Search

Objectives: The purpose of our study was to find out the ideal 3D-MRCP acquisition plane among coronal and axial source datasets for bile duct assessment in patients with persistent post cholecystectomy pain. Methods: This was a cross sectional analytical study carried out in Radiology department of a teaching hospital from 1st January 2016 to 30 May 2017. 78 symptomatic patients for MRCP in the duration were included. Age range was 20 to 70 years and patients had persistent or recurrent post cholecystectomy symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting or jaundice. Data was collected retrospectively from the hospital’s database so the need of informed consent was waivered off by permission from hospital’s ethical committee. MRCP was performed for all patients on 1.5 tesla GE MRI machine with breath-hold multi-slice acquisition using dedicated multichannel surface coils covering the abdomen. Both 2D and 3D MRCP were done. Coronal MIP was reconstructed based on each dataset. Data was analyzed using Microsoft excel and SPSS version 22. Results were compared for the ideal 3D plane to assess pancreatic and biliary ducts. Results: The encountered post cholecystectomy biliary findings were strictures (48%), retained biliary stones (35.8%), which were located either intrahepatic or extra-hepatic, most commonly in distal CBD causing obstructive jaundice and rest of the patients had either cholangiocarcinoma at hilum, pancreatitis or post op complications like complete bile duct transaction, bile duct ligation etc. The most common finding was biliary stricture. CHD and proximal CBD were better assessed for presence of strictures and stones on 3D coronal (P value

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) causes acute viral encephalitis in humans and reproductive disorders in pigs. JEV emerged during the 1870s in Japan and since that time, JEV has been transmitted exclusively throughout Asia, according to known reporting and sequencing records. A recent JEV outbreak occurred in Australia which affected commercial piggeries across different temperate southern Australian states and caused confirmed infections in humans. A total of 47 human cases and seven deaths were reported. The recent evolving situation of JEV needs to be reported due to its continuous circulation in endemic regions and spread to non-endemics areas. Here, we reconstructed the phylogeny and population dynamics of JEV using recent JEV isolates for the future perception of disease spread. Phylogenetic analysis shows the most recent common ancestor occurred about 3120 years ago (YA) (95% Highest posterior density [HPD], 2680 to 3715). Our results of the Bayesian skyline plot (BSP) demonstrates that JEV demography lacks fluctuations for the last two decades, but it shows that JEV genetic diversity has increased during the last ten years. This indicates the potential JEV replication in the reservoir host, which is helping it to maintain its genetic diversity, and to continue its dispersal into non-endemic areas. The continuous spread in Asia and recent detection from Australia further support these findings. Therefore, an enhanced surveillance system is needed along with precautionary measures such as regular vaccination and mosquito control to avoid future JEV outbreaks.

Introduction: Early diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) by imaging and biochemical tests would be valuable in controlling morbidity and mortality associated with this most common primary hepatic malignancy which is the third leading cause of global cancer-related deaths. Objective: To determine an association between the level of serum Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) and the size of the tumor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC).Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar, Pakistan from January 2018 till December 2019. Data were gathered from the medical records of Endoscopy Unit of Rehman Medical Institute. Patients were separated into three groups on the basis of serum AFP levels: Group I had standard levels of AFP (400 IU/ml). Patients were also separated into three groups on the basis of tumor; in Group A tumor size was less than 3 cm, in Group B it was between 3 and 5 cm, and in Group C the size was greater than 5 cm. For categorical variables, the Chi-square and Z test for proportions were applied; the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum (Mann-Whitney) test was used to evaluate the variation in the two categories, and the Kruskal-Wallis Rank test was used to evaluate the difference between categories. A p value ≤0.05 was taken as significant. Descriptive statistics were obtained by SPSS 24. Result: A total of 136 patients were evaluated according to AFP levels. The male to female ratio was 2.31:1. The mean presenting age was 59.36 ± 9.85 years while the mean tumor size was 6.93 ± 4.39 cm. Regarding AFP groups, there were 50(36.76%), in Group I, 31(22.79%) in Group II and 38(27.94%) in Group III. As per the Child Pugh classification, Class A, B and C were 69.85%, 16.18% and 0% respectively.Conclusion: Serum alpha fetoprotein was significantly associated with HCC tumor size. Alpha fetoprotein level can be a helpful marker to detect HCC and to differentiate between its initial and late stages. Monitoring AFP levels could be useful to diagnose recurring disease for patients with tumors that produce AFP.Keywords: Serum Alpha Fetoprotein; Hepatocellular Carcinoma; Tumor size.

The world has been going through an unprecedented situation due to the world-wide health crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic. It affected all sectors across the globe, including education. This chapter highlights the importance of education in emergencies and how a situation like the COVID-19 pandemic creates challenges alongside opportunities to learn for personal and professional development as well as to ensure mental wellbeing of individuals through e-learning. The chapter explores literature to draw on different perspectives regarding the issues related to effectiveness in handling education and learning in an emergency in addition to preparedness for post and future emergencies. However, it focuses mainly on the role of the education sector in supporting individuals, especially learners and educators during and after emergencies. It also reflects on educational professionals’ work with students during this pandemic i.e. how educational professionals report on their adaptation journey and how the pandemic impacted the ability to serve and engage learners. From the professionals’ best practices to assist students in being successful through online education or hybrid teaching and learning formats, many opportunities arose to shape and reform education for a better future and transform the process of lifelong learning. This chapter outlines strategies, in general, for the education sector, and in particular, institutions and individuals to be better prepared for future emergencies through the opportunities e-learning offers.

Introduction: Research has implicated an exaggerated or self-directed immune response as a factor in determining patient outcome in COVID-19. Initial reports identify lymphopenia as having a predictive role in COVID-19 related disease severity.Objective: To document the occurrence of lymphopenia in COVID-19 patients and explore its association with demographic factors and disease course.Materials & Methods: This cross sectional, observational study was conducted at Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar from May, 2020 to August, 2020. All patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 diagnosis were included. Relevant information including demographics, disease severity, laboratory findings & outcomes were noted in a predesigned Performa. The data were analyzed on SPSS 22 for descriptive and comparative statistics; p≤0.05 denoted significance.Results: A total of 216 patients were included, of whom 172 (79.6%) were males. The mean age was 54.61 ± 14.35 years. Classic lymphopenia was found in 67 (31.5%), 66 (31.0%) had borderline lymphopenia, and 80 (37.6%) had no lymphopenia. Of the classic lymphopenia group, 14 (20.9%) had mild disease, 21 (31.3%) had moderate disease, 18 (26.9%) had severe disease & 14 (20.9%) had critical disease. In patients with borderline lymphopenia 31 (47.0%) had mild disease, 17 (25.8%) moderate disease, 14 (21.2%) had severe disease and 04 (6.1%) had critical disease. In patients with no lymphopenia, 32 (40.0%) had mild, 32 (40.0%) had moderate, 14 (17.5%) had severe & 02 (2.5%) had critical disease. Mortality associated with classical lymphopenia was 37.3% (n=25) whereas 43.3% (n=29) patients recovered. Male gender, disease severity and outcome were statistically linked to lymphopenia; no statistical significance was observed with age.Conclusion: A statistically significant association of lymphopenia with severe/critical disease and adverse outcomes was noted.Keywords: Lymphopenia, COVID-19, Pandemic.

An increasing interest in biochar application has opened many multidisciplinary research areas in science. Biochar can be produced by thermochemical conversion of organic biomass in an oxygen-deficient condition. Extensive research has been conducted on the potential of biochar for agronomic applications, such as soil fertility improvement and carbon sequestration due to its specific mineralogical composition and long-term stability in the soil. Using biochar for environmental remediation has also been recognized recently as a promising area of research for its unique physicochemical characteristics, redox potential, and adsorption capacity. However, the published works are mostly focused only on the agronomic and environmental applications with little information presented to elucidate the different mechanisms involved. This study, therefore, aims to examine the influence of controlling parameters during biochar production, such as pyrolysis temperature, residence time, and types of feedstock on the characteristics of biochar. Various mechanisms explaining the potential of biochar for the environmental and agronomic applications are discussed in detail. The challenges faced in biochar development and its field applications for agronomic and environmental remediation purposes are also highlighted. Finally, recommendations for future research are given on the development of biochar with high redox functional groups and sorption potential as well as on understanding the behavior of biochar under the natural field conditions.

Introduction: Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP), being a useful though technically demanding diagnostic and therapeutic procedure to evaluate and treat diseases of biliary and pancreatic ducts is dependent in large part for its success on the skill of the operator. Objective: To determine the indications, procedures performed and success rate of ERCP at a tertiary care center of Peshawar. Materials & Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the Endoscopy Unit of Rehman Medical Institute (RMI) from January 2020 to April 2020 using universal sampling technique. All ERCP procedures done in the endoscopy unit from January 2019 to December 2019 were included in the study regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity or presenting complains. Any ERCP that did not have complete data were excluded from the study. Data were collected in a structured Performa. Data were analyzed in Microsoft Excel for descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 161 ERCP procedures were performed during the study duration, of which 84(52.2%) were in males while 77(47.82%) were in females; the mean age was 54.82 ± 15.83 years. Biliary Stent placement (51.6%) was the most commonly performed procedure followed by Biliary Stone extraction (22.4%). Failed ERCP accounted for 30(18.6%) cases. The main indication for ERCP was Obstructive Jaundice (65.8%) followed by Common Bile duct (CBD) stones (42.9%). The least common indication was Dilated Intrahepatic Duct (1.86%). Only 4 cases of minor bleeding were observed during the procedure which were controlled during the procedures. No major complications have been seen on follow-up. Conclusion: Obstructive Jaundice is major contributor to ERCP’s being performed. It is a relatively safe procedure in the hands of an experienced operator. Keywords: Obstructive Jaundice; Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography; Gallstones; Pancreatic Duct.

Background: Among the many non-invasive techniques performed on patients with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) related fibrosis, the most appropriate results have been obtained using Transient Elastography (FibroScan) to measure liver stiffness. The accurate diagnosis of fibrosis related to HBV is essential for prognostic and therapeutic decisions and offset the limitations of liver biopsy. Objective: To evaluate Transient Elastography (FibroScan) for detecting and staging hepatic fibrosis by comparing it with hepatic histopathology in patients with Hepatitis B at a tertiary care hospital of Peshawar. Materials & Methods: A descriptive study was done in March-April 2020 at Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar, based on retrospective data from May 2016 to March 2020 on 145 HBV positive patients with various stages of hepatic fibrosis who had undergone non-invasive FibroScan during their first visit. Routine demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters were analyzed to predict the existence or absence of advanced fibrosis. At the end of the evaluation, the samples were categorized as F0 (No fibrosis), F1 (Initial fibrosis without septa), F2 (Fibrosis with septa), F3 (Advanced fibrosis) and F4 (Severe fibrosis with cirrhosis, C1). Descriptive data analysis was done by SPSS 17.0. Results: Out of 145 included patients of chronic hepatitis B, 110 were males and 35 were females. At initial stages the existing laboratory tools diagnosed chronic HBV-infected patients correctly, with minor fibrosis and cirrhosis. Independent indicators of liver fibrosis included platelet count, age, AST, ALT values and albumin; 80% of the patients were not affected by the disease, which means F0 was 80%. Yet some patients had fibrosis at different stages F1, F2, F3, F4 and C1. The FibroScan assessment revealed that out of 145 patients, only 11% patients were at stage F1 whereas the diagnostic value for F2, F3, F4, and C1 are ≤3% with F2=3%, F3=1%, F4=2%, and C1=2%. Conclusion: FibroScan is an effective method to detect HBV-related fibrosis and cirrhosis; it provided accurate distinction between various stages of fibrosis in Hepatitis B patients. Keywords: Cirrhosis, Liver; Hepatitis B; Liver Fibrosis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular.

Flaviviruses are a group of enveloped viruses that enter the host cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis. The entry of flaviviruses into the cells is a multi-step process which involves several host factors that trigger the uptake of the virus. The initial step in the virus life cycle is the interactions between viral envelope proteins and the specific receptors on the surface of host cell. To date, several receptors have been identified such as glycosaminoglycans, tight junction proteins, laminin receptor and phosphatidylserine receptors. Moreover, the viruses may utilize integrins and C-type lectin receptors on the surface of host cells as the initial attachment factors. This mini-review will focus on recent progresses in the understanding of virus attachment, internalization, and membrane fusion with specific emphasis on the cellular receptors.

The elimination of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) obsolete pesticides stockpiles, particularly the organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), is one of the critical environmental issues faced by many developing countries. This pioneering study aimed to investigate the occurrence, source fingerprinting, human health, and ecological risks of OCPs in the surroundings of the lone POPs pesticide destruction facility in Pakistan. The ΣOCPs residual levels in soil ranged from 35.98 to 566.77 ng/g dry weight (dw), with a mean concentration of 174.42 + 111.62 ng/g (dw). The OCPs contamination levels in the soil followed the pattern as ΣHCHs > Σendrins > Σendosulfans > dieldrin > Σheptachlors > ΣDDTs > Σchlordanes > methoxychlor. The ΣHCHs residual concentrations were comparatively higher than the previous national and global soil studies. The recent accumulation of HCHs, DDTs, and heptachlor was observed in the study area as identified by β-HCH/∑HCHs, (DDE + DDD)/ΣDDTs, heptachlor/Σheptachlor, and heptachlor exo-epoxide/heptachlor ratios. The OCPs’ lifetime carcinogenic risk through ingestion, dermal, and inhalation exposure routes ranged from 1.65E-08 to 2.91E-07, whereas the noncarcinogenic hazard quotient (HQ) ranged from 9.12E-05 to 1.61E-03. The risk vulnerability among age groups was in the order: adult > toddler > child > teen > infant. The calculated risk levels were within an acceptable limit of one in a million (1 × 10−6) for carcinogenic risk and HQ

Mosquitoes harbour a diversity of viruses and are responsible for several mosquito-borne viral diseases of humans and animals, thereby leading to major public health concerns, and significant economic losses across the globe. Viral metagenomics offers a great opportunity for bulk analysis of viral genomes retrieved directly from environmental samples. In this study, we performed a viral metagenomic analysis of five pools of mosquitoes belonging to Aedes, Anopheles and Culex species, collected from different pig farms in the vicinity of Shanghai, China, to explore the viral community carried by mosquitoes. The resulting metagenomic data revealed that viral community in the mosquitoes was highly diverse and varied in abundance among pig farms, which comprised of more than 48 viral taxonomic families, specific to vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, fungi, bacteria and protozoa. In addition, a considerable number of viral reads were related to viruses that are not classified by host. The read sequences related to animal viruses included parvoviruses, anelloviruses, circoviruses, flavivirus, rhabdovirus and seadornaviruses, which might be taken up by mosquitoes from viremic animal hosts during blood feeding. Notably, sample G1 contained the most abundant sequence related to Banna virus, which is of public health interest because it causes encephalitis in humans. Furthermore, non-classified viruses also shared considerable virus sequences in all the samples, presumably belonging to unexplored virus category. Overall, the present study provides a comprehensive knowledge of diverse viral populations carried by mosquitoes at pig farms, which is a potential source of diseases for mammals including humans and animals. These viral metagenomic data are valuable for assessment of emerging and re-emerging viral epidemics.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) causes a highly contagious and devastating disease in poultry. ND causes heavy economic losses to the global poultry industry by decreasing the growth rate, decrease in egg production high morbidity and mortality. Although significant advances have been made in the vaccine development, outbreaks are reported in vaccinated birds. In this study, we report the damage caused by NDV infection in the pancreatic tissues of vaccinated and specific-pathogen-free chickens. The histopathological examination of the pancreas showed severe damage in the form of partial depletion of zymogen granules, acinar cell vacuolization, necrosis, apoptosis, congestion in the large and small vessels, sloughing of epithelial cells of the pancreatic duct, and mild perivascular edema. Increased plasma levels of corticosterone and somatostatin were observed in NDV-infected chicken at three- and five- days post infection (DPI). A slight decrease in the plasma concentrations of insulin was noticed at 5 DPI. Significant changes were not observed in the plasma levels of glucagon. Furthermore, NDV infection decreased the activity and mRNA expression of amylase, lipase, and trypsin from the pancreas. Taken together, our findings highlight that NDV induces extensive tissue damage in the pancreas, decreases the activity and expression of pancreatic enzymes, and increases plasma corticosterone and somatostatin. These findings provide new insights that a defective pancreas may be one of the reasons for decreased growth performance after NDV infection in chickens.

Metagenomic analysis of mosquito-borne and mosquito-specific viruses is useful to understand the viral diversity and for the surveillance of pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. Yunnan province is located at the southwest of China and has rich abundance of mosquitoes. Arbovirus surveillance is not conducted regularly in this province particularly at animal farms, which have public health as well as veterinary importance. Here, we have analyzed 10 pools of mosquitoes belonging to Culex tritaeniorhyncus, Aedes aegypti, Anopheles sinensis, and Armigeres subalbatus species, collected from different animal farms located at Yunnan province of China by using metagenomic next-generation sequencing technique. The generated viral metagenomic data reveal that the viral community matched by the reads was highly diverse and varied in abundance among animal farms, which contained more than 19 viral taxonomic families, specific to vertebrates, invertebrates, fungi, plants, protozoa, and bacteria. Additionally, a large number of viral reads were related to viruses that are non-classified. The viral reads related to animal viruses included parvoviruses, anelloviruses, circoviruses, flaviviruses, rhabdoviruses, and seadornaviruses, which might be taken by mosquitoes from viremic animal hosts during blood feeding. Notably, the presence of viral reads matched with Japanese encephalitis virus, Getah virus, and porcine parvoviruses in mosquitoes collected from different geographic sites suggested a potential circulation of these viruses in their vertebrate hosts. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive knowledge of diverse viral populations present at animal farms of Yunnan province of China, which might be a potential source of diseases for humans and domestic animals.

Since the advent of the industrial revolution, we have seen a global rise in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. The atmospheric concentration of CO2 has increased 47% since industrial revolution. This rise in CO2 levels has led to the global environmental problem of climate change. This is something that is impacting the global population and therefore needed to be addressed. This unprecedented rise in the carbon emissions is linked with ever increasing burning of fossil fuels. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its 5th assessment report has attributed 65% of the CO2 emissions due to fossil fuel combustion alone in 2010. Hence, it is inevitable to curtail the CO2 emissions globally to save the planet Earth from the catastrophic impacts of the global warming and climate change. To reduce the rising CO2 levels in the atmosphere, researchers have started investigating the process of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and its subsequent utilization. In this process, the excessive CO2 is captured from the atmosphere and either stored in deep geological formations or converted into useful substances and biofuels. This not only promotes resource conservation but also converts the pollution source into a valuable resource. This chapter gives a brief introduction of the different processes that are involved in each step of CCS, starting with the capture, transport, storage, transformation, and utilization of the gas.

Understanding the proteolytic processing of polyprotein mediated by NS2B-NS3 protease contributes to the exploration of the mechanisms underlying infection of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a zoonotic flavivirus. In this study, eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell models were employed to identify the cleavage sites mediated by viral NS2B-NS3 protease in JEV polyprotein. Artificial green fluorescent protein (GFP) substrates that contained the predicted cleavage site sequences of JEV polyprotein were expressed in swine testicle (ST) cells in the presence and absence of JEV infection, or co-expressed in E. coli with the recombinant NS2B-NS3 protease that was generated by fusing the N-terminal protease domain of NS3 to the central hydrophilic domain of NS2B. The cleavage of GFP substrates was examined by western blot. Among twelve artificial GFP substrates containing the cleavage site sequences predictively processed by host cell and/or NS2B-NS3 proteases, all sites were found to be cleaved by host cell proteases with different efficiencies. The sites at internal C, NS2A/NS2B, NS2B/NS3 and NS3/NS4A junctions, but not the sites at internal NS3, internal NS4A and NS4B/NS5 junctions were identified to be cleaved by JEV NS2B-NS3 protease. These data provide insight into the proteolytic processing of polyprotein, which is useful for understanding JEV replication and pathogenesis.

Energy crisis, solid waste management, ever-increasing CO2 and methane levels, unemployment, deforestation, increased energy generation cost, and depleting fossil fuels are some current challenges faced by developing countries. The biogas production is a sustainable, lenient, and affordable approach to address these issues. This chapter focuses on the history of biogas digesters and their evolution, feasible techniques for biogas production, and methods to enhance biogas quality. It highlights the advantages and limitations of fixed dome digester, floating drum digester, and plug flow digester. Organic waste such as animal dung, food waste, agricultural waste, municipal solid waste, industrial waste, and sewage sludge can be used as feedstock to produce biogas in digesters. Acetic acid produced from glucose and water in acetogenesis process is transformed into methane and by-products through methanogenesis. The efficient production of biogas is carried out by a complex microbial process in which an appropriate environment is necessary for the multiplication of microbes and their proper functioning. Biogas generated at low temperatures using psychrophilic enzymes has a low methane content; however, other factors such as pH, oxygen content, and salt concentration also affect microbial activities and hence the quality of the biogas. The electrical energy produced by biogas from agricultural waste feedstock is carbon zero. In Asia, biogas production is the need of the time and will not only contribute towards a low carbon economy but also will address the longstanding issue of deforestation and environmental pollution. If increasing energy demands of a growing population in Asia and Africa are addressed through this renewable approach, then it will enhance the energy security and environment integrity of these two continents.

Background: Newcastle disease virus (NDV) causes a highly contagious and devastating disease in poultry, Newcastle disease (ND), which is particularly characterized by extensive pathologies in the digestive, respiratory and nervous systems. ND cause heavy economic losses to the world poultry industry by decreasing growth rate, decrease egg productions, mortality and morbidity. Although, significant advances have been made in the vaccine development, but outbreaks are reported in vaccinated birds leading decrease growth rate. Methods: In this study, we report the damage caused by the NDV infection in the pancreas of vaccinated as well specific pathogen free chickens. Results: The histopathological examination of the pancreas showed sever damage in the form of partial depletion of zymogen granules, acinar cell vacuolization, necrosis, and apoptosis, congestion in the large and small vessels, sloughing of epithelial cells of pancreatic duct, and mild perivascular edema. Increased plasma levels of corticosterone, somatostatin, were observed in NDV infected chicks at 3 and 5-day post infection (DPI). Slight decrease in the plasma concentrations of the insulin were noticed at 5 DPI. Significant changes were not observed in the plasma levels of glucagon. Furthermore, NDV infection has decreases the activity and mRNA expression of amylase, lipase, and trypsin from the pancreas. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings highlight that NDV induces extensive tissue damage in pancreas, decrease the activity and expression of pancreatic enzymes and increase plasma corticosterone and somatostatin.

A pneumonia-like disease of unknown origin caused a catastrophe in Wuhan city, China. This disease spread to 215 countries affecting a wide range of people. World health organization (WHO) called it a pandemic and it was officially named as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus 2 (SARS CoV-2), also known as Corona virus disease (COVID-19). This pandemic compelled countries to enforce a socio-economic lockdown to prevent its widespread. This paper focuses on how the particulate matter pollution was reduced during the lockdown period (23 March to April 15, 2020) as compared to before lockdown. Both ground-based and satellite observations were used to identify the improvement in air quality of Pakistan with primary focus on four major cities of Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi and Peshawar. Both datasets have shown a substantial reduction in PM2.5 pollution levels (ranging from 13% to 33% in case of satellite observations, while 23%–58% in ground-based observations) across Pakistan. Result shows a higher rate of COVID-19 spread in major cities of Pakistan with poor air quality conditions. Yet more research is needed in order to establish linkage between COVID-19 spread and air pollution. However, it can be partially attributed to both higher rate of population density and frequent exposure of population to enhanced levels of PM2.5 concentrations before lockdown period., Highlights • The COVID-19 has caused severe health concerns and economic disruptions worldwide. • Larger spread of COVID-19 can be associated with elevated levels of PM2.5 • The lockdown had a positive change in severely polluted cities of Pakistan. • Besides improvement, it has posed sever challenges of environmental monitoring. • Restricted mobility resulted in pile up and improper disposal of hospital waste.

A total of 548 mosquitoes were collected from different animal farms located near to highly populated cities in Xinjiang and were subjected to metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). The mNGS data demonstrated that 18,842 (XJ1 strain) and 1,077 (XJ2 strain) of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV)-related reads were detected in XJ1 and XJ2 mosquito samples collected from Wushi and Wensu counties of Aksu area, which accounted for 0.032% and 0.006% of the total clean reads generated from XJ1 and XJ2 samples, respectively. The Bayesian molecular phylogenetic analysis suggested that XJ1 and XJ2 strains belonged to JEV genotype III and were clustered with JEV strains isolated in China. Notably, Bayesian molecular time line phylogeny revealed that XJ1 strain shared its MRCA with JEV GSS strain about 67 YA, suggesting that XJ1 strain likely originated from linages closely related to GSS strain and spread to Xinjiang later. Overall, these findings suggest that Xinjiang was probably not free from JEV, and thus, a further surveillance of JEV is required in Xinjiang.

The phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of a live-attenuated genotype I (GI) strain (SD12-F120) of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) were compared with its virulent parental SD12 strain to gain an insight into the genetic changes acquired during the attenuation process. SD12-F120 formed smaller plaque on BHK-21 cells and showed reduced replication in mouse brains compared with SD12. Mice inoculated with SD12-F120 via either intraperitoneal or intracerebral route showed no clinical symptoms, indicating a highly attenuated phenotype in terms of both neuroinvasiveness and neurovirulence. SD12-F120 harbored 29 nucleotide variations compared with SD12, of which 20 were considered silent nucleotide mutations, while nine resulted in eight amino acid substitutions. Comparison of the amino acid variations of SD12-F120 vs SD12 pair with those from other four isogenic pairs of the attenuated and their virulent parental strains revealed that the variations at E138 and E176 positions of E protein were identified in four and three pairs, respectively, while the remaining amino acid variations were almost unique to their respective strain pairs. These observations suggest that the genetic changes acquired during the attenuation process were likely to be strain-specific and that the mechanisms associated with JEV attenuation/virulence are complicated.

The “problem of e-books” is defined as the difficulty improving the adoption rates of e-books by students. The adoption rates of e-books for academic use remain low, and research into the reasons for this have resulted in inconclusive findings. Factors such as student perception, and variations in experimental methodology and technology, contribute to difficulties in generalising findings and establishing conclusive causes for this problem. To better understand the causal factors for low adoption rates and the student's experience with ereaders and digital text, an investigation was conducted by the lead researcher as a student enrolled in a postgraduate course. The experiment was designed using e-book and digital text documents on an ereader for academic study and the results analysed with the framework of Activity Theory. This methodology allowed exploration of the problem within the authentic experience of a student to examine the effects of this social environment on ereader and e-book use. Analysis of the work domain was conducted and a comparative assessment of the observed effect of using the digital documents on an ereader compared with the paper book. Findings show that attempts to apply self-regulation and metacognitive learning techniques within the activity using the ereader were abandoned due to breakdowns in operations, and that this resulted in a perceived lower quality of achievement. The effect on the processes used by the student were extreme and were observed to be highly dependent on the student's use of specific learning strategies. The experimental methodology employed in this investigation enabled identification of the role of the social environment in the use of course documents on an ereader for academic study. The functionality of the ereader was such an extremely poor fit with the observed academic processes that a redesign approach for ereader and e-book technology is proposed as a solution to the low adoption rates of e-books., Education; Information science; Activity theory; E-books; E-readers; Academic learning; Metacognition; Autoethnography; Reading

The biogas production through anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic and biodegradable substrates has been in practice historically. Nevertheless, this process acquired popularity with the limited supply of nonrenewable resources, ever-growing energy crisis, and environmental concerns. Many technical innovations were made and introduced for the optimization of the AD process. This review article focuses on microbial and technological advancements in the field of biogas production via AD of different organic substrates. Several strategies including the use of various biological, microbial, and chemical additives, biological and microbial pretreatment of substrates, genetic modifications in plants and microbial species, microbial community analysis techniques, mathematical and management tools, and mixed culture biotechnology have been discussed in this review. Applications, methodologies, constraints, and solutions related to AD techniques have also been highlighted. These techniques are a gateway toward a promising future in the presence of an alarming energy crisis, yet several aspects are needed to explore for the achievement of best results.

The quest for a sustainable environment and combating global warming, carbon capture, and storage (CCS) has become the primary resort. A complete shift from non-renewable resources to renewable resources is currently impossible due to its major share in energy generation; making CCS an imperative need of the time. This study, therefore, aims to examine the reckoning of carbon dioxide (CO2), measurement methods, and its efficient capture and storage technologies with an ambition to combat global warming and achieve environmental sustainability. Conventionally, physical, geological and biological proxies are used to measure CO2. The recent methods for CO2 analyses are spectrometry, electrochemical gas sensors, and gas chromatography. Various procedures such as pre, post, and oxyfuel combustion, and use of algae, biochar, and charcoal are the promising ways for CO2 sequestration. However, the efficient implementation of CCS lies in the application of nanotechnology that, in the future, could provide a better condition for the environment and economic outlooks. The captured carbon can be stored in the earth crust for trillions of years, but its leakage during storage can raise many issues including its emissions in the atmosphere and soil acidification. Therefore, global and collective efforts are required to explore, optimize and implement new techniques for CCS to achieve high environmental sustainability and combat the issues of global warming.

This study examines point and non-point sources of air pollution and particulate matter and their associated socioeconomic and health impacts in South Asian countries, primarily India, China, and Pakistan. The legislative frameworks, policy gaps, and targeted solutions are also scrutinized. The major cities in these countries have surpassed the permissible limits defined by WHO for sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and nitrogen dioxide. As a result, they are facing widespread health problems, disabilities, and causalities at extreme events. Populations in these countries are comparatively more prone to air pollution effects because they spend more time in the open air, increasing their likelihood of exposure to air pollutants. The elevated level of air pollutants and their long-term exposure increases the susceptibility to several chronic/acute diseases, i.e., obstructive pulmonary diseases, acute respiratory distress, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. More in-depth spatial-temporal air pollution monitoring studies in China, India, and Pakistan are recommended. The study findings suggest that policymakers at the local, national, and regional levels should devise targeted policies by considering all the relevant parameters, including the country's economic status, local meteorological conditions, industrial interests, public lifestyle, and national literacy rate. This approach will also help design and implement more efficient policies which are less likely to fail when brought into practice.