Comparison of biosimilar filgrastim and originator filgrastim for peripheral blood stem cell mobilization for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Nivestym, a biosimilar granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) to the originator filgrastim (Neupogen), is now being used for the mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). We aim to compare the efficacy of Nivestym and Neupogen for PBSC mobilization in healthy allogeneic donors. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective single-center study including 541 adult allo-HSCT donors receiving Nivestym (January 2013-July 2020), or Neupogen (July 2020-June 2023) for donor PBSC mobilization. Bivariate analysis was conducted using SPSS version 28. Statistical significance was determined at a p-value <.05. RESULTS: Our study included 541 allo-HSCT donors who received Neupogen (n = 345, 64%) or Nivestym (n = 196, 36%) for PBSC mobilization. The median age was 47 years (range 17-76). The median donor weight was 86 kg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 87-91). Donors receiving Neupogen had similar pre-G-CSF white blood cell count, CD34+ percentages, and circulating CD34+ count compared with donors receiving Nivestym. The Neupogen group had similar median PBSC product total neutrophil count, CD34+ percentage, absolute CD34+ count, and infused CD34+ dose compared with the Nivestym group. For donors aged 35 years or younger, the median CD34+ dose was higher in donors who received Neupogen compared with Nivestym (6.9 vs. 6.3 million cells/kg, p = .044). CONCLUSIONS: Nivestym demonstrated similar efficacy for PBSC mobilization compared with Neupogen among allo-HSCT donors. In donors aged 35 years or younger, a slightly lower PBSC product CD34+ count was noted with Nivestym compared with Neupogen.

Characterizing Chemical, Environmental, and Stimulated Subcellular Physical Characteristics of Size-Fractionated PMs Down to PM0.1.

Air pollution, especially particulate matter (PM), is a significant environmental pollution worldwide. Studying the chemical, environmental, and life-related cellular physical characteristics of size-fractionated PMs is important because of their different degrees of harmful effects on human respiratory tracts and organ systems, causing severe diseases. This study evaluates the chemical components of size-fractionated PMs down to PM0.1 collected during a biomass-burning episode, including elemental/organic carbon and trace elements. Single particle sizes and distributions of PM0.1, PM0.5-0.1, PM1.0-0.5, and PM2.5-1.0 were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and Zeta sizer. Two commonly used cell lines, e.g., HeLa and Cos7 cells, and two respiratory-related cell lines including lung cancer/normal cells were utilized for cell cytotoxicity experiments, revealing the key effects of particle sizes and concentrations. A high-speed scanning ion conductance microscope explored particle-stimulated subcellular physical characteristics for all cell lines in dynamics, including surface roughness (SR) and elastic modulus (E). The statistical results of SR showed distinct features among different particle sizes and cell types while a E reduction was universally found. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the chemical, environmental, and cellular physical characteristics of size-fractionated PMs and sheds light on the necessity of controlling small-sized PM exposures.

Mitogenomic Characterization and Phylogenetic Placement of African Hind, Cephalopholis taeniops: Shedding Light on the Evolution of Groupers (Serranidae: Epinephelinae).

The global exploration of evolutionary trends in groupers, based on mitogenomes, is currently underway. This research extensively investigates the structure of and variations in Cephalopholis species mitogenomes, along with their phylogenetic relationships, focusing specifically on Cephalopholis taeniops from the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. The generated mitogenome spans 16,572 base pairs and exhibits a gene order analogous to that of the ancestral teleost's, featuring 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and an AT-rich control region. The mitogenome of C. taeniops displays an AT bias (54.99%), aligning with related species. The majority of PCGs in the mitogenome initiate with the start codon ATG, with the exceptions being COI (GTG) and atp6 (TTG). The relative synonymous codon usage analysis revealed the maximum abundance of leucine, proline, serine, and threonine. The nonsynonymous/synonymous ratios were <1, which indicates a strong negative selection among all PCGs of the Cephalopholis species. In C. taeniops, the prevalent transfer RNAs display conventional cloverleaf secondary structures, except for tRNA-serine (GCT), which lacks a dihydrouracil (DHU) stem. A comparative examination of conserved domains and sequence blocks across various Cephalopholis species indicates noteworthy variations in length and nucleotide diversity. Maximum likelihood, neighbor-joining, and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses, employing the concatenated PCGs and a combination of PCGs + rRNAs, distinctly separate all Cephalopholis species, including C. taeniops. Overall, these findings deepen our understanding of evolutionary relationships among serranid groupers, emphasizing the significance of structural considerations in mitogenomic analyses.

Assessment of radiation-induced sterility, longevity, and reproductive characteristics of the Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) strain of Swat: A step towards the implementation of SIT in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: Biological approaches for vector mosquito control such as sterile insect technique (SIT) requires sterilization of male mosquitoes through specific radiation doses for sterility induction in males. Under the SIT program, the males used must be compatible with the wild males in vigor, flight and selection of mate. Much of this potential is determined by the diet provided in the larval stages and optimizing the irradiation doses that cause complete sterility but have very minimal effect on the lives of irradiated males. The current study is designed to evaluate gamma radiation doses for inducing sterility in male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes with a genomic background from Pakistan (Swat district) and to assess the effects of radiation exposure on the competency of irradiated males and other life traits of irradiated mosquitoes. METHODS: Sterilization of 17-hour-old male pupae (groups of 50 pupa/cup in three replicates) of the Ae. aegypti Swat strain was conducted using radiation doses of 30, 60, 70, 90, and 105 gray (Gy) from (Co60) at the Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) in Peshawar, Pakistan. Post-irradiated pupae were released in adult cages. Virgin females of the same cohort were released (1:1) to mate with the irradiated males. Mortality, longevity, mating competitiveness of males, and female fecundity were recorded. RESULTS: An average of 71 eggs per female was recorded in control with 86% hatch rate. Individual females mated with a 60 Gy treated males produced 60 ± 0.6 eggs per female with 17% hatch rate, and those mated with 70 Gy males produced 42 ± 0.01 eggs with a nil hatch rate, whereas females mated with males treated with ≥70 Gy doses did not reproduce to next generation. Females in groups of 50 mated with 60, 70 Gy treated males (equal pairs), produced 369±1.3 and 98±0.01 eggs with 15% and zero hatch rate. Significant dose dependent reduction in longevity was observed for >30 Gy doses. The matting competence of irradiated males was about half that of un-irradiated males. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION: Aedes aegypti with a Pakistani genomic background treated with a ≥70 Gy dose of gamma radiation induced complete sterility in males and provided the first- step foundation for SIT application in Pakistan. Further extensive studies are required to optimize the SIT techniques so that fully sterile males with very minor quality changes can be produced on large scales for field trials.

Different feedstocks of biochar affected the bioavailability and uptake of heavy metals by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants grown in metal contaminated soil.

Heavy metals (HMs) contamination of agricultural soils is an emerging food safety challenge at world level. Therefore, as a possible treatment for the remediation of a HMs contaminated soil (sewage water irrigation for 20-years), the impact of biochar (BC) was investigated on the uptake of HMs by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants. The BC was produced from seven different feedstocks (cotton stalks (CSBC), rice straw (RSBC), poultry manure (PMBC), lawn grass (LGBC), vegetable peels (VPBC), maize straw (MSBC), and rice husks (RHBC)). Each BC was applied at 1.25% (dry weight basis, w/w) in contaminated soil and a control was maintained without BC addition and wheat was grown in potted soil and harvested at maturity. Results revealed that the properties of different biochars regulated their effects on soil nutrient and HMs mobility and uptake by plants. The maximum plant phosphorous and potassium uptake and translocation to grain (173.4% and 341%, respectively) was found in RSBC treatment over control. The RHBC, PMBC, and MSBC treatments showed a maximum decrease in grain Cd concentration (32.9%, 33.8%, and 34.1%, respectively) compared to the control. The grain Pb (-41% to -51%, with no significant differences among different treatments) and Ni (-63%) concentrations were also reduced significantly following BC treatments compared to control. The daily intake and health risk index of Cd were significantly decreased due to PMBC (-28.1% and -33.8%, respectively), and MSBC (-28.3% and -34.1%, respectively) treatment over control. The BC treatments significantly increased the translocation factor of Cd in the order of VPBC (52.1%) > LGBC (25.4%) > CSBC (13.6%) > RSBC (12.1%) compared to control. The study demonstrated that the effects of BC on metal uptake in plants varied with feedstocks and suitable BC can be further exploited for the rehabilitation of contaminated soils and thereby ensuring food safety.

Acute pancreatitis secondary to tamoxifen-associated hypertriglyceridemia: A clinical update.

INTRODUCTION: Drug-induced pancreatitis has been increasingly recognized, but it is frequently encountered as an inconspicuous etiology. The underlying mechanisms of injury vary with different drugs. Tamoxifen is a frequently used anticancer drug that acts by selective modulation of the estrogen receptor in patients with breast cancer. Tamoxifen-induced hypertriglyceridemia is a relatively rare etiological factor for acute pancreatitis. However, acute pancreatitis secondary to this adverse effect remains an exceedingly important clinicopathologic entity. CASE REPORT: We hereby delineate a rare case of acute pancreatitis secondary to hypertriglyceridemia in a patient who was on tamoxifen treatment for the past 3 years. Her serum lipase and triglyceride levels were markedly elevated at 14,285 IU/L and 20,344 mg/dL, respectively. The diagnosis was considered based on the findings of a standard diagnostic workup and exclusion of alternative causes of acute pancreatitis. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME: The patient was instituted prompt treatment with intravenous insulin infusion and gemfibrozil. The clinical outcome was favorable with no complications. Tamoxifen was permanently discontinued and was replaced with letrozole. DISCUSSION: This article illustrates that acute pancreatitis should be considered in the differential diagnoses of abdominal pain and elevated pancreatic enzymes in patients undergoing tamoxifen treatment. It also underscores the importance of pre- and post-tamoxifen lipid screening, especially in patients with a history of dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus. It will facilitate an expedient detection of hypertriglyceridemia, potentially saving patients from associated morbidity and mortality.

Assessment of heavy metals and associated oxidative stress in occupationally exposed workers from Bannu and Karak Districts in Pakistan.

Heavy metals (HMs) are extensively found in occupationally exposed miners and industrial workers, which may cause serious health-related problems to the large workforce. In order to evaluate the impact of these toxic pollutants, we have investigated the effect of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) concentration on exposed workers of mining, and woolen textile mill and compared the findings with unexposed individuals. From each category like exposed workers (mining, and woolen mill textile site) and unexposed individuals, 50 blood samples were taken. The occurrence of HMs in a sample was investigated through atomic absorption spectrometry while the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzyme statuses such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were analyzed in exposed and control samples. The results showed significant (p < 0.05) variation in Cd, Cr, Cu, and Pb levels in exposed and control samples. The concentration of Cd in the blood of WMWs, KMWs, and control group was 5.75, 3.89, and 0.42 µg/dL, respectively. On the other hand, the concentration of Pb in the blood of WMWs, MWs, and control was 32.34, 24.39, and 0.39 µg/dL while the concentrations of Cr and Cu in the blood of WMWs, MWs, and control group were 11.61 and 104.14 µg/dL, 4.21 and 113.21 µg/dL, 0.32 and 65.53 µg/dL, respectively. An increase in MDA was recorded in the exposed workers' group as compared to control subjects, whereas SOD and CAT activities decreased. Meanwhile, MDA was significantly and positively (p < 0.01) correlated with HMs, while negative significant correlations were found among HMs with SOD and CAT.

Quantitative phytochemical profile, cholinesterase enzyme inhibition assay, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Sarcococca saligna.

Aqueous methanol extracts of Sarcococca saligna leaves and roots were used in this work to explore its phytochemical contents, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition and antibacterial activities. Total phenolic contents were found to be in higher concentrations then total flavonoids contents in aqueous methanolic extracts of leaves. Antioxidant activity was performed using DPPH radical scavenging assay. In our findings both leaves and roots extracts were found to show substantial antioxidant potential. Aqueous methanolic extracts of both the leaves and roots gave significant inhibition against butyryl cholinesterase whereas against acetyl cholinesterase extracts of roots gave significant inhibition. The results were compared with the standard drug Eserine. The aqueous methanolic extract of leaves, roots and crude saponins isolated from leaf extracts gave moderate to significant antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial strains using agar disc diffusion method. According to the conclusions, S. saligna possesses significant antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and antibacterial activities. Hence it is assumed that S. saligna has the potential to be used in the discovery and development of new bioactive compounds.

Inverse-Tunable Red Luminescence and Electronic Properties of Nitridoberylloaluminates Sr2-x Bax [BeAl3 N5 ]:Eu2+ (x=0-2).

The nitridoberylloaluminate Ba2 [BeAl3 N5 ]:Eu2+ and solid solutions Sr2-x Bax [BeAl3 N5 ]:Eu2+ (x=0.5, 1.0, 1.5) were synthesized in a hot isostatic press (HIP) under 50 MPa N2 atmosphere at 1200 °C. Ba2 [BeAl3 N5 ]:Eu2+ crystallizes in triclinic space group P 1 ‾ (no. 2) (Z=2, a=6.1869(10), b=7.1736(13), c=8.0391(14) Å, α=102.754(8), ß=112.032(6), γ=104.765(7)°), which was determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The lattice parameters of the solid solution series have been obtained from Rietveld refinements and show a nearly linear dependence on the atomic ratio Sr : Ba. The electronic properties and the band gaps of M2 [BeAl3 N5 ] (M=Sr, Ba) have been investigated by a combination of soft X-ray spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Upon irradiation with blue light (440-450 nm), the nitridoberylloaluminates exhibit intense orange to red luminescence, which can be tuned between 610 and 656 nm (fwhm=1922-2025 cm-1 (72-87 nm)). In contrast to the usual trend, the substitution of the smaller Sr2+ by larger Ba2+ leads to an inverse-tunable luminescence to higher wavelengths. Low-temperature luminescence measurements have been performed to exclude anomalous emission.

ncRNA-eQTL: a database to systematically evaluate the effects of SNPs on non-coding RNA expression across cancer types.

Numerous studies indicate that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have critical functions across biological processes, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could contribute to diseases or traits through influencing ncRNA expression. However, the associations between SNPs and ncRNA expression are largely unknown. Therefore, genome-wide expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis to assess the effects of SNPs on ncRNA expression, especially in multiple cancer types, will help to understand how risk alleles contribute toward tumorigenesis and cancer development. Using genotype data and expression profiles of ncRNAs of >8700 samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we developed a computational pipeline to systematically identify ncRNA-related eQTLs (ncRNA-eQTLs) across 33 cancer types. We identified a total of 6 133 278 and 721 122 eQTL-ncRNA pairs in cis-eQTL and trans-eQTL analyses, respectively. Further survival analyses identified 8312 eQTLs associated with patient survival times. Furthermore, we linked ncRNA-eQTLs to genome-wide association study (GWAS) data and found 262 332 ncRNA-eQTLs overlapping with known disease- and trait-associated loci. Finally, a user-friendly database, ncRNA-eQTL (http://ibi.hzau.edu.cn/ncRNA-eQTL), was developed for free searching, browsing and downloading of all ncRNA-eQTLs. We anticipate that such an integrative and comprehensive resource will improve our understanding of the mechanistic basis of human complex phenotypic variation, especially for ncRNA- and cancer-related studies.

Enhancing Stability and Mucoadhesive Properties of Chitosan Nanoparticles by Surface Modification with Sodium Alginate and Polyethylene Glycol for Potential Oral Mucosa Vaccine Delivery.

Background: The present study aimed to fabricate surface-modified chitosan nanoparticles with two mucoadhesive polymers (sodium alginate and polyethylene glycol) to optimize their protein encapsulation efficiency, improve their mucoadhesion properties, and increase their stability in biological fluids. Method: Ionotropic gelation was employed to formulate chitosan nanoparticles and surface modification was performed at five different concentrations (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4% w/v) of sodium alginate (ALG) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), with ovalbumin (OVA) used as a model protein antigen. The functional characteristics were examined by dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Stability was examined in the presence of simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, while mucoadhesive properties were evaluated by in vitro mucin binding and ex vivo adhesion on pig oral mucosa tissue. The impact of the formulation and dissolution process on the OVA structure was investigated by sodium dodecyl-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and circular dichroism (CD). Results: The nanoparticles showed a uniform spherical morphology with a maximum protein encapsulation efficiency of 81%, size after OVA loading of between 200 and 400 nm and zeta potential from 10 to 29 mV. An in vitro drug release study suggested successful nanoparticle surface modification by ALG and PEG, showing gastric fluid stability (4 h) and a 96 h sustained OVA release in intestinal fluid, with the nanoparticles maintaining their conformational stability (SDS-PAGE and CD analyses) after release in the intestinal fluid. An in vitro mucin binding study indicated a significant increase in mucin binding from 41 to 63% in ALG-modified nanoparticles and a 27-49% increase in PEG-modified nanoparticles. The ex vivo mucoadhesion showed that the powdered particles adhered to the pig oral mucosa. Conclusion: The ALG and PEG surface modification of chitosan nanoparticles improved the particle stability in both simulated gastric and intestinal fluids and improved the mucoadhesive properties, therefore constituting a potential nanocarrier platform for mucosal protein vaccine delivery.

Influence of Homogenizing Methodology on Mechanical and Tribological Performance of Powder Metallurgy Processed Titanium Composites Reinforced by Graphene Nanoplatelets.

In the present work, 0.25 wt%GNP-Ti composites were prepared through powder metallurgy route by adopting three types of mixing modes to investigate the extent of mixing on the mechanical and tribological properties. Dry ball milling, wet ball milling, and rotator mixing were independently employed to homogenize the composite constituents. Three types of composite powders obtained were subsequently sintered into composite pellets by cold compaction followed by vacuum sintering. Morphological investigation of composite powders performed by SEM revealed better homogenization of GNPs in Ti matrix for dry ball milled composite powder, whereas wet ball milled and rotator mixed composite powders showed aggregation and bundling of GNPs. Micro Vickers hardness of composites produced via dry ball milling is 4.56% and 15.7% higher than wet ball milled and rotator mixed samples, respectively. Wear test performed by pin-on-disk tribometer showed higher wear loss for wet ball milled and rotator mixed composites in comparison to dry ball milled.

A Brief Review on Fruit and Vegetable Extracts as Corrosion Inhibitors in Acidic Environments.

The corrosion of metals, i.e., the initiation and acceleration of the surface deterioration of metals through an electrochemical reaction with the surrounding intrusive environment, is a global concern because of the economic and environmental impacts. Corrosion inhibitors are considered the most practical choice among the available corrosion protection techniques due to their effectiveness in terms of functionality and cost. The use of traditional and toxic corrosion inhibitors has led to environmental issues, arousing the need for green counterparts that are environmentally friendly, easily accessible, biodegradable, and cost-effective. In this review, the utilization of green corrosion inhibitors purely acquired from renewable sources is explored, with an in-depth focus on the recent advancements in the use of fruit and vegetable extracts as green corrosion inhibitors. In particular, fruits and vegetables are natural sources of various phytochemicals that exhibit key potential in corrosion inhibition. To shed light on the true potential of such extracts in the protection of steel in acidic environments, the experimental techniques involved in corrosion inhibition and the mechanism of corrosion inhibition are discussed in detail. The study highlights the potential of fruit and vegetable extracts as non-toxic, economical, and effective corrosion inhibitors in the pursuit of green chemistry. In addition to discussing and outlining the current status and opportunities for employing fruit and vegetable extracts as corrosion inhibitors, the current review outlines the challenges involved in the utilization of such extracts in corrosion inhibition.

Frequency of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its associated risk factors among Type-2 diabetics.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and its associated risk factors among Type-2 Diabetic patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Diabetic Clinic of Shaikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute Lahore from September 2019-February 2020. Type-2 diabetics regardless of age were divided into two groups, one with fatty liver disease and the other without this, evaluated by Abdominal Ultrasonography and were further evaluated by measurement of BMI, obesity, HbA1c and lipid profile. Exclusion criteria were patients having history of or currently taking alcohol, chronic Liver Disease of any cause and intake of hepatotoxic drugs. Qualitative measures were compared between groups by using Chi-square test. Binary logistic regression was used to see the association of factors with fatty liver disease. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 185 subjects were included in the study with the mean age of 53.0±9.0 years. About 54.6% patients were diagnosed to have fatty liver disease. When compared the cases with and without fatty liver disease, age and HDL cholesterol had no significant difference between groups while other measures like BMI, TGs & cholesterol levels, ALT and AST were significantly higher among cases with NAFLD. BMI >24.5, HbA1c >7.0 and ALT >40.0 can predict NAFLD among Type-2 diabetic patients with 96.8% accuracy. CONCLUSION: There is high prevalence of NAFLD among Type-2 diabetic patients and strong association between Type-2 diabetics with NAFLD and risk factors like; obesity, high HbA1c, hyperlipidemia and high ALT. Therefore, early recognition by ultrasonography in high risk patients and intervention like life style modification, maintenance of healthy weight, obesity prevention, treatment of dyslipidemia and good glycemic control should be achieved in such subjects and can prevent NAFLD.

Solution-Based SERS Detection of Weak Surficial Affinity Molecules Using Cysteamine-Modified Au Bipyramids.

To achieve ultrasensitive detection of trace targets through solution-based surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), direct adsorption of the target molecules on a SERS-active surface is vital. In this work, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-capped gold nano-bipyramids (Au BPs) with different aspect ratios (ARs) are prepared and the surface is successfully modified by a simple ligand exchange method. Cysteamine-capped gold nano-bipyramids (cyst-Au BPs) are obtained by means of replacement of CTAB by cysteamine using Au-S covalent bonding and applied in the solution-based SERS detection of different pigment molecules, which always have weak affinity to the gold surface. The hydrogen bonding between the pigment molecule and cysteamine causes the aggregation of Au BPs to generate local electromagnetic field enhancement. The influence of the AR and concentration of Au BPs on SERS properties is investigated. The SERS detection of weak-affinity molecules to an extremely low limit shows that the cyst-Au BPs are highly sensitive compared to CTAB-capped Au BPs. The limit of detection (LOD) of allura red as low as 0.1 ppb and that of sunset yellow as low as 1 ppb show that the proposed strategy has many advantages due to its simplicity and fast and rapid detection for the sensitivity analysis of weak-affinity molecules.

Marginal quality water arbitrated essential oil contents in metal hoarded flower petals of scented roses.

Climate change and the consequent alteration in agricultural circumstances enhance the susceptibility of fresh water use particularly in water-scarce regions. Marginal quality water reuse is a common alternative practice but possible perils of metal accretion in plant parts are mostly ignored. The present research aimed to probe the impact of treated wastewater (TWW) and untreated wastewater (UTWW) on metal accumulation in flower petals and their influence on essential oil contents of fragrant Rosa species (R. Gruss-an-teplitz, R. bourboniana, R. centifolia, R. damascena) in a peri-urban area of Faisalabad, Pakistan during January, 2017 to December, 2018. The mineral and chemical contents in canal water (CW) and TWW were less than recommended levels of national environmental quality standards (NEQS) for wastewater of Pakistan. The experimentally UTWW possessed higher electrical conductivity (EC), biological and chemical oxygen demand (BOD and COD), and some metals (Pb, Co, Cr) that were above the permissible levels. The experimental data revealed that except Cr other metals contents in the flower petals were less than the WHO recommended limits (for medicinal plants) under experimental irrigation regimes. Rosa centifolia and R. damascena possessed higher metal i.e. Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Co contents while Fe and Ni contents were higher in R. Gruss-an-Teplitz and R. bourboniana respectively. There were twelve constituents which were detected in essential oil by gas chromatography. Major constituents were phenyl ethyl alcohol, citronellol, geranyl acetate, γ- undelactone, methyl eugenol, and limonene whose share was 48.17%, 41.11%, 8.46%, 4.82%, 4.44%, and 4.15% respectively whereas concentrations of other 06 constituents were less than 3.7%. Phenyl ethyl alcohol, lion shared constituent of essential oil was found highest (48.17%) in R. Gruss-an-Teplitz whereas minimum level was recorded in R. damascena (28.84%) under CW. In contrast, citronellol (chief component of fragrance) was highest in R. damascena (41.11%) in UTWW while the lowest level was found in R. Gruss-an-Teplitz (17.41%) in CW. This study confirmed the variations in metal concentrations of Rosa species due to different absorbability of each metal in flower petals. It also indicates that wastewater did not affect the composition but there were quantitative differences in aroma constituents and chemical composition of essential oil.

Complex tibial plateau fractures: Clinical and radiological outcome following plate osteosynthesis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical and radiological outcome of complex tibial plateau fractures treated with single or dual plate osteosynthesis and augmentation of metaphyseal defects with bone graft substitute. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on patients presenting with tibial plateau fractures (TPF) between January 2018 and June 2019. Of the 62 patients who presented in this period, 33 met the inclusion criteria of complex type TPF. Simple split fracture types and open fractures were excluded. All patients were operated in the supine position and anatomical locking plate or low profile buttress plates for additional fragments were used. Synthetic bone graft substitute was used in filling of the metaphyseal defects. Patients were evaluated clinically using the Knee Society Score and with radiographic examination using the Heiney-Redfern Scale. RESULTS: All the patients were followed for an average of 13.39±4.63 months (range 6 - 24 months). All the included patients were males with the mean age of 41.3±12.84 years (range18-70 years). Objective knee society score graded excellent in 24 (72.8%) patients, good in 8 (24.2%) and fair in 1 (3%). Functional score, on the other hand, was excellent in 21 (63.6%), good in 9 (27.3%) and fair in 3 (9.1%) patients. Radiological outcome evaluated on x-rays and according to the H-R scale was good in 23 (69.8%) and fair in 10 (30.2%). Fracture union was achieved in all patients with no secondary loss of reduction. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of complex tibial plateau fractures with plate osteosynthesis and graft augmentation of metaphyseal defects has shown optimal results both clinically and radiologically. Excellent joint motion and knee society score is achieved by early rehabilitation following stable fixation. However, long-term risk of post-traumatic arthritis and its severity following complex TPF needs to be determined in different methods of fixation.

Unilateral versus simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty: A comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare pre-operative characteristics and peri-operative findings in patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty (UTKA) and simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA). To work out safety criterion for selection of patients for simultaneous BTKA. METHODS: Patients undergoing UTKA (39) and BTKA (36) in Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi from March 2014 to August 2014 were compared in terms of patient characteristics, underlying pathology, peri-operative blood loss, transfusion requirements and in hospital complications. RESULTS: The mean age of patients undergoing UTKA was 61±11 years and those undergoing BTKA was 64±8 years, with similar male to female ratio (1:1.8) in both groups. Males undergoing BTKA were significantly older than other patients (71±6 years). Primary osteoarthritis was the most common initial diagnosis (59% in UTKA and 89% in BTKA, p<0.05) followed by rheumatoid arthritis. Average blood loss per knee was higher in BTKA procedures but difference did not reach statistical significance. Blood transfusion requirements in BTKA patients not receiving antifibrinolytic agent were significantly higher than in similar UTKA patients (75% vs 17%, p<0.05) but were significantly reduced with peri-operative administration of antifibrolytic therapy (30% BTKA, p<0.05). Complication rates, low in both, were more frequent in BTKA patients with co-morbidities. CONCLUSIONS: In patients requiring bilateral knee replacements, staged total knee replacement [i.e. the two knees are replaced with a gap of at least 3 months] is a safe approach. Unilateral knee replacement is associated with lesser complications and blood transfusion requirements as compared to simultaneous bilateral total knee replacements.

Integration of Phase Change Material in the Design of Solar Concentrator-Based Water Heating System.

Indonesia has been blessed with excellent solar heat distribution, which can be used as renewable energy to heat water. Various technologies have been developed to utilize these inexhaustible thermodynamic resources, in the form of photons arrays, converted into concentrated heat for daily use, i.e., solar water heater. This renewable-based water heating system can provide significant energy efficiency, benefit the environment, and reduce energy use costs. This experimental study attempts to harvest the energy from the sun using a cylindrical through collector (CTC) type solar concentrator. The CTC was made of the solar reflective film (SRF) affixed to concentrator collector surfaces which was then mounted on an adjustable angle frame of the concentrator collector support. The heat generated from the concentrator was stored in water, and phase change material is embedded in the system to retain the heat longer. The research was carried out in Langsa City, Aceh, Indonesia. The results showed that water heaters using CTC systems could produce 16 L of hot water retained at 40-60 °C for four hours. With the addition of beeswax, the water temperature of the same capacity can be maintained at 40-60 °C for around 5 h. This technology demonstrated an excellent result that produces as much as 60 L of water per day, increasing solar thermal energy efficiency. This technology presented a great potential for replication or even for further development on an industrial scale.

Experiences of using vedolizumab in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in the East Midlands UK - a retrospective observational study.

PURPOSE: Clinical trials have demonstrated efficacy of vedolizumab in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Further real-world data is needed to inform clinical practice. The primary outcome was to assess corticosteroid-free and clinical remission after vedolizumab initiation. Secondary outcomes included effect on disease activity scores, biochemical markers, concomitant drug use, endoscopic remission, surgical intervention, hospital admissions and adverse events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multi-centre retrospective observational study was conducted with patients initiated on vedolizumab across seven UK hospitals 1/11/14-30/11/16. Clinical disease activity was assessed using the partial Mayo Scores (pMS) and Harvey Bradshaw Index (HBI). Clinical remission was defined as HBI ≤4 or pMS <2 with a combined stool frequency and rectal bleeding sub score of ≤1. Clinical response was defined as ≥2-point decrease from baseline in pMS and ≥3-point decrease from baseline in HBI. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-two patients were included in the final analysis. 45% of UC and 10% of CD patients were anti-TNF naive. Over the observation period corticosteroid-free remission rates for UC and CD were 46% and 45%, while clinical remission rates were 52% and 44%, respectively. Time to corticosteroid free remission for UC and CD was 17.6 [IQR: 8.7-29.6] and 14.1 [QR: 6.0-21.7] weeks, respectively. Time to clinical response for UC was 9.4 [IQR: 5.7-15.4] and CD was 9.5 [IQR: 6.1-18.2] weeks. There was a substantial decrease in the concomitant use of immunomodulators and a similar decrease in concomitant corticosteroid use over the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Results in this predominately anti-TNF experienced population mirror other published real-world data, demonstrating good clinical effectiveness and a comparable safety profile.