of the FxLMAT algorithm for IN. To improve stability, the first alteration i.e. variable step size FxLMAT (VSSFxLMAT)algorithm is suggested that incorporates the energy of input and error signal but has slow convergence. To improve its convergence, the second modification i.e. filtered x robust normalized least mean absolute third (FxRNLMAT) algorithm is presented but still lacks robustness. Therefore, a third modification i.e. modified filtered-x RNLMAT (MFxRNLMAT) is devised, which is relatively stable when encountered with high impulsive noise. With comparable computational complexity, the proposed MFxRNLMAT algorithm gives better robustness and convergence speed than all variants of the filtered-x least cos hyperbolic algorithm, and filtered-x least mean square algorithm

Some Novel Estimates of Hermite–Hadamard and Jensen Type Inequalities for (h1,h2)-Convex Functions Pertaining to Total Order Relation

There are different types of order relations that are associated with interval analysis for determining integral inequalities. The purpose of this paper is to connect the inequalities terms to total order relations, often called (CR)-order. In contrast to classical interval-order relations, total order relations are quite different and novel in the literature and are calculated as ω=⟨ωc,ωr⟩=⟨ω¯¯+ω−−2,ω¯¯−ω−−2⟩. A major benefit of total order relations is that they produce more efficient results than other order relations. This study introduces the notion of CR-(h1,h2)-convex function using total order relations. Center and Radius order relations are a powerful tool for studying inequalities based on their properties and widespread application. Using this novel notion, we first developed some variants of Hermite–Hadamard inequality and then constructed Jensen inequality. Based on the results, this new concept is extremely useful in connection with a variety of inequalities. There are many new and well-known convex functions unified by this type of convexity. These results will stimulate further research on inequalities for fractional interval-valued functions and fuzzy interval-valued functions, as well as the optimization problems associated with them. For the purpose of verifying our main findings, we provide some nontrivial examples

Jensen, Ostrowski and Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities for h-convex stochastic processes by means of center-radius order relation

Please read abstract in the article.Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University.http://www.aimspress.com/journal/MathMathematics and Applied Mathematic

Viral infections in COVID-19 and Role of chest physical therapy with self- protections strategies for physical therapists- A Mini Review

COVID-19 infection recently broke out around the world affecting more than 2 million people. This is written in the context of importance of physical therapy interventions for clearing the secretion in the lungs during viral infections. In the case of lower respiratory tract infection the volume of thick secretion increases, that compromise the airway functioning. Covid-19 had affected the elderly and individuals with compromised immune systems, previous respiratory diseases like COPD, chronic bronchitis, or mucous-related issues of increased or decreased secretions. These secretions can cause a decreased area of ventilation. Therefore, lungs should be drained to increase pulmonary functions with different techniques known as Airway Clearance Techniques (ACT). These techniques can be passive including percussion, vibrations, and postural drainage, and others include Autogenic drainage, positive pressure expiratory techniques, and active cycle of breathing (ACB). The lungs can be cleared using postural drainage techniques. These techniques are non-invasive procedures and can help to improve respiratory functions, gaseous exchange, increased pulmonary functions, and retained mucus removal. Early rehabilitation programs in acute phases of the disease are suggested to prevent such complications and promote early recovery. The working professionals who are treating victims should follow the infection control protocols and position themselves at maximum distance. The use of precautionary measures, including masks, gloves, fluid-resistant gowns, and face shields, should be followed. Keys Words: Autogenic Drainage, Chest physiotherapy, Corona Viruses, COVID-19, Physical therapy, Postural drainage, Viral Infection

ENHANCING CLIMATE RESILIENCE IN AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES: THE ROLE OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION WORKERS IN DISTRICT RAHIM YAR KHAN, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract In recent years, the intricate relationship between climate change and its profound impact on agricultural productivity has garnered increasing attention, particularly concerning the pivotal role played by agricultural extension workers. This study delves into climate change mitigation strategies within the realm of agriculture, with a specific focus on the instrumental contributions of agricultural extension workers. Climate change presents a multifaceted challenge to global agricultural systems, exerting significant influences on productivity, crop yields, and food production. Amid these challenges, agricultural extension workers emerge as central figures bridging the chasm between technical knowledge and practical adaptation methods for farmers. This qualitative investigation draws upon a synthesis of existing research and incorporates insights from key informant interviews. By shedding light on the intricate interplay between climate change, agricultural productivity, and the pivotal function of agricultural extension workers, this research aspires to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic relationships between these variables. By facilitating the adoption of climate-resilient techniques, such as cultivating drought-resistant crop varieties, implementing water-efficient irrigation methods, and promoting agroforestry, extension workers empower farmers to mitigate the severe impacts of climate change. Furthermore, extension workers play a pivotal role in bolstering farmers' adaptive capabilities and equipping them with essential skills to navigate increasingly volatile climatic conditions. Studies underscore that farmers who receive training from extension workers report heightened confidence in successfully implementing climate-adaptive strategies

Some well known inequalities for (h1, h2)-convex stochastic process via interval set inclusion relation

This note introduces the concept of (h1, h2)-convex stochastic processes using intervalvalued functions. First we develop Hermite-Hadmard (H.H) type inequalities, then we check the results for the product of two convex stochastic process mappings, and finally we develop Ostrowski and Jensen type inequalities for (h1, h2)-convex stochastic process. Also, we have shown that this is a more generalized and larger class of convex stochastic processes with some remark. Furthermore, we validate our main findings by providing some non-trivial examples.http://www.aimspress.com/journal/MathMathematics and Applied Mathematic

Spectrum of Breast Diseases in a Breast Clinic of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: To determine the pattern and clinical presentation of breast diseases in different age groups presenting to a breast clinic. Methods: It was a retrospective descriptive study which included all patients presenting to a breast clinic for three years. Age at presentation, symptoms, clinical features, investigations, operative findings and specimen reports were recorded and submitted for analysis. . Results: A total of 3568 patients were included. Mastalgia was the commonest findings (39.42%) followed by fibroadenoma(15.83%) and carcinoma of breast (12.61%). Pain in the breast was the commonest presenting symptom (40.38%). Lump in the breast was found in 22.84%, while pain and lump were present in 27.27% of patients. Among carcinoma breast, intra ductal carcinoma was the commonest (57.55%) followed by malignant phyllodes tumour (17.77%). Conclusion: Most common breast diseases presenting in our setting are mastalgia, fibroadenoma and breast carcinoma. Dedicated breast clinic in our public sector hospitals is need of time. It will help to create awareness about breast diseases among general public and will be a source to collect data about disease burden so that future policies can be streamline

Psychiatric Comorbidity in People with Epilepsy

Background and Objective: People with epilepsy often experience psychiatric comorbidity. This study aims to investigate the relationship among seizure regulation, psychiatric comorbidity, and antiepileptic drug use in a group of individuals with epilepsy in Pakistan. Methods: This is an observational study conducted at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, over a period of six months (1st June – 31st Dec 2022). One-hundred-twenty people (sample size) with epilepsy above the age of 18 with confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy were included in the study who completed a questionnaire that assessed their seizure control, psychiatric comorbidity, and antiepileptic drug use. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 Results: The majority of participants (80.8%) reported effective seizure control , while 19.2% reported ineffective seizure control . Regarding psychiatric comorbidity, 84.2% of the participants reported some form of psychiatric comorbidity, with depression being the most commonly reported (31.7%). In terms of antiepileptic drug use, 69.2% of the participants reported being on monotherapy, 28.3% reported being on polytherapy, and 2.5% reported not being on any medication. Conclusion: People with epilepsy have a significant likelihood of experiencing psychiatric comorbidity which highlights the need for screening and therapy