Enhancing Radar Echo Extrapolation by ConvLSTM2D for Precipitation Nowcasting.

Precipitation nowcasting in real-time is a challenging task that demands accurate and current data from multiple sources. Despite various approaches proposed by researchers to address this challenge, models such as the interaction-based dual attention LSTM (IDA-LSTM) face limitations, particularly in radar echo extrapolation. These limitations include higher computational costs and resource requirements. Moreover, the fixed kernel size across layers in these models restricts their ability to extract global features, focusing more on local representations. To address these issues, this study introduces an enhanced convolutional long short-term 2D (ConvLSTM2D) based architecture for precipitation nowcasting. The proposed approach includes time-distributed layers that enable parallel Conv2D operations on each image input, enabling effective analysis of spatial patterns. Following this, ConvLSTM2D is applied to capture spatiotemporal features, which improves the model's forecasting skills and computational efficacy. The performance evaluation employs a real-world weather dataset benchmarked against established techniques, with metrics including the Heidke skill score (HSS), critical success index (CSI), mean absolute error (MAE), and structural similarity index (SSIM). ConvLSTM2D demonstrates superior performance, achieving an HSS of 0.5493, a CSI of 0.5035, and an SSIM of 0.3847. Notably, a lower MAE of 11.16 further indicates the model's precision in predicting precipitation.

Outcomes of AV fistula formation for dialysis patients using interrupted sutures one-year single center study.

Objectives: To document the Outcomes of AV fistula formation for dialysis patients using interrupted sutures. Methods: In this Cross-sectional study conducted at PNS Shifa Karachi, from June 2022 to June 2023, patients above 18 years of age, male or female, with ESRD/CKD were included. After clinical screening and ultrasound doppler, the distal most part of wrist was considered as a site for radio cephalic AVF. Operation was performed under surgical loupe with 4.5x magnification. Standard incision of about 4-5 cm oblique proximal to the wrist crease was given at the volar surface on the radial side of Distal forearm, extending till the lateral side up to the snuffbox. Subcutaneous tissue was incised and dissection was done to identify the cephalic vein and radial artery. Distal most end of the cephalic vein was ligated using vicryl 4-0 suture and cephalic vein dissected free from the underling tissue to mobilize it up to the radial artery. Results: During the study N=35 patients who required AVF creation visited the department. The mean age of the study participants was 59.34±15.48. If thrill at the site of AVF and backflow at cut end of cephalic vein were present the surgeons were satisfied, higher satisfaction among the surgeon was achieved in the AVF created at brachiocephalic artery while the diameter of vessels didn't contribute in surgeon satisfaction. Conclusion: Presence of thrill at the site of AVF and backflow at cut end of cephalic vein have strong association with good prognosis of AVF.

Effectiveness of functional electrical stimulation machine in managing neurological diseases - A retrospective study.

Background & Objective: Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) or stroke, Spinal Cord injury can lead to neurological diseases resulting in major loss in motor function causing hemiplegia or tetraplegia. In 2019, according to The Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) CVA/Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of death and disability combined, globally. Its prevalence vary drastically among South Asian countries. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) machine on neurologically impaired patients at the Physical Therapy department at IHHN, Karachi, Pakistan. Method: In this retrospective study data was extracted from August 2016 to February 2022 on patients with neurological symptoms i.e. hemiplegia or paraplegia with muscle power of two or less on Manual Muscle Testing (MMT). The parameters for evaluating patients progress pre and post treatment were MMT results and their mobility status. The number of sessions ranged between 40 to 100 sessions of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) provided on alternate days according to the patient's need. Result: Data of 51 patients who had completed their treatment were extracted and analyzed. The mean age of patients who completed treatment was 49.62 ± 17.26 years. Out of 51(100%), 30 (58.8%) were male and 21 (41.2%) were female. Pre- and post-treatment median (IQR) showed remarkable improvement in MMT of upper limb muscle (from 1.0 to 4.0) and lower limb muscle (from 2.0 to 4.0). Conclusion: FES cycling is an effective treatment for patients with neurological impairments, as it resulted in improvement in both upper and lower limb muscle strength, along with mobility status.

The impact of climate change on the lives and livelihoods of readymade garment (RMG) workers: an exploratory study in selected readymade garment factories in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of resources focusing on the climate change experience of readymade garment (RMG) workers in developing countries such as Bangladesh. Therefore, this mixed method approach aims to understand the distinctive types of climate change experiences from a health and occupational perspective, along with the consequences of these changes among RMG workers in Bangladesh. METHODS: The study was conducted from January 2022 and February 2022 where the quantitative data were collected from 200 RMG workers in 10 randomly selected garments and two focus group discussions took place with 20 conveniently selected RMG workers. The key informants were relevant stakeholders in the industry. Quantitative findings were reported using descriptive methods and qualitative findings were analysed using a content analysis approach. RESULT: A total of 200 RMG workers were included in the study of which the majority belonged to the age group of 26-30 years (44%), were male (55%), worked in a compliant factory (70%), and were machine operators (79%). Half of the respondents experienced damage from natural disasters (51%), but only approximately 37% received humanitarian help. Migration and urbanisation were among the aftermath of the damage caused by e natural disasters, and 42% were forced to shift their homes due to natural disasters. Competition in the job market increased, and the owners had the opportunity to take on employees at a reduced salary. The respondents flagged climate change as a major contributor to their disease patterns. More than three-quarters of the respondents became sick because of increased heat while working; however, only half received any treatment. CONCLUSION: Employee participation in hazard recognition, employer preparedness, prevention through design, research, surveillance, and upholding workplace ethics and standards can be the answers to climate change problems for readymade garment workers.

Low back pain among professional bus drivers: a cross-sectional study from Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition contributing to impaired quality of life among professional vehicle drivers. Our study aimed to assess LBP prevalence and associated factors among professional bus drivers in Bangladesh. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 368 professional bus drivers using a semi-structured questionnaire. A Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) subscale was used to measure LBP. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with LBP. RESULTS: In the last month, 127 (34.51%) participants reported experiencing pain or discomfort in the lower backside. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age of more than 40 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14 to 3.75), the income of more than 15,000 BDT per month (aOR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.11 to 3.26), work duration more than ten years (aOR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.12 to 5.70), working more than 15 days per month (aOR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.02 to 3.65), working more than 10 h per day (aOR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.05 to 5.75), poor condition of the driving seat (aOR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.08 to 3.02), current smoking habit (aOR: 9.71, 95% CI: 1.25 to 75.15), illicit substances use (aOR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.11 to 3.48), and four hours or less sleeping time per day (aOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.09 to 3.06) were positively associated with LBP. CONCLUSION: The high burden of LBP among the participants calls for a focus on this vulnerable group's occupational health and safety, with particular emphasis on implementing standard measures.

Exploring the Most Effective Apical Seal for Contemporary Bioceramic and Conventional Endodontic Sealers Using Three Obturation Techniques.

Background and Objective: Despite a plethora of studies conducted to date, researchers continue to investigate the best sealer and obturation technique combinations. The aim of this study is to compare the apical seal provided by two bioceramic sealers (Endoseal and Endosequence) with that provided by a calcium hydroxide sealer (Sealapex), and to evaluate the effect of different obturation techniques (cold lateral condensation, continuous wave compaction and single cone) on the apical seal under a stereomicroscope. Materials and Methods: A total of 110 single-rooted mandibular premolar teeth were decoronated, cleaned and shaped using the Endosequence filing system to tip size 30/0.04 taper. Canals were irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl and 17% EDTA. The samples were randomly divided into 11 groups (9 experimental and 2 control groups) according to the designated sealer and technique. Samples were stored in an incubator for 7 days at 37 °C under 100% humidity. Samples were coated with nail varnish except for apical 2 mm and vertically placed in 0.2% rhodamine B dye solution for 48 h. Samples were split longitudinally and viewed under a stereomicroscope at 40× magnification. Results: Insignificant results were obtained between obturation techniques (p = 0.499) whereas statistically significant results were attained based on the type of endodontic sealer (p < 0.001). The overall lowest mean apical microleakage and best sealing ability was demonstrated by Sealapex (2.59 ± 1.20 mm) and amongst techniques by continuous wave compaction (3.90 ± 2.51 mm). Conclusions: Endosequence produced the best apical seal with the continuous wave compaction technique, whereas Endoseal did so with the bioceramic-coated single-cone technique. For the Sealapex sealer, the most effective apical seal was observed using cold lateral condensation. The quality and effectiveness of apical seal differed with the type of endodontic sealer and obturation technique used, and vice versa.

Genetic diversity and marker trait association for phytophthora resistance in chilli.

BACKGROUND: Chilli is an important commercial crop with positive returns tendency. Phytophthora root rot causes drastic damage to chilli plant. Dearth of detecting marker trait associations is a major hinderance in practicing marker assisted selection in chilli breeding. METHODS AND RESULTS: Herein, 110 chilli accessions were assessed for 15 agronomic traits under control and disease infected conditions for two crop seasons (2018-2019). The SSR genotyping revealed high values of major allele frequency (MAF = 0.70), genetic diversity (GD = 0.39) and Polymorphic Information Content (PIC = 0.31). Principal coordinate analysis and population structure analysis showed distribution of diverse genotypes in all groups by dividing 110 genotypes in three populations and nine sub-populations. The UPGMA based Archaeopteryx tree was in concordance with population structure analysis. Linkage disequilibrium analysis evaluated that LD decays within 3-10 bp. Marker trait association (MTA) revealed the associations of 35 SSRs with 14 morphological traits. The significant MTA for marker CAeMS073 with relative leaf damage (RLD, 0.183 R2) under control and treated conditions was consistently observed in both models. The markers, CAMS173 and CAMS194 were found to be strongly associated with RLD and Disease Index (DI), respectively. The absence of MTA was detected for height of first branch. CONCLUSION: The MTAs reported in this study can facilitate marker assisted breeding for developing chilli germplasm resistant against Phytophthora capsici.

Heterologous expression of cry1Ia12 insecticidal gene in cotton encodes resistance against pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae); an alternate insecticidal gene for insect pest management.

BACKGROUND: Cotton is continuously exposed to sucking and chewing insect pest pressure since emergence to harvesting. Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) has become major chewing insect pest to reduce the cotton yield and results in bad lint quality even in transgenic crops. The efficiency of insecticidal genes has been compromised due to extensive utilization of transgenic crops. METHODS AND RESULTS: The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of an alternate cry1Ia12 insecticidal gene against pink bollworm (PBW) in cotton. Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 harboring pCAMBIA2300 expression vector containing cry1Ia12 gene under the control of 35S CaMV was used to transform a local cotton cultivar GS-01. The various molecular analyses revealed the transgene integration and expression in primary transformants. Among five selected transgenic plants, tcL-08 showed maximum (16.06-fold) mRNA expression of cry1Ia12 gene whereas tcL-03 showed minimum (2.33-fold) expression. Feeding bioassays of 2nd and 3rd instar pink bollworm (PBW) larvae on immature cotton bolls, flowers and cotton squares revealed up to 33.33% mortality on tcL-08 while lowest mortality (13.33%) was observed in tcL-03 and tcL-15. Furthermore, the average weight and size of survived larvae fed on transgenic plants was significantly lesser than the average weight of larvae survived on non-transgenic plants. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests the cry1Ia12 gene as an alternate insecticidal gene for the resistance management of cotton bollworms, especially PBW.

First report of Fusarium sporotrichioides causing Fusarium fruit rot on peaches in Pakistan.

Peach (Prunus persica) is an important stone fruit crop cultivated on 14,350 hectares in temperate areas of Pakistan, where post-harvest fungal rots cause major economic losses for growers. During April-August 2019, rotted peaches were observed in fruit markets of Rawalpindi district (33° 37' 33.8052'' N and 73° 4' 17.1912'' E), Punjab Province, Pakistan. Symptomatic fruit were surface sterilized for 3 min in 0.5% NaClO and 1 min in 70% ethanol, then rinsed three times in sterilized distilled water and air-dried for 30 minutes on filter paper. Tissue segments were excised from the margins of rot lesions and placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA), followed by incubation for one week at 25 +1o C. Furthermore, to maintain original sporodochial morphology and conidial description tissue segments were also grown on carnation leaf agar (CLA) and synthetic nutrient agar (SNA) (Sever et al., 2012). A total of 22 isolates were obtained from different fruit markets; colonies were fast-growing with pinkish-white, fluffy mycelia. Microconidia were abundant, 7.5 to 11.3 × 2.1 to 4.1 µm, oval to spindle-shaped, thin-walled, and hyaline whereas, macroconidia were thick-walled, sickle-shaped, 5- to 7-septate, hyaline, and 23.5 to 39.7 × 3.7 to 7.0 µm on carnation leaf agar. Virulence intensity of fungal isolates was confirmed after pathogenicity. Based on morphological characteristics, isolates were identified provisionally as Fusarium sporotrichioides (Leslie and Summerell 2006). For molecular identification, three target gene regions (ITS, elongation factor (EF), and ß-tubulin benA) were amplified for highly pathogenic fungal isolates (FUS21K, FUS9SM, and FUS63KP) (O'Donnell et al. 2015). BLAST searches of the obtained sequences indicated 100% homology with GenBank accession number MN452643, and 99.56% homology with MT635298 for the ITS region, similarly 100% identity with GenBank accession numbers MN555016, MN555126, and MN555037 for the EF gene, and 100% homology with GenBank accession numbers MK435577, MH791363, and GQ915448 for ß-tubulin benA of the F. sporotrichioides species complex (O'Donnell et al. 2015). Sequences were deposited in GenBank; accession numbers for each gene were as follows: ITS, ON180670, ON180671, and ON180672; EF, ON312093, ON312094, and ON312095; and ß-tubulin benA, ON312090, ON312091, and ON312092. Maximum likelihood analysis on RPB1 and RPB2 nucleotide sequences of various fusaria was conducted which revealed that F. sporotrichioides formed a monophyletic relationship to terminal fusarium clade (TFC) comprising 22 strongly supported species complexes and 10 monotypic lineages, which were provisionally recognized as Fusarium. To complete Koch's postulates, 10µl aliquots of spore suspensions (106 spores/ml) of each FUS21K, FUS9SM and FUS63KP were pipetted individually onto six ripe, asymptomatic peaches. Sterile distilled water was applied as a negative control on four fruit. Fruit were incubated at 25 ± 1°C for one week in a sterile moist chamber, and the trial was conducted three times. Rot symptoms associated with pinkish-white fluffy mycelia were observed on inoculated fruits after 72 hours, whereas no mycelium was observed on the negative controls. The cultures on PDA, CLA and SNA from each of the inoculated fruit were morphologically identical to the original culture. The pathogen was confirmed as a member of F. sporotrichioides species complex based on pinkish-white mycelium, with red color on the underside of petri plates and the manner in which conidia are born on conidiophores. This is the first report of F. sporotrichioides on peaches from Pakistan, providing an important foundation for peach growers, agricultural advisers, plant pathologists, and plant breeders to improve the management of this economically damaging disease.

Reasons of relapse and pattern of drug use among the substance users in Bangladesh: A nationwide study.

This study aimed at investigating the reasons of relapse and patterns of drug use among the substance users in Bangladesh. We have conducted a descriptive type of cross-sectional study among the relapse cases of substances users in the whole of Bangladesh. Concerning the reasons for relapse after taking treatment; family unrest (29.5%), peer pressure (27.4%), to reduce depression (24.8%) and craving for drugs (24.3%) were the most frequent. Amphetamine was reported to be the most used drug (76.1%, n = 693), followed by cannabis (75%, n = 683) and alcohol (54.3%, n= 495). Further extensive studies are also needed to explore the association.

High rate of successful treatment outcomes among childhood rifampicin/multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Pakistan: a multicentre retrospective observational analysis.

BACKGROUND: There was a complete lack of information about the treatment outcomes of rifampicin/multidrug resistant (RR/MDR) childhood TB patients (age ≤ 14 years) from Pakistan, an MDR-TB 5th high burden country. Therefore, this study evaluated the socio-demographic characteristics, drug resistance pattern, treatment outcomes and factors associated with unsuccessful outcomes among childhood RR/MDR-TB patients in Pakistan. METHODS: This was a multicentre retrospective record review of all microbiologically confirmed childhood RR/MDR-TB patients (age ≤ 14 years) enrolled for treatment at seven units of programmatic management of drug-resistant TB (PMDT) in Pakistan. The baseline and follow-up information of enrolled participants from treatment initiation until the end of treatment were retrieved from electronic nominal recording and reporting system. World Health Organization (WHO) defined criterion was used for deciding treatment outcomes. The outcomes of "cured" and "treatment completed" were collectively grouped as successful, whereas "death", "treatment failure" and "lost to follow-up" were grouped together as unsuccessful outcomes. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to find factors associated with unsuccessful outcomes. A p-value < 0.05 reflected statistically significant findings. RESULTS: A total of 213 children RR/MDR-TB (84 RR and 129 MDR-TB) were included in the study. Majority of them were females (74%), belonged to the age group 10-14 years (82.2%) and suffered from pulmonary TB (85.9%). A notable proportion (37.1%) of patients had no history of previous TB treatment. Patients were resistant to a median of two drugs (interquartile range: 1-4) and 23% were resistant to any second line anti-TB drug. A total of 174 (81.7%) patients achieved successful treatment outcomes with 144 (67.6%) patients being cured and 30 (14.1%) declared treatment completed. Among the 39 (18.3%) patients with unsuccessful outcomes, 35 (16.4%) died and 4 (1.9%) experienced treatment failure. In multivariable analysis, the use of ethambutol had statistically significant negative association with unsuccessful outcomes (odds ratio = 0.36, p-value = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the WHO target of successful treatment outcomes (≥ 75%) among childhood RR/MDR-TB patients was achieved. The notable proportion of patients with no history of previous TB treatment (37.1%) and the disproportionately high number of female patients (74%) respectively stress for infection control measures and provision of early and high quality care for female drug susceptible TB patients.

Effect of pre-cooling agent on intensity of pricking pain at intraoral injection site in adults: An experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of pre-cooling agent on the intensity of pricking pain at the intraoral injection site in adult patients. METHODS: The in-vivo interventional study was conducted at the Department of Operative Dentistry, Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, from September 2018 to August 2019, and comprised adult patients of either gender. The pricking pain perception during needle administration was assessed using split-mouth technique. Topical anaesthesia benzocaine gel was applied on the left side, which was treated as controls, for 1 min, while on the right side, which was treated as the experimental side, refrigerated cartridge was placed for 2 min. Infiltration anaesthesia was then administered on both sides. Pain perception ratings were measured through visual analogue scale. After profound anaesthesia was achieved, restorative treatment was performed under rubber dam isolation. Data was analysed using SPSS 24. RESULTS: Of the 152 subjects, 77(50.65%) were females and 75(49.34%) were males. The overall mean age was 35.97±8.669 years (range: 21-50 years). The effect of refrigerated cartridge was significant on the intensity of pricking pain at the intraoral injection site in patients aged 41-50 years, and in female patients aged 21-30 years (p<0.05), whereas its effect was non-significant in males aged 21-30 years and patients aged 31-40 years (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-cooling agent was found to be effective in decreasing pricking pain felt by patients.

COVID-19 and inequalities: the need for inclusive policy response.

In this essay, the authors analyze the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of inequalities and socio-economic vulnerabilities. We argue that the current pandemic has been looked at mainly through the lens of biology, leaving sociological blind spots in the response to this pandemic that have had adverse effects. We conclude with the suggestion that apart from recommendations from health sciences, policy makers must also take into account local societal structures in order to design effective policies to control the contagion.

In vivo hepatoprotective and in vitro antimicrobial potential of Ceasalpinia bonduc (Linn): Pharmacological correlation with identified phytochemicals.

The in vivo hepatoprotective potential of methanolic extract of Ceasalpinia bonduc (CBLM) has been explored against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced acute liver injury in rats. Treatment of plant extract on CCl4 intoxicated liver significantly reduced the hepatoxicity, along with serum enzymes GPT and GOT. To explore the chemical constituents from CBLM extract, it was fractionated into non-polar to moderately polar fractions (CBLM-H, CBLM-HEt, CBLM-Et, CBLM-EtM, CBLM-M) and subjected to GC/GC-MS analysis. Altogether twenty seven (~71%) phytochemicals were identified from different fractions by using Electronic Mass Spectral Library GC-MS (NIST 20). Out of which twenty one are first time reported from Ceasalpinia bonduc, fourteen from genus Caesalpinia and ten from family Fabaceae. The identified phytochemicals 2-ethyl-2-hydroxy-1,3-dimethylcyclopentanecarboxylic acid, ethyl ester (21) and 1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine,6-hydroxy-N,N-dicyclohexyl (23) are first time identified as plant metabolites. To explore the antimicrobial potential four strains of Gram-positive and eight strains of Gram-negative bacteria were used along with pure cultures of five saprophytic fungus (molds) and two strains of yeast were utilized. CBLM-H and CBLM-HEt were exhibited praiseworthy antimicrobial potential. CBLM-H showed complete growth inhibition of P. mirabilis and V. cholerae at the concentration of 0.1g/mL while CBLM-HEt at 0.05g/mL halted the growth of S. aureus.

A descriptive study of double burden of malnutrition in mothers of children with severe acute malnutrition admitted in Children Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Multan.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the nutritional status of mothers of severely malnourished children, and to evaluate the factors associated with inadequate caloric intake of children with severe acute malnutrition versus sufficient caloric intake by mothers. METHODS: The cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from January to June 2016 at Children Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Multan, Pakistan, and comprised mothers of severely malnourished children admitted for treatment. Data was collected using a questionnaire administered through interviews. Elements noted included body mass index, 24-hour recall, dietary restriction during pregnancy, lactation and complimentary feeding patterns of the children. The mothers were also examined for clinical signs of iron deficiency anaemia. RESULTS: Of the 100 women, 20(20%) were malnourished, 42(42%) were of normal weight, and 38(38%) were either overweight, pre-obese or obese. The caloric intake of 26(26%) mothers was less than 1500 kcal per day, while 42(42%) were taking between 2000-2500 kcal per day and 32(32%) were taking >2500 kcal daily. Also, 67(67%) women were suffering from anaemia and 80(80%) women had some myths related with dietary restrictions during pregnancy, lactation and complimentary feeding of children. Overall, 23(23%) women breastfed their babies.

Predictors for Proximal Caries in Permanent First Molars: A Multiple Regression Analysis.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of proximal decay in the permanent first molar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Oral Medicine, Dow Dental College, Dow University of Health Sciences. A total of 171 patients presenting with 227 first molars were included. Calibrated examiners performed a detailed history and examination using a specialized form. The form recorded caries predictors and assigned a caries risk category based on the presence of these predictors. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS for windows version 17. A descriptive analysis was used to calculate the mean and proportions. Backward regression was carried out to evaluate the predictor for caries on mesial and distal surfaces at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The included 171 patients presented with a total of 227 decayed first molars and 412 decayed proximal surfaces. The mesial surface was found to be more affected by decay (0.92 ± 0.85). The caries risk profile explains 60%, and caries on the adjacent surface explains 90% of caries occurrence on the mesial surface. In the case of distal surfaces, the predictor which can cause caries significantly was caries risk only. The caries risk profile explains the 3% of caries occurrence on distal surfaces. CONCLUSION: Our study identified caries on the adjacent tooth surface and the caries risk profile as significant predictors of future caries risk for the mesial surface of permanent molars. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Predictors for mesial and distal surfaces of the permanent first molar may differ. Overall caries risk and status of adjacent teeth must be taken into account to predict future caries occurrence.

To identify the features differentiating peritoneal tuberculosis from carcinomatosis on CT scan abdomen taking omental biopsy as a gold standard.

OBJECTIVE: To differentiate peritoneal tuberculosis from carcinomatosis on computed tomography scan of abdomen, taking omental biopsy as the gold standard.. METHODS: This retrospective diagnostic accuracy review of cases was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised patient's medical record files from February 2007 to February 2016. Computed tomography scan findings were compared with diagnosis made on the basis of histopathology. Multiple logistics regression analysis was done and sensitivity and specificity were tested through Pearson chi square test. RESULTS: Of the 98 patients identified, 62(63.2%)were found to be cases of disseminated tuberculosis and 36(36.7%) were diagnosed as malignant on histopathology. Computed tomography features were significantly specific to differentiate abdominal tuberculosis from carcinomatosis (p=0.004). On computed tomography,4 findings showed statistical significance: Smooth thickening of the peritoneum (p<0.001), abdominal mass (p=0.03), lymph node necrosis (p=0.024) and high-density ascitic fluid (p<0.001). Out of these, smooth thickening of the peritoneum (sensitivity=77%; specificity=86.1%) and high-density ascitic fluid (sensitivity=68.9%; specificity=72.2%) were more specific findings. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of computed tomography was found to be 88.5% and 83.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although no single finding on a computed tomography scan was diagnostic proof of peritoneal tuberculosis, a combination of findings could reliably distinguish between peritoneal tuberculosis and carcinomatosis. .

Aortic valve replacement in a patient with pancytopenia secondary to myelodysplastic syndrome.

The case of a 66-year-old male patient with severe Aortic stenosis who underwent Aortic Valve replacement is presented. This patient was also diagnosed with Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) during admission. The perioperative management was challenging because of associated anaemia, pancytopenia and immunosuppression. These patients also have the tendency to bleed not only due to associated thrombocytopenia but also due to the cardiopulmonary bypass related coagulopathy. A thorough preoperative assessment and intensive preparation of the patient was done before taking him to the operating room. There was an effective communication and cooperation between the surgeon, anaesthetist and haematologist at every stage of management which helped in achieving a successful result.

Floods and droughts research progress and its contributions toward sustainability.

In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly launched seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aimed at being achieved by 2030. The SDGs 6 (clean water & sanitation) and 13 (climate actions) are two critically important goals concerning water resources that need to be addressed. This study used the Scopus database to explore climate extremes, specifically droughts and floods, in East Asia and highlight the region's efforts and contributions towards achieving SDGs 6 and 13. We found that even before the implementation of SDGs, the topics related to solving the problems of water resources, water quality, and treatment of wastewater using different conceptual models and methodologies were the main concerns in the region. The adoption of SDGs has led to a heightened focus on water and climate sustainability in East Asia, with the considerable surge in climate-related studies after 2019. Under SDG 13, all countries have contributed substantially to climate action research. Keyword analysis indicates that climate change, water management, water treatment, water quality, and adsorption remain prominent. SDGs 6 and 13 have emerged as crucial areas of focus for research and initiatives as the global community grapples with escalating water resources and climate challenges. Under specific keywords search, China has 2nd place in the search with climate and water during the SDGs period, accounting for 21 % of the entire publication from 2015 to 2023. Japan and South Korea account for of 4 % and 3 %, respectively. The research on floods and droughts has garnered significant attention, with half of the ten highly co-cited literature examining the changing pattern of drought, the influence of extreme events on crop yield, and other related topics. Despite the positive contribution of the East Asia region towards SDGs 6 and 13, there is still an urgent need for a more robust framework to improve the complex interconnections between climate actions, clean water, and sanitation for a sustainable soil-water-plant-atmosphere ecosystem.

Exopolysaccharide-producing bacterial cultures of Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in soil augment water retention and maize growth.

Land productivity in arid and hot climate regions is constrained by water scarcity due to low rainfall and organic matter, which limit both soil-water retention and crop yields. Main objective of this research was to explore the potential of exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing bacteria screened from different soils for enhancing soil-water retention, phosphorus solubilization and maize growth. Twelve soil samples were drawn from diverse ecologies (sub-humid and arid) to isolate EPS-producing bacteria (EPB), and cultured on LB and Pikovskaya media. Nine bacterial strains were found to have EPS production characteristic; among from them, 2 most efficient EPB strains were selected and characterized through morphological, biochemical and molecular standard procedures of bacterial identification. These potent EPB-strains were characterized as Pseudomonas aeruginosa EPB9 and Bacillus cereus EPB17. Broth cultures of 2 and 10 days old (2d and 10d) both EPB strains were used as soil inoculant to grow maize in growth chamber under triplicated factorial CRD. Treatments were: Control, LB broth (without inoculum), EPB9-2d, EPB9-10d, EPB17-2d, and EPB17-10d inoculation in both non-stressed and drought-stressed soils. Experiment lasted for 24 days, when soil and plant leaf water contents, plant growth attributes and antioxidant enzymes were measured. Inoculation of both EPB strains significantly enhanced maize growth and soil-water retained until harvesting stage. Higher water contents in soil and plant leaves, as well as fresh shoot and root weight were with EPB9-10d. Plant leaf area and shoot length were greater with EPB17-10d inoculation. Bacterial EPS also caused higher protein and sugar, and lower proline contents in plants. Antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD and CAT) remained lower with both EPB treatments due to reduced drought stress than in control. It was evident that efficient EPB strains could survive even under osmotic stress, and retain more soil-water for longer time. Further, antioxidant enzymes and EPS interact together for drought tolerance and growth promotion of plants. Therefore, study concludes that under limited water conditions, soil inoculation with bacterial cultures having the characteristics of greater EPS production and antioxidative enzyme system bears the potential of improving land productivity.