Fractionation and Characterization of Metallic Elements in Soils in Land Use Systems.

Land use has a great impact on soil dynamics. The soils of various land use systems in Central Karakoram have been under immense pressure in the recent past due to certain anthropogenic activities such as land use practices and land use cover changes. These influences have an impact on the spatial distribution of metallic elements (MEs) in the soils of various land uses. Herein, we investigated the occurrence of the MEs, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni), in soils of various land uses such as the permafrost, pasture, forest, and agricultural lands of the Central Karakorum region. The MEs were extracted in exchangeable, adsorbed, organically bound, carbonated, precipitated, and residual forms. The concentrations of MEs showed a significant dependence on the extraction method used, and the extraction trend followed the order of EDTA > HNO3 > KNO3 > NaOH > H2O. Zn showed the highest concentration compared to Ni and Cu in all extractions, whereas the land uses' ME concentration followed the order of agricultural land > permafrost > forest > pasturelands. The highest values of total Zn, Ni, and Cu were 712 ± 01 mg/kg, 656 ± 02 mg/kg, and 163 ± 02 mg/kg, respectively, in agricultural soil. The ME concentration showed significant variations between different land uses, and the highest concentration was noted in agricultural soil. Zn was found to be a dominant ME compared to Ni and Cu. We believe this effort will provide opportunities for scholars to investigate MEs around the globe.

Assessment of heavy metals among auto workers in metropolitan city: a case study.

In recent decades, heavy metals (HMs) have emerged as a global health concern. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, there is a general lack of awareness regarding the potential health risks associated with HMs pollution among automobile workers. Herein, we investigated the concentration of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) among automobile workers who were occupationally exposed in Mingora City, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Three different automobile groups, i.e., battery recyclers, spray painters, and mechanics were studied in detail. A total of 40 blood samples were collected from automobile workers groups while 10 blood samples were collected as control individuals from different locations in the study area. We investigated heavy metals concentration with a standard method using an atomic absorption spectrometer AAS (PerkinElmer Analyst 700, United States). Based on our findings, the battery recycling group displayed the most elevated Pb levels (5.45 ± 2.11 µg/dL), exceeding those of both the spray painters' group (5.12 ± 1.98 µg/dL) and the mechanics' group (3.79 ± 2.21 µg/dL). This can be attributed to their higher exposure to Pb pollution resulting from the deterioration, dismantling, grinding, or crushing of old batteries. In the context of chromium (Cr) exposure, a similar trend was observed among the battery recycling group, as well as the spray painters and mechanics groups. However, in the case of cadmium (Cd), the mechanics' group exhibited the highest level of exposure (4.45 ± 0.65 µg/dL), surpassing the battery recycling group (1.17 ± 0.45 µg/dL) and the spray painters' group (1.35 ± 0.69 µg/dL), which was attributed to their greater exposure to welding fumes and other activities in their workplace. We believe that our findings will encourage regulatory measures to improve the health of automobile workers. However, further work is needed to determine various health-related issues associated with heavy metal exposure among automobile workers.

Unraveling the impact of human perturbation on nitrogen cycling in terrestrial ecosystems of lower Himalaya, Pakistan.

Terrestrial ecosystems are under the enormous pressure of land use management regimes through human disturbances, resulting in the disruption of biogeochemical cycles and associated ecosystem services. Nitrogen (N) in soil ecosystems is of vital importance for primary productivity, hence estimating the extent of these human interventions on N-cycling processes becomes imperative from economic and environmental perspectives. This work investigated the impacts of variable anthropogenic activities on N cycling in three different terrestrial ecosystems (arable, grassland, and forest) in three regions of lower Himalaya, Pakistan. Potential nitrification (PNA) and denitrification (DEA) enzyme activities, relative distribution of inorganic N species (NH4, NO3), and the role of inherent edaphic factors were assessed. Results revealed high nitrification potentials and increased nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in the incubated soil microcosms, in the order as arable > grassland > forest ecosystems. Notably, higher rates of both studied processes (~ 30-50%) and elevated soil mineral nitrogen pool were observed in arable ecosystems. Forest soils, assumed as pristine ecosystems relying mainly on natural N fixation, produced (de)nitrification rates relatively lower than grasslands, followed by arable soils which were moderately disturbed through long-term fertilization and intensive land-use regimes. Linear regression modeling revealed that the inorganic N species (particularly NO3), and inherent edaphic factors were the key determinants of high (de)nitrification rates, hence warn of accelerated N losses in these ecosystems. The study highlights that elevated PNA and DEA being proxies for the altered N cycling in the studied terrestrial ecosystems are of great ecological relevance in view of predicted N2O budget in the lower Himalaya.

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.

Iodine supplementation through its biofortification in Brassica species depending on the type of soil.

Iodine is an essential microelement for humans and its deficiency leads to iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) which is a common problem faced by people in hilly areas. Biofortification of iodine is an option to overcome the IDD problem. Herein, we investigated the iodine uptake and accumulation in the edible portion of vegetables such as Brassica napus (BNP) and Brassica pekinensis (BPK) which were grown on two different soils such as sandy soil (SS) and silty loam soil (SLS) with different concentrations of iodine application (used in sodium iodide form) such as 0 ppm, 50 ppm, and 100 ppm. The concentration of iodine was determined by the oxidation of iodide, and nutrients were examined by double acid digestion. Different concentrations of iodine were noticed in silty loam and sandy soils, roots, and shoots of BNP and BPK, while the concentration follows the order: soils > roots > shoots. Iodine concentrations in the roots of BNP and BPK ranged from 46 to 223.7 µg/g which shows a strong correlation with other soil nutrients. Moreover, a large amount of iodine was lost due to the leaching. It is concluded that the biofortification of iodine increases its concentration in Brassica species. This work provides a reference for the iodine biofortification in plant species which will be helpful to control IDD.

Removal of Antibiotic Resistance Genes, Class 1 Integrase Gene and Escherichia coli Indicator Gene in a Microalgae-Based Wastewater Treatment System.

Microalgae-based wastewater treatment systems (AWWTS) have recently shown promise in the mitigation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from municipal wastewater (MWW). However, due to the large number of ARGs that exist in MWW, the use of indirect conventional water quality parameters to monitor ARGs reduction in wastewater would make the process less burdensome and economically affordable. In order to establish a robust relationship between the ARGs and water quality parameters, the current study employed different microalgae strains in monoculture (CM2, KL10) and multi-species combinations (CK and WW) for the MWW treatment under outdoor environmental conditions. The studied genes were quantified in the MWW influents and effluents using real-time PCR. All the cultures substantially improved the physicochemical qualities of the MWW. Out of the 14 genes analyzed in this study, tetO, tetW, tetX and ermB were decreased beyond detection within the first 4 days of treatment in all the cultures. Other genes, including blaCTX, sul1, cmlA, aadA, int1 and uidA were also decreased beyond a 2 log reduction value (LRV). The mobile genetic element, int1, correlated positively with most of the ARGs, especially sul1 (r ≤ 0.99, p < 0.01) and aadA (r ≤ 0.97, p < 0.01). Similarly, the Escherichia coli indicator gene, uidA, correlated positively with the studied genes, especially with aadA, blaCTX, blaTEM and cmlA (r ≤ 0.99 for each, p < 0.01). Some of the studied genes also correlated positively with total dissolved solids (TDS) (r ≤ 0.98, p < 0.01), and/or negatively with total suspended solids (TSS) (r ≤ −0.98, p < 0.01) and pH (r ≤ −0.98, p < 0.01). Among the tested cultures, both monocultures, i.e., KL10 and CM2 were found to be more consistent in gene suppression than their multi-species counterparts. The findings revealed water quality parameters such as TDS, TSS and E. coli as reliable proxies for ARGs mitigation in AWWTS and further highlight the superiority of monocultures over multi-species cultures in terms of gene suppression from the MWW stream.

Novel microalgae strains from selected lower Himalayan aquatic habitats as potential sources of green products.

Microalgal biomass provides a renewable source of biofuels and other green products. However, in order to realize economically viable microalgal biorefinery, strategic identification and utilization of suitable microalgal feedstock is fundamental. Here, a multi-step suboptimal screening strategy was used to target promising microalgae strains from selected freshwaters of the study area. The resulting strains were found to be affiliated to seven closely-related genera of the family Scenedesmaceae, as revealed by both morphologic and molecular characterization. Following initial screening under upper psychrophilic to optimum mesophilic (irregular temperature of 14.1 to 35.9°C) cultivation conditions, superior strains were chosen for further studies. Further cultivation of the selected strains under moderate to extreme mesophilic cultivation conditions (irregular temperature of 25.7 to 42.2°C), yielded up to 74.12 mgL-1day-1, 19.96 mgL-1day-1, 48.56%, 3.34 µg/mL and 1.20 µg/mL, for biomass productivity, lipid productivity, carbohydrate content, pigments content and carotenoids content respectively. These performances were deemed promising compared with some previous, optimum conditions-based reports. Interestingly, the fatty acids profile and the high carotenoids content of the studied strains revealed possible tolerance to the stress caused by the changing suboptimal cultivation conditions. Overall, strains AY1, CM6, LY2 and KL10 were exceptional and may present sustainable, promising feedstock for utilization in large-scale generation of green products, including biodiesel, bioethanol, pigments and dietary supplements. The findings of this study, which exposed promising, eurythermal strains, would expand the current knowledge on the search for promising microalgae strains capable of performing under the largely uncontrolled large-scale cultivation settings.

Variations in Total Phenolic, Total Flavonoid Contents, and Free Radicals' Scavenging Potential of Onion Varieties Planted under Diverse Environmental Conditions.

Genetic diversity and Agro-climatic conditions contribute significantly to the agronomic and morphological features of the food plant species, and their nutraceutical potential. The present study was intended to evaluate the impact of growing conditions on total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, and in vitro antioxidant potential in the bulbs and leaves of onion varieties planted under diverse environmental conditions. Standard analytical methods were used to quantify total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and free radicals' scavenging/antioxidant capacity. The impact of climatic and soil conditions was assessed using statistical tools. In general, onion varieties cultivated at three different locations viz. Kalar Kahar, Lahore and Swabi exhibited significant variations in TPC and TFC, and antioxidant activities. The bulbs and leaves of Mustang (V1) variety planted at Lahore and Swabi had significantly (p < 0.05), high levels of TPC (659.5 ± 6.59, and 631.1 ± 8.58 mg GAE/100 g, respectively). However, leaves of Red Orb (V2) and bulbs of Mustang (V1), and Golden Orb (V6), harvested from Kalar Kahar depicted the highest concentration of TFC (432.5 ± 10.3, 303.0 ± 6.67, and 303.0 ± 2.52 mg QE/100 g DW, respectively). Likewise, bulbs of V1 planted at Kalar Kahar, Lahore and Swabi exhibited maximum inhibition of DPPH, ABTS, and H2O2 radicals (79.01 ± 1.49, 65.38 ± 0.99, and 59.76 ± 0.90%, respectively). Golden Orb (V6) harvested from Lahore had the highest scavenging of OH radical (67.40 ± 0.09%). Likewise, bulbs of V1 variety planted at KalarKahar and Swabi had significant capacity to scavenge ferric ions (415.1 ± 10.6 mg GAE/100 g DW), and molybdate ions (213.7 ± 0.00 mg AAE/100 g DW). Conversely, leaves of Amazon (V8), planted at Lahore and Swabi depicted significant levels of DPPH, ABTS, H2O2 radical scavenging (90.69 ± 0.26, 63.55 ± 1.06, 51.86 ± 0.43%, respectively), and reduction of ferric ions (184.2 ± 6.75 mg GAE/100 g DW). V6 leaves harvested from Lahore and that of Super Sarhad (V3) from Swabi showed the highest inhibition of OH radical (61.21 ± 0.79%), and molybdate ions (623.6 ± 0.12 mg AAE/100 g DW), respectively. Pearson correlation and principal component analysis revealed strong relationships of climatic conditions, soil properties and elevation with TPC, TFC and free radicals' scavenging potential in the bulbs and leaves of onion varieties. The variations in the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant potential of different varieties, and their associations with climatic and soil factors revealed the complexity of the growing conditions and genetic makeup that imposed significant impacts on the synthesis of secondary metabolites and nutraceutical potential of food and medicinal plant species.

COPD patients' pre-flight check: A narrative review.

 For most of the people with stable and well-controlled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), air travel is safe and comfortable, but the flight environment may pose clinical challenges. This narrative review aims to update the requirements for allowance to fly of people with COPD without chronic respiratory failure.  A literature review was performed on platforms: Pubmed, Scopus and Ovid, for citations in English from 2000 to 2021. The following key words were used: COPD AND: air-travel, in-flight hypoxemia, fitness to air travel.  Official regulatory documents and guidelines were also examined. Current air travel statements recommend supplemental oxygen when in flight arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) is expected to fall below 6.6 or 7.3 kPa. Several lung function variables, prediction equations and algorithms have been proposed to estimate in-flight PaO2, the need for in-flight supplemental oxygen, and to select individuals needing more advanced pre-flight testing, such as the hypoxia-altitude simulation test. Exercise induced desaturation and aerobic capacity correlate significantly with in-flight PaO2. COPD patients with late intensification of disease, new changes in medications, recent acute exacerbation/ hospitalization or anticipated emotional and physical stress during the proposed air-travel should be carefully evaluated by the caring family or specialist physician.

Comparative effectiveness of different biochars and conventional organic materials on growth, photosynthesis and cadmium accumulation in cereals.

Although biochar and conventional organic materials have been widely studied for lowering cadmium (Cd) uptake by plants but information regarding their comparative effectiveness is lacking. In this study, biochars from different feedstocks viz. rice husk biochar (RHB), cotton sticks biochar (CSB) and wheat straw biochar (WSB) were compared with conventional organic materials viz. farm manure (FM), poultry manure (PM) and press mud (PrMd) for their effectiveness to promote plant growth and to reduce Cd uptake by wheat and rice plants grown rotationally in a Cd-spiked (50 mg kg-1) soil. Each amendment was applied at the rate of 2% (w/w) in three replicates. Results showed that the application of amendments improved the soil properties and plant growth, by retaining Cd in the soil and restricting its uptake by plants. The amendments decreased the ammonium bicarbonate diethylene penta acetic acid extractable soil Cd, and improved soil organic carbon (SOC) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) as compared to only Cd-contaminated soil. The highest SOC content of 2.68 and 1.68% and CEC of 8.77 and 9.39 cmolc kg-1 were found in RHB treated post-wheat and post-rice soil, respectively. Amendments treated soil showed lower concentrations of bioavailable Cd and the maximum reduction was recorded in RHB and PrMd amended soil. Similarly, bioaccumulation of Cd was decreased with the application of all amendments; the maximum decrease was recorded in RHB and PrMd treated soil. Our results suggested that RHB and PrMd could be used for reducing the bioaccumulation of Cd in cereal grains in alkaline soils.

Assessment of flood-induced changes in soil heavy metal and nutrient status in Rajanpur, Pakistan.

Flood events around the globe have severely impaired the soil functioning resulting in compromised food security in several parts of the world. The current study was aimed to explore the impacts of floods on soil heavy metals and nutrients status at three locations; Tibbi Solgi (TS), Vinri Khosa (VK), and Noshehra West (NW-control) in the district Rajanpur of Punjab, Pakistan. TS and VK sites were under regular influence of flooding over the last many years, but no flood event was reported on NW site during the same tenure; hence, it served as control. Sampling was carried out before and after flooding on the experimental sites. Vegetation cover was monitored through remote sensing techniques. Results revealed varying effects of floods on soil heavy metals; Cd, Cr, Pb, and soil phosphorous and nitrates. Flood events increased the Cd while lowered Pb concentration at VK site; however, flooding did not influence the status of Cr in soil. Similar to the trend observed in case of Cd, soil phosphorous and nitrates were reduced after flood events. Correlation analyses of soil physicochemical properties with soil heavy metals and nutrients indicated that after flood events, soil texture and organic carbon content seem to be the major factors driving the shift in soil heavy metals and nutrient concentrations. Although pollution indices indicated a marginally low contamination levels, but as projected in empirical studies, regular flood events in the studied sites may contaminate the whole ecosystem rendering it unfit for agricultural productivity.

Mulch of plant residues at the soil surface impact the leaching and persistence of pesticides: A modelling study from soil columns.

Crop residues left on the soil surface as mulch greatly influence the fate of pesticides in conservation agricultural practices because most of the applied pesticide is intercepted by mulch before passing to the soil. Modelling of pesticide losses from wash-off and leaching will greatly improve our understanding of the environmental consequences of pesticides in these systems. The PASTIS model, which simulates water transfer, mulch decomposition, and pesticide dynamics, was adapted in this new version to model the interactions between pesticides and mulch in order to simulate the impact of mulch on pesticide dynamic. Parameters of mulch dynamics and pesticide degradation and retention processes were estimated using independent incubation experiments. The PASTIS model was tested with experimental laboratory data that were obtained from two pesticides (Glyphosate and s-metolachlor) applied to soil columns where mulch composed of maize and dolichos was placed at the soil surface impacted by two rain intensities (a high and infrequent intensity and a light and frequent intensity). Simulations indicated good agreement between simulated and experimental values. After 1 day, 45-46% of the pesticides leached from the mulch and 54-55% remained in the mulch for both pesticides and both rain intensities. During the experiment, pesticide wash-off was greater for the high and infrequent rain (56-57%) compare to light and frequent rain (39-45%) for both pesticides. A smaller amount of S-metolachlor washed off with the light and frequent rain intensity (39%) than glyphosate (45%) because of its lower desorption rate from mulch residues. Glyphosate was more degraded (37-45%) than s-metolachlor (17-37%), which agrees with preliminary incubation experiments that were used for parameter estimation. A sensitivity analysis indicated that the saturation index of mulch at which pesticides started their diffusion in the rainwater and the time of the first rainfall were the two parameters that influenced the most output variables of our model. This study suggests that the PASTIS model developed for pesticide dissipation in mulch is a useful tool to evaluate the potential risk of pesticide leaching to the groundwater in conservation agriculture systems.

Anaerobic microbial fuel cell treating combined industrial wastewater: Correlation of electricity generation with pollutants.

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a new technology that not only generates energy but treats wastewater as well. A dual chamber MFC was operated under laboratory conditions. Wastewater samples from vegetable oil industries, metal works, glass and marble industries, chemical industries and combined industrial effluents were collected and each was treated for 98h in MFC. The treatment efficiency for COD in MFC was in range of 85-90% at hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 96h and had significant impact on wastewater treatment as well. The maximum voltage of 890mV was generated when vegetable oil industries discharge was treated with columbic efficiency of 5184.7C. The minimum voltage was produced by Glass House wastewater which was 520mV. There was positive significant co-relation between COD concentration and generated voltage. Further research should be focused on the organic contents of wastewater and various ionic species affecting voltage generation in MFC.

Pain: history, culture and philosophy.

Pain, one of the universals of existence, has a long and venerable history, its origin initially attributed to godly punishment for disbelievers; and, with improved understanding, to physical and psycho-social factors. "Pain is emotion or sensation?" has been a debatable issue. Razes developed pleasure-pain theory, founded on the theories of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and Epicurus. Descartes' Dualism shifted the centre of pain from the heart to the brain but negated the psychological contribution to its pathogenesis. Gate Control Theory, fascinated with the idea of "neurological gates", highlighted the important role of the brain in dealing with the messages received. The International Association of the Study of Pain, in 1979, coined a definition of pain which is currently in use and was last updated on 6th October 2014. Its validity has been challenged and a new definition has been suggested. Whereas the experience is personalized, immeasurable and unsharable, different cultural groups react differently to pain from relative tolerance to over-reaction. Gender and ethnic differences in the perception of pain are well proven and the effects of various religious beliefs adequately scored. Despite extensive research over centuries, understanding of pain mechanisms is still far from optimal. Untiring efforts to identify a paincentre in the brain have been futile. Had it been possible, millions of pain sufferers would have been relieved of their physical agony and mental anguish by the prick of needle.

IBN SINA AND THE ROOTS OF THE SEVEN DOCTRINES OF PRESERVATION OF HEALTH.

Ibn Sina, the most eminent Muslim physician, illuminative philosopher, great thinker and a versatile genius is regarded as the "Father of Early Modern Medicine" and as the "Father of Clinical Pharmacology". The "Kitab al-Qanun fi-al-Tibb", commonly known as the "Canon Medicinae" is the most important of his medical works and, at the same time, the most carefully preserved treasury both in original Arabic and in the initial Latin version. It is the final codification of all Greco-Arabic medical thoughts up to his time, enriched and modified with his own scientific experimentations and independent observations. It is considered "The First Textbook of Medicine on the Earth". The "Canon" surpassed the books of Hippocrates and Galen and remained supreme for more than six centuries, in the West. Ibn Sina described "Seven Doctrines" for Preservation of Health, based on the Mudawa Salookia, in his magnum opus. The roots of these principles can be traced, to a significant extent, to Egyptian Medicine, Hebrew Medicine, Greek Medicine, Roman Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ancient Persian Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine (Hindu Medicine) and Islamic Medicine.

Effect of rainfall regimes and mulch decomposition on the dissipation and leaching of S-metolachlor and glyphosate: a soil column experiment.

BACKGROUND: Interception by plant residues is a major process affecting pesticide persistence and leaching in conservation agriculture. Dissipation and leaching of S-metolachlor and glyphosate was studied in repacked soil columns covered with a mulch of maize and lablab residues. The columns were submitted to two contrasting simulated rainfall regimes: one with light but frequent rain (LF) and one with less frequent but more intense rain (HI). In both treatments, columns received the same amount of rainwater by the end of the experiment. RESULTS: Decomposing crop residues on the soil surface retained more than 50% of the applied amount of pesticide. S-metolachlor dissipation in mulch residues was faster under the LF rainfall regime. This was attributed to more humid surface conditions, under which mulch decomposition was also faster. The formation of metabolites of both molecules was higher under the LF rainfall regime. However, leaching of S-metolachlor and its metabolites to deeper soil layers was greater under the HI rainfall regime, whereas they accumulated in the surface layer under the LF rainfall regime. Glyphosate remained in the surface soil layer because of its strong adsorption capacity, whereas aminomethylphosphonic acid leached down in small amounts without any difference between the two rainfall regimes. CONCLUSION: The impact of mulch residues on herbicide dissipation was strongly dependent on molecule type and rainfall regime. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

Plague: the dreadful visitation occupying the human mind for centuries.

Plague is one of mankind's greatest scourges, which has swept away millions of people over the centuries. The first available record of the occurrence of this calamity, in humans, is from the Bible, in 1000 bc, in the city of Ashdod. The first definitely identified pandemic originated in Egypt in ad 542 (the Justinian Plague) and is estimated to have caused 100 million deaths. The second one, lasting for three centuries and claiming over 25 million lives appeared in 1334 in China spreading to many spots on the globe. The third pandemic occurred in Europe from the fifteenth to eighteenth century. The current pandemic began around 1860, in the Chinese province Yunnan; it reached Hong Kong in 1894 killing 100 000 individuals. Within 20 years the disease spread from southern Chinese ports throughout the world resulting in more than 10 million deaths. Since the discovery of the causative agent in 1894, there have been remarkable advancements in immunoprophylaxis and chemoprophylaxis. However, the disease is still active in Africa, in Asia and in Americas and has been classified as a currently re-emerging disease. A 'Plague-free World' will probably remain a dream for an indefinite period.

Common types of mental disorders in adult cancer patients seen at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre.

BACKGROUND: Mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and adjustment disorders occur in a significant number of cancer patients, particularly as disease advances and as cancer therapies become more aggressive. METHODS: 365 newly diagnosed adult cancer patients were interviewed by clinical psychologist and data was collected regarding patients' age, gender, education, home atmosphere, family support system and type of cancer. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Structured Clinical Interview according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual fourth version (SCID-IV) were used to record the presence and absence of type of a mental disorder. Data thus collected was analyzed by utilizing SPSS for Windows version 10.0. RESULTS: Adjustment disorders was the most common type of mental disorders seen in 20.8%; depression in 17.8% and anxiety in 16.8%. A statistically significant association between types of mental disorders and patients' age, gender, education, home atmosphere and family support system was observed. CONCLUSION: A significant number of cancer patients suffer from one or other type of mental disorder. They need special attention of healthcare professionals for proper psychological assessment and management.

Depression among parents of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of cancer in children can always be devastating to the patients as well as to their parents. Some degree of depression is to be expected among parents caring for a loved one with leukemia. This study was done to determine the frequency of depression in parents of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in relation to age, gender, education, occupation, and performance status of their patients. METHODS: The study was conducted at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan over a period of three months, from May, 2000 to July, 2000. Either parent of 60 consecutive patients of acute lymphoblastic leukemia who achieved their first remission within last one-month were enrolled. Their age, gender, education, occupation, socioeconomic status, and non-medical risk factors of depression were recorded. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Structured Clinical Interview according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-fourth version (SCID-IV) were used to identify parents with depression. Data regarding sociodemographic variables and non-medical risk factors of depression were recorded on data capture form. Data analysis was done by SPSS--10. Overall differences were assessed using percentages and chi-square. RESULTS: Depression was found to be positive among 56.7% (34) of the parents. It was more common among mothers, less educated parents and among those belonging to lower socioeconomic class. Parents attributed their depression to multiple factors; most common were related to concerns about family's well-being, financial constraints and distressing change in role and responsibilities. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that a majority of attending parents of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia suffers from depression and it is not associated with any of the variables studied. We need to conduct further studies on a large number of parents in order to make any logical conclusions.