Analyzing vegetation health dynamics across seasons and regions through NDVI and climatic variables

This study assesses the relationships between vegetation dynamics and climatic variations in Pakistan from 2000 to 2023. Employing high-resolution Landsat data for Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) assessments, integrated with climate variables from CHIRPS and ERA5 datasets, our approach leverages Google Earth Engine (GEE) for efficient processing. It combines statistical methodologies, including linear regression, Mann-Kendall trend tests, Sen's slope estimator, partial correlation, and cross wavelet transform analyses. The findings highlight significant spatial and temporal variations in NDVI, with an annual increase averaging 0.00197 per year (p < 0.0001). This positive trend is coupled with an increase in precipitation by 0.4801 mm/year (p = 0.0016). In contrast, our analysis recorded a slight decrease in temperature (- 0.01011 °C/year, p < 0.05) and a reduction in solar radiation (- 0.27526 W/m2/year, p < 0.05). Notably, cross-wavelet transform analysis underscored significant coherence between NDVI and climatic factors, revealing periods of synchronized fluctuations and distinct lagged relationships. This analysis particularly highlighted precipitation as a primary driver of vegetation growth, illustrating its crucial impact across various Pakistani regions. Moreover, the analysis revealed distinct seasonal patterns, indicating that vegetation health is most responsive during the monsoon season, correlating strongly with peaks in seasonal precipitation. Our investigation has revealed Pakistan's complex association between vegetation health and climatic factors, which varies across different regions. Through cross-wavelet analysis, we have identified distinct coherence and phase relationships that highlight the critical influence of climatic drivers on vegetation patterns. These insights are crucial for developing regional climate adaptation strategies and informing sustainable agricultural and environmental management practices in the face of ongoing climatic changes.

A new anti-inflammatory lupane in Ziziphus jujuba (L.) Gaertn. var. hysudrica Edgew

Objectives

To investigate extracts of the stem bark of Ziziphus jujuba (L.) Gaertn. var. hysudrica Edgew. (Rhamnaceae) for anti-inflammatory activity and isolate the active principle(s).

Methods

The dry powder was macerated separately in three types of solvents to prepare methanol extract (ME), ethyl acetate extract (EE), and chloroform extract (CE). Following in vitro anti-inflammatory screening, the most active extract was selected to isolate the active compound. Both, the active extract and isolated compound were further tested on rats using the carrageenan-induced inflammation model. The blood and paw tissue were subjected to qPCR, and histopathology, respectively.

Key findings

CE showed comparatively higher anti-inflammatory activity (85.0-95.0 %) in all in vitro assays, except the heat-induced membrane stabilization model (p < 0.05), and upon column chromatography, it yielded a pure crystalline compound. The compound was a pentacyclic triterpenoid (Lupane), named as hydroxymethyl (3β)-3-methyl-lup-20(29)-en-28-oate (Hussainate). CE (500 mg/kg) and Hussainate (1.0 mg/kg) reduced edema in 5 h after carrageenan administration. The activity of Hussainate was found to be comparable to that of dexamethasone (standard). The possible activity mechanism was the downregulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-II), NF-κB, and IL-1β.

Conclusions

This study reveals that chloroform extract of the stem's bark of Z. jujuba may be used to prepare standardized anti-inflammatory herbal products using Hussainate as an active analytical marker. Hussainate may be used as a lead to develop anti-inflammatory drugs.

Identification of novel inhibitors against VP40 protein of Marburg virus by integrating molecular modeling and dynamics approaches

Marburg virus (MV) is a highly etiological agent of haemorrhagic fever in humans and has spread across the world. Its outbreaks caused a 23-90% human death rate. However, there are currently no authorized preventive or curative measures yet. VP40 is the MV matrix protein, which builds protein shell underneath the viral envelope and confers hallmark filamentous. VP40 alone is able to induce assembly and budding of filamentous virus-like particles (VLPs), which resemble authentic virions. As a result, this research is credited with clarifying the function of VP40 and leading to the discovery of new therapeutic targets effective in combating MV disease (MVD). Virtual screening, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation were used to find the putative active chemicals based on a 3D pharmacophore model of the protein's active site cavity. Initially, andrographidine-C, a potent inhibitor was selected for the development of the pharmacophore model. Later, a library of 30,000 compounds along with the andrographidine-C was docked against VP40 protein. Three best hits including avanafil, diuvaretin and macrourone were subjected to further MD simulation analysis, as these compounds had better binding affinities as compared to andrographidine-C. Furthermore, throughout the 100 ns simulations, the back bone of VP40 protein in presence of avanafil, diuvaretin and macrourone remained stable which was further validated by MM-PBSA analysis. Additionally, all of these compounds depict maximum drug-like properties. The predicted drugs based on the ligand, avanafil, diuvaretin and macrourone could be exploited and developed as an alternative or complementary therapy for the treatment of MVD.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

CstPIF4 Integrates Temperature and Circadian Signals and Interacts with CstMYB16 to Repress Anthocyanins in Crocus

Crocus sativus has emerged as an important crop because it is the only commercial source of saffron that contains unique apocarotenoids. Saffron is composed of dried stigmas of Crocus flower and constitutes the most priced spice of the world. Crocus floral organs are dominated by different classes of metabolites. While stigmas are characterized by the presence of apocarotenoids, tepals are rich in flavonoids and anthocyanins. Therefore, an intricate regulatory network might play a role in allowing different compounds to dominate in different organs. Work so far done on Crocus is focussed on apocarotenoid metabolism and its regulation. There are no reports describing the regulation of flavonoids and anthocyanins in Crocus tepals. In this context, we identified an R2R3 transcription factor, CstMYB16, which resembles subgroup 4 (SG4) repressors of Arabidopsis. CstMYB16 is nuclear localized and acts as a repressor. Overexpression of CstMYB16 in Crocus downregulated anthocyanin biosynthesis. The C2/EAR motif was responsible for the repressor activity of CstMYB16. CstMYB16 binds to the promoter of the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway gene (LDOX) and reduces its expression. CstMYB16 also physically interacts with CstPIF4, which in turn is regulated by temperature and circadian clock. Thus, CstPIF4 integrates these signals and forms a repressor complex with CstMYB16, which is involved in the negative regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in Crocus. Independent of CstPIF4, CstMYB16 also represses CstPAP1 expression, which is a component of the MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) complex and positively controls anthocyanin biosynthesis. This is the first report on identifying and describing regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis in Crocus.

Pharmacological activities of Artemisia absinthium and control of hepatic cancer by expression regulation of TGFβ1 and MYC genes

Plant derived compounds have always been an important source of medicines and have received significant attention in recent years due to their diverse pharmacological properties. Millions of plant-based herbal or traditional medicines are used to cure various types of cancers especially due to activation of proliferative genes. The aim of the present study was to characterize the altered and attenuated gene expression of the selected growth factor namely Transforming growth factor Beta -1 (TGFβ1) and MYC in human hepatoma-derived (Huh7) liver cancer cell lines in response to extracts of Artemisia absinthium dissolved in selected organic solvents. Ethanolic, methanolic and acetone extract of different plant parts (leaf, stem and flowers) was used to access the antiproliferative activity by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assay. Quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR revealed that the transcript levels of TGFβ1 are induced in the samples treated with methanolic extract of Artemisia absinthium. Furthermore, reduced expression levels of MYC gene was noticed in cancerous cells suggesting antiproliferative properties of the plant. This study further highlights the resistance profile of various microbes by antimicrobial susceptibility test with plant extracts. In addition, antidiabetic effect of Artemisia absinthium have also shown positive results. Our study elucidates the potentials of Artemisia absinthium as a medicinal plant, and highlights the differential expression of genes involved in its mitogenic and anti-proliferative activity with a brief account of its pharmacological action.

Analyzing the role of green innovation and public-private partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals: a novel policy framework

The environment's quality is the cornerstone for every country's long-term growth. Pakistan, like other countries, is embracing modern, efficient technologies to build a sustainable environment following the SDGs. In this situation, policymakers and experts have emphasized more on environmental factors. To do this, the study explores the impact of green innovation (GI), public-private partnerships in energy (PPP), energy use (EU), economic development (ED), and power prices (PP) on CO2 emissions in Pakistan from 1980 to 2019. The research uses a novel econometric technique for estimating environmental factors, notably the dynamic autoregressive distributed lag simulations (ARDLS) model and spectral frequency domain causality (SFDC), to examine positive and negative shocks for the prediction of the short-, medium-, and long-run impact of selected determinants, respectively. Additionally, robustness checks were performed using the fully modified OLS (FMOLS), dynamic OLS (DOLS), and canonical cointegrating regression (CCR) estimations. The short and long-term empirical findings indicate that GI lowers emissions; nevertheless, PPP, EU, and ED have a significant impact on emissions in the short run, while the EU increases emissions in the long run. PP, on the other hand, reduces emissions both short and long-term. The FMOLS, DOLS, and CCR estimations indicate significant discoveries. Additionally, the SFDC finding supports the long, medium, and short-term causation theories. This research advocates green innovation for a greener manufacturing process and PPP investment in renewable energy. In addition, the Pakistani government considers these variables while designing a comprehensive protracted environmental plan to meet SDGs 7 and 13.

First insight into seasonal variability of urban air quality of northern Pakistan: An emerging issue associated with health risks in Karakoram-Hindukush-Himalaya region

There is a dire need of air quality monitoring in the high-mountain areas of Karakoram-Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HKH) region, particularly related to the recent activities undergoing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This study presents the first baseline monitoring and evaluation findings from Gilgit city, Gilgit-Baltistan. Hourly data collection for air quality parameters (PM_2.5, NO, NO₂, SO₂, O₃ and CO) were measured using air-pointer (recordum, Austria) from 1 Jan 2018 to 31 Mar 2018 (winter) and 1 Jun 2018 to 31 Aug 2018 (summer). Our findings depict PM_2.5 health limits were crossed in the winter season, while NO, NO₂ and SO₂ remained below their health limits. O₃ and CO showed a rising trend in summer months, crossing the 8-h health limits during the season. Seasonal correlation in meteorology found an inverse relationship between most parameters and temperatures; reverse was true for O₃ and CO. In parallel, thermal optical carbon analysis filter-based sampling characterized air quality into mass concentrations of PM_2.5, organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC) and various heavy metals. Filter-based PM_2.5 correlated well with analyzer-based PM_2.5 for all months that were studied, except February and March 2018. PM_2.5, OC and EC were higher in summer as compared to winter, whereas higher heavy metal contributions were measured predominantly during summer. Health impacts were found to be above health limits for Ni in children only. Furthermore, principal component analysis-multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR) technique was applied to determine source apportionment, confirming the role of biomass burning in winters, and vehicular emissions in summers, highlighting the need for flexible monitoring of technologies/approaches, and communications among the various public, private agencies, and all relevant stakeholders.

[Profiling of Targeted miRNAs (8-nt) for the Genes Involved in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiac Hypertrophy]

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and cardiac hypertrophy (CH) are among the top ten leading cause of deaths, worldwide. T2DM and cardiac hypertrophy are the chronic diseases, have close association and direct life-threatening complications like stroke, myocardial infarction, retinopathy, nephropathy, and limb amputation. In addition to other medical approaches, miRNAs-based strategy is considered most efficient for early detection of chronic diseases and also has potential for the treatment of T2DM and cardiac hypertrophy like it is being used for cancer in clinical trials. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single stranded (non-coding) of 20 to 22 nucleotides sequences which bind to their target mRNA upon the complimentary basis, to silence the protein expression at post transcriptional level. Bioinformatic databases are used like online mendelian inheritance in man (OMIM), gene testing registry (GTR), TargetScan and ShinyGO for validation of disease linked genes and sorting the common miRNAs in both diseases, such as miR-30-5p/101-3p.2/190-5p/506-3p/9-5p/128-3p/137/96-5p/7-5p/107/101-3p.1/98-5p/124-3p.2/124-3p.116-5p/15-5p/497-5p/ 424-5p/195-5p/1271-5p, let-7-5p. Aforementioned databases were also used for the miRNAs which have more than one disease linked genes target in each pathological condition. Such miRNAs for cardiac hypertrophy are: miR-19-3p/183-5p.2/153-3p/372-3p/302-3p/520-3p/373-3p/129-5p/144-3p/139-5p and for T2DM are: miR-27-3p/206/1-3p/181-5p. This finding would be helpful for the appropriate selection of miRNAs and to design applicable research project in future. It will require more validation by using the miRNAs expression analysis, mimic, and anti-miRNA approach to check their potential against cardiac hypertrophy and T2DM.

Occurrence and Distribution of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus Infecting Tomato Crop in Saudi Arabia

During the growing season of 2021-2022, a total of 145 symptomatic tomato leaf and fruit samples were collected from different locations in Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia, showing a moderate-to-severe mosaic with dark green wrinkling, blistering, narrowing, and deformation with necrosis spot on tomato leaves, while irregular brown necrotic lesions, deformation, and yellowing spots rendering the fruits non-marketable were observed on tomato fruits. These samples were tested serologically against important tomato viruses using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the obtained results showed that 52.4% of symptomatic tomato samples were found positive for Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), wherein 12 out of 76 samples were singly infected; however, 64 out of 145 had mixed infection. A sample with a single infection of ToBRFV was used for mechanical inoculation into a range of different host plants; symptoms were observed weekly, and the presence of the ToBRFV was confirmed by ELISA and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A total RNA was extracted from selected ELISA-positive samples, and RT-PCR was carried out using specific primers F-3666 and R-4718, which amplified a fragment of 1052 bp. RT-PCR products were sequenced in both directions, and partial genome nucleotide sequences were submitted to GenBank under the following accession numbers: MZ130501, MZ130502, and MZ130503. BLAST analysis of Saudi isolates of ToBRFV showed that the sequence shared nucleotide identities (99-99.5%) among them and 99-100% identity with ToBRFV isolates in different countries. A ToBRFV isolate (MZ130503) was selected for mechanical inoculation and to evaluate symptom severity responses of 13 commonly grown tomato cultivars in Saudi Arabia. All of the tomato cultivars showed a wide range of symptoms. The disease severity index of the tested cultivars ranged between 52% and 96%. The importance ToBRFV disease severity and its expanding host range due to its resistance breaking ability was discussed.

Interaction estimation of pathogenicity determinant protein βC1 encoded by Cotton leaf curl Multan Betasatellite with Nicotiana benthamiana Nuclear Transport Factor 2

Background

Begomovirus is one of the most devastating pathogens that can cause more than 90% yield loss in various crop plants. The pathogenicity determinant βC1, located on the betasatellite associated with monopartite begomoviruses, alters the host signaling mechanism to enhance the viral disease phenotype by undermining the host immunity. The understanding of its interacting proteins in host plants to develop disease symptoms such as curly leaves, enations, vein swelling, and chlorosis is crucial to enhance the disease resistance in crop plants. The current study was designed to reveal the contribution of βC1 in disease pathogenicity and to unveil potential interacting partners of βC1 protein in the model plant Nicotiana benthamiana.

Methods

The βC1 gene was cloned in pGKBT7 and used as bait against the cDNA library of N. benthamiana and its pathogenesis was tested against the healthy plant and the plants infiltrated with empty vectors. The yeast two-hybrid-based screening was performed to find the interacting factors. Successful interacting proteins were screened and evaluated in various steps and confirmed by sequence analysis. The three-dimensional structure of the Nuclear Transport Factor 2 (NTF2) protein was predicted, and in-silico protein-protein interaction was evaluated. Furthermore, protein sequence alignment and molecular phylogenetic analysis were carried out to identify its homologues in other related families. In-silico analyses were performed to validate the binding affinity of βC1 protein with NTF2. The 3D model was predicted by using I-TASSER and then analyzed by SWISS MODEL-Workspace, RAMPAGE, and Verify 3D. The interacting amino acid residues of βC1 protein with NTF2 were identified by using PyMOL and Chimera.

Results

The agroinfiltrated leaf samples developed severe phenotypic symptoms of virus infection. The yeast-two-hybrid study identified the NTF2 as a strong interacting partner of the βC1. The NTF2 in Solanaceae and Nicotiana was found to be evolved from the Brassica and Gossypium species. The in-silico interaction studies showed a strong binding affinity with releasing energy value of -730.6 KJ/mol, and the involvement of 10 amino acids from the middle portion towards the C-terminus and five amino acid residues from the middle portion of βC1 to interact with six amino acids of NTF2. The study not only provided an insight into the molecular mechanism of pathogenicity but also put the foundation stone to develop the resistance genotypes for commercial purposes and food security.

Development of a refugee health assessment toolkit for specific populations to support primary care

Issue/problem

The United Kingdom (UK) hosts c.136,000 refugees and last year received the most asylum applications in two decades. Despite this, expertise in migrant health is not widespread in general practice, with few comprehensive toolkits available to support crucial initial health assessments of new arrivals.

Description of the problem

A large influx of Afghan refugees entered the UK in autumn 2021. In London, primary care practitioners quickly identified a lack of readily accessible, comprehensive guidance to support them in conducting health assessments for arrivals with a complex range of needs. This was compounded by many in primary care having little or no experience of migrant health.

Results

To address this gap in advice on conducting initial health assessments, a bespoke toolkit was created. The toolkit consolidated advice from a range of partners and resources: the UK Afghan migrant health guide, clinicians with humanitarian experience, front-line practitioners, Doctors of the World, and those leading on the health and public health response. The toolkit ensured greater consistency in the nature and content of assessments, considered not only primary needs but also broader wellbeing, and was responsive to both anticipated and known health priorities.

Lessons

The initial health assessment toolkit for Afghan migrants was well received by frontline staff and has implications for international practice in other areas providing similar health support. The toolkit and associated supporting information has formed a template that can be rapidly adapted to suit emerging needs, as has been done for new arrivals from Ukraine. This work has fed into best practice by the UK National Asylum Steering Group and is to be a case study for a WHO project on country-specific health assessments.

Key messages

• The toolkit is a proof of concept for partnership working towards holistic initial health assessments of new migrants in primary care, bringing together best evidence and pragmatic practice.

• This work has implications for other countries experiencing similar trends in migration and providing health support to an increasing number of new refugees.

Speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with systemic sclerosis: a meta-analysis

Background

Myocardial dysfunction is well established in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The utility of standard echocardiography is limited to detect the onset of myocardial dysfunction. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and strain imaging has emerged as a useful technique to quantify left ventricle hemodynamics and myocardial function in early stages of myocardial dysfunction. We aimed to systematically analyze the existing literature on the application of STE and strain analysis in identifying SSc associated myocardial dysfunction

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were queried for studies from the inception of the databases to 2022. Case control studies that used 2D STE for assessment of strain in SSc patients and controls, were included for the analysis. PRISMA guidelines were followed for selections of studies. Two independent reviewers extracted data. Analysis was done using Cochrane Review Manager 5.0.

Results

Total of 19 studies were included in the analysis that compared strain analysis in SSc patient's vs healthy controls. Of the 16 studies that reported left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain, we found significantly lower LV global longitudinal strain in SSc patients (mean difference 1.92; 95% CI 0.98–2.87). Six studies reported LV circumferential strain which was noted to be lower in SSc patients compared to healthy controls (mean difference 3.55; 95% CI 1.60–5.51). Five studies reported LV global radial strain with a similar decrease in radial strain among SSc patients compared to controls (mean difference 4.39; 95% CI −6.95 to −1.83). 10 studies reported right ventricular longitudinal strain with a decrease in longitudinal strain in SSc patient's vs controls (mean difference 2.57; 95% CI 2.03–3.12).

Conclusions

SSc patients have lower strain values compared to controls, which is suggestive of an impaired myocardial function in left and right ventricle. Strain analysis by STE could help with early detection of myocardial dysfunction.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Identification and molecular characterization of cotton leaf curl Gezira betasatellite and two distinct begomoviruses infecting papaya trees in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Begomovirus is the largest genus in the family Geminiviridae and constitutes more than 445 virus species. Begomoviruses are characterized by single-stranded circular genomes with monopartite or bipartite components and transmitted by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). Begomoviruses cause severe diseases in many economically important crops throughout the world. Typical symptoms of a begomovirus infection including severe leaf curling, vein thickening, vein darkening and reduced leaf size were observed in papaya plants in the Dammam district of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia during the growing season in 2022. A total of 10 samples were collected, and total genomic DNA was isolated from naturally infected papaya tree samples and subjected to PCR amplification using universal diagnostic primers for begomoviruses and associated satellites. Three PCR-amplified genomic components of begomoviruses and betasatellite namely P61Begomo (645 bp), P62Begomo (341 bp) and P62Beta (563 bp) were sent for Sanger DNA sequencing to Macrogen Inc. These partial viral genome sequences were submitted to Genbank database and accession numbers ON206051, ON206052 and ON206050 were assigned to P61Begomo, P62Begomo and P62Beta respectively. Phylogenetic analysis and pairwise nucleotide sequence identity studies identified P61Begomo was identified as Tomato yellow leaf curl virus, P62Begomo as DNA A component of a bipartite begomovirus Watermelon chlorotic stunt virus and P62Beta as begomovirus associated betasatellite; Cotton leaf curl Gezira betasatellite. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a begomovirus complex infecting papaya (Carica papaya) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

CstMYB14 links ROS signaling, apocarotenoid metabolism, and stress response in Crocus sativus L

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) behave as signaling molecules and induce biosynthesis of many secondary metabolites, including apocarotenoids, which play critical roles in stress tolerance through radical scavenging. However, the mechanism that regulates ROS responsive apocarotenoid metabolism and subsequent stress response is unknown. In this study, an R2R3-MYB transcription factor (CstMYB14) was identified from Crocus sativus L., which acts as a regulator of apocarotenoid biosynthesis. CstMYB14 expression increases in response to H₂ O₂ in a concentration and time-dependent manner. CstMYB14 localizes to the nucleus and acts as a transcriptional activator. Over-expression of CstMYB14 in Crocus stigmas enhanced apocarotenoid biosynthesis. Yeast-one-hybrid demonstrated binding of CstMYB14 to promoters of two apocarotenoid pathway genes (phytoene synthase and carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 2). Nicotiana benthamiana plants overexpressing CstMYB14 showed better growth and higher stress tolerance than wild type plants. Higher antioxidant activity in CstMYB14-Ox plants indicated that stress tolerance might be due to ROS scavenging. These results establish a molecular link between ROS signaling, apocarotenoid metabolism and stress tolerance. Further, CstMYB14 is shown to act as a key regulator which modulates ROS responsive biosynthesis of apocarotenoids which in turn impart stress tolerance through ROS scavenging.

Pediatric Anthropometrics: An Observational Study from Indus Medical College, Tando Muhammad Khan, Sindh, Pakistan

Background: Children constitute a big proportion of human population and they are the future of any nation so their health is of prime importance. Child health care has the special focus in the health care policy of any system. . Study Place, Duration and Design: The current research was an observation study conducted during July to December 2021 in Pediatric outpatient department at Indus Medical College Hospital Tando Muhammad Khan. Methods: Consent was taken from parents and demographic data and anthropometric measurements were carried out and recorded on prepared proforma, frequency and percentage was calculated for various parameters Results: There were 956 children evaluated for anthropometric parameters out of which male were 637(66.63%) and females were 319(43.37%). The weight was normal in 603(63.10%), Low in 332(34.73%) and above normal in 21(2.20%) children. The height was seen normal 713(74.5%), short stature was seen in 201(21%) and 42(4.5%) children were taller. Conclusion: Various abnormalities in weight and height of study children were observed.

Biliary Atresia: GGT vs Histopathology as Diagnostic Tool

Background: Biliary Atresia (BA) also known as "progressive obliterative cholangiopathy" is one of the most common conditions requiring pediatric liver transplant and the most common surgically treatable cause of neonatal cholestasis. Associated malformations are present in 25% of cases and it is most common in East Asia, with incidence reported as high as one in 5,000. BA presents with cholestatic Jaundice, initially indistinguishable from physiological jaundice. Symptoms include progressive cholestasis, causing yellowing of the skin, pruritis, pale stools, dark urine. Methods: This study is a Cross sectional study conducted at the Department of Pediatric Medicine, The Children’s Hospital & Institute of Child’s Health, Lahore in the duration of 6 months (2018-2019), after approval from the Institution’s Review Board. All patients of age ≤ 14 months, presenting in pediatric emergency with cholestatic jaundice and fulfilling inclusion criteria were included in this study. Results: In our study a total of 150 cases were enrolled. The mean age of patients in months was 7.13 ± 3.81. The male to female ratio of the patients was 1.3:1, 86(57.33%) males and 64(42.67%) females. The results showed that the mean initial observation of jaundice was 8.54 ± 3.89 days with minimum and maximum duration of 2 & 15 days, respectively. In our study the mean GGT level of the patients was 303.13 ± 58.53. In our study, on the basis of GGT level BA was diagnosed positive in 83 cases and negative in 67 cases, which was exceptionally consistent with the gold standard i.e. histopathology  which diagnosed 82 cases as positive for BA and labelled 68 cases negative. Conclusion: Serum GGT elevated levels are suggestive of biliary atresia.

186 Thyroid Monitoring for Patients Born After the Chernobyl Disaster Within the Blast Radius: A Literature Review

Aim

There is a well-documented increase in incidence of thyroid cancer in individuals living within the blast radius at the time of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Following a case encountered in our clinical practice of a patient born within the blast radius but after the blast itself, we aimed to evaluate the evidence of increased thyroid cancer within such a cohort.

Method

We reviewed the existing literature for evidence for or against an increase in thyroid cancer in this population group. Identified articles were reviewed and appraised, evaluating the evidence for any possible increase in incidence.

Results

Very few papers looked at risk in such a population, but those identified suggested no increase in risk of thyroid cancer in individuals born within the radius, after the blast.

Conclusions

We conclude there is little evidence supporting routine monitoring for individuals born within the blast radius after the blast, and as such this should be included in the British Thyroid Association guidelines.

Mechanical and Microstructural Characterization of Quarry Rock Dust Incorporated Steel Fiber Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete and Residual Properties after Exposure to Elevated Temperatures

The purpose of this research is to study the effects of quarry rock dust (QRD) and steel fibers (SF) inclusion on the fresh, mechanical, and microstructural properties of fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (SG)-based geopolymer concrete (GPC) exposed to elevated temperatures. Such types of ternary mixes were prepared by blending waste materials from different industries, including QRD, SG, and FA, with alkaline activator solutions. The multiphysical models show that the inclusion of steel fibers and binders can enhance the mechanical properties of GPC. In this study, a total of 18 different mix proportions were designed with different proportions of QRD (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) and steel fibers (0.75% and 1.5%). The slag was replaced by different proportions of QRD in fly ash, and SG-based GPC mixes to study the effect of QRD incorporation. The mechanical properties of specimens, i.e., compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength, were determined by testing cubes, cylinders, and prisms, respectively, at different ages (7, 28, and 56 days). The specimens were also heated up to 800 °C to evaluate the resistance of specimens to elevated temperature in terms of residual compressive strength and weight loss. The test results showed that the mechanical strength of GPC mixes (without steel fibers) increased by 6–11%, with an increase in QRD content up to 15% at the age of 28 days. In contrast, more than 15% of QRD contents resulted in decreasing the mechanical strength properties. Incorporating steel fibers in a fraction of 0.75% by volume increased the compressive, tensile, and flexural strength of GPC mixes by 15%, 23%, and 34%, respectively. However, further addition of steel fibers at 1.5% by volume lowered the mechanical strength properties. The optimal mixture of QRD incorporated FA-SG-based GPC (QFS-GPC) was observed with 15% QRD and 0.75% steel fibers contents considering the performance in workability and mechanical properties. The results also showed that under elevated temperatures up to 800 °C, the weight loss of QFS-GPC specimens persistently increased with a consistent decrease in the residual compressive strength for increasing QRD content and temperature. Furthermore, the microstructure characterization of QRD blended GPC mixes were also carried out by performing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).

The role of thalidomide in dermatology

Thalidomide is a medication that has been in existence for over half a century, and has proven to be useful and effective in severe dermatological conditions. For dermatologists, the ability of thalidomide to reduce the levels of the cytokine tumour necrosis factor-α, along with its immunomodulatory and anti-angiogenic properties, is of great significance, with the added advantage of being an oral medication. Its use is of course strictly monitored, owing to its potential adverse effects (AEs), particularly teratogenicity, with precautions taken to ensure its safe and correct use by both prescriber and patient. In this review, we look at the background and mechanism of action of thalidomide, provide an overview of conditions it can be used for with case examples, explain the potential AEs and monitoring requirements, and discuss future developments.

1537 Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising in A Maxillary Odontogenic Keratocyst in Gorlin Goltz Syndrome - A Rare Case Report

Introduction

Gorlin Goltz syndrome (GGS) is a rare, hereditary, AD condition with multiple BCCs, odontogenic keratocysts (Jaw cysts), calcification of falx cerebri, skeletal anomalies & a predisposition to neoplasms like medulloblastomas, fibromas and rhabdomyosarcomas.

Aim

We present a rare case of a Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) developing in a Maxillary odontogenic keratocyst in a 32-year male with GGS.

Discussion

This patient was referred to the OMFS unit with a non-healing UL3 extraction socket and exophytic growth. Initial biopsies suggested an atypical squamo-proliferative lesion, however a repeat biopsy demonstrated an invasive SCC arising from a background odontogenic keratocyst of the maxilla. He was initially reluctant to undergo a staging CT scan to avoid risks of developing further BCCs due to IR exposure. This was eventually performed as per H&N MDT recommendation & showed a T4aN0M0 SCC of the left maxilla and bilateral multiple mandibular odontogenic keratocysts. He underwent a left maxillectomy, left neck dissection & reconstruction with a DCIA free flap, but did not want his mandibular keratocysts treated at the same time. Complete tumour clearance was achieved with no involved neck nodes & he remains disease-free at 4 months postoperatively. Although for a T4 tumour he would have needed postoperative radiotherapy, in view of the GGS, no adjuvant treatment was indicated.

Conclusions

SCC developing in a maxillary OKC is exceedingly rare with only two previous cases reported in GG syndrome. This is the first reported case of a GGS patient with oral SCC undergoing a complex free flap reconstruction.

Morphological and palynological assessment of taxonomically problematic genus Paspalum based on light and scanning electron microscopy

Present research work was carried out to clarify the variations among species of genus Paspalum morphologically and palynologically as this genus is taxonomically difficult due to having multiple similar morphologically overlapping characters which make it difficult to identify. Henceforth present research work was carried out to delimit taxa within the same genus by morphological and palynological tools through light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both these tools are considered as the most useful taxonomic characters for taxonomically problematic genera. The results showed a lot of variations among morphological characters. In Paspalum dilatatum, the upper glume was ovate whereas in the other two species, the upper glume was elliptic. The upper glume apex found in P. dilatatum and Paspalum scrobiculatum was obtuse whereas in Paspalum distichum, upper glume apex was acute. Glume nerves showed variation in all three species. Paspalum distichum was 3 nerved, P. scrobiculatum was 5-7 nerved, and P. dilatatum was 5-9 nerved. All three species showed variation in lemma nerves. Paspalum scrobiculatum had 3 nerved lemma whereas in P. distichum 3-5 nerved and P. dilatatum 5-9 nerved lemma were present. In polar and equatorial view, pollen grains ranged from 25 (20-30) to 37.5 (30-45) μm. Paspalum distichum appeared to be the smallest in size whereas P. dilatatum was the largest. Exine thickness ranged from 0.75 (0.5-1) to 1.35 (1.2-1.5) μm. The higher value of pollen fertility was found in P. scrobiculatum as 87.69% and the lowest value was in P. distichum as 78.08%. Morphological keys were also given for correct identification.

Effects on egg production and quality of supplementing drinking water with calcium and magnesium

This study was conducted to appraise the effects on egg quality and production performance of laying hens when drinking water was supplemented with calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). A total of 384 (64-week-old) Hy-line Brown laying hens were assigned at random to four treatments, which consisted of CON: unsupplemented drinking water; T1: drinking water + 2 mg/L Ca + 250 mg/L Mg; T2: drinking water + 4 mg/L Ca + 510 mg/L Mg /10 L; and T3: drinking water + 5 mg/L Ca and 760 mg/L Mg. The experiment lasted six weeks. Water intake increased linearly in week 1 with the rising levels of Ca and Mg in the drinking water. Increasing the Ca and Mg levels improved eggshell strength (week 2 (P =0.01), week 5 (P =0.01), and week 6 (P = 0.03), and eggshell thickness (week 6) (P =0.02) and reduced the rate at which eggs were broken (week 4) (P =0.01). The supplemental Ca and Mg did not affect egg production, egg weight, Haugh unit, albumen height, eggshell colour, and yolk colour compared with CON. Nor did they influence the Haugh unit and albumen height after storing for 1, 5, 10 and 15 days. In conclusion, adding Ca and Mg to the drinking water increased the thickness and strength of the eggshells.

Micro morphological foliar taxonomic studies of genus Paspalum based on scanning electron microscopy

Paspalum is one of the 10 largest genera in Poaceae and is considered as a complex and taxonomically difficult genus due to its similar morphological characters within the species which makes it difficult to delimit taxa within the same genus. The current research work establishes the distinction among species of this genus and resolves taxonomic confusions among this genus. And this distinction is done by micro morphological foliar anatomical characterization by light and scanning electron microscopy. Both the abaxial and adaxial epidermal cuticles of three different species of genus Paspalum were studied and their phytoliths were observed through elemental dispersive spectrophotometric analysis by SEM first time in Pakistan. Results showed great variation in studied anatomical features. P. dilatatum Poir. was comprised of macro-hairs in the intercostal regions only whereas no macro-hairs were found in P. distichum Linn. and P. scrobiculatum Linn. Beak-shaped prickles were found in the intercostal regions on adaxial surface only in P. distichum Linn. and P. scrobiculatum Linn. whereas in P. dilatatum Poir., knife-shaped prickles were present in intercostal regions only on both abaxial and adaxial surfaces of leaf epidermis. No papillae were seen in P. dilatatum Poir whereas in P. distichum Linn. and P. scrobiculatum Linn. papillae were found abundantly. In genus paspalum, P. dilatatum Poir. phytoliths showed lowest mass percentage of silicon as 15.13% whereas P. distichum Linn. phytoliths showed highest mass percentage of silicon as 22.00%. Based on micro morphological foliar characteristics a taxonomic key of studied species is also provided to delimit the taxa.

Monitoring of copper accumulation in water, soil, forage, and cows impacted by heavy automobiles in Sargodha, Pakistan

The instant endeavor was undertaken to monitor copper (Cu) contents in water, soil, forage, and cow's blood impacted by heavy automobiles in Sahiwal town of district Sargodha, Pakistan. The samples were collected in triplicates with a total of 120 soil and water samples with corresponding forage samples. For the analysis of metal concentration in cows, 60 blood samples were collected from the cows feeding on these forages on selected sites. Metal contents were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results showed that water samples contained mean values of Cu concentration ranged from 1.01 to 0.444 mg/kg at all sites. It was maximum at site 3 and minimum at site 6. The soil samples of all the forage fields showed Cu mean values concentration ranged from 1.94 to 0.286 mg/kg at all sites. It was maximum in Trifolium alexandrinum grown field at site 2, and minimum in Avena sativa at site 2. All the forage samples showed the mean value of Cu concentration ranged from 0.151 to 1.86 mg/kg at all sites. The concentration of Cu was maximum in Zea mays grown at site 5 and minimum in Trifolium alexandrinum at site 4. The cow blood samples showed the mean concentration of Cu ranged from 1.368 to 0.53 mg/kg at all sites. It was maximum at site 2 and minimum at site 6. Owing to the results of pollution index and transfer factors, metal content was found to be in permissible range in forages as well as animal samples.

Light and scanning electron microscopic study of genus Echinochloa species inhabited in Pakistan

Grass taxonomy is quite problematic and insignificant taxonomic work has been done on Echinochloa with special reference to Pakistan. Therefore, the present study was carried out to provide taxonomic keys for the identification of this genus through microscopic epidermal leaf anatomical parameters. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were done to delimit the different species. Special structures like hook cells, short and long cells, stomata, macro- and micro-hairs, prickles and silica bodies showed a lot of variation among each species. For instance, E. frumentacea can be distinguished from E. walteri by the presence of macro hairs between the veins. Furthermore, E. crus-galli can be distinguished from E. frumentacea in terms of macro hair size, that is, 45-60 μm and 20-60 μm, respectively. Similarly, E. colona showed marked variations in terms of prickles abundance from E. frumentacea. Overall results of this research reports valuable qualitative and quantitative diagnostic futures for the genus Echinochloa.

Appraisal of Metal Uptake in Wheat Treated with Different Doses of Municipal Solid Waste

The present investigation aimed to assess the metal contents (Fe, Zn, Cd, Co) in wheat (Triticum aestivum) crop by selecting variety (Fareed-06) which was grown in the municipal solid waste amended soil. Metal quantification in segregated plant parts of wheat was done with the help of atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Result depicted the range of metals in plant samples to be 4.03 to 7.82 for Zn, 2.38 to 3.06 for Co, 1.7 to 2.91 for Cd and 66.62 to 81.66 mg/kg for Fe. In wheat grains, the heavy metal concentrations ranged from: 0.79 to 2.03 for Zn, 1.21 to 1.71 for Co, 0.87 to 1.04 for Cd and 10.41 to 21.91 mg/kg for Fe. The concentration of Cd in grains exceeded the limit set by FAO/WHO. The transfer factor and bioconcentration factor was less than 1 for all metals. The pollution load index and enrichment factor for Cd was highest among all metals. Health risk index for Cd in all treatments was ]1 indicating Cd contamination in wheat grains and various health hazards to human. So, the municipal solid waste should be treated properly before its application on agricultural field to reduce the health hazards in human.

Merkel cell carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of the skin is a rare, aggressive form of skin cancer that metastasizes to other parts of the body. This cutaneous neuroendocrine tumour mainly affects older people, with most cases generally occurring over the age of 50 years. Merkel cell polyomavirus has been shown to induce gene mutations resulting in this skin cancer, with immunosuppression and ultraviolet radiation being other key risk factors in its pathogenesis. MCC is clinically seen as a rapidly enlarging, isolated, irregular erythematous nodule typically found on sun-exposed sites. Diagnosis is through clinical examination followed by tissue biopsy, which demonstrates characteristic histopathological neuroendocrine features. Immunohistochemistry plays a crucial role in diagnosis with the characteristic perinuclear staining with cytokeratin-20 helping to differentiate it from other morphologically similar tumours. Sentinel lymph node biopsy and imaging is essential for staging and determining prognosis. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment for localized disease although adjuvant radiotherapy is often required. Metastatic disease involves a very poor prognosis, and immune checkpoint inhibitors have recently shown promise in the treatment of metastatic disease. Avelumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to the programmed death-1 receptor, has been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and shown encouraging survival outcomes. It provides an option for treating metastatic carcinoma in adults after they have failed ≥ 1 line of chemotherapy for metastatic disease.

Application of multimicroscopic techniques (LM and SEM) in comparative palynological study of Asteroideae members, inhabited in Pakistan

In the present study light and scanning electron microscopic approaches were used to study the palynological variations among 30 Asteroideae members. Variety of qualitative and quantitative palynological characters like pollen shape and type, pollen sculpturing, pollen size, P/E ratio, exine and intine thickness, interspecific difference, colpi size, pore size, spines length, spine width, and pollen fertility were observed. Results reported remarkable variations among pollen characters of studied taxa. The shape of pollen grains in polar and equatorial views varied from specie to specie such as spheroidal, prolate, oblate, subspheroidal, oblate spheroidal, prolate spheroidal, suboblate, and sub prolate. Bidens pilosa L. showed maximum pollen size in both polar and equatorial views, whereas minimum pollen size in polar view was found in Tetraneuris scaposa (DC.) Greene. (i.e., 30.5 μm) and in equatorial view was found in Cosmos sulphureus Cav. (25.5 μm).The highest P/E ratio (1.39 μm) was measured in Glebionis coronaria L. The values of exine and intine thickness also varied. Tricolporate, tetracolporate, trizonocolporate, pentoporate, and polypentoporate pollen types were examined. Spinateand echinate pollen sculpturingobserved under SEM. Variations in spine length and width also recorded. The maximum pollen fertility (98%) was measured in Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. and the lowest (56%) was recorded in Thymophylla tenuiloba (DC.) Small. It was concluded that the variations in qualitative and quantitative characters were seemed to be valuable for the taxonomic investigations of Asteroideae taxa.

Evaluation of Cadmium Contaminated Roadside Soil Surface and its Transfer to Animals through Forage: Assessing the Health Risk Assessment for Ruminants

The increasing pollution in most industrialized area is a really attention seeking issue now a days. Air pollution caused by vehicular smoke contains handsome percentages of heavy metals like cadmium. Cadmium like other heavy metals accumulated in the bodies of living systems found around roads. Among the living system cadmium accumulate up to alarming rate like in soil, plants and animals. Therefore, this study was conducted in order to evaluate the possible risk of the Cadmium on the soil, forage and buffalos. The study was done in the area of Sargodha district, Punjab, Pakistan. There were six sites selected for study on accumulation of Cd in the forages, soil and the Buffalo blood. The Cd content in soil samples was highest in sample collected from site III. The Cd content was highest in the forage sample collected from site IV and in the blood samples, and the bioaccumulation factor was highest in the samples collected from site V. The positive and non-significant correlation was found when soil and forage was correlated, unlike the correlation found between blood and forage which was found negative non-significant. The samples from site III showed high daily intake of metals, health risk index, and pollution load index. This study will bring attention towards the development of the strategies in order to be safe from the toxic effects of cadmium.

Scanning Electron Microscopy-based palynological characterization of selected Euphorbiaceae taxa colonized in Pakistan

The present study was carried out on scanning electron microscopic-based palynological characterization of selected 20 Euphorbiaceae taxa. In this study, important pollen qualitative and quantitative features of selected Euphorbiaceae species such as polar diameter, equatorial diameter, P/E ratio, sculpturing of pollen, exine thickness, intine thickness, presence or absence of colpi and length of colpi, and pollen fertility were examined. Remarkable variations in these pollen characters had been observed among these species. In both polar and equatorial views, Riccinus communis L. exhibited the highest pollen size (polar = 264.1 μm, Equatorial = 270 μm), while Acalypha wilkesiana Mull Arg. showed lowest pollen size (Polar = 17 μm, Equatorial = 18.5 μm). Most of the pollen varied from oblate to spheroidal in shape. With regard to the P/E ratio, Sapium sebiferum L. Roxb showed the highest ratio while Bischofia javanica Blume showed minimum, that is, 1.18 and 0.85, respectively. Intine and exine thickness also varied. Most of the pollen grains were monade. Tricolporate, tricolpate, monocolpate, pentaporate, and polyporate pollen aperture types have been observed. Most of the plants showed regular, reticulate, and echinate pollen sculpturing. Pollen fertility also varied from species to species but most of the plant showed pollen fertility between 70 and 80%. Through this work, it has been concluded that quantitative and qualitative pollen features are helpful at the specific level as well as the generic level and can provide a fruitful taxonomic solution.

Light and scanning electron microscopic characterization of thirty endemic Fabaceae species of district Lahore, Pakistan

In the present study anatomical characterization of 30 species of Fabaceae endemic to Lahore, Pakistan were done under light and scanning electron microscopy. Variety of qualitative and quantitative anatomical characters like epidermal cells shapes and size, stomata types, length, and width of guard cells, subsidiary cells, trichomes, silica bodies, shapes, and their numbers were studied. Overall polygonal, irregular smooth, thick walled epidermal cells were observed at both abaxial and adaxial surfaces except Dalbergia sisso Roxb in which hexagonal epidermal cells were reported. Milletia ovelifolia Kurz. possessed the largest length of epidermal cell i.e., 273.1 μm whereas Calliandra bella Benth. showed the smallest length i.e., 76.5 μm. Average width of epidermal cells ranged from 44 to 265.5 μm. M. ovelifolia Kurz had largest width while Acacia nilotica L. had the smallest width respectively. In adaxial surface epidermal cells length ranged 317 to 46.4 μm, Glycyrriza glabra L. showed the smallest length whereas Prosopis juliflora DC. had largest length. In adaxial numbers of stomata is high as compare to the abaxial surface, mostly paracytic, anisocytic, and anomocytic stomata were observed. There is not much variations observed in trichomes of studied members. Generally non glandular, unbranched, uniserate, mulicellular bulbous base with pointed tips were reported . Oval, rounded, triangular shaped silica bodies were observed in some species. It is concluded that qualitative and quantitative anatomical variations in epidermal cells, stomata and trichomes are of good taxonomic value for the studied Fabaceae species.

Evaluation of Anti-nutritional Compounds in Selected Wild Plants Consumed by Ruminants in Pasturelands

The present study was designed to determine the anti-nutritional compounds in the wild plants of Soone valley Punjab, Pakistan. A wide range of anti-nutritional factors exists in the wild plants of this area which are consumed as forages by the ruminants. Few anti-nutritional compounds i.e. oxalate, phytate, saponins and tannins were analyzed during the course of study. Oxalate content ranged from 0.4467% to 0.6267%. The highest oxalate content was found in Chenopodium album and lowest oxalate content was available in Mentha arvensis. The content of phytate ranged from 3.8167% to 4.9767% in all wild forages. The maximum amount was observed in Buxus papillosa and minimum amount was found in Ahadota vasica. Saponins ranged from 2.2700% to 3.7833%. The percentage of tannins varies from 1.3167% to 1.6300% in all plant species. The optimum value of tannins was found in Adatoda vasica and low value of tannins was investigated in the Mentha arvensis among the investigated plant species. Overall, the maximum factors observed in Buxus papillosa and lowest in Mentha arvensis plants. The values estimated in the present study are below the mark as compared to the toxic levels. Nutritional and health issues are developed due to the large consumption of monotypic wild edible plant parts during one meal. However, anti-nutritional compounds related to respective risks are less with the use of traditional methods.

Scanning electron microscopic screening of 20 medicinally important Asteroideae taxa

In the present study anatomical characterization of 20 medicinally important Asteroideae species were done under light and scanning electron microscopy. Variety of qualitative and quantitative anatomical characters like epidermal cells, stomata, guard cells, subsidiary cells, trichomes and oil droplets were observed. Generally pentagonal, polygonal, irregular or hexagonal, smooth, undulating thick walled epidermal cells were observed in studied species. In abaxial surface Thymophylla tenuiloba L. possessed the largest length of epidermal cell that is, 221.6 (156.6-286.6) μm whereas Bellis perenis L. showed the smallest length that is, 46.4 (32.6-60.2) μm. Average width of epidermal cells ranged from 57 (22-92) μm to 169 (127.9-210.1) μm. Cosmos sulphureus Cav. had smallest width while Thymophylla tenuiloba L. had the largest width. In adaxial surface Artemisia absinthium L. possessed the largest length of epidermal cell that is, 269 (165.1-372.9) μm whereas Bellis perenis L. showed the smallest length that is, 61.4 (42.6-80.2) μm. Average width of epidermal cells ranged from 50.8 (32.6-69) μm to 260 (116-202) μm. Thymophylla tenuiloba L. had smallest width while Dahlia pinnata Cav. had the largest width. Among stomatal characters anisocytic, anomocytic, and diacytic stomata were observed in selected species of Asteroideae. Nonglandular uniserate, multicellular, unbranched pointed tips with bulbous base trichomes were reported in some Asteroideae members while some possessed glandular, capitates mushroom like multicellular trichomes covered with tubercle papicles. Rounded, oval, triangular shaped oil droplets were observed in some species. It is concluded that qualitative and qualitative anatomical variations in trichomes, stomata and epidermal cells are of good taxonomic value for the Asteroideae species.

DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL PROFILE OF ADULT PATIENTS WITH SCAPHOID FRACTURES IN POPULATION OF DISTRICT D.I.KHAN, PAKISTAN

Background: Scaphoid fractures are common and account for 60-70 % of all carpal fractures. The objectives of this study were to determine the demographic and clinical profiles of adult patients with scaphoid fractures in population of District D.I.Khan, Pakistan. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Orthopedics, Gomal Medical College, D.I.Khan, Pakistan from January 2015 to December 2019. Sample size was 40. Demographic variables were sex, age groups and time to presentation in weeks. Research variables were; cause, laterality, site, management options, time to union in months and presence of infection. All variables were categorical and analyzed by count and percentages for sample and as CI at 80% CL for proportion for population using Wilson score for binomial distribution. Results: Forty patients included 34 (85%) men & 16 (15%) women, 24 (60%) in 17-30 and 16 (40%) in age group 31-50 years. Time to presentation was ≤1 week of injury in 19 (47.5%) patients and 21 (52.5%) presented later. Cause was fall on out-stretched hand in 27 (67.5%) and RTA in 13 (32.5%) patients. Right hand was involved in 29 (72.5%), left in 9 (22.5%) while bilateral in 2 (5%) patients. Site of fracture was waist in 24 (60%), proximal pole 11 (27.5%) and distal pole 5 (12.5%) cases. Conservative treatment was done in 7 (17.50%) patients, percutaneous screw fixation 7 (17.50%), open reduction and internal fixation through palmar in 11 (27.50%) and though dorsal 15 (37.50%) cases. Time to union was ≤3 in 7 (17.50%), >3-6 months 29 (72.5%), while >6 months in 4 (10%) patients. Presence of infection was 1/40 (2.38%). Conclusion: Scaphoid fractures are more common in men and younger adults and most are presented within a week of injury. These are caused mostly by fall on outstretched hand, involving right hand and involving waist. Substantial number of cases requires open reduction with internal fixation. Mostly unite in 3-6 months.

Applications of scanning electron microscopy in taxonomy with special reference to family Euphorbiaceae

The present study was carried out to identify the 20 medicinally important species of family Euphorbiaceae by the aid of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the foliar anatomical characteristics. Both qualitative and quantitative measurements for the anatomical characters like epidermal cells, stomata, trichomes, and subsidiary cells on both abaxial(ab) and adaxial(ad) epidermis were recorded. Remarkable variations in these anatomical features had been observed among the studied Euphorbiaceae species. Most species had epidermal cells irregular or polygonal in shape, only five species had hexagonal cells, that is, Euphorbia neriifolia L., Euphorbia prostate Aiton, Jatropha integerrima Jacq., Vernicia fordii (Hemsl.), and Euphorbia royleana Boiss. Stomata were abundant on abaxial epidermis as compared to adaxial epidermis. E. prostate Aiton, Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. Ex Klotzsch and Phyllanthus emblica L. possessed anomocytic stomata, and Euphorbia helioscopia L., Euphorbia cotinifolia L., E. neriifolia L., and Ricinus communis L. possessed anisocytic stomata, while rest of the species had paracytic stomata. Trichomes were present in very few species including Euphorbia hirta L., E. prostate Aiton, E. pulcherrima Willd. Ex Klotzsch, and Putranjiva roxburghii Wall. Similarly, variations were also reported by quantitative features such as E. helioscopia L. can be distinguished from E. hirta on the basis of length of epidermal cells, that is, 103.4 ± 0.15 and 74.9 ± 0.55 μm, respectively. Moreover, E. pulcherrima Willd. Ex Klotzsch had trichomes with the length of 408 ± 0.55 μm and P. roxburghii Wall. had trichome with the length of 314.2 ± 1.35 μm, respectively. These findings confirmed that taxonomic utility of the anatomical traits for the identification of studied Euphorbiaceae taxa.

CRISPR/Cas9: targeted genome editing for the treatment of hereditary hearing loss

Hereditary hearing loss (HHL) is a neurosensory disorder that affects every 1/500 newborns worldwide and nearly 1/3 people over the age of 65. Congenital deafness is inherited as monogenetic or polygenic disorder. The delicacy, tissue heterogeneity, deep location of the inner ear down the brainstem, and minute quantity of cells present in cochlea are the major challenges for current therapeutic approaches to cure deafness. Targeted genome editing is considered a suitable approach to treat HHL since it can target defective molecular components of auditory transduction to restore normal cochlear function. With the advent of CRISPR/Cas9 technique, targeted genome editing and biomedical research have been revolutionized. The robustness and simplicity of this technology lie in its design and delivery methods. It can directly deliver a complex of Cas9 endonuclease and single guide RNA (sgRNA) into zygote using either vector-mediated stable transfection or transient delivery of ribonucleoproteins complexes. This strategy induces DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) at target site followed by endogenous DNA repairing mechanisms of the cell. CRISPR/Cas9 has been successfully used in model animals to edit hearing genes like calcium and integrin-binding protein 2, myosin VIIA, Xin-actin binding repeat containing 2, leucine-zipper and sterile-alpha motif kinase Zak, epiphycan, transmembrane channel-like protein 1, and cadherin 23. This review discusses the utility of lipid-mediated transient delivery of Cas9/sgRNA complexes, an efficient way to restore hearing in humans, suffering from HHL. Notwithstanding, challenges like PAM requirement, HDR efficiency, off-target activity, and optimized delivery systems need to be addressed.