Effects of micro(nano)plastics on soil nutrient cycling: State of the knowledge.

The ecological impacts of micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) have attracted attention worldwide because of their global occurrence, persistence, and environmental risks. Increasing evidence shows that MNPs can affect soil nutrient cycling, but the latest advances on this topic have not systematically reviewed. Here, we aim to present the state of knowledge about the effects of MNPs on soil nutrient cycling, particularly of C, N, and P. Using the latest data, the present review mainly focuses on three aspects, including (1) the effects and underlying mechanisms of MNPs on soil nutrient cycling, particularly of C, N and P, (2) the factors influencing the effects of MNPs on soil nutrient cycling, and (3) the knowledge gaps and future directions. We conclude that MNPs can alter soil nutrient cycling via mediating soil nutrient availability, soil enzyme activities, functional microbial communities, and their potential ecological functions. Furthermore, the effects of MNPs vary with MNPs characteristics (i.e., polymeric type, size, dosage, and shape), chemical additives, soil physicochemical conditions, and soil biota. Considering the complexity of MNP-soil interactions, multi-scale experiments using environmental relevant MNPs are required to shed light on the effects of MNPs on soil nutrients. By learning how MNPs influence soil nutrients cycles, this review can guide policy and management decisions to safeguard soil health and ensure sustainable agriculture and land use practices.

An audit of contrast extravasation in patients undergoing contrast enhanced CTs at radiology department in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To audit the radiology department of a health facility, focusing on contrast extravasations management pre- and post-implementation of a standard protocol. METHODS: The audit was conducted at the Radiology Department of Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan and comprised reported computed tomography contrast extravasation incidents from January 2017 to December 2019 in the retrospective phase before the implementation of a standard protocol. Post-implementation, re-audit was done prospectively to assess compliance from January 2020 to May 2021. Overall score of >80% was chosen arbitrarily as a qualifying standard for adequate documentation. RESULTS: Of the 49 total cases, 26(53%) related to the first phase and 23(47%) to the second. In the first phase, 2(20%) of the 10 parameters cleared the cut-off mark; 'study performed' 25(96%) and 'limb assessment by technician' 26(100%). In the second phase, 2(20%) parameters failed to clear the cut-off mark; site of cannula/extravasation' 18(78.3%) and 'volume of contrast' 15(65%). CONCLUSIONS: Lack of early identification and appropriate management, especially in cases of large-volume extravasation, may result in significant morbidity.

Impact of Age, Gender, post infection and post vaccination status on antibody response in COVID 19 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 spike protein antibodies against coronavirus disease-2019 in post-infection and post-vaccinated individuals. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from June, 1 to July 31, 2021 at the Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar, Pakistan, and comprised subjects of either gender in whom immunogenicity was checked 35 days post-vaccination and 90 days post-infection. Correlation with age and gender was checked. Specimens were collected and investigated for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 spike protein antibodies by consuming electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. RESULTS: Of the total 256 patients enrolled, 70(27.34%) were included; 49(69%) males and 21(29.6%) females. The overall mean age was 44±7.75 years. Among 30(42.8%) patients with positive polymerase chain reaction test, the mean time between the positive test and antibody screening was 90±30 days. Among the 40(57.2%) vaccinated individuals, the time between vaccination and antibody screening was 35±9.74 days. Overall, 68(97%) patients revealed robust positive findings to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 spike proteins antibodies >50IU/mL. Male subjects had significantly higher immunogenic response compared to females (p=0.001), and immunogenicity decreased with advancing age (p<0.001). Also, post-vaccinated patients' antibody response was significant compared to post-infection patients' response (p=0.001). Conclusion: Majority of the patients had significantly higher antibody titers against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 post-infection and post-vaccination. Males and younger individuals developed a significant humoral immunity compared to females and the elderly.

Asymmetric impact of energy consumption on environmental degradation: evidence from Australia, China, and USA.

The goal of this study is to examine the asymmetric impact of disaggregate energy consumption, i.e., oil, gas, coal, and electricity consumption on environmental degradation in Australia, China, and USA. The study uses annual time series data of three courtiers, i.e., Australia, China, and USA from 1975 to 2018 and applies nonlinear ARDL (NARDL) model to examine the long run and short run relationship. Results show that an increase in oil and coal consumption in Australia; oil, gas, and electricity consumption in China; and oil, coal, and gas consumption in USA leads to increase in the carbon dioxide emissions in the long run. However, a decrease in oil, gas, and electricity consumption in Australia; oil and electricity consumption in China; and coal, gas, and electricity consumption in USA reduces carbon dioxide emissions in the long run. Research and development centers are required to control pollution through new technologies, while to reduce emissions use renewable energy resources as a source of energy.

Energy consumption and environmental quality in South Asia: evidence from panel non-linear ARDL.

The objective of this study is to estimate the non-linear effect of energy consumption i.e. oil, gas, electricity, and coal consumption on CO2 emission in South Asian countries. The study uses annual panel data of three South Asian countries i.e. Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan from 1985 to 2017 and applies panel non-linear ARDL methodology to examine the long-run and short-run relationship. Results show that an increase in gas, electricity, coal, and electricity consumption leads to an increase in the carbon dioxide emission, whereas decrease in electricity and coal consumption reduces the carbon dioxide emissions in the long run. Non-linear relationship exists between electricity consumption and CO2 emissions as well as between coal consumption and CO2 emissions in South Asian countries in the long run. Results of short run dynamics of individual countries show that non-linear relationship exists between oil consumption and CO2 emissions, electricity consumption and CO2 emissions, and coal consumption and CO2 emissions in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Research and development centers are required to control pollution through new technologies, while discourage to use higher electricity and coal consumption as a source of energy for a healthier environment.