Heavy metal-resistant rhizobacteria fosters to alleviate the cadmium toxicity in Arabidopsis by upregulating the plant physiological responses.

This study was designed to investigate the role of Morganella morganii strains in alleviating Cd stress in Arabidopsis seedlings under controlled conditions. Both M. morganii strains ABT3 (ON316873) and ABT9 (ON316874) strains isolated from salt-affected areas showed higher resistance against Cd and possess plant growth-promoting traits such as nitrogen fixation, indole-acetic acid production, ammonia production, phosphate solubilization, and, catalase, gelatinase and protease enzyme production. Plant inoculation assay showed that varying concentration of Cd (1.5 mM and 2.5 mM) significantly reduced Arabidopsis growth, quantum yield (56.70%-66.49%), and chlorophyll content (31.90%-42.70%). Cd toxicity also triggered different associations between lipid peroxidation (43.61%-69.77%) and enzymatic antioxidant mechanisms. However, when both strains were applied to the Arabidopsis seedlings, the shoot and root length and fresh and dry weights were improved in the control and Cd-stressed plants. Moreover, both strains enhanced the resistance against Cd stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities [catalase (19.47%-27.39%) and peroxidase (37.50%-48.07%)]that ultimately cause a substantial reduction in lipid peroxidation (27.71%-41.90%). Both strains particularly ABT3 also showed positive results in improving quantum yield (73.84%-98.64%) and chlorophyll content (41.13%-48.63%), thus increasing the growth of Arabidopsis seedlings. The study suggests that PGPR can protect plants from Cd toxicity, and Cd-tolerant rhizobacterial strains can remediate heavy metal polluted sites and improve plant growth.

In order to develop sustainable and effective agricultural techniques in areas polluted with heavy metals, it is important to have a deeper understanding of the characteristics of metal-resistant PGPR. Hence, this study focuses on the efficacy of M. morganii in promoting the growth and increasing the photosynthetic pigments of Arabidopsis seedlings under Cd toxicity.

High pressure CO2 adsorption onto Malaysian Mukah-Balingian coals: Adsorption isotherms, thermodynamic and kinetic investigations.

CO2 sequestration into coalbed seams is one of the practical routes for mitigating CO2 emissions. The adsorption mechanisms of CO2 onto Malaysian coals, however, are not yet investigated. In this research CO2 adsorption isotherms were first performed on dry and wet Mukah-Balingian coal samples at temperatures ranging from 300 to 348 K and pressures up to 6 MPa using volumetric technique. The dry S1 coal showed the highest CO2 adsorption capacity of 1.3 mmol g-1, at 300 K and 6 MPa among the other coal samples. The experimental results of CO2 adsorption were investigated using adsorption isotherms, thermodynamics, and kinetic models. Nonlinear analysis has been employed to investigate the data of CO2 adsorption onto coal samples via three parameter isotherm equilibrium models, namely Redlich Peterson, Koble Corrigan, Toth, Sips, and Hill, and four parameter equilibrium model, namely Jensen Seaton. The results of adsorption isotherm suggested that the Jensen Seaton model described the experimental data well. Gibb's free energy change values are negative, suggesting that CO2 adsorption onto the coal occurred randomly. Enthalpy change values in the negative range established that CO2 adsorption onto coal is an exothermic mechanism. Webber's pore-diffusion model, in particular, demonstrated that pore-diffusion was the main controlling stage in CO2 adsorption onto coal matrix. The activation energy of the coals was calculated to be below -13 kJ mol-1, indicating that adsorption of CO2 onto coals occurred through physisorption. The results demonstrate that CO2 adsorption onto coal matrix is favorable, spontaneous, and the adsorbed CO2 molecules accumulate more onto coal matrix. The observations of this investigation have significant implications for a more accurate measurement of CO2 injection into Malaysian coalbed seams.

Performance evaluation of phosphonium based deep eutectic solvents coated cerium oxide nanoparticles for CO2 capture.

The critical challenge being faced by our current modern society on a global scale is to reduce the surging effects of climate change and global warming, being caused by anthropogenic emissions of CO2 in the environment. Present study reports the surface driven adsorption potential of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) surface functionalized cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) for low pressure CO2 separation. The phosphonium based DESs were prepared using tetra butyl phosphoniumbromide as hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and 6 acids as hydrogen bond donors (HBDs). The as-developed DESs were characterized and employed for the surface functionalization of CeNPs with their subsequent utilization in adsorption-based CO2 adsorption. The synthesis of as-prepared DESs was confirmed through FTIR measurements and absence of precipitates, revealed through visual observations. It was found that DES6 surface functionalized CeNPs demonstrated 27% higher adsorption performance for CO2 capturing. On the contrary, DES3 coated CeNPs exhibited the least adsorption progress for CO2 separation. The higher adsorption performance associated with DES6 coated CeNPs was due to enhanced surface affinity with CO2 molecules that must have facilitated the mass transport characteristics and resulted an enhancement in CO2 adsorption performance. Carboxylic groups could have generated an electric field inside the pores to attract more polarizable adsorbates including CO2, are responsible for the relatively high values of CO2 adsorption. The quadruple movement of the CO2 molecules with the electron-deficient and pluralizable nature led to the enhancement of the interactive forces between the CO2 molecules and the CeNPs decorated with the carboxylic group hydrogen bond donor rich DES. The current findings may disclose the new research horizons and theoretical guidance for reduction in the environmental effects associated with uncontrolled CO2 emission via employing DES surface coated potential CeNPs.

Primary intracranial alveolar soft part sarcoma in a 22 years old female: a rare case report with literature review.

Alveolar soft part sarcoma is a very rare malignant neoplasm of peripheral muscular, adipose or neural tissue. Its occurrence, as a primary intracranial tumour, is even rarer. To the best of our knowledge, only nine cases of primary intracranial alveolar soft part sarcoma exist in English scientific literature. We attempt to write a comprehensive review on this poorly understood intracranial malignancy, with no evident systemic lesions, such as in the case of our 22 years old patient. In addition to absent definitive proof of benefit of radiologic or chemotherapeutic management, we highlight the role of surgery as the primary treatment. Younger patients with this tumour may have a worse prognosis than elderly patients.

Remediation techniques for elimination of heavy metal pollutants from soil: A review.

Contaminated soil containing toxic metals and metalloids is found everywhere globally. As a consequence of adsorption and precipitation reactions, metals are comparatively immobile in subsurface systems. Hence remediation techniques in such contaminated sites have targeted the solid phase sources of metals such as sludges, debris, contaminated soils, or wastes. Over the last three decades, the accumulation of these toxic substances inside the soil has increased dramatically, putting the ecosystem and human health at risk. Pollution of heavy metal have posed severe impacts on human, and it affects the environment in different ways, resulting in industrial anger in many countries. Various procedures, including chemical, biological, physical, and integrated approaches, have been adopted to get rid of this type of pollution. Expenditure, timekeeping, planning challenges, and state-of-the-art gadget involvement are some drawbacks that need to be properly handled. Recently in situ metal immobilization, plant restoration, and biological methods have changed the dynamics and are considered the best solution for removing metals from soil. This review paper critically evaluates and analyzes the numerous approaches for preparing heavy metal-free soil by adopting different soil remediation methods.

A study of association between presence or absence of GSTT1 and GSTM1 and/or single nucleotide polymorphism in FABP2 and GSTP1 with incidence of diabetes type 2: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in fatty acid binding protein-2 (rs1799883) and glutathione S-transferase pi (rs1695) genes with presence/absence of glutathione S-transferase mu and glutathione S-transferase theta genes in type 2 diabetes. METHODS: The cross-sectional case-control study was conducted at Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology during March till September 2019 and comprised type 2 diabetes patients and non-diabetic controls from two districts in southern Punjab. Polymerase chain reaction, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction were applied to investigate glutathione S-transferase theta, mu and pi genes as well as fatty acid binding protein-2, as appropriate. The association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in all genes with the disease were studied either individually or in various combinations. Data was analysed using Minitab 18. RESULTS: Of the 448 subjects, 248(55.4%) were patients and 200(44.6%) were controls. Overall there were 213(47.5%) males and 235(52.5) were females, and 141(31.5%) were aged 30-46 years. The presence of rs1799883 in fatty acid binding protein-2 (p=0.03) and the absence of glutathione S-transferase mu gene (p<0.001) had significant association with type 2 diabetes, while the presence of glutathione S-transferase theta and rs1695 in glutathione S-transferase pi genes were not associated with the disease. Individuals with glutathione S-transferase mu gene null and Ileu/Ileu or Ileu/Val genotype of rs1695 in glutathione S-transferase pi gene have potential to develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of rs1799883 in fatty acid binding protein-2 and the absence of glutathione S-transferase mu gene were found to play significantly in the development of type 2 diabetes.

The dual anti-caries effect of carboxymethyl chitosan nanogel loaded with chimeric lysin ClyR and amorphous calcium phosphate.

In this study, we evaluated the anti-biofilm and anti-demineralization abilities of a novel material, CMC-ClyR-ACP nanogel, designed by loading the chimeric lysin ClyR and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) into a nanocarrier material carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), in a demineralization model. Dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy showed that CMC-ClyR-ACP nanogel was synthesized successfully. Enamel samples prepared from premolars were divided into five groups according to their treatments with: (i) double distilled water ddH2 O, (ii) CMC-ACP, (iii) CMC-ClyR-ACP, (iv) ClyR, or (v) 0.12% chlorhexidine. Streptococcus mutans was allowed to form biofilms on the teeth for two days before treatment procedures were carried out from day 3 to day 6. The relative biofilm viability analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8 showed that it was significantly lower (at 55.7%) for CMC-ClyR-ACP than seen for ddH2 O (89.9%), which was consistent with result of confocal laser scanning microscopy. The percentage surface hardness loss of CMC-ClyR-ACP (29.2%) was significantly lower than that of CMC-ACP (51.0%) and ClyR (58.7%) alone, and there was no significant difference between CMC-ClyR-ACP and chlorhexidine (26.9%), which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Therefore, CMC-ClyR-ACP nanogel may be an effective strategy for the control of enamel demineralization.

New fossils of Mesopithecus from Hasnot, Pakistan.

Here, we report on a new collection of mostly isolated molars of a colobine monkey from near Hasnot on the Potwar Plateau of Pakistan. The specimens are from three late Miocene localities, with ages constrained to between 7.9 and 7.1 Ma. Morphological and metrical comparisons of the new Hasnot molars with those of previously recognized Mesopithecus species and living Asian colobines lead to the conclusion that the Hasnot colobine is most probably Mesopithecus, but not Mesopithecus pentelicus. The most morphologically distinctive aspect of the Hasnot specimens is the lower third molars, which exhibit large and bulbous protoconids set off by deeply incised mesial buccal and median buccal clefts and large, broad distobuccally placed hypoconulids. Colobine specimens previously recovered from the Potwar Plateau have been assigned to Mesopithecus sivalensis, but because these specimens have not yet been fully described, a detailed comparison with the new Hasnot specimens is not yet possible. For these reasons, we assign the new Hasnot colobine fossils to cf. Mesopithecus sp. Mesopithecus was one of the most widespread and successful of late Miocene primates. As a colobine equipped with features of the molar teeth, limbs, and, presumably, gut enabling it to succeed in more highly seasonal woodland environments, Mesopithecus was able to rapidly disperse into and adapt to the conditions in South Asia brought about by profound climatic and concomitant environmental change during the latest Miocene.

Effect of deep breathing exercises in healthy smokers: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of deep breathing exercises on lung functions in apparently healthy smokers. METHODS: The pilot study was conducted at Isra University, Islamabad, Pakistan, from May to December, 2017, and comprised apparently healthy smokers aged 20-30 years with a minimum smoking history of 5 years. The participants were divided into control and experimental groups. The control group was not given any treatment, while the experimental group was trained on deep breathing exercise techniques. Baseline data was compared after two weeks of intervention. SPSS 21 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 30 subjects, there were 15(50%) in each of the two groups. In the experimental group, significant changes were found in vital capacity, inspiratory capacity, tidal volume, expiratory reserve volume, force expiratory volume, and forced vital capacity (p<0.05). Post-intervention, all parameters improved significantly in the experimental group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Deep breathing exercise techniques were found to be useful in healthy smokers for improving lung functions and delaying the development of chronic obstructive lung complications.

Application of water quality index, synthetic pollution index, and geospatial tools for the assessment of drinking water quality in the Indus Delta, Pakistan.

Seawater intrusion into the Indus Delta, Pakistan, has spoiled groundwater aquifers in the area. In the delta, the groundwater is widely used by residents for drinking. Considering the gravity of the problem, and concerns expressed by affected communities, the present study was conducted to assess and map the quality of groundwater, based on the physico-chemical properties of 180 samples, using two standard numerical indices, geospatial and statistical techniques. The analysis of water samples revealed that several parameters exceeded the drinking water quality guidelines suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO). The water quality index (WQI) identified that about 1.7%, 1.1%, 27.8%, 42.8%, and 26.6% of the water samples were excellent, good, poor, very poor, and unsuitable for drinking purposes, respectively. However, the synthetic pollution index (SPI) ranked the quality of 2.8%, 2.2%, 23.9%, 41.7%, and 29.4% as suitable, slightly polluted, moderately polluted, highly polluted, and unsuitable, respectively. Though the numerical model's input is different, the proportionate ranking revealed a fair correlation (R2 = 0.75) between the outcomes of both indices. The results of the numerical indices and the interpolated geographical information system (GIS) mapping revealed that the quality of groundwater in most of the delta does not meet WHO guidelines for potable water. Hence, it is recommended that the groundwater of the delta should be properly treated before its use for domestic purposes. The study highlights the significance of using numerical indices and geospatial techniques for water quality evaluation in the Indus Delta and similar deltaic regions throughout the world.

Assessment of caregiver burden of patients receiving dialysis treatment in Rawalpindi.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the burden on the caregivers of patients receiving dialysis treatment. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in four different dialysis centres of Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from June 1 to December1, 2015, and comprised attendants of patients receiving dialysis. The data was collected from the attendants of patients receiving dialysis, and caregiver burden was measured using the Zarit Burden Interview questionnaire. SPSS 22 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 164 subjects, 97(59%) were females. The majority of caregivers reported stress for caring (2.28±1.31), patients asking for more help than needed (2.14±1.13), health problems (1.03±1.11), financial constraints (1.70±1.15) and little time for self-care (2.15±1.21). Besides, 107(65%) caregivers perceived the burden of their patients as mild to moderate. A positive correlation was found between the duration of a person on dialysis, daily hours of care-giving and the total burden score of his/her caregiver (p<0.05 each). CONCLUSIONS: Care-giving can create enormous burdens on caregivers, affecting their physical and psychological health.

Vitamin D supplementation improves FEV1 in patients of Bronchial Asthma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D deficiency has strong association with various respiratory disorders in which bronchial asthma is one of them. The objective was to determine the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in cases with bronchial asthma. METHODS: This case control study was conducted at private clinical set up of district, Rahim Yar Khan from August to October 2016 in which 100 cases of bronchial asthma were randomly divided into Group-A and Group-B each contained 50 patients. Group-A was given placebo and Group-B with vitamin D in a dose of 50,000 units per day orally. Both the groups were followed in terms of improvement in FEV1 at 1, 2 and 3 months. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in both groups in terms of BMI and duration of asthma at start of study. The mean pre treatment vitamin D level of Group-A was 14.23±1.66 and of Group-B, 15.30±2.05 ng/dl (p= 0.23). FEV1 in pre treatment Group-A was 64.35±3.16 and of Group-B was 62.35±2.16 with p= 0.95. There was no significant difference in terms of FEV1 in both the groups at one month (p= 0.32). While at two months it was significantly higher in Group-B with p= 0.04. At 3 months the final outcome was seen where the post treatment FEV1 in Group-A was 66.13±2.75 and in Group-B, 75.15±2.04 with p value of 0.001. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D supplementation improves FEV1 significantly at two months and these can be even highly significant if it is extended up to 3 months.

Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR): A well assessment tool of glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Increased neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a marker as well as predictor of various cardiac and non cardiac disorders. Our aim was to assess the relationship between NLR and different level of glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: An observational study was conducted at diabetic clinic of Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan from September 2016 to February 2017 in which 330 type 2 diabetic patients were randomly divided in to three groups based upon diabetes control according to ADA criteria. Patients in group A with HbA1c ≤ 7% (excellent control), group B HbA1c 7.0-9.0 % (poor control) and group C HbA1c ≥ 9 %(worst control). Patients were assessed in terms of complete blood count and C - reactive protein. RESULTS: As compared to excellent control (Group A) patients with worst control (Group C)showed a high leukocyte count (p.001), high neutrophil count (P.003) and lower lymphocyte count (P 0.44) while patients in poor control (Group B)did not differ significantly. Similarly value of NLR was also significantly higher in worst control (Group C) as compared to poor control(Group B) and excellent control (Group A) diabetes (4.3±2.8, 2.7±1.0 and2.0±0.5(p.001). NLR were found independent predictor of worst diabetes control (OR: 1.809, 95% CI: 1.459-2.401) along with fasting blood sugar (OR: 0.938, 95% CI: 0.995-0.982) and CRP (OR: 1.020, 95% CI: 1.003-1.028). CONCLUSION: Increased NLR level is associated with elevated HbA1c and poor glycemic control in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It can be used as a disease monitoring tool during the follow up of diabetic patients.

Effects of Vitamin D supplementation on physical activity of patients with Heart Failure.

OBJECTIVE: To see the role of Vitamin D supplementation on physical status of patients suffering from Congestive Heart Failure (dilated cardiomyopathy). METHODS: In this nonrandomized clinical trial, Forty three Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy who were not showing any significant improvements in physical performance on optimal treatment of heart failure were included. Vitamin D (200,000 IU) supplementation on weekly basis for a period of 12 weeks was added to heart failure treatment. And its effect was seen on 6 minutes' walk distance and Pro-BNP levels. SPSS version 19 was used for data analysis. Dependent sample t-test was used to see the significant effect of vitamin D supplementation on pre- intervention vitamin D levels, 6MWD and Pro-BNP. Taking p-value <0.05 as significant. RESULTS: On clinical assessment most of the patients were in NYHA class II (65%), the percentages of NYHA Class I, III and IV was 19%, 9% and 7% respectively. The baseline mean vitamin D level of the study group was 16.59±3.54ng/ml and it raised to 31.97±3.64ng/ml after 12 weeks of supplementation with vitamin D, p value<0.0005. The mean distance travelled by the study group before the intervention was 806±380ft while it increased to 945±393ft after the intervention, p value of 0.008. The mean of pro-BNP level of the study group before the intervention was 1024±635 while it improved to 159±80 after the intervention with a significant p value<0.0005. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D supplementation decreases the severity of HF as reflected by reduction in serum pro-BNP levels and significant increase in six minutes' walk distance.

Vildagliptin ameliorates biochemical, metabolic and fatty changes associated with non alcoholic fatty liver disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of Vildagliptin in non-alcoholic, fatty liver disease patients with dyslipidemia. METHODS: A randomized placebo controlled trial was conducted at outpatient clinic of Medical Unit-I of Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, in which fifty eight patients of NAFLD with dyslipidemia were divided in to two, case and control groups. The case group was given tablet Vildagliptin 50mg twice a day for twelve weeks and control group was given placebo in same way. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, liver enzymes and ultrasound finding of fatty liver were assayed before and after treatment. RESULTS: After 12 weeks treatment of vildagliptin there was significant improvement in following parameters. Body weight and BMI decreased significantly from 88 ± 11 to79 ± 12 kg (p0.036) and 30±4to 27±5 kg/m2 (p 0.005) respectively. Notable reduction in the value of TC, TG and LDL-C (TC:252±24 to 220±20mg/dl (p 0.031); TG: 190±24 to115±22 mg/dl (p 0.005); LDL-C 160±15 to 145±13mg/dl (p 0.004). HDL-C level increased significantly from 29±5to45±4 mg/dl (p 0.001). There was remarkable reduction in aminotransferases level (ALT: 78± 17 to 48±14IU/L (p 0.036). AST: 63.3±13 to41±11IU/L (p 0.002). There was overall 65.5% improvement in fatty liver grading on ultrasound with vildagliptin while non significant effects were seen in placebo group in all of the above parameters. CONCLUSION: Vildagliptin exhibited beneficial effects in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Non-diabetic patients with dyslipidemia.

Investigating the impact of data heterogeneity on the performance of federated learning algorithm using medical imaging.

In recent years, Federated Learning (FL) has gained traction as a privacy-centric approach in medical imaging. This study explores the challenges posed by data heterogeneity on FL algorithms, using the COVIDx CXR-3 dataset as a case study. We contrast the performance of the Federated Averaging (FedAvg) algorithm on non-identically and independently distributed (non-IID) data against identically and independently distributed (IID) data. Our findings reveal a notable performance decline with increased data heterogeneity, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies to enhance FL in diverse environments. This research contributes to the practical implementation of FL, extending beyond theoretical concepts and addressing the nuances in medical imaging applications. This research uncovers the inherent challenges in FL due to data diversity. It sets the stage for future advancements in FL strategies to effectively manage data heterogeneity, especially in sensitive fields like healthcare.

Tirzepatide: A novel cardiovascular protective agent in type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major global health concern, and obesity and diabetes mellitus have been found to be important risk factors. Tirzepatide a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor agonist has been shown to have cardioprotective effects. Noteworthy benefits of Tirzepatide include decreased cardiovascular risk factors in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In the SURPASS-4 trial, tirzepatide significant decreased blood pressure, body weight, and HbA1c. Furthermore, the SURMOUNT-1 trial demonstrated the effectiveness of tirzepatide in reducing cardiometabolic risk factors in people with obesity without T2DM. Together, the dual receptor agonism improves lipid profiles, increases insulin secretion, reduces inflammation, and promotes endothelial integrity. Tirzepatide shows promise as a comprehensive therapeutic option for managing cardiovascular risk factors in patients with T2DM and obesity. While further studies are needed to assess the long-term cardiovascular benefits, current evidence supports tirzepatide's potential impact on cardiovascular health beyond its antidiabetic properties.

Bleeding Outcomes of Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Vitamin K Antagonists for Acute Venous Thromboembolism: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a widespread and significant cause of morbidity and mortality on a global scale. The primary objective of this cross-sectional study is to examine the impact of anticoagulant therapy on major organ hemorrhage events in patients diagnosed with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE). Specifically, this research compares the effects of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study examined the medical records of 46 patients who had been diagnosed with VTE and were receiving treatment with DOACs or VKAs. The documentation of patient characteristics encompassed demographic information, comorbidities, and treatment particulars. Within 30 days of hospital admission, the incidence of significant organ bleeding events, with an emphasis on gastrointestinal and intracranial hemorrhage, was the primary outcome evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 46 patients with VTE who were treated with oral anticoagulation therapy participated in the study. Twenty-four and 22 patients were administered VKAs and DOACs, respectively. The similarity in baseline characteristics between the DOAC and VKA groups ensured that the analyses were well-matched. The examination of bleeding sites unveiled subtle variations, as the DOAC group exhibited a progressive increase in the incidence of intracranial bleeding (12, 55.5%), while the VKA group demonstrated a surge in upper gastrointestinal bleeding (12, 50%) as well. While lacking statistical significance, these observed patterns are consistent with prior research that indicates that DOACs may have a lower risk of catastrophic hemorrhage in comparison to VKAs. The overall in-hospital mortality rate for patients treated with VKA was 33.3% (n=8), while that treated with DOAC was 18.2% (n=4). These differences did not reach statistical significance (P>0.05). In a similar vein, the evaluation of mortality associated with hemorrhage revealed six (25%) in the group receiving VKA and three (13.6%) in the group receiving DOAC; the P value was not statistically significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes valuable insights into bleeding outcomes associated with anticoagulant therapy for acute VTE. The nuanced differences in bleeding patterns highlight the complexity of anticoagulant selection, emphasizing the importance of considering bleeding site considerations. The comparable mortality rates support existing evidence regarding the favorable safety profile of DOACs.

Synchronizing smart city nodes using Skew Integrated Timestamp (SIT).

Time synchronization among smart city nodes is critical for proper functioning and coordinating various smart city systems and applications. It ensures that different devices and systems in the smart city network are synchronized and all the data generated by these devices is consistent and accurate. Synchronization methods in smart cities use multiple timestamp exchanges for time skew correction. The Skew Integrated Timestamp (SIT) proposed here uses a timestamp, which has time skew calculated from the physical layer and uses just one timestamp to synchronize. The result from the experiment suggests that SIT can be used in place of multiple timestamp exchanges, which saves computational resources and energy.

Examination of social worlds of risky drinking. Insights from Twitter data analysis.

Rich nature of social media data offers a great opportunity to examine social worlds of its users. Further to wide range of topics being discussed on social media, alcohol-related content is prevalent on social media and studies have found an association between this content and increased consumption of alcohol, cravings for alcohol and addiction. This study analyses social media data to examine social worlds of risky drinking in Victoria, Australia. This study conducted a scoping literature review and two online surveys, one with the general community and the other with health professionals, to determine key words to search for on social media sites. These keywords were used in a social media analytics tool called Talkwalker to generate quantitative and qualitative data on the social media users and their conversations. NVIVO was used for developing categories and themes in a sample of 172 posts. A total of 1,021 results were obtained from Twitter. The main demographic group found to be involved in conversations about drinking alcohol on Twitter was young fathers aged 25-34 years. The culture of alcohol consumption in Victoria for Twitter users is reflective of Australia's drinking culture within which risky drinking, and in particular binge drinking, is normalised.