Diagnostic and therapeutic value of EVs in lungs diseases and inflammation.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-derived messengers which have been playing an important role in the inflammation and pathogenesis of lung diseases. EVs contain varieties of DNA, RNA, and membrane receptors through which they work as a delivery system for bioactive molecules as well as intracellular communicators. EV signaling mediates tumor progression and metastasis. EVs are linked with many diseases and perform a diagnostic role in lung injury and inflammation so are used to diagnose the severity of diseases. EVs containing a variety of biomolecules communicate with the recipient cells during pathophysiological mechanisms thereby acquiring the attention of clinicians toward the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of EVs in different lung diseases. In this review, we summarize the role of EVs in inflammation with an emphasis on their potential as a novel candidate in the diagnostics and therapeutics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and sarcoidosis.

Comparative efficacy and safety of lemborexant 5 mg versus 10 mg for the treatment of insomnia: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Insomnia is a common condition that may be caused by or coexist with other medical or psychological illnesses. Nearly a quarter of a billion people across the globe suffer from insomnia frequently. Lemborexant, a dual orexin receptor antagonist, is a recently authorized hypnotic-based medication for insomnia. The purpose of this systematic review is to further investigate its efficacy and safety profile, with the primary goal of comparing the effects of two FDA-approved doses of lemborexant, 5 mg and 10 mg (LEM5 and LEM10, respectively). MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Central were searched for relevant literature, and studies were considered if they compared the efficacy and safety of lemborexant 5 mg to lemborexant 10 mg. This study comprised clinical trials. RESULTS: A total of 6 studies were evaluated for efficacy and safety of lemborexant therapy. They reported a significant betterment in values pertaining to sleep efficacy, sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, total sleep time, sleep quality, ISI score, and morning alertness. The results presented a dose-dependent pattern and showed slight variation with the different dosages. The most prevalent side effects noted were somnolence, headaches, and dizziness, with infections like UTIs and upper respiratory tract infections also being commonly reported. The incidence is rather ambiguous and not sincerely dose-dependent. The differences between results for LEM5 and LEM10 do not exhibit a wide variation, although slight dose-dependent alterations are noted. CONCLUSION: Lemborexant is well integrated with the amelioration of sleep disturbances in insomniac patients, as shown by a decrease in eSOL and sWASO and a rise in sSE, sTST, quality of sleep, and morning alertness. Effects last 12 months after therapy.

Association of genotypes at rs438228855 in bovine SLC35A3 receptor gene of Pakistani cattle with the susceptibility to develop complex vertebral malformation.

The aim of this study was to report the genotype and allelic frequency at rs438228855 (G > T) in SLC35A3 receptor gene and its association with a complex vertebral malformation (CMV) in the enrolled Pakistani cattle. Our results indicated that allelic and genotype frequency at rs438228855 varied non-significantly (p > .05) among the three enrolled cattle breeds. GT (heterozygous) genotype was most abundant (0.54) followed by GG (wild type) genotype (0.45) while the mutant genotype (TT) was not observed among the enrolled cattle. It was observed that the Holstein Friesian breed had more GG (wild) than GT (heterozygous) genotypes while Sahiwal and cross cattle breed had more heterozygous (GT) combination at rs438228855 than the wild (GG) genotype. Significant variations in white blood cell count, % lymphocytes, red blood cell count, % monocytes, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were observed when compared between the enrolled cattle breeds. Most of the studied haematological parameters showed no association with the genotype at rs438228855. In conclusion, the heterozygosity at rs438228855 is not limited to the Holstein Friesian breed as local Sahiwal and crossbred cattle had also higher heterozygosity at rs438228855. We recommend that animals must be genotyped for rs438228855 before their selection as breeders to prevent economic losses.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with prenatal depression among pregnant women in Faisalabad, Pakistan.

To determine the prevalence of prenatal depression and explore its association with socio-demographic risk factors, stressful life events and women autonomy/decision-making. The recognition of these problems would play a substantial role in the strategic development of interventions for those Pakistani women who have been suffering from prenatal depression. Analytical cross-sectional study conducted in Allied hospital Faisalabad during a period of 18 months (1st Jan 2019 to 30 June 2020). Data was collected by using simple random sampling technique. EPDS was used to measure prenatal depression. A modified kuppuswamy scale, Life Events and Difficulties Schedule (LEDS) and women autonomy/decision making scale was used to assess the risk factors. A total of 380 women were included in the study. The mean age (in years) ± SD was 29.37±5.27. According to cut-off score >10 on Edinburg postnatal depression scale the prevalence of depression was found as 51.6%. The findings revealed that women education, socio-economic class, BMI, pregnancy duration, history of miscarriage, contraception, stressful life events and women autonomy had significant association with prenatal depression (P<0.05). Socio-demographic factors, stressful life events in previous life and women autonomy are significant predictors of prenatal depression that need to be addressed in order to sustain safe motherhood.

In vitro antifungal activity of 9, 10-dihydrophenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid isolated from a marine bacterium: Pseudomonas putida.

An antifungal compound 9, 10-dihydrophenanthrene - 2 - carboxylic acid was isolated from a marine derived bacterium Pseudomonas putida isolated from surface water samples of Karachi fish harbor coast line. The structure was explored using extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic techniques. The compound was found to be active against fungal strains obtained from clinical samples whereas strong activity was noted against Candida albicans with a MIC value of 20µg/ml, as the purified compound showed promising anticandidal activity a multidisciplinary approach is needed to explore further this compound as potential pharmacological lead compound against Candida spp and will add in the global hunt for clinically functional antifungal agents.

Solution of time-fractional gas dynamics equation using Elzaki decomposition method with Caputo-Fabrizio fractional derivative.

In this article, Elzaki decomposition method (EDM) has been applied to approximate the analytical solution of the time-fractional gas-dynamics equation. The time-fractional derivative is used in the Caputo-Fabrizio sense. The proposed method is implemented on homogenous and non-homogenous cases of the time-fractional gas-dynamics equation. A comparison between the exact and approximate solutions is also provided to show the validity and accuracy of the technique. A graphical representation of all the retrieved solutions is shown for different values of the fractional parameter. The time development of all solutions is also represented in 2D graphs. The obtained results may help understand the physical systems governed by the gas-dynamics equation.

Habitat suitability modelling of Koklass pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha) in moist temperate forest.

The decreasing status of on IUCN of Koklass pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha) belongs to the family Phasianidae and the order Galliform needs the attention of researchers. The species with habitats as low as 6,000 feet and as high as 11,000 feet certainly cover a broad variety of habitats, such a wide altitude range embraces a diverse range of habitats. Insufficient research has been conducted on the suitability of moist temperate forests as a potential habitat for the Koklass pheasant. Therefore, this study was carried out to explore habitat suitability in 15 different sites which were located in the 4 districts of Hazara Division using GIS data science and environmental variables. A random sampling technique was used for laying out the transect. Overall, 45 line transects (Length 2-4 km, Width 10-30 m) were laid out in study sites. The size of sample plots for trees was 10x10m, for shrubs (4 x4m), and herbs and grasses 1x1m. The other habitat parameters like elevation, slope, cover, and frequency of plant at each point were also considered. We found the uneven distribution of Koklass pheasant in the Hazara Division. There were 59 occurrence points identified and highlighted the distribution of Koklass pheasant in the study area. Although all environmental variables were preferred by Koklass pheasant in its habitat statistical analysis proved that slope, level of disturbance, tree and shrub frequency of habitat contributed mostly to the presence of Koklass in each study site except the contribution of soil and herbs. The potential suitable habitat of Koklass pheasant was estimated to be 439.6 km2 areas starting from Abbottabad to Mansehra in the Hazara division. Awareness and enforcing legal protection are recommended for the conservation of Koklass Pheasant in Moist temperate forest.

Transfusion strategies for neonates: current perspectives.

Background: Blood transfusion intervention has been proven to be a crucial therapeutic aid for preterm infants with serious morbidities such as sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and cardiopulmonary insufficiencies. However, blood transfusion practices have also been shown to cause significant adverse outcomes, which may negate the therapeutic effect of the intervention. To address the varying policies regarding the administration of blood products, healthcare professionals have adopted a consensus-based approach. The absence of a standard protocol has resulted in conflicting outcomes in previous clinical studies. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of blood transfusion practices in preterm infants by analyzing past clinical research and identifying the current trends that have emerged as a result of recent trials. Results: Recent trials have demonstrated comparable trends in mortality rates and other primary outcomes, including retinopathy of prematurity, intraventricular hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and brain injury, following transfusion of blood products in both groups. Nevertheless, employing restrictive thresholds rather than adopting a liberal approach can reduce these outcomes. Conclusion: The current literature does not provide clear support for either technique as opposing and contradictory results are evident. However, there is a slight inclination toward the restrictive transfusion threshold due to recent trials, which warrants further in-depth investigation into this issue.

Pyruvate kinase activator: A major breakthrough in the world of Hematology.

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD) is a rare genetic disorder targeting Red Blood Cells that manifests as non-spherocytic hemolytic anemia. It has a global distribution with an unknown prevalence, and the frequently reported estimates for different geographical regions show a significant disparity. Because of its hereditary origin, treatment focuses on symptom relief and comfort (principally through blood transfusions, splenectomy, and folic acid supplementation). Pyrukynd (Mitavipat) is a new disease-modifying therapy that was just approved by the FDA and EHA based on clinical trial results that showed a big drop in the number of blood transfusions needed and a rise in hemoglobin levels. The drug stimulates cellular ATP synthesis by acting like Tyrosine Kinase Activator. Even though Pyrukynd has been the subject of studies and is approved for treatment, there is a lack of information on the effects of the medicine on nursing and pregnant mothers. The drug's administration and its effects on minors should also be pleaded.

Cat scratch disease in a 23-year-old male-Case report.

Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is an infectious disease that usually presents with fever, headache, loss of appetite, weight loss, tender lymphadenopathy, and other symptoms. CSD is also the most common cause of infectious lymphadenitis in children, adolescents, and young adults. This contagious disease most often results from a scratch or bite of a cat. The course of this disease depends on the patient's immune status. CSD sometimes presents as a systemic disease and leads to various disease entities. In this study, we describe the case of a 23-year-old man exhibiting fever, generalized weakness, and neck swelling. The patient was unconscious when presented to the Emergency Department. He was given at least 3-4 liters IV bolus of 0.9% normal saline, but it failed to raise the blood pressure. He was then given an inotropic drug (noradrenaline) for low blood pressure and antibiotics (azithromycin) for fever. Venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serology came out negative. Histopathology ruled out tuberculosis and malignancy and confirmed necrotizing/suppurative granulomatous inflammation. These features favor the diagnosis of CSD.

Isolation and characterization of peroxidase P7-like gene and Rab-GDI like gene from potential medicinal plants: A step toward understanding cell defense signaling.

Defensin genes form part of a plant's defense system and are activated when exposed to biotic or abiotic stress. They play a vital role in controlling many signaling pathways involved in various plant defense mechanisms. This research aimed to isolate and characterize novel defensin genes from selected medicinally important plants to explore their signaling mechanisms and defense associated roles for breeding. The DNA of Albizia lebbeck and Moringa oleifera was subjected to PCR amplification using gene-specific primers of defensin genes. Two novel defensin genes were isolated in each species, with sequence lengths of 300 bp in A. lebbeck and 150 bp in M. oleifera. In-silico analysis undertaken to retrieve and align their orthologous sequences revealed 100% similarity of the A. lebbeck gene with the Musa acuminate peroxidase P7-like gene and 85% similarity of the M. oleifera gene with the Manihot esculenta GDP dissociation inhibitor gene. The reliability, stability and physiochemical properties of homology models of these sequences was confirmed through online computational studies. This preliminary study confirmed the presence of novel genes with peroxidase P7 and Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor gene-like activity in A. lebbeck and M. oleifera, respectively, and their potential defense role in plants. Thus, the defensin genes of both species could be used in the synthesis of transgenic self-defensive plants with increased disease resistance and as potential candidates for improved crop production and thraputic formulation in the future.

Efficacy of mindfulness-based intervention for the treatment of chronic headaches: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Mindfulness-based stress reduction/cognitive therapy has attained popularity as an adjunctive treatment for a plethora of medical and psychiatric conditions, however, its impact on chronic headaches is inconclusive. This review aims to assess the impact of MBSR/MBCT in alleviating the symptoms of chronic headaches. Data sources and data selection: PubMed and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from inception till 1st May 2021. Randomized Control Trials evaluating mindfulness-based stress reduction/cognitive therapy with either passive comparators (usual care) or active comparators (e.g., Health education or cognitive behavioral therapy) for chronic headaches (Migraine, Tension-type, or cluster headaches), which evaluated either headache frequency, pain intensity or headache duration as primary outcome were eligible for inclusion. The Risk of Bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias Tool. Results: A total of ten Randomized Controlled Trials (five on migraine; three on tension-type; two with mixed samples) were evaluated. In comparison to usual care, mindfulness-based stress reduction/cognitive therapy did not illustrate significant changes in headache frequency (MD = -0.14; 95% CI -1.26 to 0.97; P = 0.80; Moderate Certainty), headache duration (MD = -0.27; 95% CI -3.51 to 2.97, P = 0.87; Low Certainty) or pain intensity (MD = -0.19; 95% CI -0.46 to 0.07; P = 0.15; Moderate Certainty). Conclusion: The results found are insignificant for the three primary outcomes, which may be due to the low number of participants and often a high or unclear risk of bias in the randomized control trials included. Perhaps more aggressive clinical trials with a larger sample size effectively demonstrate differences in outcomes before and after therapy for MBSR/MBCT could provide a more significant change.