Fabrication and characterization of binary composite MgO/CuO nanostructures for the efficient photocatalytic ability to eliminate organic contaminants: A detailed spectroscopic analysis

Design and eco-friendly fabrication of affordable and sustainable materials for the treatment of wastewater consisting of dyes, antibiotics, and other harmful substances has always been demanding. Untreated wastewater being released from industries imposes serious threats to our ecosystem, seeking convenient approaches to diminish this alarming issue. Here in this work, we synthesized MgO/CuO nanocomposites from a plant extract of Ammi visnaga L. and then employed these nanocomposites for the treatment of organic dye (methylene blue). We characterized the synthesized nanocomposites by dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS). DLS presented information about the explicit size of nanocomposites, while the surface charge was examined by zeta potential. XRD provided detailed information about the crystalline behavior and the information regarding surface morphology and size was extracted by SEM, TEM, and AFM. Moreover, the fabricated nanocomposites were used as a photocatalyst in the treatment of methylene blue. The overall catalytic reaction took an hour to complete, and the value of percentage degradation was 98 %. Substantially, a detailed account of the kinetics, rate of reaction, and mechanism is also fostered in the context. The presented study can assist scientists and researchers around the world to reproduce the results and use them to apply them on a broader scale.

Integrating water quality data with a Bayesian network model to improve spatial and temporal phosphorus attribution: Application to the Maumee River Basin

Surface water nutrient pollution, the primary cause of eutrophication, remains a major environmental concern in Western Lake Erie despite intergovernmental efforts to regulate nutrient sources. The Maumee River Basin has been the largest nutrient contributor. The two primary nutrient sources are inorganic fertilizer and livestock manure applied to croplands, which are later carried to the streams via runoff and soil erosion. Prior studies of nutrient source attribution have focused on large watersheds or counties at annual time scales. Source attribution at finer spatiotemporal scales, which enables more effective nutrient management, remains a substantial challenge. This study aims to address this challenge by developing a generalizable Bayesian network model for phosphorus source attribution at the subwatershed scale (12-digit Hydrologic Unit Code). Since phosphorus release is uncertain, we combine excess phosphorus derived from manure and fertilizer application and crop uptake data, flow information simulated by the SWAT model, and in-stream water quality measurements using Approximate Bayesian Computation to derive a posterior that attributes phosphorus contributions to subwatersheds. Our results show significant variability in subwatershed-scale phosphorus release that is lost in coarse-scale attribution. Phosphorus contributions attributed to the subwatersheds are on average lower than the excess phosphorus estimated by the nutrient balance approach currently adopted by environmental agencies. Fertilizer contributes more soluble reactive phosphorus than manure, while manure contributes most of the unreactive phosphorus. While developed for the specific context of Maumee River Basin, our lightweight and generalizable model framework could be adapted to other regions and pollutants and could help inform targeted environmental regulation and enforcement.

Temporal evolution of electron cloud in a cylindrical Penning trap at room temperature

The temporal evolution of the electron cloud at room temperature has been recorded through a resonance circuit by observing the axial oscillation frequency of its center of mass. The electron cloud undergoes radial expansion by interacting with the residual gas molecules, and it is finally lost upon hitting the Penning trap electrodes. It has been confirmed through detailed experimental investigations that the unique temporal pattern of frequency variation is a consequence of the cloud's radial expansion. Consequently, this approach offers a non-destructive means for single-shot detection, enabling continuous monitoring of the electron cloud's radial expansion during the confinement time. This technique offers a significant advantage over its destructive alternatives.

Status of Serum Calcium in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a major public health problem with relatively high prevalence rates worldwide (5-13%). COPD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and results in an economic and social burden that is both substantial and increasing. The purpose of the study was to explore the alteration of serum calcium in patients with COPD. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh from January 2021 to December 2021. Data was collected from Medicine Department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh. A total number of 120 subjects participated in this study. Out of them, 60 apparently normal healthy individuals were selected as Group I and another 60 diagnosed COPD patients were selected as Group II. Serum calcium was measured by colorimetric method using the test kit. The results were calculated and analyzed by using statistical package for social science (SPSS), windows package version 21.0. Data were expressed in mean ±SD and statistical significance was done by Student's unpaired 't' test. In this study, the mean ±SD values of serum calcium were 9.21±1.06mg/dl and 8.26±0.95mg/dl in Group I and Group II respectively. The results were highly significant (p<0.001). The result suggested that there was significant relation between COPD and alteration of serum calcium. So, by this study we recommended that routine evaluation of serum calcium is important for prevention of exacerbations, reduction of morbidity and mortality in patients with COPD.

Pharmacophore & QSAR Guided Design, Synthesis, Pharmacokinetics and In vitro Evaluation of Curcumin Analogs for Anticancer Activity

BACKGROUND

As a part of our discovery of plant-based lead molecules, we provide a helpful tool, which helps in identification, designing, optimising, structural modifications, and prediction of curcumin, to discover novel analogs with enhanced bioavailability, pharmacologically safe, and anticancer potential.

METHODS

QSAR (Quantitative structure-activity relationship) and pharmacophore mapping models were developed and further used to design, synthesize, pharmacokinetics, and in vitro evaluation of curcumin analogs for anticancer activity.

RESULTS

The QSAR model yielded a high activity-descriptors relationship accuracy (r2) of 84%, a high activity prediction accuracy (rcv2) of 81%, and external set prediction accuracy of 89%. The QSAR study indicates that the five chemical descriptors were significantly correlated with anticancer activity. The important pharmacophore features identified were a hydrogen bond acceptor, a hydrophobic centre, and a negative ionizable centre. The model's predictive ability was evaluated against a set of chemically synthesized curcumin analogs. Among the tested compounds, nine curcumin analogs were found with IC50 values of 0.10 to 1.86 μg/mL. The active analogs were assessed for pharmacokinetics compliance. EGFR was identified as a potential target of synthesized active curcumin analogs through docking studies.

CONCLUSION

Integrating in silico design, QSAR-driven virtual screening, chemical synthesis, and experimental in vitro evaluation may lead to the early discovery of novel and promising anticancer compounds from natural sources. The developed QSAR model and common pharmacophore generation were used as a designing and predictive tool to develop novel curcumin analogs. This study may help optimize the therapeutic relationships of studied compounds for further drug development and their potential safety concerns. This study may guide compound selection and designing novel active chemical scaffolds or new combinatorial libraries of the curcumin series.

Identification of potential inhibitors targeting Ebola virus VP35 protein: a computational strategy

Ebola virus (EBOV) poses a severe threat as a highly infectious pathogen, causing devastating hemorrhagic fever in both humans and animals. The EBOV virus VP35 protein plays a crucial role in viral replication and exhibits the ability to suppress the host interferon cascade, leading to immune system depletion. As a potential drug target, VP35 protein inhibition holds promise for combating EBOV. To discover new drug candidates, we employed a computer-aided drug design approach, focusing on compounds capable of inhibiting VP35 protein replication. In this connection, a pharmacophore model was generated using molecular interactions between the VP35 protein and its inhibitor. ZINC and Cambridge database were screened using validated pharmacophore model. Further the compounds were filtered based on Lipinski's rule of five and subjected to MD simulation and relative binding free energy calculation. Six compounds manifest a significant docking score and strong binding interaction towards VP35 protein. MD simulations further confirmed the remarkable stability of these six complexes. Relative binding free energy calculations also showed significant ΔG value in the range of -132.3 and -49.3 kcal/mol. This study paves the way for further optimization of these compounds as potential inhibitors of VP35, facilitating subsequent experimental in vitro studies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Hemagglutinin 3 and 8 can be the most efficient influenza subtypes for human host invasion; a comparative in silico approach

The severity of the influenza virus infection is largely determined by its ability to invade the human host receptor. This critical step is conducted by utilizing hemagglutinin (HA) due to its binding with sialic acid 2,6 (SA). Though 18 subtypes (H1-H18) of HA have been identified, the most efficient one for conducting the host entry has not yet been resolved. This study aims to assess the severity of infections for HA variants by conducting a comparative docking of H1-H18 with the human SA receptor. Eighteen viral 3D structures were retrieved, minimized, and optimized for docking with human SA. In all retrieved structures, five conserved amino acid residues were selected for docking with human SA. Special protein grids were prepared by locating these five residues in the 18 selected subtypes. Results showed that H3 and H8 exerted the highest standard precision and extra precision docking scores, and the highest binding affinities with the human SA, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the actual positioning of the selected 3D structures and showed these docked structures belonged to their usual classes due to the extremely close distances found in each docked subtype compared with its corresponding non-docked structures. H8-SA showed slightly better RMSD and SASA values than H3-SA, while H3-SIA showed more favourable radius of gyration scores than H8-SIA in the majority of the simulation period. Due to the highest affinity of binding of H3 and H8 with the human receptor, special caution should be exercised regarding any possible outbreak mediated by these subtypes in human populations. However, it is important to acknowledge a limitation inherent to the computational approach; it may hold relative rather than absolute significance. Further research is needed to deepen our understanding of the intricate interplay between HA variants and the host receptor, taking into account the broader context of viral infection dynamics.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

A 3D Deep Convolutional Neural Network for Dose Distribution Prediction of Intracavitary HDR Brachytherapy of Cervical Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The purpose of this work is to develop a voxel-wise dose prediction model using convolutional neural network (CNN) for cervical cancer high-dose-rate (HDR) intracavitary brachytherapy treatment planning with tandem-and-ovoid (T&O) or tandem-and-ring (T&R) applicators.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A 3D U-NET CNN was implemented to generate voxel-wise dose predictions based on high-risk clinical target volume (HRCTV) and organs at risk (OAR) contour information. A multi-institutional cohort of 77 retrospective clinical HDR brachytherapy plans treated to a prescription dose in the range of 4.8-7.0 Gy/fx was used in this study. Those plans were randomly divided into 60%/20%/20% as training, validating, and testing cohorts. Data augmentation techniques were implemented in the training and validation cohort data to increase the number of plans to 252. The model was trained using the mean-squared loss function, Adam optimization algorithm, a learning rate of 0.001, 250 epochs, and a batch size of 8. The model performance was evaluated on the testing dataset by analyzing the outcomes in terms of mean dose values and derived dose-volume-histogram (DVH) indices from 3D dose distributions and comparing the generated dose distributions against the ground-truth dose distributions using dose statistics and clinically meaningful dosimetric indices.

RESULTS

The proposed 3D U-Net model showed competitive accuracy in predicting 3D dose distributions that closely resemble the ground truth dose distributions. The average value of mean absolute error was 0.108±3.617 Gy for HRCTV, 0.074±1.315 Gy for bladder, 0.093±0.981 Gy for rectum, and 0.035±2.789 Gy for sigmoid. The median absolute error was 1.264 Gy for HRCTV, 0. 441 Gy for the bladder, 0.018 Gy for rectum, and 0.019 Gy for sigmoid. Our results showed that the predicted mean D2cc OAR doses in the bladder, rectum, and sigmoid were 4.02±0.93, 3.77±0.57 and 3.36±0.82 Gy in comparison to 4.35±0.98, 3.99±0.53, 3.75±0.83 Gy in clinical plans, respectively, and the mean individual differences (ΔD2cc) were 0.33±0.41, 0.22±0.16 and 0.39±0.45 Gy, respectively. The predicted D90 of the HRCTV was 6.72±0.99 Gy in comparison with 6.83±1.72 Gy in clinical plans. Results indicate a good potential to predict useful dosimetric indices and thus would facilitate an improvement in brachytherapy treatment planning workflow. The proposed model needs less than 5 seconds to predict a full 3D dose distribution of 64 × 64 × 64 voxels for any new patient plan, thus making it sufficient for near real-time applications and aid in decision-making in clinic.

CONCLUSION

The proposed model can be used to predict 3D dose distributions for near real-time decision-making, before planning, for planning quality assurance, and for guiding future automated planning for improved plan consistency, quality, and planning efficiency.

Direction Modulated Brachytherapy Tandem Model Applicators for Treatment Planning of Multi-Institutional Cervical Cancer Cases

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Direction Modulated Brachytherapy (DMBT) offers a means of utilizing an anisotropic source to create more conformal dose distributions when integrated with image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT). Authors sought to validate the implementation of nine unique six-channeled, MRI-compatible, novel DMBT tandem applicators of varying physical dimensions within Varian's BrachyVision® (v16.1) treatment planning system (BV-TPS).

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 110 retrospective clinically delivered high-dose-rate (HDR) cervical cancer brachytherapy plans, from three institutions, were re-planned for each of the nine DMBT tandem models within the BV-TPS, using the latest VEGO® inverse optimization algorithm, with dose heterogeneity accounted for through AcurosBV®. Plans consisted of both intracavitary (77 plans) and interstitial (33 plans) cases with an average prescription dose and high-risk clinical target volumes (CTVHR) of 607±113 cGy and 26.96±14.95 [range 6.70-69.58] cm3, respectively. During re-planning, the conventional tandems were replaced by one of the nine DMBT tandem models while leaving ovoids or rings, and needles (if present), in place. A two-step inverse optimization process was performed such that the lowest possible organs at risk (OAR) D2cc doses could be achieved while 1) keeping equivalent target coverage (ΔCTVHR-D90 to within ±0.5%) and, at the same time, 2) maintaining the general pear-shape dose distribution of the original plans.

RESULTS

Noteworthy improvements in plan quality were achieved by all nine DMBT tandem models, which are presented in Table 1. Irrespective of the model, about ∼50 cGy reduction in D2cc across all OARs appear feasible. There is also a general trend of D2cc reductions' magnitude becoming smaller as the CTVHR volume increased due to loss in modulation at distance. Additionally, D2cc reductions in terms of EQD2 [Gy] were calculated assuming each re-plan was delivered throughout the course of treatment, which includes the external beam radiotherapy dose of 45 Gy and showed significant reductions of -6.29±4.38 Gy, -3.80±2.06 Gy, and -4.86±3.02 Gy for the bladder, rectum, and sigmoid, respectively, for DMBT model #9 for example.

CONCLUSION

We have successfully incorporated nine DMBT tandem models into a commercial TPS and re-planned 110 cases, to a total of 990 plans. All nine DMBT tandem models were each able to generate notable D2cc reductions to OARs (∼50 cGy), without compromising target coverage, across plans from multiple institutions with various clinical/optimization practices. The results indicate both a promising impact and smooth integration of DMBT tandem technology into modern clinical IGABT workflow.

Direction Modulated Brachytherapy Tandem Model Applicators for Treatment Planning of Multi-Institutional Cervical Cancer Cases: Removing Needles in Intracavitary-Interstitial Techniques

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To evaluate the potential of nine direction modulated brachytherapy (DMBT) tandem applicator models of various designs to obviate the need for needles during intracavitary-interstitial (IC-IS) cervical cancer brachytherapy.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A cohort of 33 retrospective clinical high dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy plans, from three institutions, were re-planned with Varian's BrachyVision® (v16.1) treatment planning system (BV-TPS), using the latest VEGO® inverse optimization algorithm, with dose heterogeneity accounted for through the AcurosBV® model-based dose calculation algorithm. All plans consisted of IC-IS cases, with a range of 2-4 freehand-loaded needles, with an average prescription dose of 706±54 cGy and average high-risk clinical target volume (HRCTV) of 36.0±17.4 [range 9.8-69.6] cm3. Nine novel DMBT tandem models of varying physical dimensions were integrated for the first time into the BV-TPS, with thicknesses (4-8 mm). During re-planning, the conventional tandems and all of the needles were replaced by one of the nine DMBT tandem models while leaving the ovoids/rings in place. An optimization process was performed such that the lowest possible organs at risk (OAR) D2cc doses could be achieved while keeping equivalent target coverage (ΔHRCTV-D90 to within ±0.5%) and maintaining a pear-shape dose distribution. The process was repeated for each of the nine DMBT tandem models resulting in (33 × 9 =) 297 plans.

RESULTS

Average ΔHRCTV-D90 was +0.35±0.39% (+2.8±3.1 cGy). OAR D2cc reductions were achieved by all models for all plans. The performance of the thickest DMBT model (8 mm) was the best in terms of achieving the lowest D2cc for all OARs, with 31 out of 33 plans (94%) achieving lower D2cc doses for all three OARs. The two cases in which the D2cc doses could not be reduced had HRCTV volumes ranging between 50 cm3 and 60 cm3. Additionally, D2cc reductions in terms of EQD2 [Gy] were calculated assuming each re-plan was delivered throughout the entire course of a patient's treatment, which included the external beam radiotherapy dose of 45 Gy, showed significant reductions of -2.64±2.67 Gy, -1.65±1.97 Gy, and -2.80±2.20 Gy for bladder, rectum, and sigmoid, respectively.

CONCLUSION

According to the results, it is clinically feasible to replace the conventional IC-IS cases, with 2-4 freehand-loaded needles, with the DMBT tandem technology, effectively avoiding the need for needle involvement.

Combining Novel Direction Modulated Brachytherapy Tandem-and-Ovoids Applicators for Treatment Planning of Multi-Institutional Cervical Cancer Cases: Removing Needles in Intracavitary-Interstitial Techniques

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Lack of standard guidelines for optimal needle insertion during high-dose-rate (HDR) intracavitary-interstitial (IC-IS) brachytherapy of the cervix means a sophisticated and technical skillset of inserting needles next to IC applicators must be developed to enhance plan quality. This study sought to evaluate the performance of two separate direction modulated brachytherapy (DMBT) tandem applicators used in conjunction with one set of novel DMBT ovoids, uniquely designed to effectively obviate the need for IS needles.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A cohort of 32 retrospective clinical HDR brachytherapy plans, from three institutions, were re-planned with Varian's BrachyVision® (v16.1) treatment planning system (BV-TPS), using the latest VEGO® inverse optimization algorithm, with dose heterogeneity accounted for through the AcurosBV®. All plans consisted of IC-IS cases, with a range of 2-4 freehand-loaded needles, with an average prescription dose of 709±53 cGy, and with an average high-risk clinical target volume (HRCTV) of 36.73±17.15 [range 9.8-69.6] cm3. Two DMBT tandem models of 5.4-mm and 8.0-mm thicknesses along with a novel DMBT ovoids design, introduced for the first time, with 9 equi-angled grooves and 10-mm-diameter thickness. During re-planning, the conventional tandems, ovoids/rings, and all of the needles were replaced by one of the two DMBT tandem models and a set of DMBT ovoids. A two-step inverse optimization process was performed to achieve the lowest possible OAR D2cc doses while 1) keeping equivalent target coverage (ΔHRCTV-D90 to within ±0.5%) and 2) maintaining the general pear-shape dose distribution used by the original plans. For all plans, this process was repeated using each of the two DMBT tandem-and-ovoids combinations for a total re-planning of (32×2 =) 64 cases.

RESULTS

On average, -47.15±29.61 (-40.40±34.90) cGy, -42.98±26.58 (-41.70±27.40) cGy, and -40.47±25.05 (-32.55±25.30) cGy reductions in D2cc across bladder, rectum, and sigmoid, respectively, were achieved for the 8-mm (5.4-mm) DMBT tandem-and-ovoids combinations while the average ΔHRCTV-D90 was +4.3±2.9 cGy (+0.5%±0.4%). Additionally, D2cc reductions in terms of EQD2 [Gy] were calculated and showed significant reductions of -4.05±2.47 (-3.37±2.83) Gy, -2.71±1.79 (-2.59±1.74) Gy, and -3.27±1.96 (-2.65±2.06) Gy for bladder, rectum, and sigmoid, respectively with an average net increase in total dwell times of 241.0±87.6 seconds at the luxury of avoiding IS needle insertions.

CONCLUSION

It is clinically feasible to obviate the need for IS needles by incorporating the DMBT tandem-and-ovoids while producing lower OAR D2cc doses and maintaining equivalent target coverage.

Masoprocol: a promising candidate for targeting insulin resistance by inhibiting resistin with optimal druglikeness Potentials: an in silico approach

Resistin is a cysteine-rich secretory hormone that induces resistance to insulin, and its elevated expression is correlated with the onset of diabetes and several related metabolic disorders. Resistin performs its inhibitory role by connecting three identical subunits through Cys22-based disulfide linkages. The necessity to inhibit the formation of resistin trimer is one of the essential means to prevent the aggravation of diabetes mellitus type 2, obesity, and atherosclerosis. This study was conducted to screen the clinically approved drugs to find the most potent one to inhibit resistin with the best pharmacokinetics and drug-likeness properties. A total of 4654 clinically approved drugs were docked against the Cys22 residue of resistin. The top ten drugs with the highest high-precision (XP) docking scores were selected. Ioversol and masoprocol showed the highest XP docking and Molecular Mechanics-Generalized Born Surface Area (MMGBSA) scores, respectively, with double hydrogen bonding with the targeted Cys22. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that the masoprocol-resistin complex exhibited lower root mean square deviation (RMSD), radius of gyration, and root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) values than those observed in the ioversol-resistin complex. Both drugs induced drastic conformational changes in resistin monomer interactions. However, ioversol did not prove satisfying drug-likeness properties, while masoprocol showed the most favourable pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness properties. This study has demonstrated that masoprocol offers a novel inhibitory effect on resistin with the highest ligand affinity, making it a promising drug for combating insulin resistance.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Pharmacophore-based virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics studies for the discovery of novel FLT3 inhibitors

FLT3 is considered a potential target of acute myeloid leukemia therapy. In this study, we applied a computer-aided methodology unifying molecular docking and pharmacophore screening to identify potent inhibitors against FLT3. To investigate the pharmacophore area and binding mechanism of FLT3, the reported co-crystallized Gilteritinib ligand was docked into the active site using Glide XP. Based on the docking results, we identified structure-based pharmacophore characteristics resistant to potent FLT3 inhibitors. The best hypothesis was corroborated using test and decoy sets, and the verified hypo was utilized to screen the chemical database. The hits from the pharmacophore-based screening were then screened again using a structure-based method that included molecular docking at various precisions; the selected molecules were further examined and refined using drug-like filters and ADMET analysis. Finally, two hits were picked out for molecular dynamic simulation. The results showed two hits were expected to have potent inhibitory activity and excellent ADMET characteristics, and they might be used as new leads in the development of FLT3 inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Comparative study between GRA and MEREC technique on an agricultural-based MCGDM problem in pentagonal neutrosophic environment

In this research article, an improved Multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) strategy has been developed in pentagonal neutrosophic environment incorporating grey relational analysis and method on the removal effects of criteria (MEREC) techniques to address the relative advantages and disadvantages of these aspects in MCGDM. The aim of the study is to improve MCGDM technique which can capture the underlying uncertainties in robust way and can produce consistent results in a more rigorous way. Here, the conception of Hamming distance between two pentagonal neutrosophic number (PNN)s is introduced and the weighted arithmetic and geometric averaging operators in PNN arena are deployed to craft our computational technique more progressive and robust. An agriculture-based numerical problem is illustrated to demonstrate the ranking results of the alternatives by both of the techniques. After evaluating the problem by two aggregation operators, it is found that "plantation crop" is the best alternative under certain circumstances. Lastly, the sensitivity investigation is performed which reveals that with the appliance of arithmetic and geometric aggregation operators the best ranked alternative preserves its position by both of the ranking methods, which definitely exhibit the consistency and robustness of our executed methodology.

Study of Serum Calcium and Magnesium Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is a significant global public health concern, particularly in emerging nations like Bangladesh. Bangladesh is already overrun with non-communicable diseases while still battling communicable diseases. About 90.0% of all cases of diabetes that have been diagnosed are type 2 diabetes. High calorie diet, age, sedentary lifestyle and obesity are the main risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Different micronutrients have been linked to an increased incidence of diabetes in addition to existing risk factors. The goal of the study was to assess the serum levels of calcium and magnesium in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus and compare them to those in healthy controls. This cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2018 to June 2019 at the Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Department of Biochemistry in cooperation with the Department of Endocrinology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Purposive (non-random) sampling was used to pick the subjects based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. This study had 100 individuals in total. Out of them, 50 people with type 2 diabetes mellitus who had been diagnosed were chosen as cases, and another 50 people who appeared to be in generally good health were chosen as controls. Serum calcium and magnesium levels were measured for this study's analytical purposes. The mean±SD was used to express all values. The statistical package for social science (SPSS), a Windows application, was used to conduct the statistical analyses. Using the Student's unpaired 't' test, the statistical significance of the difference between the case and control groups was assessed. Following comprehensive analysis, it was discovered that type 2 diabetes mellitus patients had considerably lower mean serum calcium (in case group was 8.46±0.63 and control group 8.86±0.64mg/dl) and magnesium levels (in case group was 2.09±0.42 and control group 2.24±0.16mg/dl) than healthy controls. According to the results of the current investigation, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus had significantly altered serum calcium and magnesium levels. As a result, the study's hypothesis was accepted.

Study of Changes in Serum Copper Level in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) commonly known as heart attack is defined pathologically as the irreversible death of myocardial cells caused by ischemia. Risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, lack of exercise, obesity, high blood cholesterol and excessive alcohol intake. The major cause of acute MI is coronary atherosclerosis with superimposed luminal thrombus, which accounts for more than 80% of all infarcts. Micronutrients and trace elements are very essential for normal functioning of the body. Even though they are required in very small amount, an alteration in the level of this element may lead to serious diseases like CAD and its consequences. The injury induced by reperfusion of the ischemic myocardium could result partially from the cytotoxic effects of oxygen free radicals. Copper is involved in several of the reactions in the protection from free radical damage. So, this study was designed to evaluate serum cupper level in AMI patients. This case-control study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2016 to June 2017. Total number of subjects was 120 in number. Among them 60 were diagnosed case of acute myocardial infarction and 60 were apparently healthy volunteers. Data were collected using pre-designed data collection sheets. After proper counseling informed written consent was taken from the study population. The study revealed that mean serum copper level was higher in case group as compared to control group. The mean±SD values of copper were 105.44±24.15μg/dl and 146.49±23.52μg/dl in control and case group respectively. The level of significance was 0.001 (p<0.05). After analyzing the results of the study it is concluded that serum copper level was significantly higher in Acute Myocardial Infarction patients than normal individuals. Therefore, estimation of serum copper level in AMI patients might be useful to take appropriate measure to prevent free radical induced reperfusion injury.

Evaluation of Liver Function Tests in β-Thalassemia Major Children

Thalassemia is the most prevalent single gene defect in human beings worldwide. Repeated blood transfusions along with chelation therapy are mainstay of treatment in thalassemia patients. However these recurrent blood transfusions result in iron overload which along with chelation therapy causes deterioration of liver function. Aim of the study was to evaluate the liver function tests in β-thalassemia major patients. This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2017 to December 2017. In this study, 50 diagnosed patients of β Thalassemia major (Group A) and 50 apparently healthy children (Group B) of both sexes were selected from the department of Paediatrics, Dhaka medical college. The study parameters were serum ferritin, bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP. The results were compared statistically between groups. Serum ferritin level (mean±SD) in thalassemic major patients in Group A (890±446.38 microgram/L) which is significantly higher above normal level. Serum bilirubin in Group A (3.27±2.62 mg/dl) and in Group B (0.48±0.24 mg/dl), Serum ALT in Group A (53.06±34.0 U/L) and in Group B (16.70±4.81 U/L), AST in Group A (84.56±33.54 U/L) and in Group B (11.60±2.72 U/L) and ALP levels in Group A (422.42±226.99 IU/L) and in Group B (221.86±80.54 IU/L). All the values were significantly higher (p<0.001) in β-thalassemia patient than that of normal children. This study concludes that liver function parameters are significantly higher in β thalassemia major patients. So routine evaluation of liver function tests may be advocated for thalassemic patients to predict early onset of hepatic dysfunction.

Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Exosomes Ameliorate Periodontitis

Human bone marrow stromal cell (hBMSC)-derived exosomes are promising therapeutics for inflammatory diseases due to their unique microRNA (miRNA) and protein cargos. Periodontal diseases often present with chronicity and corresponding exuberant inflammation, which leads to loss of tooth support. In this study, we explored whether hBMSC exosomes can affect periodontitis progression. hBMSC exosomes were isolated from cell culture medium through sequential ultracentrifugation. miRNAs and proteins that were enriched in hBMSC exosomes were characterized by RNA sequencing and protein array, respectively. hBMSC exosomes significantly suppressed periodontal keystone pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis-triggered inflammatory response in macrophages in vitro. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that exosomes exerted their effects through regulating cell metabolism, differentiation, and inflammation resolution. In vivo, weekly exosome injection into the gingival tissues reduced the tissue destruction and immune cell infiltration in rat ligature-induced periodontitis model. Collectively, these findings suggest that hBMSC-derived exosomes can potentially be used as a host modulation agent in the management of periodontitis.

745 PROACTIVE INPUT FROM GERIATRICIAN LED SURGICAL LIAISON SERVICE FOR OLDER SURGICAL PATIENTS AT ROYAL BERKSHIRE HOSPITAL, READING

Introduction

Need for a geriatrician in the peri operative care of older surgical patients is evident by the NCEPOD reports in 2010 and 2011. Funding for Consultant Geriatrician led surgical liaison service for RBH was approved in 2014.We present a comparative review of the service during 2019/2020.

Methods

A retrospective audit of elective and emergency surgical patients over 65 years of age from January to March 2019 and June to September 2020 was done. Geriatrician input was provided on weekdays by Less than full time (80%) equivalent Consultant, 1 full time equivalent physician associate and a Gerontology Registrar on pro rota basis.

Results

We reviewed 76 patients in 2019 (Emergency 74/76 = 95% Vs Elective 2/76 = 3%) and 161patients in 2020 (Emergency134/161 = 83% Vs Elecetive27/161 = 17%). Majority of emergency presentations were small bowel obstruction, acute cholecystitis, and pancreatitis while laparoscopic right hemi colectomy was the commonest elective surgical admission. The average age of patients was 72 years (2019) and 79 years (2020). Length of stay up to 5 days reduced from 75% (51/76) in 2019 to 43% (70/161) in 2020. The overall length of stay reduced from 12 days to 8.5 days in 2019 and 2020, respectively 30 days readmission rate increased from 21% (16/76) in 2019 to 25.5% (41/161) in 2020. 75% (2019) and 96% (2020) of patients were discharged back to their usual residence and death rates reduced from 14% to 1% between the 2 audits.

Conclusion

There is an increase in patient number, age, and complexity. Number of elective surgical admissions after the 1st Covid wave has risen. Even with less than full time Consultant Geriatrician cover the service has helped to reduce the overall length of hospital, mortality rate and added to cost saving. There is need for senior cover for service to work efficiently and to meet its ever-increasing demand.

142 Amyand’s Hernia: An Extensive Review of History, Aetiopathogenesis, Symptomatology, and Management – Should We Scan, Scope & Snip?

Background

Amyand’s hernia, first described by Claudius Amyand in 1735, continues to remain a diagnostic & therapeutic challenge. By definition includes inguinal herniae that contain the vermiform appendix.

Aim

This up-to-date review aims to define and classify Amyand’s hernia and suggest appropriate management options in the current era. Aim to shed light on the value of pre-operative cross-sectional imaging and the use of laparoscopic surgery to provide a one stop solution.

Method

Published English literature was reviewed (1735–2021), using PubMed and Embase, combining the MeSH terms “hernia”, “inguinal”, “appendix”, “Amyand”, “low dose CT” and “laparoscopic herniotomy”. Most cited open access reviews, case series and case reports were chosen to provide a framework. A recent case is described with selected images (radiological, histology and intra operative).

Results

Since the original publication, by Claudius Amyand in 1735, there exists a gulf on this condition in the available British medical literature. Nearly 100,000 hernia repairs are performed in the UK annually. If Amyand’s hernia account for 1% of these (according to the most stated estimate), there should be a thousand Amyand’s herniae repaired annually in the UK alone. Unfortunately, the management options remain nonstandard.

Conclusions

Computerized tomography (CT) allows for pre-operative diagnosis and should be considered more often, even in children. Laparoscopic appendicectomy combined with a laparoscopic herniotomy is a safe one stop solution, in experienced hands, for paediatric patients.

Assessing the utility of remote sensing data to accurately estimate changes in groundwater storage

Accurate and timely estimates of groundwater storage changes are critical to the sustainable management of aquifers worldwide, but are hindered by the lack of in-situ groundwater measurements in most regions. Hydrologic remote sensing measurements provide a potential pathway to quantify groundwater storage changes by closing the water balance, but the degree to which remote sensing data can accurately estimate groundwater storage changes is unclear. In this study, we quantified groundwater storage changes in California's Central Valley at two spatial scales for the period 2002 through 2020 using remote sensing data and an ensemble water balance method. To evaluate performance, we compared estimates of groundwater storage changes to three independent estimates: GRACE satellite data, groundwater wells and a groundwater flow model. Results suggest evapotranspiration has the highest uncertainty among water balance components, while precipitation has the lowest. We found that remote sensing-based groundwater storage estimates correlated well with independent estimates; annual trends during droughts fall within 15% of trends calculated using wells and groundwater models within the Central Valley. Remote sensing-based estimates also reliably estimated the long-term trend, seasonality, and rate of groundwater depletion during major drought events. Additionally, our study suggests that the proposed method estimate changes in groundwater at sub-annual latencies, which is not currently possible using other methods. The findings have implications for improving the understanding of aquifer dynamics and can inform regional water managers about the status of groundwater systems during droughts.

Autonomic response of gradient exercise testing protocol in normotensive, overweight, and pre-hypertensive individuals: a prospective, observational, and analytical study

Abstract

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is increasing day by day in young Indian population with increase in risk factors such as obesity, hypertension etc. Although in early age, these risk factors are clinically asymptomatic but physiologically they are symptomatic. These symptoms can be best assessed by assessing the response of autonomic nervous system Therefore the purpose of this study was to compare the autonomic response of gradient exercise testing protocol in normotensive, overweight, and pre-hypertensive subjects in the form of chronotropic response to exercise, inotropic reponse, heart rate recovery, blood pressure recovery, BRPE, and heart rate variability so that the physiological abnormalities can be corrected.

Results

There were significant differences (p < 0.05) found in gradient exercise testing protocol in diastolic blood pressure in normotensive, in heart rate variability in overweight and in both systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure in pre-hypertensive subjects.

Conclusion

Gradient exercise testing protocol can be best utilized as a clinical tool in normotensive, overweight, and pre-hypertensive subjects for the assessment of autonomic nervous system which provides diagnostic and prognostic information regarding cardiovascular disease or abnormalities.

Antioxidant potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of onion (Allium cepa L.) peel and bulb extracts

Allium cepa L. is a commonly consumed vegetable that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and contains nutrients and antioxidants in ample amounts. In spite of the valuable food applications of onion bulb, its peel and outer fleshy layers are generally regarded as waste and exploration of their nutritional and therapeutic potential is still in progress with a very slow progression rate. The present study was designed with the purpose of doing a comparative analysis of the antioxidant potential of two parts of Allium cepa, i.g., bulb (edible part) and outer fleshy layers and dry peels (inedible part). Moreover, the inhibitory effect of the onion bulb and peel extracts on rat intestinal α-glucosidase and pancreatic α-amylase of porcine was also evaluated. The antioxidant potential of onion peel and bulb extracts were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), 2,2'-azino-bis- 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, H2O2 radical scavenging activity and Fe2+ chelating activity. Total flavonoids and phenolic content of ethanolic extract of onion peel were significantly greater as compared to that of onion bulb. Ethanolic extract of onion peel also presented better antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activity as compared to the ethanolic extract of bulb, while the aqueous extract of bulb presented weakest antioxidative potential. Onion peel extract's α-glucosidase inhibition potential was also correlated with their phenolic and flavonoid contents. The current findings presented onion peel as a possible source of antioxidative agents and phenolic compounds that might be beneficial against development of various common chronic diseases that might have an association with oxidative stress. Besides, outer dry layers and fleshy peels of onion exhibited higher phenolic content and antioxidant activities, compared to the inner bulb. The information obtained by the present study can be useful in promoting the use of vegetable parts other than the edible mesocarp for several future food applications, rather than these being wasted.

Joubert syndrome: a case report

Background

Joubert syndrome (JS) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic heterogeneously inherited disorder characterized by neurological features that include hypotonia, ataxia, developmental delay, intellectual disability, abnormal eye movements, and neonatal breathing dysregulation.

Case presentation

The main purposes of the case report are to highlight the benefit of multidisciplinary rehabilitation team approach and describe the clinical features associated with Joubert syndrome. In this case report, we have discussed a 9-month-old girl who presented with developmental delay, impaired vision, and a history of recurrent respiratory infection with respiratory distress. On examination, she had facial dysmorphism, myopia, and hypotonia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a thick, elongated, and abnormally oriented superior cerebellar peduncle showing molar tooth appearance with elongated bat-wing shaped 4th ventricle and hypoplasia of the vermis suggestive of JS. The patient has been treated at Garden Reach Institute for the Rehabilitation and Research (GRIRR), Kolkata, India, by a multidisciplinary team of physiotherapist, speech therapist, special educator, orthotist, medical officer, and social worker that shown excellent improvement in her condition, and she has achieved good sitting balance, able to sit without support, stand with wall support, and able to walk using bilateral AFO and reverse walker.

Conclusion

Knowledge of characteristic clinical and radiological findings in JS will help in early diagnosis and successful rehabilitation.

Molecular Epidemiology of Plasmodium species in Conflicted Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) Pakistan

Military conflicts have been significant obstacles in detecting and treating infectious disease diseases due to the diminished public health infrastructure, resulting in malaria endemicity. A variety of violent and destructive incidents were experienced by FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas). It was a struggle to pursue an epidemiological analysis due to continuing conflict and Talibanization. Clinical isolates were collected from Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai agencies from May 2017 to May 2018. For Giemsa staining, full blood EDTA blood samples have been collected from symptomatic participants. Malaria-positive microscopy isolates were spotted on filter papers for future Plasmodial molecular detection by nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) of small subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid (ssrRNA) genes specific primers. Since reconfirming the nPCR, a malariometric study of 762 patients found 679 positive malaria cases. Plasmodium vivax was 523 (77%), Plasmodium falciparum 121 (18%), 35 (5%) were with mixed-species infection (P. vivax plus P. falciparum), and 83 were declared negative by PCR. Among the five agencies of FATA, Khyber agency has the highest malaria incidence (19%) with followed by P. vivax (19%) and P. falciparum (4.1%). In contrast, Kurram has about (14%), including (10.8%) P. vivax and (2.7%) P. falciparum cases, the lowest malaria epidemiology. Surprisingly, no significant differences in the distribution of mixed-species infection among all five agencies. P. falciparum and P. vivax were two prevalent FATA malaria species in Pakistan's war-torn area. To overcome this rising incidence of malaria, this study recommends that initiating malaria awareness campaigns in school should be supported by public health agencies and malaria-related education locally, targeting children and parents alike.

Payment for ecosystem services (PES): a holistic tool for sustainable forest management-a case study from Pakistan

Economic valuation of ecosystem services is a new concept in forest management. Economic valuation provides basis for payment for ecosystem services (PES). Therefore, objective of this study was to evaluate eco-tourism and carbon stock services of the Maindam valley, District Swat, Pakistan. For the carbon stock calculation, a sample size of 155 plots of 0.1 hectare (Ha) was taken using preliminary survey at 95% confidence interval and 10% allowable error. The data for tourism services was collected from owners of all the hotels, 100 tourists and key informants of the area at 10% sampling intensity on pretested questionnaire for twenty years period (1997-2017). Results showed that Miandam valley has carbon stock worth US$ 16,306,000 while the value of eco-tourism was US$ 1,578,458 on annual basis. The results also showed that trend of tourism has drastically declined after the 9/11 incident for foreigners and locals and the situation was further deteriorated during the era of Talibanization or militancy from 2008-2011. This study recommends implementation of PES strategy at the rate of 5%, thus a total of US$ 78,922 can be earned from eco-tourism and carbon crediting in the study area annually, which could play important role in sustainable forest management.

Major threats and habitat use status of Demoiselle crane (Anthropoides virgo), in district Bannu, Pakistan

Cranes are the large and attractive Creatures of nature with long necks, legs, and life-span. Adults of both sexes are the same with similar color patterns. Demoiselle cranes spend most of their lifespan on dry grasses. They are also found around the stream, rivers, shallow lakes, natural wetlands, and depressions. To evaluate the current status of habitat use and major threats a study was conducted in tehsil Domel district Bannu. Line transect method and water quality tests (temperature, PH, contamination of E-coli bacteria) were used. To determine the major threats questionnaire method was used. The whole data was analyzed by using SPSS 21 version. Based on the distribution four study sites were selected and four water samples from each study site were taken. Most sites were moderate to highly degraded except Kashoo and kurram river mixing point which was low degraded with livestock grazing and human activities. Water quality tests showed PH ranges from 7-9, temperature 6.5-8.5, and contamination of E-coli in all samples. The social survey revealed that hunting, habitat degradation, and pollution as major threats. Effective long-term conservation and management in the study area are needed to focus on the protection of disturbance-free habitat.

In-silico Studies and Wet-Lab Validation of Camptothecin Derivatives for Anti-Cancer Activity Against Liver (HepG2) and Lung (A549) Cancer Cell Lines

BACKGROUND

In the present study, we have explored the utility of QSAR modelling, in silico ADMET, docking, chemical semi-synthesis, and in vitro evaluation studies for the identification of active camptothecin (CPT) derivatives against cancer-targeting human liver (HepG2) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines.

METHODS

Two QSAR models were developed as screenings tools using the multiple linear regression (MLR) method followed by ADMET and docking studies. The regression coefficient (r²) and cross-validation regression coefficients (rCV^2T) of the QSAR model for the HepG2 cell line was 0.95 and 0.90, respectively, and for the A549 cell line, it was 0.93 and 0.81, respectively.

RESULTS

In silico studies show that CPT derivatives (CPT-1 and CPT-6) possess drug-like properties. Docking performed on DNA Topoisomerase-I showed significant binding affinity. Finally, predicted active derivatives were chemically semi synthesized, spectroscopically characterized, and evaluated in-vitro for cytotoxic/anticancer activity against HepG2 and A549 cell lines.

CONCLUSION

The experimental results are consistent with the predicted results. These findings may be of immense importance in the anticancer drug development from an inexpensive and widely available natural product, camptothecin.

Site-Specific Conjugation Strategy for Dual Antibody-Drug Conjugates Using Aerobic Formylglycine-Generating Enzymes

Multiple, site-specific protein conjugation is increasingly attractive for the generation of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). As it is important to control the number and position of cargoes in an ADC, position-selective generation of reactive sites in the protein of interest is required. Formylglycine (FGly) residues are generated by enzymatic conversion of cysteine residues embedded in a certain amino acid sequence motif with a formylglycine-generating enzyme (FGE). The addition of copper ions increases FGE activity leading to the conversion of cysteines within less readily accepted sequences. With this tuned enzyme activity, it is possible to address two different recognition sequences using two aerobic formylglycine-generating enzymes. We demonstrate an improved and facile strategy for the functionalization of a DARPin (designed ankyrin repeat protein) and the single-chain antibody scFv425-Fc, both directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The single-chain antibody was conjugated with monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) and carboxyfluorescein (CF) and successfully tested for receptor binding, internalization, and cytotoxicity in cell culture, respectively.

An ethno-botanical study of indigenous medicinal plants and their usage in rural valleys of Swabi and Hazara region of Pakistan

An ethnobotanical study was conducted to document indigenous medicinal plants and their usage from knowledgeable and elderly persons in Razzar and Gadoon valley of Swabi and Allai and Tanawal valley of Hazara region of Pakistan during 2016-2019. Several systematic field visits and questionnaire surveys were carried out in selected sites of the study area to gather relevant information from the local community. Rapid assessment method was adopted for data collection by interviewing the local people having enough knowledge of medicinal plants use for treatment of different ailments. UV (UV) formula was applied to calculate the relative importance of medicinal plant species in each site of the study area. In the present study, 221 medicinal plants belonging to 105 families have been reported through 580 respondents (385 males, 138 females and 57 local health healer) from the Swabi and Hazara region. The main sources of herbal medicines were leaves (21%) followed by fruits (21%), seeds (17%), whole plants (14%), roots (9%), bark (9%), flowers (7%) and gum (2%). Mentha spicata L. and Berberis lycium Royle were reported with highest UV (UV) i.e. 0.92 and 0.68 in Razzar tehsil and Gadoon valley of Swabi, whereas Mentha longifolia L and Geranium wallichianum D were reported with highest UV i.e. (0.65) and (0.88) in Allai and Tanawal valley of Hazara region, respectively. It was concluded that Swabi and Hazara region is rich in medicinal plants species and associated traditional knowledge. Moreover, ethno-medicines have played significant role in the indigenous healthcare system of the study area. However, uprooting the entire plant for ethno-medicine is a big threat to conservation of medicinal plants diversity in the study area.

Brevifoliol and its Analogs: A New Class of Anti-tubercular Agents

Brevifoliol is an abeo-taxane isolated from the Taxus wallichiana needles; eighteen semisynthetic esters derivatives of brevifoliol were prepared by Steglich esterification and screened for their anti-tubercular potential against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra avirulent strain. The 3- [chloro (7)] and 3, 5-[dinitro (8)] benzoic acid ester derivatives were most active (MIC 25 ug/ml) against the pathogen. Further, in silico docking studies of the active derivative 7 with mycobacterium enzyme inhA (enoyl-ACP reductase) gave the LibDock score of 152.68 and binding energy of -208.62 and formed three hydrogen bonds with SER94, MET98, and SER94. Similarly, when derivative 8 docked with inhA, it gave the LibDock score of 113.55 and binding energy of -175.46 and formed a single hydrogen bond with GLN100 and Pi-interaction with PHE97. On the other hand, the known standard drug isoniazid (INH) gave the LibDock score of 61.63, binding energy of -81.25 and formed one hydrogen bond with ASP148. These molecular docking results and the way of binding pattern indicated that compounds 7 and 8 bound well within the binding pocket of inhA and showed a higher binding affinity than the known drug isoniazid. Additionally, both the derivatives (7 and 8) showed no cytotoxicity, with CC50 195.10 and 111.36, respectively towards the mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages.

Managed aquifer recharge implementation criteria to achieve water sustainability

Depletion of groundwater is accelerated due to an increase in water demand for applications in urbanized areas, agriculture sectors, and energy extraction, and dwindling surface water during changing climate. Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is one of the several methods that can help achieve long-term water sustainability by increasing the natural recharge of groundwater reservoirs with water from non-traditional supplies such as excess surface water, stormwater, and treated wastewater. Despite the multiple benefits of MAR, the wide-scale implementation of MAR is lacking, partly because of challenges to select the location for MAR implementation and identify the MAR type based on site conditions and needs. In this review, we provide an overview of MAR types with a basic framework to select and implement specific MAR at a site based on water availability and quality, land use, source type, soil, and aquifer properties. Our analysis of 1127 MAR projects shows that MAR has been predominantly implemented in sites with sandy clay loam soil (soil group C) and with access to river water for recharge. Spatial analysis reveals that many regions with depleting water storage have opportunities to implement MAR projects. Analyzing data from 34 studies where stormwater was used for recharge, we show that MAR can remove dissolved organic carbon, most metals, E. coli but not efficient at removing most trace organics, and enterococci. Removal efficiency depends on the type of MAR. In the end, we highlight potential challenges for implementing MAR at a site and additional benefits such as minimizing land subsidence, flood risk, augmenting low dry-season flow, and minimizing salt-water intrusion. These results could help identify locations in the water-stressed regions to implement specific MAR for water sustainability.

Detection of Natural Inhibitors against Human Liver Cancer Cell Lines through QSAR, Molecular Docking and ADMET Studies

BACKGROUND

Liver cancer is ranked as the fifth most prevalent and third most lethal cancer worldwide. The incidence rates of this cancer are on the rise, and only limited treatment options are available.

METHODS

To identify and optimize the inhibitors of liver cancer cell-lines, a QSAR model was developed by using multiple linear regression methods. The robustness of the model was validated through statistical methods and wet-lab experiments.

RESULTS

The developed QSAR models yielded high activity descriptor relationship accuracy of 91%, referred to by regression coefficient (r²= 0.91), and a high activity prediction accuracy of 89%. The external predicted (pred_r²) ability of the model was found to be 90%.

CONCLUSION

The QSAR study indicates that chemical descriptors such as to measure of electronegative atom count (Epsilon3), atom type count descriptors (MMFF_10), number of a carbon atom connected with four single bonds (SssssCE- index), molecular weight and, number of oxygen atom connected with two aromatic bonds (SaaOE-index) are significantly correlated with anticancer activity. The model, which was validated statistically and through wet-lab experiments, was further used in the virtual screening of potential inhibitors against the liver cancer cell line WRL68. ADMET risk screening, synthetic accessibility, and Lipinski's rule of five are used to filter false positive hits. AfterwardS, to achieve a set of aligned ligand poses and rank the predicted active compounds, docking studies were carried out. The studied compounds and their metabolites were also analyzed for different pharmacokinetics parameters. Finally, a series of compounds was proposed as anticancer agents.

Budyko-Based Long-Term Water and Energy Balance Closure in Global Watersheds From Earth Observations

Earth observations offer potential pathways for accurately closing the water and energy balance of watersheds, a fundamental challenge in hydrology. However, previous attempts based on purely satellite-based estimates have focused on closing the water and energy balances separately. They are hindered by the lack of estimates of key components, such as runoff. Here, we posit a novel approach based on Budyko's water and energy balance constraints. The approach is applied to quantify the degree of long-term closure at the watershed scale, as well as its associated uncertainties, using an ensemble of global satellite data sets. We find large spatial variability across aridity, elevation, and other environmental gradients. Specifically, we find a positive correlation between elevation and closure uncertainty, as derived from the Budyko approach. In mountainous watersheds the uncertainty in closure is 3.9 ± 0.7 (dimensionless). Our results show that uncertainties in terrestrial evaporation contribute twice as much as precipitation uncertainties to errors in the closure of water and energy balance. Moreover, our results highlight the need for improving satellite-based precipitation and evaporation data in humid temperate forests, where the closure error in the Budyko space is as high as 1.1 ± 0.3, compared to only 0.2 ± 0.03 in tropical forests. Comparing the results with land surface model-based data sets driven by in situ precipitation, we find that Earth observation-based data sets perform better in regions where precipitation gauges are sparse. These findings have implications for improving the understanding of global hydrology and regional water management and can guide the development of satellite remote sensing-based data sets and Earth system models.

Antihypertensive Effect of a Novel Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker Fluorophenyl Benzimidazole: Contribution of cGMP, Voltage-dependent Calcium Channels, and BKCa Channels to Vasorelaxant Mechanisms

Background: The current study presents the novel angiotensin II receptor blocker fluorophenyl benzimidazole (FPD) as an antihypertensive agent in the SHR model of hypertension. We investigated the role of cGMP, voltage-dependent L-type calcium channels, and BK_Ca channels in the vasorelaxant mechanisms of FPD in the rat superior mesenteric artery.

Methods: The antihypertensive effect of FPD was examined using an invasive technique measuring blood pressure in SHR animals. Using a myograph, tension measurement was completed in the superior mesenteric artery to elucidate the mechanisms of vasorelaxation involving AT1 receptors, the NO/cGMP pathway, L-type calcium channels, and BK_Ca channels. Ion flux (Ca²⁺, K⁺) studies were conducted in aortic smooth muscle cells. Putative targets proteins were determined by in silico docking studies. A safety evaluation of FPD was carried out using Swiss albino mice.

Results: FPD significantly decreased blood pressure in SHR. It relaxed superior mesenteric arteries in a concentration-dependent manner and significantly inhibited angiotensin II-induced contraction. The relaxation response was also mediated by an increase in tissue cGMP levels, inhibition of L-type calcium channels, and the opening of BK_Ca channels. FPD further enhanced efflux of K⁺ and inhibited Bay K8644-stimulated Ca²⁺ influx in aortic smooth muscle cells and docked well in an in silico study with the targets. It was well tolerated in the toxicity study.

Conclusion: The present study reports the antihypertensive activity of novel AT-1 receptor blocker FPD at 50 and 100 mg kg⁻¹ with cGMP, L-type calcium channels, and BK_Ca channels as putative targets of vasorelaxation, and was found safe in oral toxicity.

Ethanol and isopropanol inactivation of human coronavirus on hard surfaces

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has greatly increased the frequency of disinfecting surfaces in public places, causing a strain on the ability to obtain disinfectant solutions. An alternative is to use plain alcohols (EtOH and IPA) or sodium hypochlorite (SH).

AIM

To determine the efficacy of various concentrations of EtOH, IPA and SH on a human coronavirus (HCoV) dried on to surfaces using short contact times.

METHODS

High concentrations of infectious HCoV were dried on to porcelain and ceramic tiles, then treated with various concentrations of the alcohols for contact times of 15 s, 30 s and 1 min. Three concentrations of SH were also tested. Reductions in titres were measured using the tissue culture infectious dose 50 assay.

FINDINGS

Concentrations of EtOH and IPA from 62% to 80% were very efficient at inactivating high concentrations of HCoV dried on to tile surfaces, even with a 15-s contact time. Concentrations of 95% dehydrated the virus, allowing infectious virus to survive. The dilutions of SH recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1/10 and 1/50) were efficient at inactivating high concentrations of HCoV dried on to tile surfaces, whereas a 1/100 dilution had substantially lower activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple concentrations of EtOH, IPA and SH efficiently inactivated infectious HCoV on hard surfaces, typical of those found in public places. Often no remaining infectious HCoV could be detected.

Small-Molecule Inhibitor Prevents Insulin Fibrillogenesis and Preserves Activity

Amyloidosis is a well-known but poorly understood phenomenon caused by the aggregation of proteins, often leading to pathological conditions. For example, the aggregation of insulin poses significant challenges during the preparation of pharmaceutical insulin formulations commonly used to treat diabetic patients. Therefore, it is essential to develop inhibitors of insulin aggregation for potential biomedical applications and for important mechanistic insights into amyloidogenic pathways. Here, we have identified a small molecule M1, which causes a dose-dependent reduction in insulin fibril formation. Biophysical analyses and docking results suggest that M1 likely binds to partially unfolded insulin intermediates. Further, M1-treated insulin had lower cytotoxicity and remained functionally active in regulating cell proliferation in cultured Drosophila wing epithelium. Thus, M1 is of great interest as a novel agent for inhibiting insulin aggregation during biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

National Clinical Guidance for the Management of Cardiovascular Intervention in the COVID-19 Pandemic: From Bangladesh Society of Cardiovascular Interventions (BSCI)

Since the first recorded case of SARS-CoV-2 in Bangladesh on 8th March 2020, COVID-19 has spread widely through different regions of the country, resulting in a necessity to re-evaluate the delivery of cardiovascular services, particularly procedures pertaining to interventional cardiology in resource-limited settings. Given its robust capacity for human-to-human transmission and potential of being a nosocomial source of infection, the disease has specific implications on healthcare systems and health care professionals faced with performing essential cardiac procedures in patients with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. The limited resources in terms of cardiac catheterization laboratories that can be designated to treat only COVID positive patients are further compounded by the additional challenges of unavailability of widespread rapid testing on-site at tertiary cardiac hospitals in Bangladesh. This document prepared for our nation by the Bangladesh Society of Cardiovascular Interventions (BSCI) is intended to serve as a clinical practice guideline for cardiovascular health care professionals, with a focus on modifying standard practice of care during the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to ensure continuation of adequate and timely treatment of cardiovascular emergencies avoiding hospital-based transmission of SARS-COV-2 among healthcare professionals and the patients. This is an evolving document based on currently available global data and is tailored to healthcare systems in Bangladesh with particular focus on, but not limited to, invasive cardiology facilities (cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology & pacing labs). This guideline is limited to the provision of cardiovascular care, and it is expected that specific targeted pharmaco-therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 be prescribed as stipulated by the National Guidelines on Clinical Management of Corona virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) published by the Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh.

Sulphur doses and application times on yield and oil quality of canola grown in calcareous soil

Pakistan has been constantly deficient in its oil seed production and it is very difficult to meet the edible oil requirement of its ever-increasing population. A field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Northern Pakistan during winter (2013–14). Five sulphur levels (15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 kg·ha-1) and times of application (at seedling, bolting and flowering stages) were used for the canola variety Abasin-95. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated four times on a 5 m × 3.2 m plot size. The results showed that the sulphur-applied plots gave the highest seed yield, biological yield, glucosinolate, erucic acid, oil content, protein content, oleic acid and linoleic acid compared to the control plots. Sulphur applied at the rate of 60 kg·ha-1 and applied at the bolting stage increased seed yield, biological yield, oil content, and protein content.

Incidence of central diabetes insipid us among the patients undergoing pituitary tumor surgery 06 through trans-sphenoidal approach

Background: Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a common complication following pituitary surgery. Thiscondition can be transient or permanent and the signs and symptoms of this disorder can bemimicked by the normal postoperative course. Objective: This study was carried out to find out the incidence of central diabetes insipidus (DI)among the patients undergoing pituitary tumor surgery through trans-sphenoidal approach eitherendoscopic or microsurgical for the first time.Study Design: Cross sectional observational study Methods: Patients with central (Neurogenic) diabetes insipidus prior to surgery, co-morbiditieslike diabetes mellitus, kidney diseases, electrolyte imbalance, recurrent cases were excludedfrom this study. Patients were followed up to 7th postoperative day by recording and analyzingfindings of postoperative serum electrolytes, urinary specific gravity, hourly urinary volume forestablishing diabetes insipid us. Results: 76.9% of patients developed diabetes insipidus and 70.0% of patients did not developdiabetes insipid us those who underwent pituitary tumour surgery by trans-sphenoidal endoscopicapproach; 23.1% of patients developed diabetes insipid us and 30.0% of patients did not developdiabetes insipid us those who underwent pituitary tumour surgery by trans-sphenoidal mlcrosurgicalapproach. Conclusion: Prediction of DI help us in pre-operative counseling and post-operative managementof the patients as well as to reduce complications related morbidity after pituitary tumor surgery. Journal of Surgical Sciences (2017) Vol. 21 (1) :6-10

Corrigendum to "Dietary administration of Nexrutine inhibits rat liver tumorigenesis and induces apoptotic cell death in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells". [Toxicol. Rep. 2 (2014) (November) 1-11]

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2014.11.006.].