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• Autophagy inhibition reduces lipid droplet formation and cholesterol uptake. • Cholesterol dysregulation in tumors could be targeted to impair cancer progression. • NHERF2 modulates cholesterol uptake by regulating SR-BI in cancer cells. • Targeting autophagy and cholesterol metabolism could offer novel cancer therapies. • Combining autophagy inhibitors with cholesterol-lowering drugs may enhance treatment. Lipid droplets (LDs) accumulation in cancer cells has garnered attention due to their role in tumor progression. Cholesterol supports not only the biosynthesis of new membranes and cancer-associated signaling but also modulate tumor cell energy supply which makes it therapeutically promising to target cholesterol metabolism. We hypothesize that autophagy-modulated inhibition of cholesterol uptake will reduce LDs formation and impair tumor progression via a novel pathway. The proposed approach has promise in disrupting cancer cell progression via impairing autophagy-mediated cholesterol uptake and few other metabolic processes. We emphasize investigating these mechanisms as they could significantly advance cancer therapy via targeting cholesterol metabolism and autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Current therapies fail to fully clear senescent cells due to immune evasion. • PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition restores CTL function, improving SnC immune clearance. • Targeting PD-1/PD-L1 in CTLs with tissue-specific therapy will enhance SnC clearance. • Tissue-specific delivery optimizes therapy, reducing SnCs and chronic inflammation. • The approach could improve aging-related tissue health and combat chronic diseases. Age-related disorders are exacerbated by senescent cells (SnCs) due to their secretion of proinflammatory molecules, yet current therapeutic strategies have limited success in preclinical settings and clinical trials. A novel approach is needed to enhance SnCs clearance by targeting immune checkpoints, particularly the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, combined with tissue-specific delivery of therapeutic agents. This strategy is critical in reducing the chronic inflammation and improving tissue health in aging populations. However, challenges such as immune evasion by SnCs and potential autoimmune responses must be addressed. The aim of this manuscript is to propose a combined approach to improve the efficacy of senolytic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current study focused on Coriandrum sativum seeds as a green low-cost biosorbent for crystal violet dye removal from wastewater. Adsorption parameters (such as pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, adsorbate concentration, and temperature), isotherm models (i.e., Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin--Radushkevich isotherm models), kinetic models (i.e., pseudo-first-order, pseudo-secondorder, and intraparticle diffusion models), and thermodynamics study has been studied and investigated. At optimized conditions, that is, pH 7, adsorbent dose of 0.3 g, contact time 50 min, dye concentration of 30 ppm, and 10°C temperature, the maximum dye removal was 75%. Experimental data fitted best to Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Computed ΔG and ΔH values adjusted adsorption process to be spontaneous and exothermic in nature. Maximum adsorption capacity in current process was found to be 1.8098 mg/g and applicability of established practice with tap water was 72% and regeneration study showed that nearly 71% of adsorbent (Coriandrum sativum seeds) was recovered which confirmed the effectiveness of Coriandrum sativum seeds for decontamination of crystal violet dye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, industrial effluent containing textile dyes is considered a major environmental concern. Crystal violet (CV) is one of the vital textile dyes of the triphenylmethane group and it is known for its mutagenic and mitotic poisoning nature so it must be treated. This study aims to evaluate the adsorption potential of peanut husk (PH) towards CV dye removal. Adsorption studies are conducted to study the effects of different parameters on adsorption such as particle size of adsorbent (105, 210, and 500 mesh sizes), initial dye concentration (5-100 mg/L), contact time (5-120 min), pH (1-11), temperature (0-60°C), and adsorbent dosage (0.1-1.0 g). Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models are applied to experimental data for the determination of the nature of adsorption. The kinetic studies have been carried out using the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intra-particle diffusion model for adsorption of CV on PH. Thermodynamic parameters such as changes in Gibb's free energy (G), enthalpy (H), and entropy (S) are also determined. Optimum conditions for maximum removal of toxic CV dye from wastewater on PH includes 210 mesh size, 100 ppm initial dye concentration with 10 min contact time at temperature 30°C using 0.1 g of adsorbent. Alkaline medium favors adsorption of CV onto the surface of PH and its maximum removal is observed at a pH of 8. These optimum conditions result in 90% removal of CV dye from aqueous solution and the maximum adsorption capacity found out was 20.95 mg/g. Applicability of this developed procedure with tap water is 83.16% indicating that the PH is a promising adsorbent for the removal of cationic CV dye from the aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid increase in population and the industrial revolution, the demand for clean energy and water has substantially increased, underscoring their importance for sustainable economic development. Although energy and water infrastructures are often viewed as separate and uncoupled due to distinct processes in power generation and water production, they are fundamentally interlinked within their respective domains. This necessitates a strong coupling to optimally manage power and water resources simultaneously. To address this, a joint optimization algorithm has been developed to manage the supply-side resources of the Energy–Water–Food Nexus (EWFN), including the power, water, food, cogeneration, and storage networks. A mathematical model is first developed to dispatch clear power, potable water, and storage resources, considering constraints related to supply, demand, production, flow, and ramping. Additionally, the integration of a water storage facility alleviates binding constraints, enabling flat production to reduce costs and CO 2 emissions. The proposed methodology also allows for the real-time quantification of production costs, energy mix, reserve and curtailed capacities, and energy imbalances. This methodological extension to EWFN includes flexible resources within the grid's portfolio to promote cleaner production, ensuring that the required amount of water is consumed across all sectors. Finally, the proposed algorithm is tested on freely available datasets, demonstrating that the co-dispatch of energy and water resources in the presence of constraints leads to optimal generation and distribution of power and water without heavily relying on a single-product plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerable volumes of dust are generated from open-pit bitumen mining operations in northern Alberta, Canada. The reactive mineral phases of these dust particles can potentially dissolve in acidic (pH < 4) bog waters. Their dissolution could release trace elements (TEs), which could eventually alter these bog ecosystems. The impact of dust dissolution on the abundance of TEs in the dissolved (<0.45 μm) fraction of porewaters from excavated pits (30–40 cm deep) in the ombrogenic zone of five peatlands was evaluated. Porewaters were collected from four bogs situated within 70 km of mines and upgraders in the Athabasca Bituminous Sands (ABS) region, Alberta, Canada, and from a reference bog situated 264 km away. Over two consecutive years, the dissolved concentrations of some conservative (Al, Th, Y) and mobile lithophile elements (Fe, Li, Mn, Sr), as well as the metals enriched in bitumen (V, Ni, Mo), all increased with proximity to the mining area, in the ABS region. These trends reflect the observed increase in dust deposition with proximity to the mining area from independent studies of snow, lichens, and Sphagnum moss. Contrarily, the impact of dust dissolution on the concentration of potentially toxic TEs (As, Cd, Pb, Sb, and Tl) was negligible. Thus, the elements which are more abundant in the porewaters near industry are either ecologically benign (e.g. Li and Sr) or essential micronutrients (e.g. Fe, Mn, Ni, and Mo). Manganese was the only element which was enriched by more than 10x at all sites near the mining area, compared to its concentration at the reference site. The enrichments of all other elements were <10x, indicating that anthropogenic dust emissions from mining areas have had only a modest effect on the TEs abundance in peat porewaters. [Display omitted] • Trace elements (TEs) in bog porewaters were used as indicators of dust dissolution. • Micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni) in bog waters increased toward industry. • Arsenic, Cd, Pb, Sb, and Tl showed relatively little spatial variation. • Compared to the reference site, TE enrichments in waters near industry were modest. • Dusts from bitumen mining had a minimal impact on the dissolved forms of most TEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical reactivity of trace elements (TEs) in dusts from bitumen mining, upgrading and related industrial activities in the Athabasca Bituminous Sands region (ABS), Alberta, Canada, was evaluated using the acid-soluble fraction of snow. Samples were collected at 14 sites along the Athabasca River (AR) and its tributaries, and at 3 remote locations. Following metal-free, ultra-clean procedures for processing and analysis, samples were leached with nitric acid (pH < 1), filtered (<0.45 μm), and analyzed using ICP-MS. Insoluble particles (>0.45 μm) were examined using SEM-EDS. Along the river, acid-soluble concentrations of TEs varied by 6 orders of magnitude, from 1 mg/L (Al) to less than 1 ng/L (Tl). Conservative (Al, Y, La, Th) and mobile (Li, Be, Cs, Sr) lithophile elements, those enriched in bitumen (V, Ni, Mo), and potentially toxic chalcophile elements (As, Cd, Pb, Sb, Tl) showed considerable spatial variation. Normalizing the concentrations of TEs in samples collected near industry to the corresponding concentrations in snow from the reference site (UTK), resulted in enrichments of V and most of the lithophile elements. Dust reactivity, quantified as the ratio of acid-soluble to total concentrations, was less than 50% suggesting limited bioaccessibility. The large differences in behaviour between Cd and Pb versus Ni and V could be due to the occurrence of the former pair in carbonate or sulfide minerals, versus acid-insoluble petcoke particles for the latter couple. Spatial variations in the reactivity of TEs most likely reflect the range in diversity and chemical stability of dust particles, and variations in their abundance in primary source areas. The leaching conditions employed here are extreme (pH < 1) and intended to identify an upper limit of chemical reactivity, with far less dust dissolution expected when these dusts encounter natural waters of the area which range in pH from 4 to 8. [Display omitted] • Dusts in snow from the ABS region displayed variable chemical reactivity at pH < 1. • Trace elements in the acid-soluble fraction ranged from 1 ng/L Tl to 1 mg/L Al. • Dust indicators (eg. Y) increased by up to 100 x towards industry. • The variability in As, Cd, and Sb was only a factor of 10 x • The reactivity of the dusts could serve as an indicator of environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) is one of the devastating pests of citrus orchards in different regions of the world and its management depends upon the use of insecticides. The work was conducted to evaluate the toxicities and resistance levels to various insecticides in a field collected population of citrus psylla from an area of Pakistan. The field population was also kept under selection pressure with thiamethoxam for several generations to study the impact of selection on thiamethoxam resistance development. The resistant population was then studied for cross-resistance with insecticides from different groups and realized heritability of thiamethoxam resistance was determined to assess the potential of resistance development. Selection of D. citri from G 1 -G 7 with thiamethoxam produced 229-fold resistant strain in the laboratory. Selected strain exhibited very low cross-resistance with flonicamid, buprofezin, and spirotetramat; low cross-resistance with diafenthiuron and fenpropathrin, moderate cross-resistance with nitenpyram and pyriproxyfen, and a very high cross-resistance with acephate and methomyl. The estimated realized heritability of thiamethoxam resistance was 0.36. This study provides information on the impact of selection on resistance development and its management by restoring the susceptibility of D. citri through rotation of insecticides with low level of cross-resistance. • Selection of D. citri from G 1 -G 7 with thiamethoxam produced 229-fold resistant strain in the laboratory. • Selection induced very high cross-reistance with acephate and methomyl. • Moderate cross-reistance with nitenpyram and pyriproxyfen was observed. • The estimated realized heritability of thiamethoxam resistance was 0.36. • The number of generations predicted for 10-fold increase in thiamethoxam resistance would be 4.16. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pink stem borer Sesamia inferens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a major pest of sugarcane and rice frequently controlled by the use of insecticides, including fipronil. This study focused on fipronil resistance characterization in S. inferens by selecting a population (called Fipro-SEL Pop) with fipronil for 14 generations. Fipro-SEL Pop population showed 106.00- and 22.71-fold resistance to fipronil when compared to unselected (UNSEL) and Field strains, respectively. Fipro-SEL strain showed no cross-resistance to chlorpyrifos, lambda-cyhalothrin and spinosad. Reciprocal crosses between Fipro-SEL and UNSEL strains revealed an autosomal and incompletely recessive nature of resistance to fipronil. The F 1 and F 1 ' showed similar LC 50 values against fipronil and their dominance values were 0.46 and 0.53, respectively. Chi-square goodness of fit test suggested that fipronil resistance was polygenic. Realized heritability value was 0.25 for fipronil resistance. These outcomes would be useful for effective management of S. inferens. • Sesamia inferens showed 106- and 22.71-fold resistance to fipronil when compared to UNSEL and Field strains. • Fipro-SEL strain showed no cross-resistance to other tested insecticides. • Resistance to fipronil in Sesamia inferens was autosomal, incompletely recessive and polygenic. • Realized heritability (h 2 ) value was 0.25. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley is an invasive and key sucking pest of cotton in particular in India and Pakistan. It has caused huge losses to cotton production and also developed resistance to various insecticides. Deltamethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid used extensively by farmers to control P. solenopsis . This study estimated the risk of resistance development in P. solenopsis against deltamethrin by selecting the population continuously for 23 generations. Cross-resistance to other insecticides (lambda-cyhalothrin, profenofos and acetamiprid) was also determined. Selection of P. solenopsis with deltamethrin from G 3 to G 25 increased the resistance from 38.6-fold to 4632.7-fold compared to a susceptible strain. Selection with deltamethrin did not induce cross-resistance to profenofos but low cross resistance developed against lambda-cyhalothrin and acetamiprid after 23 generations. Realized heritability of deltamethrin resistance was 0.12. A ten-fold increase in deltamethrin resistance required 29 and 3 generations at selection intensities of 10% and 95%, respectively, if h 2  = 0.2 and slope = 1.33. However, with h 2  = 0.1 and slope = 1.33, 48 and 6 generations were needed for a 10-fold increase in deltamethrin resistance at selection intensities of 10 and 95%, respectively. If h 2  = 0.3 and slope = 1.33, the same increase in resistance to deltamethrin will occur after 19 and 2 generations at selection intensities of 10% and 95%, respectively. Our findings show the potential of P. solenopsis populations to develop resistance to deltamethrin. Management strategies such as conservation of natural enemies, appropriate insecticide use and preservation of susceptible populations in the field should be devised to slow down resistance development in P. solenopsis . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employing protocols developed for polar snow and ice, water samples were collected upstream, midstream and downstream of open pit bitumen mines and upgraders along the Lower Athabasca River (AR). The purpose was to: i) estimate the bioaccessibility of trace elements associated with particulate matter in the AR using sequential extraction, and ii) determine whether their forms have been measurably impacted by industrial activities. Of the trace metals known to be enriched in bitumen (V, Ni, Mo and Re), a substantial proportion of V (78–93%) and Ni (35–81%) was found in the residual fraction representing stable minerals. In contrast, Mo and Re were partitioned mainly into more reactive forms (water soluble, acid extractable, reducible and oxidisable). Comparing the non-residual fractions in upstream versus downstream sites, only water soluble Re was significantly ( P  = 0.005) greater downstream of industry. In respect to the potentially toxic chalcophile elements (Cu, Pb and Tl), no measurable change was observed in Cu and Pb distribution in upstream versus downstream sites. Only residual Tl was found at upstream and midstream sites, whereas a significant proportion of Tl was also present in the reducible fraction in downstream sites. Overall, a greater proportion of trace metals in the residual fraction at midstream sites appears to be due to inputs of atmospheric dust, clearly evident in microscopic images: energy dispersive spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction analyses showed that these particles were predominantly silicates, which are assumed to have limited bioaccessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive review explores the potential and versatility of biogenic materials as sustainable and environmentally benign alternatives to conventional adsorbents for the removal of drugs and dyes. Biogenic adsorbents derived from plants, animals, microorganisms, algae and biopolymers have bioactive compounds that interact with functional groups of pollutants, resulting in their binding with the sorbent. These materials can be modified mechanically, thermally and chemically to enhance their adsorption properties. Biogenic hybrid composites, which integrate the characteristics of more than one material, have also been fabricated. Additionally, microorganisms and algae are analyzed for their ability to uptake pollutants. Various influential factors that contribute to the adsorption process are also discussed. The challenge, limitations and future prospects for research are reviewed and bridging gap between large scale application and laboratory scale. This comprehensive review, involves a combination of various biogenic adsorbents, going beyond the existing literature where typically only specific adsorbents are reported. The review also covers the isotherms, kinetics, and desorption studies of biogenic adsorbents, providing an improved framework for their effective use in removing pharmaceuticals and dyes from wastewater. [Display omitted] • Review on biogenic materials for removal of drugs and dyes from wastewater. • Adsorbents derived from plants, animals, microorganisms, algae and biopolymers. • Mechanical, thermal and chemical modifications can enhance adsorption properties. • Biogenic hybrid composites have enhanced adsorption properties. • Reusability, limitations and future prospects of biogenic adsorbents are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, Home Energy Management (HEM) controllers have been widely used for residential load management in a smart grid. Generally, residential load management aims to reduce the electricity bills and also curtail the Peak-to-Average Ratio (PAR). In this paper, we design a HEM controller on the basis of four heuristic algorithms: Bacterial Foraging Optimization Algorithm (BFOA), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Binary Particle Swarm Optimization (BPSO), and Wind Driven Optimization (WDO). Moreover, we proposed a hybrid algorithm which is Genetic BPSO (GBPSO). All the selected algorithms are tested with the consideration of essential home appliances in Real Time Pricing (RTP) environment. Simulation results show that each algorithm in the HEM controller reduces the electricity cost and curtails the PAR. GA based HEM controller performs relatively better in term of PAR reduction; it curtails approximately 34% PAR. Similarly, BPSO based HEM controller performs relatively better in term of cost reduction, as it reduces approximately 36% cost. Moreover, GBPSO based HEM controller performs better than the other algorithms based HEM controllers in terms of both cost reduction and PAR curtailment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinosad is new chemical insecticide, which acts on nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Selection of Phenacoccus solenopsis with spinosad was carried out in the laboratory to characterize spinosad resistance. Cross resistance, stability and fitness cost of spinosad resistance were evaluated. Phenacoccus solenopsis showed a 282.45-fold resistance to spinosad after seven rounds of selection. Spinosad selected population (Spinosad-SEL pop) showed different levels of cross-resistance to profenofos, spinetoram and deltamethrin in comparison with unselected population. Spinosad resistance decreased significantly from 282.45 to 25.4-fold when resistant population was not exposed to the insecticide for up to six generations, indicating unstable resistance. Relative fitness of Spinosad-SEL pop was 0.51 with decrease in survival rate, fecundity, intrinsic rate of male and female, biotic potential and mean relative growth rate of male, whereas prolonged developmental time from egg to adult male and female, and generation time of both sexes compared with the unselected population. Resistance to spinosad indicates the need to rotate insecticides with others of differing modes of action and implementing alternative methods for P. solenopsis management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human and ecosystem health concerns for arsenic (As) in the lower Athabasca River downstream of Athabasca Bituminous Sands (ABS) mining (Alberta, Canada) prompted an investigation to determine its forms in surface and groundwater upstream and downstream of industry. Dissolved As species, together with total and particulate As, were used to evaluate the potential bioavailability of As in water as well as to decipher inputs from natural geological processes and ABS mining and upgrading activities. Water samples were collected from the river in October at 13 locations in 2014 and 19 locations in 2015, spanning up to 125 km. Additional samples were collected from groundwater, tributaries and springs. "Dissolved" (<0.45 μm) As was consistently low in the Athabasca River (average 0.37 ± 0.01 and 0.34 ± 0.01 μg L-1 in 2014 and 2015, respectively) as well as tributaries and springs (<1 μg L-1), with As(V) as the predominant form. The average total As concentration was higher in 2014 (12.7 ± 2.8 μg L-1) than 2015 (3.3 ± 0.65 μg L-1) with nearly all As associated with suspended solids (>0.45 μm). In 2014, when total As concentrations were greater, a significant correlation (p < 0.05) was observed with thorium in particles > 0.45 μm, suggesting that mineral material is an important source of As. Naturally saline groundwater contained low dissolved As (<2 μg L-1) and did not appear to be a significant source to the river. Arsenic in shallow groundwater near a tailings pond exceeded 50 μg L-1 predominantly as As(III) warranting further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos is recommended for control of a number of insect pests, including cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) in Pakistan. This work assessed chlorpyrifos resistance evolution and cross-resistance to other insecticides. After 23 generations of selection, the P. solenopsis strain (Chlor-SEL) had a 26652-fold level of resistance to chlorpyrifos compared to a susceptible strain. Realized heritability ( h 2 ) of resistance to chlorpyrifos was 0.04. The Chlor-SEL strain also had a low level of cross resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin (14-fold) and a very low level cross-resistance to nitenpyram and profenofos after 23 generations of selection. The projected rate of resistance development indicated that if 50–90 percent of a P. solenopsis population were selected with chlorpyrifos, a ten-fold increase in the lethal concentration 50 (LC 50 ) would occur in 22–10 generations ( h 2 = 0.04, Slope = 0.70). At a similar slope, if h 2 = 0.14, then only 6-3 generations are required for a ten-fold increase in the LC 50 at 50–90 percent selection intensity, respectively. Likewise, if h 2 = 0.24, then the same would occur in 4–2 generations. This study showed that P. solenopsis has the ability to become resistant to chlorpyrifos but insect resistance management strategies such as rotation of different group of insecticides are needed to prolong the effectiveness of chlorpyrifos in controlling P. solenopsis . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical detection of HIV-1 DNA with surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a quick and versatile method, having great potential in screening and characterization of HIV-1 virus particle. We have synthesized and applied novel gold nanocubes (AuNCs) for signal enhancement of SERS to study HIV-1 DNA strands by taking into account the specific vibrational bands of functional groups. Raman peaks at 562 cm−1, 800 cm−1, 1094 cm−1 were observed in both Human Random Control DNA and HIV-1 DNA, while three new peaks were detected in infected DNA at 421 cm−1, 1069 cm−1 and 1254 cm−1. Raman bands in case of AuNCs coated HIV-1 DNA molecules were observed with enhanced intensity values as compared to the silver nanoparticles-based SERS substrate. In case of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) conjugate DNA, we get all signatures of HIV-1 virus at almost the same position with peak distortions, peak alterations and intensities reductions. We overall molecularly observed HIV-1 infected DNA and Human Random Control DNA, with high sensitivity and selectivity using highly sensitive and stable AuNCs in SERS. This technique can be utilized to identify molecular structures and chemical identification of biomacromolecules which can further be investigated as biomarkers for the screening of whole-body HIV-1 virus particles. • Raman peaks at 562 cm−1, 800 cm−1, 1094 cm−1 were observed in control and HIV1 DNA. • Three new peaks were detected with AuNCs at 421 cm−1, 1069 cm−1 and 1254 cm−1. • AuNCs showed enhanced intensity values as compared to the AgNPs. • AgNPs showed same position with peak distortions and intensities reductions. • AuNCs present excellent surface enhancement factor as compared to AgNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley is an important pest of cotton in Pakistan, and its management is difficult due to the development of insecticide resistance. This research was conducted to characterize the bifenthrin resistance in populations of P. solenopsis and different parameters such as cross-resistance, realized heritability and possible resistance mechanisms were studied to improve the management of this important pest. A field-collected population was selected with bifenthrin in the laboratory for 14 generations and developed a resistance of 178-fold. The realized heritability of bifenthrin resistance was 0.54 in the selected population. The toxicity of bifenthrin was synergized by the addition of either piperonylbutoxide (PBO) or S,S,S tributylphosphorotrithioate (DEF) which suggests a general metabolic resistance due to possible involvement of mono-oxygenases or esterases. However, the resistant population did not develop a significant cross-resistance to either buprofezin, chlorpyrifos or lambda-cyhalothrin. These data suggest that alternative insecticide-based management programs can be developed for this pest in the short-term, but resistance management strategies which can reduce the sole reliance on insecticides are still needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) has caused huge crop and economic losses in different countries of the world including Pakistan. Considering P. solenopsis as a key cotton pest, research was conducted to understand genetics, realized heritability and preliminary mechanism of indoxacarb resistance. As a result of selection with indoxacarb, P. solenopsis developed a 2223.13-fold resistance after five generations. Indoxacarb resistance was autosomal in nature, and the degree of dominance for F 1 and F 1 ′ was 0.60 and 0.62, respectively, indicating the incomplete dominance of indoxacarb resistance. A monogenic model of inheritance also showed the involvement of multiple loci in indoxacarb resistance in P. solenopsis . Realized heritability for indoxacarb resistance was markedly high ( h 2 = 1.13) in P. solenopsis suggesting how quickly resistance can develop as a result of selection. Synergism tests with piperonylbutoxide (PBO) and S,S,S-tributylphosphorotrithioate (DEF) also suggested that indoxacarb resistance in P. solenopsis was metabolism-based due to possible involvement of both mono-oxygenases and esterases. Hence, it was concluded that indoxacarb resistance in P. solenopsis was autosomal, incompletely dominant, polygenic and metabolism-based. These findings will be helpful in the management of P. solenopsis . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background During cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy, the temporalis muscle is firmly attached to the dural patch and intermixed with fibrotic tissue leading to considerable difficulty in dissecting the plane between the dura, galea and the temporalis muscle. This leads to increased surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, risk of complications and also affects rehabilitation. We have developed the “dhaga technique,” which aids in preserving the plane between the muscle and dura in order to improve outcomes. Here we describe our technique and also compare the “dhaga technique” with the generally accepted standard procedure. Methods A retrospective review was carried out of all patients undergoing cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy either through the “dhaga technique” or the institutional standard (control group). Both techniques were compared using intra operative blood loss, duration of surgery and any complications as study variables. Results There were 133 patients were included in the study. The control group included 68 patients who underwent the procedure according to institutional standard, and 65 patients were included in the “dhaga technique group.” Both groups were well matched for baseline characteristics. Patients in the “dhaga technique” group had statistically significant lower operating time ( P value = 0.037) and intra operative blood loss ( P value = 0.025). However, there was no significant difference in complications. Conclusion The utilization of “dhaga technique” can potentially improve outcomes and reduce costs by decreasing operative time and blood loss. Moreover, the temporalis muscle preservation in the “dhaga technique” may also enhance aesthetic outcomes and chewing, which were not assessed in this study. There were no differences in complication between the two techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) is an economic pest in many agricultural crops including cotton. Insecticide resistance in P. solenopsis has led to field failures. A study was conducted in the laboratory on selection, inheritance and mechanism of emamectin resistance in P. solenopsis . After four selection cycles, high resistance (159-fold) was measured and resistance ratios for reciprocal crosses F 1 and F 1 ′ were 84 and 54-fold respectively. Dominance values for the resistance trait were determined to be 0.87 and 0.78, respectively. The number of genes controlling emamectin resistance was calculated to be more than one. Synergism tests indicated the possible involvement of cytochrome P-450 mono-oxygenases and esterases in the expression of emamectin resistance. It was concluded that emamectin resistance in the experimental strain of P. solenopsis was autosomal, incompletely dominant and polygenic. Furthermore, emamectin resistance in P. solenopsis could be due to enhanced metabolic detoxification mechanism. These findings have important practical application in managing insecticide resistance in P. solenopsis . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis is a destructive pest of cotton with the potential to develop resistance to most chemical classes of insecticides. Six populations of P. solenopsis from cotton crops at six different locations in Pakistan were evaluated for resistance to selected organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides. Resistance ratios (RRs) at LC 50 were in the range of 2.7–13.3 fold for chlorpyrifos, 11.6–30.2 fold for profenofos and for the three pyrethroids tested were 10.6–46.4 for bifenthrin, 5.8–25.2 for deltamethrin and 4.1–25.0 for lambda-cyhalothrin. This is the first report of resistance to organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides in Pakistani populations of P. solenopsis . Regular insecticide resistance monitoring programs are needed to prevent field control failures. Moreover, integrated approaches including the judicious use of insecticides and rotation of insecticides with different modes of action are needed to delay the development of insecticide resistance in P. solenopsis . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Civilian craniocerebral gunshot injuries (CGIs) are rare but increasing in incidence in the developing world and there is scare literature on presentation, injury characteristics, prognostic indicators, and complications of brain trauma due to projectiles. Methods A retrospective review of 51 civilian patients with CGI who presented to the Aga Khan University Hospital between 1998 and 2011 was carried out. Presentation, injury characteristics, and complications were analyzed with emphasis on outcomes and prognostic indicators. Results There were 43 male and 8 female patients with an average age of 28.92 (±12.33) years. Twenty-three patients had a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 13–15, 6 patients had a GCS score of 9–12, and 22 patients had a GCS score of 3–8 on admission. The overall mortality rate was 22% ( n = 11). The most common postoperative neurologic deficits were motor deficits (19 patients) followed by aphasias (11 patients). On univariate analysis, admission GCS score and bi- or multilobar injuries were found to be highly predictive of neurologic outcome. There was no difference in outcomes between penetrating and perforating injuries. We also failed to find a statistically significant correlation between ventricular injury and outcomes in our patients. Conclusion Admission GCS and number of lobes involved are highly prognostic of outcome. Patients with a GCS score ≥9 and unilobar injury on computed tomographic scans may benefit the most from surgical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the time of use (TOU) pricing scheme to propose a consumer aware pricing policy (CAPP), where each customer receives a separate electricity pricing signal. These pricing signals are obtained based on individualized load demand patterns to optimally manage the flexible load demand. The main objective of CAPP is to reduce the peaks in overall system demand in such a way that the pricing signals remain non-discriminatory. To achieve this goal, firstly the mathematical model of CAPP comprising TOU electricity price, and its variation based on consumption patterns is formulated. Secondly, the proposed CAPP model is further extended by integrating renewable energy and storage sources to overcome the possible creation of rebound peaks due to scheduling. This objective is achieved by implementing a control variable modeling the upper bound of the low tariff area. Thirdly, the cost minimization optimization problem is solved by using a Genetic Algorithm (GA) with the objective of the fair price distribution. Numerical and simulation results are obtained to validate the proposed model in terms of convergence, optimality, and cost reduction objective function. Results reveal that each customer receives a separate electricity price signal based on his demand pattern without affecting the utility/retailer revenue. Furthermore, the total cost results are also compared with and without TOU & CAPP schemes to further validate the nondiscrimination in electricity price. • A novel electricity pricing mechanism based on individualized load consumption and electricity price. • Mathematical models of load consumption, renewable energy, and electricity cost are provided. • Individualized load consumption, RTP, and renewable energy are input parameters. • A constraint optimization problem is formulated and solved using GA. • User comfort is modeled in terms of a fair price distribution among all the customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of medical images and diagnostic decision making of lumbar associated diseases by clinicians is invariably subjective, time consuming and challenging task. Presently, clinicians make use of either manual or semi-automated computer-aided tools to make relevant measurements for adding vote of confidence to their grading and evaluation. Lacking reliability and offering substantive dissimilarity once performed by different clinicians, these methods complicate the evaluation process. In an effort to support the decision making process of clinicians, in this paper we present a lumbar assessment framework with autonomous extraction of spinal measurements. Furthermore, an effort is made to address the challenges faced by clinicians while assessing disorders including spondylolisthesis and assessment of lumbar lordosis (LL) by proposing novel disease classification methodologies. For spondylolisthesis classification, we achieved an accuracy of 89% by using angular deviation metric whereas, 93% accuracy for determining adequacy/inadequacy in LL assessment through computation of area within enclosed lumbar curve region. Our framework involves semantic segmentation of vertebral bodies (VBs) using ResNet-UNet where we achieved DSC of 0.97 and IoU of 0.86. Subsequently, we achieved a statistically significant correlation coefficient R and encouraging mean absolute error (MAE) with clinicians' grading for measurements involving lumbar lordotic angle (LLA), lumbosacral angle (LSA), VB dimensions and lumbar height. In addition to this, we have publicly released the dataset with all the clinicians markings at https://data.mendeley.com/datasets/k3b363f3vz/2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]