Effect of face-covering use on adherence to other COVID-19 protective behaviours: A systematic review.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns were raised that face covering use may elicit risk compensation; a false sense of security resulting in reduced adherence to other protective behaviours such as physical distancing. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effect of face covering use on adherence to other COVID-19 related protective behaviours. Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, EmCare, medRxiv preprints, Research Square and WHO COVID-19 Research Database were searched for all primary research studies published from 1st January 2020 to 17th May 2022 that investigated the effect of face covering use on adherence to other protective behaviours in public settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Papers were selected and screened in accordance with the PRISMA framework. Backwards and forwards citation searches of included papers were also conducted on 16th September 2022, with eligible papers published between 1st January 2020 and that date being included. A quality appraisal including risk of bias was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Quality Criteria Checklist. This review is registered on PROSPERO, number CRD42022331961. 47 papers were included, with quality ranging from low to high. These papers investigated the effects of face covering use and face covering policies on adherence to six categories of behaviour: physical distancing; mobility; face-touching; hand hygiene; close contacts; and generalised protective behaviour. Results reveal no consistent evidence for or against risk compensation, with findings varying according to behaviour and across study types, and therefore confident conclusions cannot be made. Any policy decisions related to face coverings must consider the inconsistencies and caveats in this evidence base.

Evolutionary analysis of seasonal influenza A viruses in Pakistan 2020-2023.

INTRODUCTION: Influenza A viruses cause global health concerns due to their high amino acid substitution rates. They are linked to yearly seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics. This study focused on sequencing influenza A virus strains in Pakistan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the genetic characteristics of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) viruses circulating in Pakistan from January 2020 to January 2023. Whole genome sequences from influenza A (n = 126) virus isolates were amplified and sequenced by the Oxford Nanopore (MinION) platform. RESULTS: The HA genes of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 underwent amino acid substitutions at positions K54Q, A186T, Q189E, E224A, R259K, and K308R in sequenced samples. The HA genes of influenza A(H3N2) had amino acid substitutions at G53D, E83K, D104G, I140M, S205F, A212T, and K276R in the sequenced samples. Furthermore, the HA gene sequences of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in this study belonged to subclade 6B.1A.5a.2a. Similarly, the HA gene sequences of influenza A(H3N2) were classified under six subclades (3C.3a.1 and 3C.2a1b.2a [2, 2a.1, 2b, 2c, and 2a.3b]). Notably, amino acid substitutions in other gene segments of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) were also found. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) viruses co-circulated during the 2020-2023 influenza season in Pakistan. Continued surveillance is crucial for real-time monitoring of possible high-virulence variation and their relevance to existing vaccine strains.

Phytoremediation ability and selected genetic transcription in Hydrocotyle umbellata-under cadmium stress.

Cadmium (Cd) is the most toxic element which may cause serious consequences to microbial communities, animals, and plants. The use of green technologies like phytoremediation employs plants with high biomass and metal tolerance to extract toxic metals from their rooting zones. In the present work, Hydrocotyle umbellata was exposed to five Cd concentrations (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 µmol) in triplicates to judge its phytoextraction ability. Effects of metal exposure on chlorophyll (Chl), bio-concentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF), and electrolyte leakage (EL) were analyzed after 10 days of treatment. Metal-responding genes were also observed through transcriptomic analysis. Roots were the primary organs for cadmium accumulation followed by stolon and leaves. There was an increase in EL. Plants showed various symptoms under increasing metal stress namely, chlorosis, browning of the leaf margins, burn-like areas on the leaves, and stunted growth, suggesting a positive relationship between EL, and programmed cell death (PCD). Metal-responsive genes, including glutathione, expansin, and cystatin were equally expressed. The phytoextraction capacity and adaptability of H. umbellata L. against Cd metal stress was also demonstrated by BCF more than 1 and TF less than 1.

The results of the current study demonstrated that Hydrocotyle umbellata is a good choice for environmental cleanup in areas with mild Cd contamination. According to TF and BCF, the plant demonstrated a considerable uptake of Cd. Additionally, H. umbellata's eligibility as a phytoremediation agent for Cd was supported by the transcription of numerous metal-responsive genes, including glutathione, expansin, cystatin, and other genes associated with growth.

Targeted Therapy and Personalized Medicine.

Targeted therapy and personalized medicine are novel emerging disciplines of cancer research intended for treatment and prevention. One of the most significant advancements in modern oncology is the shift from an organ-centric strategy to a personalized strategy guided by deep molecular analysis. This shift in view, which focuses on the tumour's precise molecular changes, has paved the way for individualized treatment. Researchers and clinicians are using targeted therapies to select the best treatment available based on the molecular characterization of malignant cancer. In the treatment of a cancer, personalized medicine entails the use of genetic, immunological, and proteomic profiling to provide therapeutic alternatives as well as prognostic information about cancer. In this book, targeted therapies and personalized medicine have been covered for specific malignancies, including latest FDA-approved targeted therapies and it also sheds light on effective anti-cancer regimens and drug resistance. This will help to enhance our ability to conduct individualized health planning, make early diagnoses, and choose optimal medications for each cancer patient with predictable side effects and outcomes in a quickly evolving era. Various applications and tools' capacity have been improved for early diagnosis of cancer and the growing number of clinical trials that choose specific molecular targets reflects this predicament. Nevertheless, there are several limitations that must need to be addressed. Hence, in this chapter, we will discuss recent advancements, challenges, and opportunities in personalized medicine for various cancers, with a specific emphasis on target therapies in diagnostics and therapeutics.

Effect of Vegetable Waste on Growth Performance and Hematology of Broiler Chicks.

Vegetable waste (spinach, potato, and cauliflower) is a rich and natural source of nutrients, potentially good for supplying minerals, essential amino acids, and antioxidants to the birds. Relatively, its cost very low, easily to accessible, easily process & pose little risk of illness. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of vegetable waste (VW) as feed supplement on growth performance and hematology of broiler chicks. For this purpose, a total of 200 (4 days old) vaccinated chicks were acquired from a commercial hatchery Multan which was acclimated for three weeks (21 days) on basal starter feed after that 25-day-old chicks with uniform body weight were allocated according to a CRD (completely randomized design) into four dietary treatments with three replicates of each contained 15 chicks in 12 pens. In dietary treatments, chicks were feed with basal feed (BF) and supplemented feed with vegetable waste (VW) of spinach, potato, and cauliflower. For this purpose, the dietary treatments included control treatment (T 1) (100% BF+0% VW) and other dietary treatments (T 2) (75% BF+25% VW), (T 3) (50% BF+50% VW), and (T 4) (25% BF+75% VW). The body weight, feed intake, food conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality were checked on weekly and daily basis. For hematology analysis, after the 1st experimental week (25-day-old chicks) and the last 5th experimental week (56-day-old chicks), the samples of blood were gathered from the wing's veins of two birds from each treatment in random way. At the end of five weeks (35 days), birds with uniform average body weight were selected per treatment with three replicates (2 bird/replicate) and then were manually slaughtered according to the Halal method to analyze the weight of internal body organs of broilers by physical and statistical analysis (ANOVA). There was no significant effect (P > 0.05) on feed intake and FCR among all the dietary treatments. But in average, body weight and BWG were higher in treatment (T 2) (P < 0.01) than all other dietary treatments (T 3) and (T 4) and control treatment (T 1). The blood constituents in this study showed that broilers in control treatment (T 1) and other dietary treatments (T 2), (T 3), and (T 4) fed on different doses were significantly (P < 0.01) different from each other. The week 5 (W 5) shows higher values of blood constituents (P < 0.01) than week 1 (W 1). The carcass yield of the chicks fed on different doses showed that they were significantly different (P < 0.01) among the dietary treatments. The VW inclusion 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% had positive effect on blood constituents and carcass yield of the broiler chicks; they were significantly (P < 0.01) different among the treatments.

The effects of messaging on long COVID expectations: An online experiment.

OBJECTIVE: We examined whether varying information about long COVID would affect expectations about the illness. METHOD: In October 2021, we conducted a 2 (Illness Description: long COVID vs. ongoing COVID-19 recovery) × 2 (Symptom Uncertainty: uncertainty emphasized vs. not emphasized) × 2 (Efficacy of Support: enhanced vs. basic support) between-subjects randomized online experimental study. Participants (N = 1,110) were presented with a scenario describing a positive COVID-19 test result, followed by one of eight scenarios describing a long COVID diagnosis and then completed outcome measures of illness expectations including: symptom severity, symptom duration, quality of life, personal control, treatment control, and illness coherence. RESULTS: We ran a series of 2 × 2 × 2 ANOVAs on the outcome variables. We found a main effect of illness description: individuals reported longer symptom duration and less illness coherence when the illness was described as long COVID (compared to ongoing COVID-19 recovery). There was a main effect of symptom uncertainty: when uncertainty was emphasized, participants reported longer expected symptom duration (p < .001), less treatment control (p = .031), and less illness coherence (p < .001) than when uncertainty was not emphasized. There was a main effect of efficacy of support: participants reported higher personal control (p = .004) and higher treatment control (p = .037) when support was enhanced (compared to basic support). CONCLUSIONS: Communications around long COVID should avoid emphasizing symptom uncertainty and aim to provide people with access to additional support and information on how they can facilitate their recovery. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Individual, Family, and Socioeconomic Contributors to Dental Caries in Children from Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Introduction: Collective evidence on risk factors for dental caries remains elusive in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on risk factors for dental caries in deciduous or permanent teeth in LMICs. Methods: Studies were identified electronically through databases, including Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed/MEDLINE, and CINAHL, using "prevalence, dental caries, child, family, socioeconomic, and LMIC" as the keywords. A total of 11 studies fit the inclusion criteria. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The MedCalc software and Review Manager 5.4.1 were used. Results: From 11,115 participants, 38.7% (95% CI: 28.4−49.5%) had caries and 49.68% were female. Among those with caries, 69.74% consumed sugary drinks/sweets (95% CI: 47.84−87.73%) and 56.87% (95% CI: 35.39−77.08%) had good brushing habits. Sugary drinks had a two times higher likelihood of leading to caries (OR: 2.04, p < 0.001). Good oral hygiene reduced the risk of caries by 35% (OR: 0.65, p < 0.001). Concerning maternal education, only secondary education reduced the likelihood of caries (OR: 0.96), but primary education incurred 25% higher risks (OR: 1.25, p = 0.03). A 65% reduction was computed when caregivers helped children with tooth brushing (OR: 0.35, p = 0.04). Most families had a low socioeconomic status (SES) (35.9%, 95% CI: 16.73−57.79), which increased the odds of caries by 52% (OR: 1.52, p < 0.001); a high SES had a 3% higher chance of caries. In the entire sample, 44.44% (95% CI: 27.73−61.82%) of individuals had access to dental services or had visited a dental service provider. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that high sugar consumption, low maternal education, and low and high socioeconomic status (SES) increased the risk of dental caries in LMICs. Good brushing habits, higher maternal education, help with tooth brushing, and middle SES provided protection against caries across LMIC children. Limiting sugars, improving oral health education, incorporating national fluoride exposure programs, and accounting for sociodemographic limitations are essential for reducing the prevalence of dental caries in these settings.

Chemical Composition of Fresh Leaves Headspace Aroma and Essential Oils of Four Coriander Cultivars.

Aroma is one of the key food characteristics determining consumers' perception and acceptability of products. Coriandrum sativum L. is an aromatic herb commonly used as a food additive and taste enhancer. Besides the culinary applications, coriander is also used in traditional medicine, cosmetics, and the food industry. In this study, we aimed to determine aroma composition of fresh chopped leaves and essential oils extracted from the leaves of four coriander cultivars. The essential oils were extracted from the fresh leaves using steam distillation and volatile aroma components were collected from the headspace by solid phase micro extraction technique. Analyses were carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Free radical scavenging activity of essential oils was determined by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. The essential oils were also investigated for their anti-microbial potential. The aroma of freshly chopped coriander leaves was characterized by thirteen compounds, including six aldehydes, four alcohols, one ester and one hydrocarbon. The essential oils were comprised of twenty-seven compounds, where (E)-2-decenal, decanal, (E)-2-dodecenal and (E)-2-tetradecenal were the main components in all cultivars. Free radical scavenging activity of the essential oil samples was in the range of 6-15%. The essential oils of Desi and Hybrid cultivars exhibited least minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against all tested bacterial strains. Fresh green leaves of the Desi and Peshawari cultivars were found to be the richest in six carbon chain length alcohols and acetates, which are important constituents of the aroma giving a characteristic odor referred to as the "green note." The Hybrid cultivar showed the highest free radical scavenging activity, bearing the highest amount of antioxidants. The study revealed that the fresh leaves HS aroma of Desi and Hybrid cultivars were different, however, their essential oils possessed almost similar chemistry and anti-bacterial activity.

Nanoparticles as a Novel Tool to Inhibit Inflammatory Cytokines in Human Lymphocytes and Macrophages of Coronary Artery Disease.

TNFα and NF-kB contribute in activation of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways and complications of coronary artery diseases (CAD). Current study highlights novel properties of Au (15 ± 2 nm), ZnO (77 ± 45 nm) and MgO (11 ± 4 nm) nanoparticles (NPs) as possible anti-inflammatory agents with greater efficacy and lower toxicity. Decrease in TNFα and NF-kB levels in Single Vessel Disease (SVD), Double Vessel Disease (DVD) and Triple-Vessel coronary artery disease (TVD) macrophage and lymphocyte cultures at varying concentrations of NPs has been studied to find an effective therapeutic concentration (ETC). Au and MgO NPs exhibits 5 µg/ml ETC compared to 1 µg/ml ZnO in all three CAD categories with negligible toxicity. ZnO remains most statistically significant (p < 0.001) in SVD and TVD cultures whereas MgO shows efficacy in DVD and TVD cultures with more than 50% reduction in TNFα and NF-kB levels at their respective ETCs. Au NPs exhibit prominent effect in DVD cultures. The mRNA expression results support the down-regulation of TNFα and NF-kB after NPs exposure in respective cultures. Findings of this prospective observational cohort study suggest use of NPs as an alternate anti-inflammatory agent in coronary artery and other diseases.

Therapeutic Potential of Novel Mastoparan-Chitosan Nanoconstructs Against Clinical MDR Acinetobacter baumannii: In silico, in vitro and in vivo Studies.

PURPOSE: Acinetobacter baumannii antibiotic resistant infections in high-risk patients are a great challenge for researchers and clinicians worldwide. In an effort to achieve potent bactericidal outcomes, a novel chitosan-mastoparan nanoconstruct (Mast-Cs NC) was designed and assessed for its therapeutic potential through in silico, in vitro and in vivo experimentation against clinical multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii. METHODS: Optimized 3D structures of mastoparan and chitosan were coupled computationally through an ionic cross-linker to generate a circular ring of chitosan encasing mastoparan. The complex was assessed for interactions and stability through molecular dynamic simulation (MDS). Binding pocket analysis was used to assess the protease-peptide interface. Mast-Cs NC were prepared by the ionic gelation method. Mast-Cs NC were evaluated in vitro and in vivo for their therapeutic efficacy against drug-resistant clinical A. baumannii. RESULTS: MDS for 100 ns showed stable bonds between chitosan and mastoparan; the first at chitosan oxygen atom-46 and mastoparan isoleucine carbon atom with a distance of 2.77 Å, and the second between oxygen atom-23 and mastoparan lysine nitrogen atom with a distance of 2.80 Å, and binding energies of -3.6 and -7.4 kcal/mol, respectively. Mast-Cs complexes approximately 156 nm in size, with +54.9 mV zeta potential and 22.63% loading capacity, offered >90% encapsulation efficiency and were found to be geometrically incompatible with binding pockets of various proteases. The MIC90 of Mast-Cs NC was significantly lower than that of chitosan (4 vs 512 µg/mL, respectively, p<0.05), with noticeable bacterial damage upon morphological analysis. In a BALB/c mouse sepsis model, a significant reduction in bacterial colony count in the Mast-Cs treated group was observed compared with chitosan and mastoparan alone (p<0.005). Mast-Cs maintained good biocompatibility and cytocompatibility. CONCLUSION: Novel mastoparan-loaded chitosan nanoconstructs signify a successful strategy for achieving a synergistic bactericidal effect and higher therapeutic efficacy against MDR clinical A. baumannii isolates. The Mast-Cs nano-drug delivery system could work as an alternative promising treatment option against MDR A. baumannii.

Fears and barriers: problems in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Women in Pakistan lack appropriate awareness about diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer due to a range of multifaceted barriers. There is a dearth of literature examining the socio-cultural factors that inhibit women from breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment in Punjab, Pakistan. Addressing this gap, this qualitative study sought to identify and explore the barriers that hinder women from seeking timely screening and treatment. METHODS: In this process 45 women (age = 18-50 years) with breast cancer were purposively sampled and interviewed from the Punjab Institute of Nuclear Medicine (PINUM) hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan. RESULTS: An inductive approach was used to analyze the data which resulted in the emergence of eight subthemes under the umbrella of three major themes that delineate individual, socio-cultural and structural barriers to seek screening and treatment of breast cancer in Punjab. Individual barriers included lack of awareness, hesitance in accepting social support, and spiritual healing. The identified socio-cultural factors included feminine sensitivity, stigmatization, and aversion to male doctors. Lack of financial resources and apathetic medical services were structural barriers that hinder screening and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These barriers can be addressed through raising awareness and community mobilization about breast-self exam and treatment. The healthcare system should also pay attention to socio-psychological and cultural factors impeding women's access to available health facilities.

A 12-Month Study to Evaluate Safety and Efficacy of Polymethylmethacrylate-Collagen Gel for Correction of Midface Volume Loss Using a Blunt Cannula as Measured by 3-D Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Although polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-collagen gel is approved for correction of nasolabial folds, there are no reports characterizing safety and efficacy in the midface, an area where fillers are often used in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of PMMA-collagen gel for long-term volume restoration in the midface. METHODS: In this prospective, single-center, 12-month study, 23 subjects with a pretreatment Midface Volume Deficit Scale (MFVDS) grade of 3, 4, or 5 were treated with PMMA-collagen gel. Efficacy was measured by the investigator and blinded reviewers using the MFVDS at 3, 6, and 12 months. Subject Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (SGAIS) and physician GAIS (PGAIS) ratings were collected at 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: Improvement in the MFVDS score from baseline was significant at all post-treatment time points (p < .0001). All subjects with baseline MFVDS grades of 5 (severe) or 4 (significant) had a grade of 0 (none) or 1 (minimal) at 12 months. Subject GAIS (SGAIS) and PGAIS ratings of improved or much improved were 100% at Month 3 and were maintained at 12 months (PGAIS = 100%, SGAIS = 91.3%). All adverse events were minor. CONCLUSION: Polymethylmethacrylate-collagen gel is safe and effective for long-lasting correction of midface volume deficit.

Influence of polymer ratio and surfactants on controlled drug release from cellulosic microsponges.

Microsponge refers to a highly cross-linked particle system with a capacity to adsorb (like a dry sponge) pharmaceutical materials. There are various methods available to prepare microsponge formulations, in this study we used quasi emulsion-solvent diffusion method with a combination of hydrophobic (ethyl cellulose) and hydrophilic (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) polymers mediated via Tween 80 and polyvinyl alcohol. Various ratios and amounts of the polymers and surfactants were used to prepare microsponge formulations using ketoprofen as a model drug and extensively characterised. Our results, for the first time, indicate successful and optimised formulation with desired pharmaceutical characteristics using a combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymers.