Tree species composition, growing stock and biomass carbon dynamics of the major timber species in Hindu Kush regions of Pakistan

Abstract Using inventory data, this study evaluates the species composition, growing stock volume (GSV), and biomass carbon (BMC) of the five major timber species in the sub-tropical, and temperate/sub-alpine regions of Pakistan. It was found that the stem density varies between 50 and 221 trees ha -1, with a mean of 142 trees ha-1 (13.68 million trees for entire forest area). Among the species, Pinus wallichiana showed a high species composition (27.80%) followed by Picea smithiana (24.64%). The GSV was found in the range of 67.81 to 425.94 m3 ha-1, with a total GSV value of 20.68 million m3 for the entire region. Similarly, The BMC ranged from 27.04 to 169.86 Mg ha-1, with a mean BMC value of 86.80 Mg ha-1. The total amount of stored carbon was found at 8.69 million tons for a total of 95842 ha of commercially managed forest. Furthermore, the correlation analysis between the basal area (BA) and GSV and BMC showed that BA is the best predictor of GSV and BMC. The findings provide insights to the policy makers and forest managers regarding the sustainable commercial forest management as well as forest carbon management in the recent global carbon management for climate change mitigation.

Resumo Usando dados de inventário, este estudo avaliou a composição de espécies, volume de estoque crescente (GSV) e carbono de biomassa (BMC) das cinco principais espécies madeireiras nas regiões subtropicais e temperadas/subalpinas do Paquistão. Constatou-se que a densidade do caule variou entre 50 e 221 árvores ha-1, com média de 142 árvores ha-1 (13,68 milhões de árvores para toda a área florestal). Entre as espécies, Pinus wallichiana apresentou alta composição de espécies (27,80%), seguida de Picea smithiana (24,64%). O GSV foi encontrado na faixa de 67,81 a 425,94 m3 ha-1, com um valor total de 20,68 milhões de m3 para toda a região. Da mesma forma, o BMC variou de 27,04 a 169,86 mg ha-1, com valor médio de 86,80 mg ha-1. A quantidade total de carbono armazenado foi de 8,69 milhões de toneladas para um total de 95.842 ha de floresta manejada comercialmente. Além disso, a análise de correlação entre área basal (BA), GSV e BMC mostrou que BA é o melhor preditor de GSV e BMC. As descobertas fornecem insights para os formuladores de políticas e gestores florestais sobre o manejo florestal comercial sustentável, bem como o manejo florestal de carbono no recente gerenciamento global de carbono para a mitigação das mudanças climáticas.

Tree species composition, growing stock and biomass carbon dynamics of the major timber species in Hindu Kush regions of Pakistan / Composição de espécies de árvores, estoque em crescimento e dinâmica de biomassa de carbono das principais espécies madeireiras nas regiões de Indocuche no Paquistão

Using inventory data, this study evaluates the species composition, growing stock volume (GSV), and biomass carbon (BMC) of the five major timber species in the sub-tropical, and temperate/sub-alpine regions of Pakistan. It was found that the stem density varies between 50 and 221 trees ha -1, with a mean of 142 trees ha-1 (13.68 million trees for entire forest area). Among the species, Pinus wallichiana showed a high species composition (27.80%) followed by Picea smithiana (24.64%). The GSV was found in the range of 67.81 to 425.94 m3 ha-1, with a total GSV value of 20.68 million m3 for the entire region. Similarly, The BMC ranged from 27.04 to 169.86 Mg ha-1, with a mean BMC value of 86.80 Mg ha-1. The total amount of stored carbon was found at 8.69 million tons for a total of 95842 ha of commercially managed forest. Furthermore, the correlation analysis between the basal area (BA) and GSV and BMC showed that BA is the best predictor of GSV and BMC. The findings provide insights to the policy makers and forest managers regarding the sustainable commercial forest management as well as forest carbon management in the recent global carbon management for climate change mitigation.

Usando dados de inventário, este estudo avaliou a composição de espécies, volume de estoque crescente (GSV) e carbono de biomassa (BMC) das cinco principais espécies madeireiras nas regiões subtropicais e temperadas/subalpinas do Paquistão. Constatou-se que a densidade do caule variou entre 50 e 221 árvores ha-1, com média de 142 árvores ha-1 (13,68 milhões de árvores para toda a área florestal). Entre as espécies, Pinus wallichiana apresentou alta composição de espécies (27,80%), seguida de Picea smithiana (24,64%). O GSV foi encontrado na faixa de 67,81 a 425,94 m3 ha-1, com um valor total de 20,68 milhões de m3 para toda a região. Da mesma forma, o BMC variou de 27,04 a 169,86 mg ha-1, com valor médio de 86,80 mg ha-1. A quantidade total de carbono armazenado foi de 8,69 milhões de toneladas para um total de 95.842 ha de floresta manejada comercialmente. Além disso, a análise de correlação entre área basal (BA), GSV e BMC mostrou que BA é o melhor preditor de GSV e BMC. As descobertas fornecem insights para os formuladores de políticas e gestores florestais sobre o manejo florestal comercial sustentável, bem como o manejo florestal de carbono no recente gerenciamento global de carbono para a mitigação das mudanças climáticas.

Autophagic-Related anticancer effect of grapes extract and tomatoes extract: Ex-Vivo study

Cells undergo autophagy to save themselves from injury, but progressive autophagy can cause cell death. This study characterized and compared the effect of grape (resveratrol) and tomato (lycopene) extracts and their combination on modulating autophagy-related miRNA and its target gene in squamous cell carcinoma cell line. Docking analysis for extracts and selected genes was performed. Methyl Thiazol Tetrazolium assays were used to assess the cytotoxicity of extracts and their combination toward HEp-2 cells. qRT-PCR was used to quantify changes in gene expression. Data were statistically analyzed. miRNA-20a was identified as a potential effector in laryngeal cancer, and sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1) was its target gene. Docking analysis showed that resveratrol interacted with miRNA-20a and showed less affinity toward SQSTM1. Hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions were predicted. In contrast, lycopene showed less affinity toward miRNA-20a than resveratrol. Increasing doses of resveratrol, lycopene, and their combination induced a statistically significant reduction in mean percent viability and mean fold changes of miRNA-20a and SQSTM1 expression in treated HEp-2 cells. Pearson's correlation showed a statistically significant positive correlation between miRNA-20a and SQSTM1 (R=0.812, p≤0.001). Grape and tomato extracts and their combination display promising cytotoxicity against HEp-2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Both extracts reduce the expression of miRNA-20a and SQSTM1 with subsequent inhibition autophagy and promotion of apoptosis in HEp-2 cells.

Las células se someten a autofagia para salvarse de lesiones, pero la autofagia progresiva puede provocar la muerte celular. Este estudio caracterizó y comparó el efecto de los extractos de uva (resveratrol) y tomate (licopeno) y su combinación en la modulación de miARN relacionado con la autofagia y su gen diana en la línea celular de carcinoma de células escamosas. Se realizó análisis de acoplamiento para extractos y genes seleccionados. Se utilizaron ensayos de metil tiazol tetrazolio para evaluar la citotoxicidad de los extractos y su combinación frente a las células HEp-2. qRT-PCR se utilizó para cuantificar los cambios en la expresión génica. Los datos fueron analizados estadísticamente. El miARN-20a se identificó como un efector potencial en el cáncer de laringe y el secuenciasoma-1 (SQSTM1) fue su gen diana. El análisis de acoplamiento mostró que el resveratrol interactuaba con miRNA-20a y mostraba menos afinidad hacia SQSTM1. Se predijeron enlaces de hidrógeno e interacciones hidrofóbicas. Por el contrario, el licopeno mostró menos afinidad hacia el miARN-20a que el resveratrol. El aumento de las dosis de resveratrol, licopeno y su combinación indujo una reducción estadísticamente significativa en el porcentaje medio de viabilidad y los cambios medios en la expresión de miRNA- 20a y SQSTM1 en las células HEp-2 tratadas. La correlación de Pearson mostró una correlación positiva estadísticamente significativa entre miRNA-20a y SQSTM1 (R=0,812, p≤0,001). Los extractos de uva y tomate y su combinación muestran una citotoxicidad prometedora contra las células HEp-2 de forma dependiente de la dosis y el tiempo. Ambos extractos reducen la expresión de miRNA-20a y SQSTM1 con la posterior inhibición de la autofagia y promoción de la apoptosis en células HEp-2.

Toxicological effects of thimerosal on rat kidney: a histological and biochemical study / Efeitos toxicológicos do timerosal no rim de rato: um estudo histológico e bioquímico

Thimerosal is an organomercurial compound, which is used in the preparation of intramuscular immunoglobulin, antivenoms, tattoo inks, skin test antigens, nasal products, ophthalmic drops, and vaccines as a preservative. In most of animal species and humans, the kidney is one of the main sites for mercurial compounds deposition and target organs for toxicity. So, the current research was intended to assess the thimerosal induced nephrotoxicity in male rats. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were categorized into four groups. The first group was a control group. Rats of Group-II, Group-III, and Group-IV were administered with 0.5µg/kg, 10µg/kg, and 50µg/kg of thimerosal once a day, respectively. Thimerosal administration significantly decreased the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione (GSH), and protein content while increased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels dose-dependently. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, urobilinogen, urinary proteins, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels were substantially increased. In contrast, urinary albumin and creatinine clearance was reduced dose-dependently in thimerosal treated groups. The results demonstrated that thimerosal significantly increased the inflammation indicators including nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activities, DNA and histopathological damages dose-dependently. So, the present findings ascertained that thimerosal exerted nephrotoxicity in male albino rats.

O timerosal é um composto organomercurial, utilizado na preparação de imunoglobulina intramuscular, antivenenos, tintas de tatuagem, antígenos de teste cutâneo, produtos nasais, gotas oftálmicas e vacinas como conservante. Na maioria das espécies animais e nos humanos, o rim é um dos principais locais de deposição de compostos de mercúrio e órgãos-alvo de toxicidade. Assim, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar a nefrotoxicidade induzida pelo timerosal em ratos machos. Vinte e quatro ratos albinos machos adultos foram categorizados em quatro grupos. O primeiro grupo era um grupo de controle. Ratos do Grupo II, Grupo III e Grupo IV receberam 0,5µg / kg, 10µg / kg e 50µg / kg de timerosal uma vez ao dia, respectivamente. A administração de timerosal diminuiu significativamente as atividades de catalase (CAT), superóxido dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutationa redutase (GR), glutationa (GSH) e conteúdo de proteína, enquanto aumentou as substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) e peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) níveis dependentes da dose. Os níveis de nitrogênio ureico no sangue (BUN), creatinina, urobilinogênio, proteínas urinárias, molécula de lesão renal-1 (KIM-1) e lipocalina associada à gelatinase de neutrófilos (NGAL) aumentaram substancialmente. Em contraste, a albumina urinária e a depuração da creatinina foram reduzidas de forma dependente da dose nos grupos tratados com timerosal. Os resultados demonstraram que o timerosal aumentou significativamente os indicadores de inflamação, incluindo fator nuclear kappaB (NF-κB), fator de necrose tumoral-α (TNF-α), interleucina-1β (IL-1β), níveis de interleucina-6 (IL-6) e atividades da ciclooxigenase-2 (COX-2), DNA e danos histopatológicos dependentes da dose. Portanto, os presentes achados verificaram que o timerosal exerceu nefrotoxicidade em ratos albinos machos.

Toxicological effects of thimerosal on rat kidney: a histological and biochemical study

Abstract Thimerosal is an organomercurial compound, which is used in the preparation of intramuscular immunoglobulin, antivenoms, tattoo inks, skin test antigens, nasal products, ophthalmic drops, and vaccines as a preservative. In most of animal species and humans, the kidney is one of the main sites for mercurial compounds deposition and target organs for toxicity. So, the current research was intended to assess the thimerosal induced nephrotoxicity in male rats. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were categorized into four groups. The first group was a control group. Rats of Group-II, Group-III, and Group-IV were administered with 0.5µg/kg, 10µg/kg, and 50µg/kg of thimerosal once a day, respectively. Thimerosal administration significantly decreased the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione (GSH), and protein content while increased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels dose-dependently. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, urobilinogen, urinary proteins, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels were substantially increased. In contrast, urinary albumin and creatinine clearance was reduced dose-dependently in thimerosal treated groups. The results demonstrated that thimerosal significantly increased the inflammation indicators including nuclear factor kappaB (NF-B), tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-), Interleukin-1 (IL-1), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activities, DNA and histopathological damages dose-dependently. So, the present findings ascertained that thimerosal exerted nephrotoxicity in male albino rats.

Resumo O timerosal é um composto organomercurial, utilizado na preparação de imunoglobulina intramuscular, antivenenos, tintas de tatuagem, antígenos de teste cutâneo, produtos nasais, gotas oftálmicas e vacinas como conservante. Na maioria das espécies animais e nos humanos, o rim é um dos principais locais de deposição de compostos de mercúrio e órgãos-alvo de toxicidade. Assim, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar a nefrotoxicidade induzida pelo timerosal em ratos machos. Vinte e quatro ratos albinos machos adultos foram categorizados em quatro grupos. O primeiro grupo era um grupo de controle. Ratos do Grupo II, Grupo III e Grupo IV receberam 0,5µg / kg, 10µg / kg e 50µg / kg de timerosal uma vez ao dia, respectivamente. A administração de timerosal diminuiu significativamente as atividades de catalase (CAT), superóxido dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutationa redutase (GR), glutationa (GSH) e conteúdo de proteína, enquanto aumentou as substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) e peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) níveis dependentes da dose. Os níveis de nitrogênio ureico no sangue (BUN), creatinina, urobilinogênio, proteínas urinárias, molécula de lesão renal-1 (KIM-1) e lipocalina associada à gelatinase de neutrófilos (NGAL) aumentaram substancialmente. Em contraste, a albumina urinária e a depuração da creatinina foram reduzidas de forma dependente da dose nos grupos tratados com timerosal. Os resultados demonstraram que o timerosal aumentou significativamente os indicadores de inflamação, incluindo fator nuclear kappaB (NF-B), fator de necrose tumoral- (TNF-), interleucina-1 (IL-1), níveis de interleucina-6 (IL-6) e atividades da ciclooxigenase-2 (COX-2), DNA e danos histopatológicos dependentes da dose. Portanto, os presentes achados verificaram que o timerosal exerceu nefrotoxicidade em ratos albinos machos.

COVID-19 mRNA vaccine triggering dermatomyositis: A case report

The battle against SARS-COV-2 is rising and the hope in the safety and effectiveness of immunization against this virus is growing up, even though serious and severe adverse events are scarcely observed. In this article, we report a case of mRNA vaccine induced an autoimmune dermatomyositis with features of severity that are managed by immunosuppressants medications and still in regular follow-up. Inflammatory dermatomyositis can be triggered after vaccination with COVID vaccine in the same mechanism that COVID-19 infection-induced myositis.

Molecular characterization of phosphate solubilizing fungi Aspergillus niger and its correlation to sustainable agriculture

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the phosphate solubilization potential of agriculturally important fungi, i.e., Aspergillus sp. isolated from the rhizosphere of healthy plants in Abha city, Saudi Arabia.Methodology: Sixteen Aspergillus sp. isolated and tested for phosphate solubilization potential were identified by 5.8S-ITS region sequencing and characterized by 11 ISSR-PCR markers. Finally, the highest phosphate solubilization potential isolates were used in field experiments on cucumber and tomato plants. Results: All Aspergillus niger isolates showed 96–100% similarity to A. niger strains available at GenBank database, Isolate ASAB-5 was most efficient at solubilizing phosphate on Pikovskaya’s medium, with a solubilization index of 2.67, and 235.22 mg l-1 of solubilized phosphate. ISSR-PCR markers revealed is total 142 bands in all isolates, with about 32.3% showing monomorphism and 67.6% polymorphism. Based on genetic similarity and intraspecies variability, the Aspergillus isolates were grouped into two different clusters with about 67.9% genetic similarity. The results of field experiments showed no significant difference between seeds treated with culture filtrate or conidial suspension of ASAB-5; however, both differed remarkably from untreated seeds. Interpretation: The current study confirms the existence of several useful phosphate solubilizing fungi in plants, which may serve as potential biological fertilizers. They are safer than chemical fertilizers and increase the bioavailability of soil phosphates for plants

Selective phytochemicals targeting pancreatic stellate cells as new anti-fibrotic agents for chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer

Activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) have been widely accepted as a key precursor of excessive pancreatic fibrosis, which is a crucial hallmark of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and its formidable associated disease, pancreatic cancer (PC). Hence, anti-fibrotic therapy has been identified as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating CP and PC by targeting PSCs. Most of the anti-fibrotic agents have been limited to phase I/II clinical trials involving vitamin analogs, which are abundant in medicinal plants and have proved to be promising for clinical application. The use of phytomedicines, as new anti-fibrotic agents, has been applied to a variety of complementary and alternative approaches. The aim of this review was to present a focused update on the selective new potential anti-fibrotic agents, including curcumin, resveratrol, rhein, emodin, green tea catechin derivatives, metformin, eruberin A, and ellagic acid, in combating PSC in CP and PC models. It aimed to describe the mechanism(s) of the phytochemicals used, either alone or in combination, and the associated molecular targets. Most of them were tested in PC models with similar mechanism of actions, and curcumin was tested intensively. Future research may explore the issues of bioavailability, drug design, and nano-formulation, in order to achieve successful clinical outcomes with promising activity and tolerability.

Accessing Driving Posture Among Elderly Taxi Drivers In Malaysian Using RULA And QEC Approach

@#An elderly community may continue to serve their services to other jobs after retirement particularly in light works in accordance to their ability which can support the household income in such a challenging world. One of the professions that they could alternatively get involved is by being a taxi driver. Hence, the characteristic of elderly taxi driver is crucial to understand, primarily due to the ageing process which makes them more vulnerable towards injury. Sitting which is the working posture of a taxi driver should be properly done to avoid injuries among the elders. Improper seating posture is potentially unhealthy and considered as one of the major contributing factors for several musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) such as pain in the lower back part and shoulder. Due to increased exposures to seating posture inside the car, the proper sitting adjustment has become an important issue that demands adequate ergonomic interventions. A cross-sectional study was conducted with elderly taxi drivers using a self-administered questionnaire. It included questions on social-demographic data, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Quick Exposure Check (QEC). Purposive method sampling is used according to these inclusive criteria; age 60 years old and above, self-driving taxi more than 1 year, no disabilities and registered with Ministry of Transport (MOT). Total of 443 respondents participated in the study. SPSS software version 20.0 to analyze data and RULA and QEC form was used. More than half elderly taxi driver used budget car (57.6%) type of taxi and most of elderly taxi drivers were smoking (66.0%). More than half respondents (70.0%) having felt back pain for the past 12 months and 75.4% feeling back pain the last seven days. 94.8% elderly taxi drivers complained of feeling low back pain. QEC showed higher score - neck (20.8%) and back body part (6.5%) and other factors at high score - driving (86.4%) and vibration (45.6%). RULA analysis body score at value score 7 (23.5%)- required immediate improvement and value score 5/6 (61.9%) - required investigation and needed to improve soon. Inappropriate seating posture among elderly taxi drivers may cause discomfort towards developing MSD. The implication of low awareness on ergonomics education could reflect quality lifestyle and health among elderly taxi drivers in Malaysia.

Analysis for Streptomyces spp. recovered from oil refinery soils to grow on diesel

Aims@#The investigation aimed to examine the crude oil-contaminated soil Streptomyces flora and study their capability to grow on diesel fuel as a sole carbon source and their analysis for the presence of alkane hydroxylase gene (alkB) by PCR. @*Methodology and results@#A total of 17 Streptomyces isolates were recovered from hydrocarbon-contaminated soil samples on starch casein nitrate agar medium with the ability of 4 isolates to grow on diesel [0.1 % (v/v)] as assessed by agar plate diffusion method, enzymatic assay and dry weight measurements. The ability of the four isolates (JR2b, JR3a, JR5b, and JR6f) to grow on diesel was revealed by the colour change of the reaction mixture and showing a growth response by growing around diesel-containing wells with a percentage increase in the dry weight of 24.60, 26.23, 18.03, and 18.03 after 28 days of incubation as compared to zero time, respectively. Although the four isolates were capable to degrade diesel as indicated by the three assessment techniques, they did not show any PCR product. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The isolates that grew on diesel and showed no PCR product might not contain the alkB gene, which implies that alkB gene is not the only gene that is responsible for the degradation of alkanes.

Prevalence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis among Inmates and Staff of Three Indian Prisons.

Aim: To estimate prevalence of TB among inmates and staff of three prisons in south India. Place of Study: The study was undertaken in three purposively selected prisons in Karnataka State, India, namely, Belgaum, Mysore and Mangalore prisons. Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was undertaken among a total of 2450 inmates and 280 staff at the three selected prisons. Inmates and prison staff were screened for cough of ≥ 2 weeks and the identified TB suspects were subjected to sputum microscopy for acid fast bacilli using ZN staining and fluorescent microscopy. Results: 81 TB suspects were identified among the inmates and none among the staff. Of the 81 TB suspects, none were positive for acid fast bacilli. 10 inmates at the prisons were already on DOTS for pulmonary TB. A prevalence of pulmonary TB of 4/1000 prison inmates was estimated. Unmet need for medical care was elicited among TB suspects. Past history of anti-TB treatment and history of current smoking were identified as significant risk factors for TB in the selected prisons. Conclusion: The estimated prevalence of pulmonary TB in the selected prisons (4/1000 prison inmates and staff) was almost twice that in the Indian general population (2.11/1000 general population).

Dual diagnosis and suicide probability in poly-drug users

Objective: To determine the frequency of suicidal thoughts and suicidal probability among poly-substance abusers in Saudi population, and to examine the relation between dual diagnosis and suicidal thoughts

Study Design: Case control study

Place and Duration of Study: Al-Baha Psychiatric Hospital, Saudi Arabia, from May 2011 to June 2012

Methodology: Participants were 239 subjects, aged 18 - 45 years. We reviewed 122 individuals who fulfilled the DSM-IV-TR criteria of substance abuse for two or more substances, and their data were compared with that collected from 117 control persons

Results: Suicidal cases were highly present among poly-substance abusers 64.75%. Amphetamine and cannabis were the most abused substances, [87.7% and 70.49%, respectively]. A statistically significant association with suicidality was found with longer duration of substance abuse [p < 0.001], using alcohol [p=0.001], amphetamine [p=0.007], volatile substances [p=0.034], presence of comorbid psychiatric disorders [dual diagnosis] as substance induced mood disorder [p=0.001], schizo-affective disorder [p=0.017], major depressive disorders [p=0.001], antisocial [p=0.016] and borderline [p=0.005] personality disorder. Suicidal cases showed significant higher scores [p < 0.001] of suicide probability scale and higher scores in Beck depressive inventory [p < 0.001]

Conclusion: Abusing certain substances for long duration, in addition to comorbid psychiatric disorders especially with disturbed-mood element, may trigger suicidal thoughts in poly-substance abusers. Depression and suicide probability is common consequences of substance abuse

Outcome of Adjuvant Concurrent Chemo-Radiation in Operated Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer.

Background: Rectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Kashmir, India. The clinical course of patients treated with surgery alone has been characterized by a high death rate and also by the pain and disability associated with pelvic recurrence of the tumor. Adjuvant radiation combined with chemotherapy has been studied for prevention of such recurrences. We treat more than 200 rectal cancer patients annually at our center. Most of the patients registered at our center are those who have been already subjected to surgery at the peripheral hospitals. We studied role of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and calcium leucovorin concurrently with radiotherapy in Dukes’ stage B2 and C and toxicities thereof in the adjuvant setting. Objective: To assess the outcome of concurrent chemoradiation in operated locally advanced treated cancer patients. Materials and Methods: In operated Dukes’ B2 and C rectal cancer patients, we conducted a prospective non-randomized study comprising of 40 patients between 2012 and 2014. Patients were treated with two hours protracted infusion of calcium leucovorin 500 mg/m2 on day 1 followed by 5-fluorouracil 500 mg/m2 on days 1 to 5 and repeated four weekly for total of six cycles. Radiotherapy of 45 Gray in 20 fractions was delivered concurrently with chemotherapy for first two cycles. Results: Combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in a concurrent setting appears to be more efficient in reducing local recurrence rates and improving survival than either modality alone. Toxicities with this schedule were mostly gastrointestinal mucositis, but no treatment interruption was needed. Conclusion: A combination of 5-fluorouracil and radiotherapy can be administered in operated locally advanced rectal cancer patients.

Common Indications for Major Cardiothoracic Surgeries in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; Kano; Nigeria: A 2-Year Review

Background : Although cardiothoracic surgery has made significant progress in Nigeria; more has to be done in the field of open heart surgery to mitigate the currently experienced need for surgery abroad. This communication highlights the common indications for major cardiothoracic surgeries performed over a 2-year period from November 2011 to October 2013 in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; Kano. Highlighted are common cardiothoracic problems often encountered in this region and their outcome. This will therefore form the basis for comparison with what is obtainable in other cardiothoracic centers in the country.Objectives: To determine the common indications for major cardiothoracic surgeries and their outcome over a 2-year period in the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; Kano.Methodology: Data were retrieved from the operation theater register of our institution and relevant information such as age; sex; indication for surgery; surgical procedure performed and outcome were extracted.Results : A total of 89 major surgeries were performed during the study period. The subjects comprised of 66 males and 23 females; with a male to female ratio of 3:1. Trauma-related chest injuries constituted the major indication (21.4); with nine cases being arrow-related chest injury; which was the most common. A single case of pericardectomy was performed. All surgeries were carried out successfully and patients were discharged except for one mortality recorded following intervention of a case of arrow-related chest injury (5.3).Conclusion : Trauma-related events were the most common indication for major cardiothoracic surgery in our series. Arrow-related injuries were the most common; and these were seen mostly in males

cross sectional study on the acceptance of pre-hospital continuous positive airway pressure ventilation among ambulance paramedic in an urban emergency medical service system in a developing country

To assess the acceptance among the developing country urban paramedics towards pre-hospital continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP] ventilation. A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted among the ambulance paramedics working at the pre-hospital care unit of the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from March 2012 to August 2012 on ambulance paramedics. Questionnaires were used to assess their experience, knowledge, and perception, while their competencies were assessed using an Objective Structured Clinical Examination by 2 independent-calibrated raters on the use of the Boussignac CPAP system. Twenty-six ambulance paramedics qualified for this study with an average work experience of 5.59 +/- 3.53 years. A total of 76.9% had no formal training for CPAP during their study years. Knowledge of CPAP apparatus-arrangement sequence scored as 88.5% correct, while 96.2% scored `Good` to `Very-good` in the ability to diagnose conditions that warrant its use. A total of 76.9% were confident to monitor patients on CPAP, and 61.5% in applying the device. However, only 53.8% were confident to start the CPAP, and 38.5% to troubleshoot if any problem arose. For perceptions, 96.2% felt it was easy to learn CPAP, while 88.5% felt that paramedics could use it without supervision, and 80.8% felt that it should not be confined to the Emergency Department setting. A total of 96.1% were competent in CPAP application. Developing country urban ambulance paramedics possessed adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and demonstrated good CPAP application skills. However, lack of confidence towards decision to initiate and troubleshoot of potential complications were the main obstacles hindering its use

Improving door-to-doctor and door-to-analgesia time in a tertiary teaching hospital emergency department through a novel 'Red Box' system

To evaluate the effectiveness of a new patient flow system, 'The Red Box' on the quality of patient care in respect of the time taken for the care to be delivered to the patient. A pre-post study was conducted looking at the door-to-doctor [DTD] and door-to-analgesia [DTA] times for cases presenting to the Emergency Department [ED] of a tertiary teaching hospital 'The National University of Malaysia Medical Center' between the periods of July and September 2005 against July and September 2008. Demographic data, ED presentation time, time seen by first doctor, and time first analgesia given were collected in both periods and analyzed. A total of 1,000 cases were enrolled. Group A [pre-Red Box] and group B [post-Red Box] comprised 500 cases each. The mean DTD time for group A was 29 minutes [SD +/- 3 minutes] and for group B was 3 minutes [SD +/- 1 minute], with a 98.8% reduction [p<0.001]. For DTA time, group A recorded a mean of 46 minutes [SD +/- 3 minutes], and group B recorded a mean of 9 minutes [SD +/- 2 minutes], an 80.4% reduction [p<0.001]. The implementation of a red box system improved the quality of emergency patient care in the ED of a tertiary teaching hospital as evidenced by significant reductions in DTD and DTA time

Isolated gastrocnemius hydatid cysts: a case report

Hydatid cysts generally involve the liver and the lungs. Exclusive involvement of muscle is extremely uncommon, especially calf muscles. We report a case of hydatid cyst in gastrocnemius muscle. A 38 year old female presented with painless right calf mass of one year. Radiological tests showed a cystic lesion suggestive of hydatid cyst in the calf with no liver or lung involvement .Surgical excision of two gastrocnemius cysts was done and the patient was started on Albendazole. The patient had an uneventful recovery. Final histopathological report confirmed the diagnosis of hydatid cyst. Hydatid cyst should be included in the differential diagnosis of any soft tissue mass, especially in endemic areas

Ventilator associated pneumonia: incidence and risk factors in a university hospital

Ventilator associated pneumonia [VAP] is a type of nosocomial pneumonia associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Awareness about the risk factors can be used to implement simple and effective preventive measures.To determine the factors associated with development of VAP and its mierobial profile among patients admitted to ICUs. A nested case-cohort study was conducted at Al-Hussein university hospital in Cairo city, Egypt for a period of 6 months from the 1[st] of March 2013 to the end of August 2013. Patients who were on mechanical ventilation [MV] for more than 48 hours were monitored at frequent intervals fordevelopment of VAP. Samples obtained by endotracheal aspiration were ccultured on Blood agar -Chocolate agar - MacConkey agar, plates of which were incubated at 37c for 24 hours. The isolated organism was identified by morphological and biochemical identification. Of the 73 samples which were taken from endotracheal tubes of the patients, 42 cases were diagnosed as VAP with an incidence rate of 57.5%. Early onset VAP occurred in 36 [85.7%], while late onset VAP was observed in the remaining 6 patients [14.3%]. Escherichia coli [40.5%] followedby Klebsiella pneumonia [23.8%] were the most commonly isolated pathogens. Univariate analysis showed that the duration of MV and ICU stay, re-intubation, supine head position, impaired consciousness, steroids use and H[2] blocker use were the risk factors associated with VAP [p < 0.05], Logistic regression revealed duration of MV as an independent risk factor for VAP. The incidence of ventilator pneumonia is high in our study. VAP was significantly related to duration of MV and ICU stay, re-intubation, supine head position, impaired consciousness, steroids use and H[2] blocker use

Conus vexillum venom induces oxidative stress in Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma cells: an insight into the mechanism of induction

It is estimated that venoms of marine cone snails (genus Conus) contain more than 100,000 different small peptides with a wide range of pharmacological and biological actions. Some of these peptides were developed into potential therapeutic agents and as molecular tools to understand biological functions of nervous and cardiovascular systems. In this study we examined the cytotoxic and anticancer properties of the marine vermivorous cone snail Conus vexillum (collected from Hurgada and Sharm El-Shaikh, Red Sea, Egypt) and suggest the possible mechanisms involved. The in vitro cytotoxic effects of Conus venom were assessed against Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. Results Conus venom treatment resulted in concentration-dependent cytotoxicity as indicated by a lactate dehydrogenase leakage assay. Apoptotic effects were measured in vivo by measuring levels of reactive oxygen species and oxidative defense agents in albino mice injected with EAC cells. Conus venom (1.25 mg/kg) induced a significant increase ( p  < 0.05) in several oxidative stress biomarkers (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl content and reactive nitrogen intermediates) of EAC cells after 3, 6, 9 and 12 hours of venom injection. Conus venom significantly reduced ( p  < 0.05) the activities of oxidative defense enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) as well as the total antioxidant capacity of EAC cells, as evidenced by lowered levels of reduced glutathione.Conclusions These results demonstrate the cytotoxic potential of C. vexillum venom by inducing oxidative stress mediated mechanisms in tumor cells and suggest that the venom contains novel.

Conus vexillum venom induces oxidative stress in Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma cells: an insight into the mechanism of induction

Background: It is estimated that venoms of marine cone snails (genus Conus) contain more than 100,000 different small peptides with a wide range of pharmacological and biological actions. Some of these peptides were developed into potential therapeutic agents and as molecular tools to understand biological functions of nervous and cardiovascular systems. In this study we examined the cytotoxic and anticancer properties of the marine vermivorous cone snail Conus vexillum (collected from Hurgada and Sharm El-Shaikh, Red Sea, Egypt) and suggest the possible mechanisms involved. The in vitro cytotoxic effects of Conus venom were assessed against Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. Results: Conus venom treatment resulted in concentration-dependent cytotoxicity as indicated by a lactate dehydrogenase leakage assay. Apoptotic effects were measured in vivo by measuring levels of reactive oxygen species and oxidative defense agents in albino mice injected with EAC cells. Conus venom (1.25 mg/kg) induced a significant increase (p < 0.05) in several oxidative stress biomarkers (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl content and reactive nitrogen intermediates) of EAC cells after 3, 6, 9 and 12 hours of venom injection. Conus venom significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the activities of oxidative defense enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) as well as the total antioxidant capacity of EAC cells, as evidenced by lowered levels of reduced glutathione. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the cytotoxic potential of C. vexillum venom by inducing oxidative stress mediated mechanisms in tumor cells and suggest that the venom contains novel molecules with potential anticancer activity.(AU)