An analytical review on revamping plastic waste management: exploring recycling, biodegradation, and the growing role of biobased plastics.

Globally, 90% of plastics are synthetic, made up of crude oil, natural gas, and coal. Even though plastic is extremely useful in our lives, its excessive use and mismanaged disposal are negatively affecting the ecosystem. The review highlights that the recycling process plays a critical role in controlling the problem of plastic pollution. Although plastic recycling is the most common approach used for managing plastic waste, only 2% of the total plastic waste enters the closed-loop system. However, the review suggests that along with recycling, cost-effective and environmentally friendly plastic approaches can synergistically help to control this increasing problem of plastic waste accumulation. The review further discusses the consequences of plastic pollution on humans and the environment. In particular, the review focuses on biocatalytic and bioengineering tools for the degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), one of the major contributors to plastic waste in landfills and oceans. Moreover, the review presents biobased and biodegradable materials, derived from renewable feedstocks, as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics along with their complete end-of-life options. Overall, this review analyzes the current scenario of the plastic industry, from plastic production to waste generation and management, loopholes and challenges in the current management strategies, and possible solutions like recycling, biodegradation, and biobased plastics.

River rejuvenation in urban India for enhancing living conditions through integrated water resources management.

India, being a developing country, faces big challenges in ensuring water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for all. This case study presents the performance evaluation of a large wastewater management and sanitation-related infrastructure in a metropolitan city in North India. "Dravyavati River Project" is the major sanitation program of the water-stressed Jaipur city based on the concept of river rejuvenation of the long-lost Dravyavati River which flows across the city. The project envisages integrated urban water management such that it aims at the collection and treatment of wastewater (sewage network and treatment plants), safe disposal, ensuring continuous unpolluted flow, geological and ecological integrity to strengthen public health, to reduce the impact of water stress on the total water cycle by promoting groundwater recharge, and improvement in biodiversity. The technical assessment is based on the primary and secondary data collection of field samples and laboratory analysis of influent and effluent samples collected from the five sewage treatment plants (STPs). The results suggest that the project has largely delivered the envisaged environment, public well-being, and ecological and socioeconomic benefits, but there are substantial gaps in the conceived outputs and actual performance. The challenge lies in bridging these gaps and overcoming operational inefficiencies to ensure the sustainability of the Dravyavati River rejuvenation.

Molecular characterization of lumpy skin disease virus from recent outbreaks in Pakistan.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a contagious viral transboundary disease listed as a notifiable disease by the World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH). The first case of this disease was reported in Pakistan in late 2021. Since then, numerous outbreaks have been documented in various regions and provinces across the country. The current study primarily aimed to analyze samples collected during LSD outbreaks in cattle populations in the Sindh and Punjab provinces of Pakistan. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using partial sequences of the GPCR, p32, and RP030 genes. Collectively, the LSDV strains originating from outbreaks in Pakistan exhibited a noticeable clustering pattern with LSDV strains reported in African, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries, including Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, India, China, and Thailand. The precise reasons behind the origin of the virus strain and its subsequent spread to Pakistan remain unknown. This underscores the need for further investigations into outbreaks across the country. The findings of the current study can contribute to the establishment of effective disease control strategies, including the implementation of a mass vaccination campaign in disease-endemic countries such as Pakistan.

COVID-19 retracted publications on retraction watch: A systematic survey of their pre-prints and citations.

Background: Studies related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were frequently published as pre-prints prior to undergoing peer-review. However, several publications were later retracted due to ethical concerns or study misconduct. Although these studies have been retracted, the availability of their corresponding pre-prints has never been formally investigated, and may result in the spread of misinformation if they are being used to inform decision-making. Methods: Our objective was to conduct a systematic survey of retracted COVID-19 publications listed on the Retraction Watch database as of August 15th, 2021. We assessed the availability of corresponding pre-prints for retracted publications, and documented the number of citations and online views. Results: Our study included 140 retracted COVID-19 publications, and we could not retrieve corresponding pre-prints for 132 retracted publications in our study (94%). Although we were unable to find the majority of pre-prints, they had already been disseminated, with a maximal citation count of 593 and Altmetric score of 558,928. Conclusion: While it is reassuring that most corresponding pre-prints could not be retrieved, our study highlights the need for online platforms and journals to employ quality assurance methods to prevent the spread of misinformation through citation of retracted papers.

Perceiving biobased plastics as an alternative and innovative solution to combat plastic pollution for a circular economy.

Plastic waste from fossil-based sources, including single-use packaging materials, is continuously accumulating in landfills, and leaching into the environment. A 2021 UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report suggests that the plastic pollution is likely to be doubled by 2030, posing a major challenge to the environment and the overall global plastic waste management efforts. The use of biobased plastics such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as a biodegradable substitute for petroleum-based plastics could be a feasible option to combat this issue which may further result in much lower carbon emissions and energy usage in comparison to conventional plastics as additional advantages. Though recent years have seen the use of microbes as biosynthetic machinery for biobased plastics, using various renewable feedstocks, the scaled-up production of such materials is still challenging. The current study outlays applications of biobased plastics, potential microorganisms producing biobased plastics such as Cupriavidus necator, Bacillus sp., Rhodopseudomonas palustris, microalgae, and mixed microbial cultures, and inexpensive and renewable resources as carbon substrates including industrial wastes. This review also provides deep insights into the operational parameters, challenges and mitigation, and future opportunities for maximizing the production of biobased plastic products. Finally, this review emphasizes the concept of biorefinery as a sustainable and innovative solution for biobased plastic production for achieving a circular bioeconomy.

Microbial Biofilms for Environmental Bioremediation of Heavy Metals: a Review.

Heavy metal pollution caused due to various industrial and mining activities poses a serious threat to all forms of life in the environment because of the persistence and toxicity of metal ions. Microbial-mediated bioremediation including microbial biofilms has received significant attention as a sustainable tool for heavy metal removal as it is considered safe, effective, and feasible. The biofilm matrix is dynamic, having microbial cells as major components with constantly changing and evolving microenvironments. This review summarizes the bioremediation potential of bacterial biofilms for different metal ions. The composition and mechanism of biofilm formation along with interspecies communication among biofilm-forming bacteria have been discussed. The interaction of biofilm-associated microbes with heavy metals takes place through a variety of mechanisms. These include biosorption and bioaccumulation in which the microbes interact with the metal ions leading to their conversion from a highly toxic form to a less toxic form. Such interactions are facilitated via the negative charge of the extracellular polymeric substances on the surface of the biofilm with the positive charge of the metal ions and the high cell densities and high concentrations of cell-cell signaling molecules within the biofilm matrix. Furthermore, the impact of the anodic and cathodic redox potentials in a bioelectrochemical system (BES) for the reduction, removal, and recovery of numerous heavy metal species provides an interesting insight into the bacterial biofilm-mediated bioelectroremediation process. The review concludes that biofilm-linked bioremediation is a viable option for the mitigation of heavy metal pollution in water and ecosystem recovery.

Exploring The Link Between Obesity And Hypothyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and hypothyroidism are two common clinical conditions that are often connected. This connection is now more important because of an exceptional rise in the prevalence of obesity around the world. Both of these conditions have a noteworthy impact on human health and well-being. The main objective of this study was to determine the frequency of hypothyroidism in obese patients presenting at Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 242 patients in the Department of Medicine of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad from 1st March to 31st August 2022. SPSS version 23.0 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: In this study, 242 obese patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 39.55±9.361 years. The mean BMI was 41.62±8.099kg/m2 ranging from 31 to 61kg/m2, the mean TSH level was 3.04±2.604mU/l, the mean T4 level was 8.53±2.215pmol/L and the mean T3 level was 1.2195±0.35795nmol/L. Out of a total of 242 patients, 34 (14.0%) were male and 208(86.0%) were female patients. Patients found with overt hypothyroidism were 11 (4.5%), subclinical hypothyroidism were 31 (12.8%) and euthyroid were 200 (82.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of hypothyroidism among the obese patients was quite less in our setup and not significantly associated with age and gender of the patients.

Covid-19 Pandemic-Knowledge, Perception, Anxiety And Depression Among Frontline Healthcare Workers Of Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad, Pakistan.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a viral infection that spreads through different mediums and has a high rate of mortality. At its initial stages, there is no particular medicine that can cure patients of COVID-19. The aim of the present study was to understand the COVID-19 knowledge, perception, and its effects in terms of anxiety and depression among frontline health care workers of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad from June to July 2021 in which data was collected from 200 hospital healthcare workers who have performed duties in COVID isolation wards through standard questionnaire. SPSS version 24.0 was used for data analysis. Results: Out of 200 participants in the study 100 (50.0%) were male. Regarding safety measures taken during COVID -19, 144 (72.0%) individuals reported that they have not been given training to handle known or suspected cases of COVID-19. Moderate anxiety and depression was found in 153 (76.5%) healthcare workers, mild in 25 (12.5%) and 22 (11.0%) had severe anxiety and depression at the time of COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: This study revealed that a significant anxiety and depression was found in frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, a more extensive study should be conducted which involves many other hospitals like Ayub Teaching Hospital.

Frequency Of Folic Acid Deficiency In Women Of Childbearing Age Presenting At Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad.

BACKGROUND: Folic acid deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies among women of childbearing age. It can lead to neural tube defects, a significant cause of disability and mortality among infants. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine a folic acid deficiency in women of childbearing age in Ayub Teaching Institute, Abbottabad. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Ayub Teaching Institute, Abbottabad from January to June 2020. In this study, a total of 193 women of childbearing age were included through consecutive sampling. RESULTS: In this study 193 women of childbearing age were included. Mean age was 30±4.87 years. Out of 193 patients, 56.7% were found to be anemic and 38.9%were found to have folic acid deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Our study concludes that the majority of women of child bearing age are anemic in our set up. Moreover, the frequency of folic acid deficiency is 38.9 % which is high.

Framework to improve biohydrogen generation with estrogen co-metabolism under complete suppression of nitrogen source.

The current work provides insights for improving the hydrogen output while degrading emerging contaminants using Rhodopseudomonas palustris. The changes in the growth rate of a microorganism due to different substrate inputs affects the hydrogen production due to metabolic route changes. The different ratios of glutamate and glycerol as nitrogen and carbon sources along with the presence of ethinylestradiol (EE2) in the photofermenter affected the flux of electrons being directed towards biosynthesis and biohydrogen generation. The combination of glutamate and glycerol in different ratios (Glu:Gly; 0, 0.20 and 0.54) along with estrogen showed no significant difference in the bacteriochlorophyll concentrations. The highest biomass concentration (0.013 h-1) was in ratio of 0.54 while maximum specific hydrogen production (1.9 ± 0.05 ml g-1 biomass h-1) was observed under complete suppression of nitrogen (0; without Glu; non-growing condition) with resultant improved estrogen degradation of about 78% in 168 h by R. palustris strain MDOC01.

Biodegradation of synthetic estrogen using bioelectrochemical system and degradation pathway analysis through Quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry.

Synthetic estrogenic compounds such as 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) are significant environmental contaminants. This research studied the biodegradation of EE2 utilizing the EE2 adapted cells isolated from a dairy farm waste site in suspension flask vis-a-vis Bioelectrochemical System (BES) and compared the power output in the BES with and without EE2 as a co-substrate. 78% removal of EE2 was observed in the BES as against 60% removal in suspension flasks. The maximum power density in the BES increased about 53% when EE2 is used as a co-substrate. The EE2 biodegradation studied using HPLC and Q-TOF methods, also proposes a hypothetical pathway for EE2 degradation by the newly isolated strain Rhodopseudomonas palustris MDOC01 and reports the significant metabolites like nicotinic acid and oxoproline being detected during bioelectrochemical treatment process of EE2. Study also suggests that Plasma peroxide treatment of anode material enhanced the overall performance in terms of biodegradation efficiency and power output.

Bilaterally Asymmetrical Becker's Nevus.

Becker's nevus is a main epidermal hypermelanotic condition that usually presents in adolescence, though childhood cases are seen less commonly. Congenital cases have been rarely reported. Nevus is usually unilateral having increased pigmentation and is characterized by hypertrichosis. It usually presents as a patch on back, proximal upper extremities, arms and upper trunk. Becker's Nevus presenting as bilateral asymmetrical patch is rare. A case of 23 year's old male with bilateral hyperpigmentad patch over the back has been reported. The histological exams established the clinical hypothesis of Becker's Nevus.

Bioelectrochemical systems for environmental remediation of estrogens: A review and way forward.

Globally estrogenic pollutants are a cause of concern in wastewaters and water bodies because of their high endocrine disrupting activity leading to extremely negative impacts on humans and other organisms even at very low environmental concentrations. Bioremediation of estrogens has been studied extensively and one technology that has emerged with its promising capabilities is Bioelectrochemical Systems (BESs). Several studies in the past have investigated BESs applications for treatment of wastewaters containing toxic recalcitrant pollutants with a primary focus on improvement of performance of these systems for their deployment in real field applications. But the information is scattered and further the improvements are difficult to achieve for standalone BESs. This review critically examines the various existing treatment technologies for the effective estrogen degradation. The major focus of this paper is on the technological advancements for scaling up of these BESs for the real field applications along with their integration with the existing and conventional wastewater treatment systems. A detailed discussion on few selected microbial species having the unusual properties of heterotrophic nitrification and extraordinary stress response ability to toxic compounds and their degradation has been highlighted. Based on the in-depth study and analysis of BESs, microbes and possible benefits of various treatment methods for estrogen removal, we have proposed a sustainable Hybrid BES-centered treatment system for this purpose as a choice for wastewater treatment. We have also identified three pipeline tasks that reflect the vital parts of the life cycle of drugs and integrated treatment unit, as a way forward to foster bioeconomy along with an approach for sustainable wastewater treatment.

Effectiveness Of Oral Omega 3 In Reducing Mucocutaneous Side Effects Of Oral Isotretinoin In Patients With Acne Vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris has been a common clinical condition. Due to. high prevalence and unclear etio-pathogenesis of acne vulgaris, large number of treatment options have been available across the globe. Limited work has been done to explore the options which may manage or prevent these adverse effects and improve the adherence to the prescribed medications. We therefore conducted this trial to look for effectiveness of oral omega 3 in reducing mucocutaneous side effects of oral isotretinoin in patients with acne vulgaris. OBJECTIVE: To look for effectiveness of oral omega 3 in reducing mucocutaneous side effects of oral isotretinoin in patients with acne vulgaris. It was a randomized control trial conducted at Department of Dermatology Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi. Ten months, June 2019 to May 2020. METHODS: A total of 60 patients of acne vulgaris put on oral isotretinoin by consultant dermatologist were included in the study. Patients were randomized into groups by lottery method. Group A received the placebo along with oral isotretinoin while Group B received oral omega 3 in standard dose in addition to oral isotretinoin. Comparison was made in both the groups regarding common mucocutaneous side effects. RESULTS: Out of 60patients with acne vulgaris and put on isotretinoin included in the study, 26 (43.3%) received placebo in addition to isotretinoin while 34 (56.7%) received omega 3 in addition to isotretinoin. Forty (66.7%) patients were female while 20 (33.3%) were male. Cheilitis 35 (58.3%) was the commonest side effect followed by lip dryness 33 (55%). Application of chi-square test revealed that cheilitis, lip dryness and xerosis were significantly found in more patients who received placebo as compared to those who received omega 3 along with isotretinoin. CONCLUSION: Mucocutaneous side effects were a very common finding among patients of acne vulgaris managed with isotretinoin. Cheilitis was the most reported mucocutaneous side effects among the target population. This RCT demonstrated that omega 3 was superior to placebo in order to prevent or manage cheilitis, xerosis or dry lips.

Analysis of Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Traits (Genetic and Phenotypic) in Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates from Pakistan: Identification of Significant Levels of Carbapenem and Colistin Resistance.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of carbapenem-resistant and hypervirulent hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae strains poses a significant public health challenge. We determined the MDR profiles, antibiotic resistance factors, virulence gene complement, and hypermucoviscous features of 200 clinical K. pneumoniae isolates from two major tertiary care hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. METHODS: Susceptibility profiling and phenotypic analysis were performed according to the CLSI guidelines. Genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance and virulence were detected by PCR. Biofilm formation analysis was performed by microtiter plate assay. RESULTS: The isolates displayed a high degree of antibiotic resistance: 36% MDR-CRKP; 38% carbapenem resistance; 55% gentamicin resistance; 53% ciprofloxacin resistance; and 59% aztreonam resistance. In particular, the level of resistance against fosfomycin (22%) and colistin (15%) is consistent with previous reports of increased resistance levels. Combined resistance to carbapenem and colistin was 7%. Genetic factors associated with colistin resistance (mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes) were detected in 12 and 9% of the isolates, respectively. Significant differences in resistance to gentamicin and levofloxacin were observed between the 200 isolates. Many of the isolates harbored genes specifying extended-spectrum and/or carbapenem-resistant ß-lactamases: bla CTX-M-15 (46%), bla NDM-1 (39%), and bla OXA-48 (24%). The prevalence of the hypermucoviscous phenotype was 22% and 13% of the MDR isolates carried the rmpA gene (regulator for mucoid phenotype). Key virulence factor genes detected include those encoding: porins (ompK35 and ompK36; at 56 and 55% prevalence, respectively); adhesins (fimH, mrkD, and ycfM; at 19, 18, and 22% prevalence, respectively); and the polysaccharide regulator, bss, at 16% prevalence. CONCLUSION: This report highlights carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP) prevalence, emerging resistance to fosfomycin, and the presence of mcr-1 and mcr-2 in colistin-resistant isolates. Further, the detection of rmpA signifies the prevalence of the hypermucoviscous trait in CRKP clinical isolates from Pakistan.

Role Of Intralesional Vitamin-D In Viral Wartse.

BACKGROUND: The study was to look for effectiveness of vitamin D-3 in cutaneous warts in comparison with cryotherapy at dermatology department of Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi. It was a randomized control trial conducted at the Department of dermatology Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi. Ten months, June 2019 to May 2020. METHODS: A total of 50 patients of cutaneous warts diagnosed by consultant dermatologist were included in the study. Patients were randomized into groups by lottery method. Group A received the Intralesional vitamin D 3 while Group B received cryotherapy. Comparison was made in both the groups regarding the response as complete or partial or no resolution of the wart. RESULTS: Out of 50 patients with cutaneous warts on any location of the body, 23 (46%) received intralesional vitamin D3 while 27 (54%) received cryotherapy as allocated treatment. Twenty-four (48%) patients were female while 26 (52%) were male. Planter warts 41 (82%) were the commonest type according to the site of warts followed by palmar 6 (12%). Application of chi-square test revealed that Vitamin D3 was statistically significantly related to complete resolution of warts as compared to cryotherapy (p-value<0.05). CONCLUSION: Cutaneous warts were most commonly seen on the feet of the affected patients. They had a good response to both of the therapies but intralesional vitamin D3 emerged as more effective option of the two in terms of management of these cutaneous warts.

Protocols Of Treatment Of Meningitis In Medical Department: Are There Any?

BACKGROUND: Meningitis, whether viral or bacterial is associated with high mortality rate and risk of severe lifelong disability. Early antibiotics administration and favourable outcomes have been demonstrated by previous studies. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether the patients with suspected meningitis in general medicine department of Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad were being managed according to protocols. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Medical Department of Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad from March 2018-March 2019 in which data was retrospectively collected from the hospital records of all patients with suspected meningitis admitted in Medical Ward. SPSS version 20.0 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Out of 41 patients in the study 19 (51.74%) were male. Viral encephalitis accounted for 23 (56.1%) tuberculous meningitis for 14 (34.1%), and 4 (9.8%) patients had septic meningitis. Lumbar puncture for CSF examination was performed in 38 (92.7%). Out of 41 patients, 19 (46.3%) received a combination of Ceftriaxone, Acyclovir and Dexamethasone, 16 (39.0%) patients received anti tuberculous treatment (ATT), Dexamethasone and Streptomycin combination, 3 (7.35%) patients were given Ceftriaxone (2g) and Dexamethasone and 1 ( 2.45%) patient was given a combination of Ceftriaxone(2gm) along with Vancomycin (1gm) and Dexamethasone; while 2(4.9%) patients were given a combination of Acycolvir and Dexamethasone. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified practice gaps in the management of patients with suspected meningitis according to guidelines, as lumbar puncture and CSF-RE were not timely done and proper laboratory records were not maintained. Secondly blood culture facilities were not available in the hospital.

Successful Use of Renal Replacement Therapy for Refractory Hypokalemia in a Diabetic Ketoacidosis Patient.

A 39-year-old African-American female presented to the emergency department with a seven-day history of right upper quadrant abdominal pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. She was noted to be alert and following commands, but tachypneic with Kussmaul respirations; and initial laboratory testing supported a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hypokalemia. To avoid hypokalemia-induced arrhythmias, insulin administration was withheld until a serum potassium (K) level of 3.3 mEq/L could be achieved. Efforts to increase the patient's potassium level via intravenous repletion were ineffectual; hence, an attempt was made at more aggressive potassium repletion via hemodialysis using a 4 mEq/L K dialysate bath. The patient was started on Aldactone and continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVH) with ongoing low-dose insulin infusion. This regimen was continued over 24 h resulting in normalization of the patient's potassium levels, resolution of acidosis, and improvement in mental status. Upon resolution of her acidemia, the patient was transitioned from insulin infusion to treatment with a subcutaneous insulin aspart and insulin detemir, and did not experience further hypokalemia. Considering our success, we propose CVVH as a tool for potassium repletion when aggressive intravenous (IV) repletion has failed.

Risk Factors Of Chronic Kidney Disease Leading To Dialysis In Patients Presenting At Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad.

BACKGROUND: There has been an immense increase in the incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the last few years globally. Developing countries are more prone to suffer the complications due to greater poverty and higher expenses of treatment. Dialysis has become a routine procedure rather than exception. This study was conducted with the purpose to determine risk factors of CKD patients leading to dialysis. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad (ATH) from December 2018 to April 2019. Patients admitted at the dialysis unit of ATH with the diagnosis of CRF were included. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20.0. RESULTS: Out of 152 CRF patients 99 (65.1%) were males. Majority of patient with CKD were on dialysis for more than 10 months. Out of 152 patients of CRF, 32 (21.1%) were diabetic. Hypertension was previously diagnosed in 148 (97.4.%). CONCLUSION: Hypertension was identified as major cause leading to CRF and subsequently dialysis.