Mini review of microplastic pollutions and its impact on the environment and human health.

In recent years, the environmental pollution of microplastics (MPs) has increasingly drawn our attention. MPs are small fragments of plastics that are commonly dispersed in the environment. The accumulation of environmental MPs is due to population growth and urbanization, while natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding and human activity may influence their distribution. The leaching of chemicals from MPs raises a significant safety problem and environmental approaches aimed at reducing the use and recycling of plastics, with the replacement by bioplastics and wastewater treatment developments are called for. This summary also helps in demonstrating the connection between terrestrial and freshwater MPs and wastewater treatment plants as the major contributors to environmental MPs by discharges of sludge and effluent. More research on the classification, detection, characterization and toxicity of MPs are essential to enable greater options and solutions. Control initiatives need to intensify the comprehensive study of MP waste control and management information programmes in the fields of institutional engagement, technological research and development, legislation and regulation. A comprehensive quantitative analysis approach for MPs should be created in the future, and more reliable traceability analysis methods should be built to examine further its environmental activity and existence, where this should be done to improve scientific research on MP pollution in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments and hence, develop more scientific and rational control policies.

Expert consensus on the minimum clinical standards of practice for Nigerian physiotherapists working in intensive care units: A modified Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: Management of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) needs staff with a recommended level of expertise and experience owing to the life-threatening nature of illnesses, injuries and complications that these patients present with. There are no specific guidelines governing physiotherapy practice in ICUs in Nigeria. Hence, there is a need to have expert consensus on the minimum clinical standard of practice for physiotherapists working in ICUs as a first step to proposing/developing guidelines in the future. OBJECTIVES: To assess the expert consensus on the minimum clinical standard of practice for physiotherapists working in ICUs in Nigeria. METHODS: Physiotherapists with working experience in Nigerian ICUs were purposively recruited into the present study using a modified Delphi technique. A questionnaire comprising 222 question items on the role of physiotherapy in critical care was adopted and administered to the participants over three rounds of Delphi procedure (online). Participants checked either 'essential', 'not essential' or 'unsure' for each question item. For each question item to be considered 'essential' or 'not essential', a consensus agreement ≥70% had to be met. Questions without consensus were further modified by providing definition or clarification and presented in subsequent rounds. Data were analysed descriptively. RESULTS: We recruited 26 expert physiotherapists who consented to the study and completed the first round of the study. The majority of the physiotherapists (n=24) remained in the study after the third round. A total of 178 question items were adjudged to be 'essential' after the first round, and a further 15 and three additional items were subsequently adjudged to be as 'essential' after modifying the outstanding question items during the second and third rounds, respectively. No consensus was reached for 24 items. None of the question items were ranked as 'not essential' after all the rounds. CONCLUSION: Expert consensus was achieved for a substantial number of question items regarding knowledge and skills for assessment, condition and treatment items of the questionnaire by experienced critical care physiotherapists in Nigeria.

Cutaneous involvement of multiple myeloma.

Cutaneous multiple myeloma (MM) is a rare disease. It can be primary or secondary in origin. The secondary type is further classified into specific and nonspecific types. The specific type is uncommon and is known as a secondary cutaneous plasmacytoma. We report a case of secondary cutaneous plasmacytoma in a 58-year-old man who had a history of plasma cell tumour of the lung and multiple myeloma. He achieved complete remission after the completion of chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). However, five months later, he developed multiple erythematous nodules on the whole body. Skin biopsy revealed diffuse neoplastic cells infiltrate in the reticular dermis with sparing of the upper papillary dermis and epidermis. The neoplastic cells were monotonous and homogenous with variable degrees of cytological atypia. Occasional cells showed distinctive plasma cell features. Plasma cell lineage was confirmed with CD138. The cells were immunoreactive to Kappa. Ki-67 was greater than 90%. They were non-immunoreactive to CD45, CD3, CD20, CD79 alpha and CK AE1/AE3. The findings were consistent with secondary cutaneous plasmacytoma. Our case illustrates that MM may present with nonspecific dermatological manifestations. As specific cutaneous involvement of MM is very uncommon; a high degree of clinical suspicion, detailed medical history and histopathological examination are required to arrive at an early diagnosis.

Sequence analysis and biological characterization of virulent Avian avulavirus 1 isolated from asymptomatic migratory fowl.

Continuous monitoring and surveillance of avian avulaviruses (AAvVs) in water/migratory fowl is imperative to ascertain the evolutionary dynamics of these viruses. Here, we report genomic and amino acid characteristics of two AAvVs strains isolated from asymptomatic waterfowl (Anas carolinensis). Sequence characteristics including the presence of virulent motif (112RRQKR↓F117) and biological assessment confirmed the virulent nature of study isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of complete fusion (F) and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN), and hyper-variable region of F gene revealed clustering of both strains within genotype VII and sub-genotype VIIi. The inferred residue analysis of complete F and HN genes revealed a number of substitutions in functionally and structurally important motif/s compared to reference strains of each genotype (I-XI). This study concludes an evolutionary nature of avian avulavaris 1 (AAvV-1), ascertaining continuous surveillance of migratory fowl to better elucidate their infection, epidemiology and subsequent impacts on commercial and backyard poultry. Keywords: virulent AAvV-1; migratory fowl; genetic characterization; evolutionary analysis; Pakistan.

Sex differences in basal hypothalamic anorectic and orexigenic gene expression and the effect of quantitative and qualitative food restriction.

BACKGROUND: Research into energy balance and growth has infrequently considered genetic sex, yet there is sexual dimorphism for growth across the animal kingdom. We test the hypothesis that in the chicken, there is a sex difference in arcuate nucleus neuropeptide gene expression, since previous research indicates hypothalamic AGRP expression is correlated with growth potential and that males grow faster than females. Because growth has been heavily selected in some chicken lines, food restriction is necessary to improve reproductive performance and welfare, but this increases hunger. Dietary dilution has been proposed to ameliorate this undesirable effect. We aimed to distinguish the effects of gut fullness from nutritional feedback on hypothalamic gene expression and its interaction with sex. METHODS: Twelve-week-old male and female fast-growing chickens were either released from restriction and fed ad libitum or a restricted diet plus 15% w/w ispaghula husk, a non-nutritive bulking agent, for 2 days. A control group remained on quantitative restriction. Hypothalamic arcuate nucleus neuropeptides were measured using real-time PCR. To confirm observed sex differences, the experiment was repeated using only ad libitum and restricted fed fast-growing chickens and in a genetically distinct breed of ad libitum fed male and female chickens. Linear mixed models (Genstat 18) were used for statistical analysis with transformation where appropriate. RESULTS: There were pronounced sex differences: expression of the orexigenic genes AGRP (P < 0.001) and NPY (P < 0.002) was higher in males of the fast-growing strain. In genetically distinct chickens, males had higher AGRP mRNA (P = 0.002) expression than females, suggesting sex difference was not restricted to a fast-growing strain. AGRP (P < 0.001) expression was significantly decreased in ad libitum fed birds but was high and indistinguishable between birds on a quantitative versus qualitative restricted diet. Inversely, gene expression of the anorectic genes POMC and CART was significantly higher in ad libitum fed birds but no consistent sex differences were observed. CONCLUSION: Expression of orexigenic peptides in the avian hypothalamus are significantly different between sexes. This could be useful starting point of investigating further if AGRP is an indicator of growth potential. Results also demonstrate that gut fill alone does not reduce orexigenic gene expression.

Seroprevalence of Bluetongue Virus in small ruminants in Balochistan province, Pakistan.

Bluetongue (BT), caused by bluetongue virus (BTV), is a vector-borne disease of small ruminants that has the potential to spread across international borders. Despite large populations of susceptible animals and borders with BTV endemic countries, little is known of the disease burden and prevalent serotypes in the province of Balochistan in Pakistan. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine seroconversion and prevalent serotypes in selected districts of the province using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Sera (n = 876) were collected from clinically healthy sheep and goats originating from the districts of Quetta (n = 300), Mastung (n = 201), Killa Saifullah (n = 75) and Kech (n = 300). None of the study herds (n = 97) were seronegative for BTV, and at the individual level, the overall prevalence of BTV seroconversion was 47.26% (n = 414/876, 95% CI = 43.92%-50.63%). A higher percentage of goats (50.87%, 95% CI = 45.99%-55.73%) were seropositive for anti-VP7 immunoglobulins (IgG) than sheep (44.21%, 95% CI = 39.81%-48.70%). Odds ratios of seroconversion for goats were associated with breed type (χ2  = 16.84, p = .01), parity (χ2  = 23.66, p = .00) and presence of vector (χ2  = 2.63, p = .10), whereas for sheep, it was associated with breed type (χ2  = 13.80, p = .01) and parity (χ2  = 53.40, p = .00). Serotype 8 was the most prevalent (26.82%, 95% CI = 14.75%-43.21%) followed by an equal prevalence of serotypes 2 and 9 (7.31%, 95% CI = 1.91%-21.01%). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study conducted in Balochistan province and the results indicate that there is a necessity to initiate intervention strategies to control BT disease burden not only in this region of Pakistan but also in adjacent areas of the neighbouring countries, Iran and Afghanistan.

Ontogenic development of corticotrophs in fetal buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) pituitary gland.

To evaluate the subpopulation of corticotrophs in developing buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) fetus, recovered pituitary glands (n=6 per group) from late first, second and third gestational female buffalo dams. The corticotrophs were identified by using specific antibodies against proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) through immunohistochemistry. There was a significant (P≤0.05) increase of immunoreactive (ir) ir-ACTH cells during late 2nd trimester while, ir-POMC cells were more (P≤0.05) at late 3rd trimester of gestation as compared to other age groups. The quantity of co-localized cells for POMC and ACTH was significantly (P≤0.05) greater at the end of 1st gestation rather than 2nd and 3rd gestational fetal adenohypophyseal cells. This study is the first to demonstrate co-localization of POMC+ACTH and the affect of gestational age on the expression of these cells in buffalo fetus adenohypophysis.

An oropharyngeal pH monitoring device to evaluate patients with chronic laryngitis.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostics for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) are suboptimal because of limited sensitivity. We performed in vitro and in vivo studies to systematically assess the performance characteristics of an oropharyngeal pH probe. METHODS: In vitro studies compared the oropharyngeal probe with a standard pH catheter in liquid and aerosolized solutions, pH 1-7. The accuracy of measurements, deviation from target pH, and time to equilibrium pH were determined. Simultaneous distal esophageal pH measurements were obtained in 11 patients with GERD. Oropharyngeal and distal esophageal reflux parameters were measured for controls (n = 20), patients with GERD (n = 17), and patients with chronic laryngitis (n = 10). KEY RESULTS: In the liquid phase, at pH 4-5, the oropharyngeal probe had less deviation from the target value than the standard catheter; deviation in the vapor phase was similar (0.4 pH units). Median (interquartile) time to reach equilibrium pH was significantly (P < 0.001) faster with the oropharyngeal than the standard probe. In comparing simultaneous distal esophageal pH characteristics, 96% of recordings with the new and standard probes were in agreement to within ± 1.0 pH unit; 71% of recordings were in agreement within ± 0.5 pH units. Patients with chronic laryngitis had significantly higher levels of oropharyngeal acid exposure at pH <4, <5, and <6, in the upright position than patients with GERD or controls (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Oropharyngeal pH monitoring appears to be more sensitive than traditional pH monitoring in evaluation of patients with extraesophageal reflux. It is a promising tool in evaluation of this difficult group of patients.

Assessment of factors associated with pre-diabetes in HCV infection including direct and dynamic measurements of insulin action.

Although hepatitis C (HCV) is associated with diabetes, few studies have examined pre-diabetes in this population. We aimed to evaluate factors associated with pre-diabetes in HCV-infected patients, including direct measurement of insulin action. Ninety-seven non-cirrhotic, non-diabetic and HCV-infected patients underwent clinical evaluation and oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT). Insulin sensitivity was measured directly by steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) concentration during insulin suppression test. Early phase and total insulin secretion were determined using OGTT. Rates of pre-diabetes were as follows: 21% impaired fasting glucose (IFG), 7% impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 9% combined IFG/IGT. Twelve percent of Caucasians, 50% of African Americans and 70% of Latinos had pre-diabetes (P = 0.002). Patient characteristics among the glucose metabolism categories were similar except those with combined IFG/IGT had a higher body mass index (BMI) vs normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (30 vs 26 kg/m(2), P = 0.007) and lower LDL vs NGT and IGT (74, 104 and 112 mg/dL, respectively, P ≤ 0.01). On multivariable analysis, non-Caucasian race (OR 23.1, P = 0.003), BMI (OR 3.4, P = 0.02) and greater liver inflammation (OR 7.9, P = 0.03) predicted IFG, whereas non-Caucasian race (OR 14.8, P = 0.01) and SSPG (OR 1.1 per 10 units, P = 0.01) predicted IGT. Early and total insulin secretion adjusted for the degree of insulin resistance was decreased in pre-diabetes compared with NGT (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively). Pre-diabetes is highly prevalent among HCV-infected patients, and in some instances, coincides with host responses to the virus. In most cases, however, factors that are associated with pre-diabetes in HCV-infected patients are similar to those observed in the non-HCV population.

The Pakistan (Lahore) cochlear implant programme: issues relating to implantation in a developing country.

The Pakistan cochlear implant programme was started in Lahore in August 2000. It was initially established with the technical support of the Manchester cochlear implant team. There are no government resources available for cochlear implantation in Pakistan and the cost of cochlear implantation is met by the candidates and their families. Up till December 2005, 52 individuals have been implanted. Forty-four (84.6 per cent) of these patients were children and eight (15.4 per cent) patients were adults. Congenital deafness (94 per cent) is the main aetiological factor in children. Seventy-six per cent of these children were born to blood related parents. All patients received a Med-El Combi 40+ device. The listening progress profile, the meaningful auditory integration scale and the meaningful use of speech scale were used to assess the auditory performance in children. Thirty-nine children achieved an average listening progress profile score of 37.7 after 12 months of implantation. The overall rate of major and minor complications was 11.5 per cent. Failure rate for the device itself has been 3.8 per cent. In addition to considering these preliminary outcomes and funding issues, the problems of setting up a cochlear implant programme in a developing country are discussed.

Use of a novel contingency stimulator in Unilateral Spatial Neglect.

The trial of a treatment device for Unilateral Spatial Neglect (USN) is reported. A patient who had suffered a right hemisphere stroke that resulted in left sided neglect was studied over a six month period. The study involved the use of a customized electrical device providing stimulation to the neglected hand, triggered by movement of the unaffected side. A battery of neglect measures were performed regularly throughout the study period. Though the results were difficult to interpret, there was no conclusive evidence that the device was effective. The possible reasons for this, the methodological difficulties inherent in studies of this type and suggestions for further studies are discussed.

Response of irrigated groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) to urea fertilization in the central rainlands of the Sudan.

The response of 3 varieties of groundnuts, i.e.: Ashford (A), Barberton (B), and Corinte (C), to different doses of urea nitrogen under irrigation was studied for three years. As a result of extensive tissue analysis, the critical needs of Barberton and Corinte for nitrogen were found to be 1500 ppm NO3-N and 3.7% total-N. Variety Ashford, which outyielded both, did not respond to urea nitrogen. A linear correlation coefficient of r = 0.85 for pod and straw yields gave a pod to straw ratio of 0.72. Kernel protein and oil content were not affected by nitrogen. Larger nodule counts and their total-N indicated better yields.

Chemical control of nitrification under rice in the central rainlands of the Sudan.

2-amino-4-chloro-6-methyl pyrimidine "AM" was used as a selective inhibitor of nitrifying organisms to prevent denitrification losses. Zero, 6, and 12 kg/ha of the chemical, 43 and 86 kg/ha urea-N or their equivalents were used in vitro and in vivo experiments. In the in vitro experiment, clear and significant inhibition lasted for 6 weeks. In both the pot and field experiments inhibition lasted shorter and only insignificant increases in yield and yield components were attained. The value of this chemical for rice under the soil and climatic conditions of the Central Rainlands seems to be small, though it seems promising for lighter (leaching) soils.