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Syed Zeeshan Haider Naqvi, Urooj Kiran, Muhammad Ishtiaq Ali, Asif Jamal, Abdul Hameed, Safia Ahmed, Naeem Ali Microbiology Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan Abstract: Biological synthesis of nanoparticles is a growing innovative approach that is relatively cheaper and more environmentally friendly than current physicochemical processes. Among various microorganisms, fungi have been found to be comparatively more efficient in the synthesis of nanomaterials. In this research work, extracellular mycosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was probed by reacting the precursor salt of silver nitrate (AgNO3) with culture filtrate of Aspergillus flavus. Initially, the mycosynthesis was regularly monitored by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, which showed AgNP peaks of around 400–470 nm. X-ray diffraction spectra revealed peaks of different intensities with respect to angle of diffractions (2θ) corresponding to varying configurations of AgNPs. Transmission electron micrographs further confirmed the formation of AgNPs in size ranging from 5–30 nm. Combined and individual antibacterial activities of the five conventional antibiotics and AgNPs were investigated against eight different multidrug-resistant bacterial species using the Kirby–Bauer disk-diffusion method. The decreasing order of antibacterial activity (zone of inhibition in mm) of antibiotics, AgNPs, and their conjugates against bacterial group (average) was; ciprofloxacin + AgNPs (23) > imipenem + AgNPs (21) > gentamycin + AgNPs (19) > vancomycin + AgNPs (16) > AgNPs (15) > imipenem (14) > trimethoprim + AgNPs (14) > ciprofloxacin (13) > gentamycin (11) > vancomycin (4) > trimethoprim (0). Overall, the synergistic effect of antibiotics and nanoparticles resulted in a 0.2–7.0 (average, 2.8) fold-area increase in antibacterial activity, which clearly revealed that nanoparticles can be effectively used in combination with antibiotics in order to improve their efficacy against various pathogenic microbes. Keywords: mycosynthesis, silver nanoparticles, antibacterial agents, Aspergillus flavus

We compared Aminocaproic acid with tranexamic acid, prospectively in 120 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients were assigned to one of the 3 groups. Group A (n=40) did not receive any drug and acted as the control group. Group B (n=4) received aminocaproic acid 100 mg/kg each at anaesthetic induction, on bypass and after protamine reversal of heparin. group C (n=40) received tranexamic acid 10 mg/kg each at anaesthetic induction, on bypass and after protamine reversal of heparin. Postoperative blood loss at 24 hours, blood and blood product usage, and re-exploration rates were recorded, and tests for coagulation were performed at 6 hours postoperatively. It was found that blood loss in group A at 24 hours (780+/-120 mL) was significantly greater than Group B (360+/-90 mL) and Group C (215+/-70 mL). Plasma and platelet concentrate use in Group A (215+/-30 mL and 150+/-30 mL) was greater than Group B (190+/-20 mL and 75+/-30 mL) and Group C (185+/-20 mL and 80+/-30 mL). Re- explorations in Group A, 8/40 (20%) were greater than Group B, 2/40 (5%) and Group C, 2/40 (5%). Coagulation tests revealed better preservation of fibrinogen and lower levels of fibrin degradation products, in group B and C. These two groups were however statistically indistinguishable in respect to all the parameters studied, when compared with each other. It was concluded that both the antifibrinolytic agents in the doses studied were equally effective in reducing postoperative blood loss, blood and blood products usage and re-exploration rates. Coagulation parameters were better preserved as compared to the control group.

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are a group of medical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal systems, which include muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, that support the body and allow movement. In the context of workers in the unorganized sector, due to the nature of their profession, MSDs are expected, which often involve repetitive motions, heavy lifting, awkward postures, and other physical demands. Loss of money, decreased productivity, and a decline in quality of life are all possible consequences for the workers. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent and manage MSD among workers in the unorganized sector such as improving working conditions, providing training on safe work practices, and promoting early detection and treatment of MSD. The study aims to identify the variables that affect informal worker's quality of life. The researcher gathered the available data and suggested a few guidelines. The condition of employees may be improved with certain adjustments to the workplace, work tools, worker health, work duties, and work management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media is a part of daily today life which is growing more and more widespread. Many individuals have mobile phones and often use social media. This review paper explores the impact of social media on working memory, a critical cognitive function. It discusses the widespread use of social media, its emotional influence, and its potential effects on cognitive processes. It highlights factors contributing to this complex relationship, including the type of engagement and platform design. Research indicates that using social media expands the possibility of becoming addicted. Excessive social media usage affects emotional well-being by strengthening negative feelings such as fear of missing out, melancholy, increased loneliness, anger, irritation, and anxiety. According to earlier research, the subject of whether using social media negatively affects our working memory has been raised. They cause numerous issues in our daily lives while they do the task. This literature review's data came from a comprehensive database search of relevant previously published articles. A total of 25 papers were extracted from databases of which 10 were found relevant and hence chosen to be part of this review. The review revealed that online social media has a high potential to affect the cognitive functioning 'working memory' of people who spend their time on online social media platforms. The paper proposes interventions such as cognitive training, mindfulness practices, and digital detox programs to counter potential negative effects. Overall, it emphasizes the need for ongoing interdisciplinary research to better understand and address the interaction between social media and cognitive functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acquired laryngotracheal stenosis is a challenging condition for the otolaryngologist. The gold standard of treatment for a long time has been open surgical procedure but not without significant morbidities. To avoid morbidities, various endoscopic approaches like balloon dilatation, stenting, CO2 laser, and cryotherapy have emerged in the last decade. Coblation-assisted tracheoplasty is one such novel approach which enables the removal of target tissue with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. Aim and Objectives: The aim of this case series is to evaluate the use of bipolar radiofrequency plasma ablation (Coblation) in the treatment of acquired adult tracheal stenosis. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective case series in a tertiary care center. The medical records of six patients with tracheal stenosis who were treated with coblation from March 2020 to December 2020 were reviewed. Patient presentation, surgical intervention(s), post-operative course, and complications were analyzed. Result: All six patients had acquired tracheal stenosis post-tracheostomy. Coblation along with balloon dilatation and Mitomycin-C were done for these patients. All six patients could be successfully decannulated without complications, perioperative, or post-operative sequalae. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that coblation may be an effective endoscopic tool for the treatment of tracheal stenosis. Further studies with a large number of patients are required as this technique comes more in application.

Burn-injured patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) have increased morbidity and mortality compared to alcohol-abstaining individuals with similar injuries. It is hypothesized that this is due, in part, to alcohol-induced dysregulation of the systemic inflammatory response, leading to worsened clinical outcomes, including increased susceptibility to infection, and heightened cognitive impairment. To examine the effects of alcohol on inflammatory markers after burn injury, we used multiplex assays to measure a panel of 48 cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in the plasma of burn patents within 24 h of admission to the University of Colorado Burn Center. Thirty patients were enrolled between July 2018 to February 2020 and were stratified based on presence of AUD and total body surface area (TBSA) burn of ≥20% into four groups: [AUD−, TBSA <20%, N = 12], [AUD+, TBSA <20%, N = 3], [AUD−, TBSA ≥20%, N = 8], [AUD+, TBSA ≥20%, N = 7]. In addition, Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) scores were collected to evaluate patient delirium during the course of hospitalization. Multivariate statistical analysis demonstrated a number of cytokines and other factors that were significantly different between the groups. For example, the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) was dampened in the AUD+, TBSA ≥20% cohort with a 75.2% decrease compared to AUD−, TBSA ≥20%, and an 83.9% decrease compared to AUD−, TBSA <20% (p = 0.008). Additionally, plasma levels of the pro-inflammatory mediator CXCL12 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12, also known as stromal cell-derived factor 1, SDF-1) was higher in the AUD + groups (p = 0.03) and similarly, IL-18 levels were greater in AUD+, TBSA ≥20% (p = 0.009). Eotaxin (also known as cytokine CC motif ligand 11, CCL11) was markedly elevated in the AUD+, TBSA ≥20% cohort with a 2.4-fold increase over the AUD−, TBSA ≥20%, and a 1.7-fold rise compared to the AUD−, TBSA <20% cohorts (p = 0.04). Interestingly, there was also a marked rise in CAM + delirium scores (85.7%) among the AUD + patients with TBSA ≥20% (p = 0.02). Not surprisingly, we found that hospital stays increased with AUD+ and larger burns (p = 0.0009). Our findings reveal that burn patients who misuse alcohol have aberrant inflammatory responses that may lead to greater immune dysregulation and worse clinical outcomes. • Alcohol intoxication impairs initial systemic inflammatory response. • Alcohol use disorder leads to inflammatory mediators' imbalance in burn patients. • IL-1ra may be dampened by chronic alcohol exposure in burns. • Heightened CCL11 in burns may lead to cognitive dysfunction such as delirium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inhibition of co-stimulation during T-cell activation has been shown to provide effective immunosuppression in kidney transplantation (KT). Hence, the conversion from calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) to belatacept is emerging as a potential alternate maintenance immunosuppressive therapy in those with transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) or in the prevention of TA-TMA. We present a 17-year-old male who presented with biopsy-proven CNI-associated TA-TMA immediately post-KT. The administration of eculizumab led to the reversal of TMA. Tacrolimus was converted to belatacept with excellent efficacy and safety during a short-term follow-up of one year. Further larger controlled studies are required to demonstrate the efficacy of this approach in children who present with early-onset TMA post-KT.

Tungsten metal powder, using a hydrometallurgical route, was extracted from tungsten heavy alloy scrap that was generated during machining of penetrator cores for the manufacture of Fin Stabilised Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS). The powder was subjected to extensive characterisation that included physical property evaluation and analysis of the alloy chemistry in order to assess its suitability for the preparation of tungsten heavy alloys with enhanced mechanical properties. Subsequently, a tungsten heavy alloy based on W-Ni-Co was consolidated using this powder through liquid phase sintering followed by heat treatment and swaging operations to realize long rods (~500 mm). This was followed by a detailed characterisation that included microstructure and mechanical property. The mechanical properties of these rods are promising, exhibiting a good balance of tensile and impact properties, which in turn underscores the potential of these recycled powders in the production of premium quality heavy alloy long rods for stringent applications such as kinetic energy penetrators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over time, paint chemistry has changed, posing health hazards to house painters. Surveys and interviews scheduled on work profiles determined the exposure to solvents in commercial painting. This research paper aims to identify the respiratory and lungs issues among painters due to their occupation. With this aim, this also explore the worker's experiences with various types of paints regarding health implications. The current study is related to research on the health issues of paint workers. Subjects for the study were chosen by the use of cluster sampling from several places in three districts of Uttar Pradesh, India. An interview schedule was developed to collect relevant and maximum information. The study used a sample size of 150 that was not pre-determined. All the respondents were from the labour class and worked with paints. A schedule of the interview was developed to gather information about the painters' demographic profile and current respiratory health status. Statistical approaches such as Standard Deviation, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation were used for analysis. The study revealed that painters are exposed to paints and face various health issues. Majority of the respondents (50.7%) belongs to lower economic status, followed by upper lower (33.3%), and only 4% of them belong to the upper class. We found a significant difference between the respondent's age and respiratory health. This data indicates that respondents who faced high respiratory issues belong to the age group of 61-75 years, and minimum problems were observed in the age group of 19-32 years. This data shows highly significant differences between age groups, and the problem occurs with the respiratory system in painters. The result indicates that wearing the mask was significantly associated with respiratory problems like cough (p = .004), chest tightness (p = .009), and whistling sound from the chest (p = .000). A perfect positive significant correlation between working year, days, and duration with different lung problems were identified. A perfect positive association (0.443**) was also identified between years of work and cough difficulties, indicating that workers who have worked for prolonged periods were more susceptible to cough. Cough problems were highly associated with painters who worked more days per week. Cough issues were perfectly and significantly associated (0.232**) with painters who use masks while working. The chest sound or whistling gets more intense as the cough problem worsens. Moreover, there was a positive and significant association between discomfort during breathing and working years (.340**), working days in a week (.195*), and working duration (.594**). This study highlighted the risk and problems among painters due to pain, including breathing problems, prolonged cough, chest discomfort, and almost all lung problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) may present atypically without the full triad of classical HUS. Eculizumab has been shown to be efficacious in complement-mediated atypical HUS and some cases of Shiga-toxin (ST) associated HUS. We report the utility of eculizumab in enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) associated HUS. Case summary. A female toddler presented with hemolytic anemia, oliguric acute kidney injury (AKI) without thrombocytopenia, and peripheral schistocytes. The stool examination for ST was negative but positive for EAEC. She required several hemodialysis sessions and received one dosage of eculizumab with rapid reversal of AKI and hemolytic markers. A kidney biopsy revealed acute tubular injury and segmental glomerular basement membrane splitting. Genetic testing was negative for complement mutations or deficiencies. A follow-up six months later showed persistently normal renal function and hematological markers. Conclusion. The clinical and histological manifestations of non-ST-associated diarrheal HUS and the role of eculizumab in this condition warrant future larger studies.

The trajectory of the development of phonological awareness (PA) skill varies between English and Indian Languages. The orthographic granularity of language is an important factor in the development of reading skill. In both kindergarten and formal schools, development of PA skills has been identified as an important component of literacy skill development. Most children learn both, the regional language and English at school and structured facilitation of PA skills in these languages is crucial. The differences between the acquisition of subskills under PA skills at various linguistic categories across languages needs to be clearly understood by the curriculum developers and school-based professionals for effective and seamless transition of PA skills across grades. The systematic and comprehensive review of studies with Indian population in various alphasyllabaries specifically outlines the developmental pattern of PA skills in English and alphasyllabic languages. This conceptual knowledge among educators, special educators and school-based speech language pathologists will help in designing of curriculum, language based standardized assessment tool for early identification and individualized education plans for children with deficient literacy related skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Usage of novel non-tobacco oral nicotine delivery products (ONDPs) has been increasing among adolescents in the United States. It is presumed that they are less toxic than their tobacco-containing counterparts, but that has not been examined in controlled studies. Most of the studies have focused on non-renal manifestations of tobacco consumption via different means. The renal manifestations of non-tobacco ONDPs are not very well known, especially in immunocompromised patients. A 19-year-old male transplant recipient presented with flank pain and a few days’ history of intake of ZYNR pouches. Immunosuppression was with tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and steroids. Baseline serum creatinine was 1.1–1.3 mg/dL. Laboratory evaluation showed elevated C-reactive protein, increased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Infectious disease work-up was negative. A kidney transplant biopsy showed severe acute tubular injury/necrosis (ATN) without evidence of rejection. Donor-specific antibodies were negative. Other etiologies of hemolysis were negative. He did not require renal replacement therapy. Kidney function and LDH improved gradually. The most recent follow-up eight months after presentation showed a serum creatinine level of 2.6 mg/dL with stable electrolytes, with eGFR of 35 mL/min/1.73 m2. Here, we describe a 19-year-old adolescent with a kidney transplant who sustained ATN leading to advanced chronic disease apparently following the usage of non-tobacco ONDP. Further larger studies are needed to study ATN as a possible renal manifestation of these next-generation products to raise awareness among the public.

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is often associated with hepatobiliary disease in the form of hepatic fibrosis and/or Caroli disease. Combined liver–kidney transplantation (CLKT) is a transplant modality of choice in children with both end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and severe hepatic disease. However, there is no consensus on whether children with ARPKD-associated ESRD without severe hepatic disease can be treated with isolated kidney transplantation (KT) without the need for CLKT. We retrospectively studied the efficacy of isolated KT in children with ARPKD without severe hepatic disease, and followed the course of hepatic disease post KT. This is a single-center study of three children with ARPKD and ESRD who underwent isolated KT. None of them had severe hepatic disease at the time of KT. All children were clinically diagnosed with ARPKD in the immediate postnatal period. All had hepatic fibrosis of varying degrees and two had intrahepatic biliary duct (IHBD) dilatation. None had gastrointestinal (GI) bleed, portal hypertension or cholangitis. Two children had preemptive KT. Pre-transplant unilateral or bilateral native nephrectomy were performed for two children, and one underwent unilateral native nephrectomy at the time of KT. The median creatinine clearance at a median post-KT follow-up of 24 months was 60.3 mL/min/1.73 m2. The two-year graft and patient survival were both 100%. Post KT, all three patients continued to demonstrate evidence of hepatic fibrosis and IHBD on sonogram; however, none of them were either evaluated for or required liver transplantation given normal synthetic liver function and absence of portal hypertension or other severe hepatobiliary disease. There were no adverse events observed such as cholangitis, GI bleed, or multiorgan failure. Hence, an excellent short-term graft and patient survival was demonstrated in this study of children with ARPKD and mild to moderate hepatic disease who received isolated KT. Long-term follow-up and larger studies are important to assess the efficacy of isolated KT in this subset of children with ARPKD.

The aim of the study was to identify the work-related ergonomic hazards experienced by the rag pickers. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used for selecting the sample. Tools used to conduct the study comprised of general information, rating scale for assessing intensity of discomfort, and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The statistical analysis of the quantitative variables was performed using SPSS software program, v20.0. Research revealed that rag pickers experienced severe pain in lower back (65%), followed by upper back (52.5%), feet (47%), and hands (43%). Older rag pickers, between 55 and 65 age groups, reported more discomfort or pain in backache and knee (μ = 2.00), as compared to other age groups. This may be due to the reason that with age, bones become weak and the strength of the muscles also reduces, and since they are involved in the work. Rag pickers experience many work-related ergonomic pro- blems, and these problems are associated with various risk factors such as working experiences and age. Frequent bending, standing, and carrying heavy loads on the back increased these problems. To lighten the load of ergonomic problems, pre- ventive and curative approaches are strongly suggested. Ergonomics and safe practices must also be established to reduce work-related vulnerabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Farming has been considered a physically demanding and associated with high risk occupation for musculoskeletal disorders. Agricultural workers have to adapt different postures while working in the fields, e.g. standing, bending, sitting, kneeling, raising hand, etc. They work for long duration in awkward postures, due to which they have to face a lot of postural discomforts. They go through a lot of physical hazards, and sometimes they have to face severe pain. Aim: The present study was conducted to find out the musculoskeletal disorders and postural discomfort among the agricultural workers while working in the fields. Materials and Methods: Present study was conducted on 150 agricultural workers. The sample was randomly selected in the Balramau area of Faizabad district. A self-structured interview schedule and the postural discomfort scale developed by Corlett and Bishop in (1976) were used for data collection. Result: The study revealed that maximum pain was felt in the upper back, upper arms, mid-back, lower arms, lower back, and buttocks. Female agricultural workers felt more pain as compared to male agricultural workers. Conclusion: Agricultural workers face lot of pain in different body parts. Proper training program and information about musculoskeletal disorders symptoms should be given to agricultural workers so that they can get help in identifying the symptoms. Training programmers to agricultural workers in adopting right postures to minimise the stress also need to be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life satisfaction is the evaluation of a individual makes how properly his/her life is going overall. Life satisfaction is a multidimensional conception it is directly connected to the physical, social, economic and psychological aspects of anyone. Objective: The present study is to have a look at the existence delight among carpenters from Lucknow city. Methods: A Self-Structured Questionnaire and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) with the aid of Diener, Emmons, Larsen & Griffin (1985) was used to measure life style pleasure among carpenters. 120 male carpenters were selected for the study as sample. Snowball sampling technique was used in the present study. Result: Results showed a significant impact of age on life satisfaction among carpenters, life satisfaction of carpenters was found to be decreasing with increase in age. Of all the age groups, 40-50 years age group carpenters were found more satisfied with their work. Type of work was also found to be influencing the life satisfaction among carpenters. Training programmes are to be conducted for carpenters to cope with the work stress and also the physical and psychological risks associated with them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescence is the transitional phase of growth and development from childhood to adulthood. It is the period of critical development of physical and mental changes that takes place quickly with emotional changes among them. Emotional intelligence is the ability to perceive, understand, use, and manage your own emotions as well as those of the others around you in positive way. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the emotional intelligence among normal and migrant adolescents. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on120 adolescents, selected randomly in different areas of Sultanpur District. The general information sheet and the Emotional Intelligence Scale developed by Hyde et al (2001) were used for data collection. Results: The study clearly revealed that native and migrant adolescents exhibited differences in understanding emotions, motivation, empathy and handling relations. Conclusion: Emotional intelligence of a child has a prominent and very potent role in overall personality development. Understanding one's own emotions as well the others is influenced by many prominent factors like the living environment, family support system, the school, the peer group etc. Migrants move from one place to other place for their livelihood, they don't have standard pattern of life style and support, children of these families, hence get influenced by many external stimuli and to avoid influence of negative stimuli, counselling sessions may be of great help. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a vitally important site for the adsorption of nutrients as well as the education of immune cells. Homeostasis of the gut is maintained by the interplay of the intestinal epithelium, immune cells, luminal Ags, and the intestinal microbiota. The well‐being of the gut is intrinsically linked to the overall health of the host, and perturbations to this homeostasis can have severe impacts on local and systemic health. One factor that causes disruptions in gut homeostasis is age, and recent research has elucidated how critical systems within the gut are altered during the aging process. Intestinal stem cell proliferation, epithelial barrier function, the gut microbiota, and the composition of innate and adaptive immune responses are all altered in advanced age. The aging population continues to expand worldwide, a phenomenon referred to as the "Silver Tsunami," and every effort must be made to understand how best to prevent and treat age‐related maladies. Here, recent research about changes observed in the intestinal epithelium, the intestinal immune system, the microbiota, and how the aging gut interacts with and influences other organs such as the liver, lung, and brain are reviewed. Better understanding of these age‐related changes and their impact on multi‐organ interactions will aid the development of therapies to increase the quality of life for all aged individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]