Physiological impact of Tabata exercise on cardiometabolic and cardiorespiratory parameters in transgender people of Multan.

Objective: To investigate factors directly related to cardiometabolic and cardiorespiratory fitness in transgender people. METHODS: The cross-sectional, experimental study was conducted at the Government Girls Comprehensive Higher Secondary School, Multan, Pakistan, from January to February 2023, after approval from the ethics review committee of the Muhammad Institute of Medical and Allied Sciences, Multan, and comprised transgender people aged 17-28 years. Data was collected using the physical activity readiness questionnaire. All the participants were subjected to Tabata sessions for 4 weeks. Standard cardiometabolic and cardiorespiratory fitness values were noted at baseline and post-intervention. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. RESULTS: Of the 44 participants, 26(59%) were trans-men, 18(40.9%) were trans-women, 16(36.3%) were aged 17-19 years, and 10(22.7%) had other transgender individuals in their families. Cardiorespiratory and cardiometabolic parameters showed significant improvement post-intervention compared to baseline values (p<0.05). Conclusion: Tabata exercises were found to be useful in maintaining cardiorespiratory and cardiometabolic parameters as well in increasing the participants' motor performance.

Transoral Odontoidectomy - Our Experience in A Limited-Resource Setup.

BACKGROUND: Although posterior procedures are used for most cases of basilar invagination, transoral decompression is an important tool in complex deformities with severe degeneration and neural compression. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent transoral odontoidectomy for basilar invagination and atlantoaxial dislocation at the neurosurgical unit of Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar between June 2016 and January 2022 were retrospectively included. Preoperative and postoperative neurological, clinical, and radiological parameters were recorded and compared. RESULTS: Of the 33 patients included in this study, 22 were men and 11 were women. The mean age was 23.4 years ±8.4 years (mean ± standard deviation). The most common presenting symptoms were gait abnormalities and neck pain. A total of 28 patients were treated for the first time, while 5 patients had prior posterior fusion. The mean distance of the tip of the dens above the chamberlain line was 8.9 ± 4.2 mm, while the mean anterior atlantodental interval was 6.5 ± 2.1 mm. Seven patients had an anomalous course of vertebral artery on at least one side. A total of 28 patients improved significantly, while 5 patients did not improve at the follow-up. The mean follow-up was 8.5 months ±6.3 (mean ± standard deviation). The mean Nurick and Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scores improved postoperatively (P < 0.05). Three patients underwent reoperation including one with vertebral artery injury. Three patients underwent tracheostomy. CONCLUSIONS: With proper patient selection, transoral odontoidectomy can be safely performed in a limited-resource setting.

Prebiotic potential of enzymatically prepared resistant starch in reshaping gut microbiota and their respond to body physiology.

The increase in consumer demand for high-quality food products has led to growth in the use of new technologies and ingredients. Resistant starch (RS) is a recently recognised source of fibre and has received much attention for its potential health benefits and functional properties. However, knowledge about the fate of RS in modulating complex intestinal communities, the microbial members involved in its degradation, enhancement of microbial metabolites, and its functional role in body physiology is still limited. For this purpose, the current study was designed to ratify the physiological and functional health benefits of enzymatically prepared resistant starch (EM-RSIII) from maize flour. To approve the beneficial health effects as prebiotic, EM-RSIII was supplemented in rat diets. After 21 days of the experiment, EM-RSIII fed rats showed a significant reduction in body weight gain, fecal pH, glycemic response, serum lipid profile, insulin level and reshaping gut microbiota, and enhancing short-chain fatty acid compared to control. The count of butyrate-producing and starch utilizing bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Pediococcus genus in rat's gut, elevated after the consumption of medium and high doses of EM-RSIII, while the E. coli completely suppressed in high EM-RSIII fed rats. Short-chain fatty acids precisely increased in feces of EM-RSIII feed rats. Correlation analysis demonstrated that the effect of butyrate on functional and physiological alteration on the body had been investigated during the current study. Conclusively, the present study demonstrated the unprecedented effect of utilising EM-RSIII as a diet on body physiology and redesigning gut microorganisms.

Case of pedicle lag screw fixation for oblique axis body and pars fractures with displacement.

Background: Multiple axis fractures with instability are rare and appropriate treatment modalities have not been established. Case Description: A 33-year-old male presented with severe neck pain, bilateral upper-extremity numbness, and brisk reflexes in both lower extremities of 14 days' duration after a car accident. The cervical CT revealed an oblique C2 body fracture and asymmetrical neural ring fractures, while the MRI showed a normal C2-3 disk. As traction failed to reduce the fracture, the patient underwent an anterior retropharyngeal approach to release the fracture fragments, followed by posteriorly passing bilateral C2 pedicle lag screws. Eight months later, the patient exhibited full range of motion across the C1-2 level with fusion of the previously noted fractures. Conclusion: A 33-year-old male with an unstable C2 body fracture and asymmetrical neural ring fractures successfully underwent an anterior retropharyngeal approach to release the fracture fragments, followed by posteriorly passing bilateral C2 pedicle lag screws to achieve stability/fusion.

Anterior transcervical release with posterior atlantoaxial fixation for neglected malunited type II odontoid fractures.

Background: Type 2 odontoid fractures are associated with a high rate of nonunion without surgical treatment. If neglected, they may become fixed in an abnormal position, causing progressive myelopathy. Conventionally, odontoidectomy or transoral release is performed to relieve symptoms in such cases. Here, were report our experience with a transcervical approach for odontoid release (i.e., of a chronically fractured dens) followed by a posterior C1-C2 fusion. Methods: The 11 patients (2017-2021) retrospectively included; in this study, all had a history of remote trauma and the radiological appearance of an old odontoid fracture that was displaced and could not be reduced with traction. There were eight males and three females who averaged 52.6 years of age. Results: All 11 patients underwent anterior retropharyngeal release with a C4-C5 level incision followed by a posterior C1-C2 fusion. The mean Japanese orthopedic association on presentation was 9.9 ± 2.7 which improved to 13.8 ± 2.7 on final follow-up (P < 0.01). Patients were followed an average of 9.6 months ± 4.4 (mean ± SD) postoperatively during which time they all clinically improved. Conclusion: Anterior release through a retropharyngeal approach coupled with posterior C1-C2 instrumentation proved to be an effective alternative to the traditional transoral approach to treat a chronic malunited odontoid fracture.

Microbial Pretreatment of Chicken Feather and Its Co-digestion With Rice Husk and Green Grocery Waste for Enhanced Biogas Production.

To utilize wastes and residues sustainably and excellently, there is a need to fend for efficient methods and resources for biogas production. Use of poultry waste for biogas production represents one of the most important routes toward reaching global renewable energy targets. The current study involves microbial pretreatment of chicken feather waste, followed by its co-digestion with rice husk and green grocery waste in batch and continuous reactors, respectively. Microbial pretreatment of chicken feathers by keratinase secreting Pseudomonas aeruginosa was an effective and eco-friendly approach to make its recalcitrant structure available as a raw substrate for biogas production. The current study also addressed the enhancement and stability of anaerobic digestion by co-digestion. Results demonstrated that biogas production was increased by microbial pretreatment of chicken feathers and that the percentage increase in biogas yield was 1.1% in microbialy pretreated feathers compared to mono-digestion (non-pretreated feathers) in batch fermentation. The highest yield of biogas was obtained in a batch reactor having co-digestion of pretreated rice husk and microbial pretreated chicken feathers. The co-digestion of chicken feathers hydrolysate with green grocery waste in continuous fermentation mode has also enhanced the biogas yield as compared to average of mono-digestion (chicken feather hydrolysate and green grocery waste) and, therefore, improve the efficiency of the overall process.

Effect of salicylic acid supplementation on blood glucose, lipid profile and electrolyte homeostasis in gentamicin sulphate induced nephrotoxicity.

This study was designed to investigate effect of salicylic acid supplementation in gentamicin- induced nephrotoxicity. For this purpose, twenty four male albino rabbits were divided into 4 groups (n=6); control group, healthy untreated rabbits; gentamicin group, received only gentamicin (80mg/kg); gentamicin + salicylic acid group, received gentamicin (80mg/kg) + salicylic acid (80mg/kg) and salicylic acid group, received only salicylic acid (80mg/kg) through intra peritoneal route for 21 consecutive days. Biochemical evaluation was carried out by assessment of body weights and by estimating plasma glucose, lipid profile and electrolyte homeostasis. Gentamicin sulphate induction resulted in increased plasma glucose, plasma TG, plasma cholesterol, plasma LDL, and plasma sodium and in decreased plasma HDL and plasma potassium with significant reduction in body weights in GS-treated group, which were restored by supplementation with salicylic acid in GS+SA treated group. Therefore, these findings confirm the protective role of salicylic acid in gentamicin- induced nephrotoxicity in rabbits.

Chemically Modified Quinoidal Oligothiophenes for Enhanced Linear and Third-Order Nonlinear Optical Properties.

In the present investigation, quantum chemical calculations have been performed in a systematic way to explore the optoelectronic, charge transfer, and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of different bis(dicyanomethylene) end-functionalized quinoidal oligothiophenes. The effect of different conformations (linking modes of thiophene rings) on conformational, optoelectronic, and NLO properties are studied from the best-performed dimer to octamer. The optical and NLO properties of all the selected systems (1-7) are calculated by means of density functional theory (DFT) methods. Among all the designed compounds, the largest linear isotropic (αiso) polarizability value of 603.1 × 10-24 esu is shown by compound 7 which is ∼12, ∼16, ∼9, ∼11, ∼10, and ∼4 times larger as compared to compounds 1-6, respectively. A relative investigation is performed considering the expansion in third-order NLO polarizability as a function of size and conformational modes. Among all the investigated systems, system 7 shows the highest value of static second hyperpolarizability ⟨γ⟩ with an amplitude of 7607 × 10-36 esu at the M06/6-311G** level of theory, which is ∼521, ∼505, ∼38, ∼884, ∼185, and ∼15 times more than that of compounds 1-6, respectively. The extensively larger ⟨γ⟩ amplitude of compound 7 with higher oscillator strength and lower transition energy indicates that NLO properties are remarkably dependent upon linking modes of thiophene rings and its chain length. Furthermore, to trace the origin of higher nonlinearities, TD-DFT calculations are also performed at the same TD-M06/6-311G** level of theory. Additionally, a comprehensive understanding of the effect of structure/property relationship on the NLO polarizabilities of these investigated quinoidal oligothiophenes is obtained through the inspection of Frontier molecular orbitals, the density of states (TDOS and PDOS), and molecular electrostatic potential diagrams including the transition density matrix. Hence, the current examination will not just feature the NLO capability of entitled compounds yet additionally incite the interest of experimentalists to adequately modify the structure of these oligothiophenes for efficient optical and NLO applications.

Evaluating the Effect of Ionic Liquid on Biosorption Potential of Peanut Waste: Experimental and Theoretical Studies.

Peanut skin having polyphenols as major constituents is a natural, abundant, and environmentally friendly potent biosorbent for aquatic pollutants such as heavy metals. Its natural potential can be enhanced several times by treating it with ionic liquids-the green solvents. This report presents a complete study on biosorption of divalent cadmium ions using ionic liquid-treated peanut skin. Initially, both peanut biomasses, skin and shells, were tested, and peanut skin was used for thorough experimentation because of its higher adsorption potential (q e values). Ionic liquids are highly green and designed solvents with vast adjustable striking features such as high thermal and chemical stability, insignificant vapor pressure, wide electrochemical assortment, non-volatility, non-flammability, less toxicity, and high recycling ability. Peanut skin after treatment with ionic liquids was characterized via FTIR, TGA, SEM, and XRD. The biosorption process was optimized with respect to time, temperature, metal ion concentrations, agitation speed, pH, and adsorbent dose. Data obtained were interpreted by kinetic, isothermal, and thermodynamic models. The biosorbent and ionic liquid both are regenerated and recycled up to three times, so cost effectiveness is a promising thing.

Rare presentation of iron deficiency anaemia with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in a middle-aged woman.

This is a case of a female patient presented with a mild headache associated with recurrent episodes of nausea and vomiting, confusion and right-sided hemiparesis, diagnosed of haemorrhagic venous infarction from the thrombosis of left transverse and sigmoid sinus and probably the left vein of Labbe. She had severe microcytic hypochromic anaemia due to iron deficiency, without any other risk factors for cerebral venous thrombosis such as trauma history, infections, coagulation disorders or autoimmune diseases. She had a good prognosis after iron supplementation and anticoagulation therapy.

Unregulated usage of labour-inducing medication in a region of Pakistan with poor drug regulatory control: characteristics and risk patterns.

BACKGROUND: In developing countries such as Pakistan, poor training of mid-level cadres of health providers, combined with unregulated availability of labour-inducing medication can carry considerable risk for mother and child during labour. Here, we describe the exposure to labour-inducing medication and its possible risks in a vulnerable population in a conflict-affected region of Pakistan. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study using programme data, compared the outcomes of obstetric risk groups of women treated with unregulated oxytocin, with those of women with regulated treatment. RESULTS: Of the 6379 women included in the study, 607 (9.5%) received labour-inducing medication prior to reaching the hospital; of these, 528 (87.0%) received unregulated medication. Out of 528 labour-inducing medication administrators, 197 (37.3%) traditional birth attendants (also known as dai) and 157 (29.7%) lady health workers provided unregulated treatment most frequently. Women given unregulated medication who were diagnosed with obstructed/prolonged labour were at risk for uterine rupture (RR 4.1, 95% CI: 1.7-9.9) and severe birth asphyxia (RR 3.9, 95% CI: 2.5-6.1), and those with antepartum haemorrhage were at risk for stillbirth (RR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.0-3.1). CONCLUSIONS: In a conflict-affected region of Pakistan, exposure to unregulated treatment with labour-inducing medication is common, and carries great risk for mother and child. Tighter regulatory control of labour-inducing drugs is needed, and enhanced training of the mid-level cadres of healthcare workers is required.