Molecular epidemiology and phylogenetic analysis of Tams I gene of Theileria annulata in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Theileriosis is a hemoparasitic disease that affects a wide range of different animal species and is caused by various species of Theileria. This study aimed to determine the molecular epidemiology of Theileria annulata through microscopy and PCR, in crossbred cattle in some districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. For this study, a total of 384 blood samples were collected from cattle in the Peshawar (n=120), Charsadda (n=94), Nowshera (n=84), and Swabi (n=86) districts. Microscopy and PCR were used to determine the overall prevalence of theileriosis, which was found to be 15.8 and 22.6%, respectively. Theileria annulata was detected in blood samples through PCR in the study area, and the target gene i.e., Tams 1, of positive samples was sequenced. The sequences in the current study revealed high sequence homology (ranging from 96 to 100%) with Tams 1 sequences of neighboring countries present in the NCBI database. Season, breed, age, and sex were found to be important risk factors among the several risk factors examined, whereas, among different clinical manifestations, lymphadenopathy showed a strong association with theileriosis. According to Cohen's kappa and ROC analysis, microscopy was proven to be a fair diagnostic test for detecting theileriosis in cattle, and may be used in combination with molecular techniques for screening a large number of animals.

Consumer attitude toward Halal food in the case of the United Kingdom: the role of product attributes and marketing stimuli

The Halal market in the United Kingdom is worth $4.5 billion and is anticipated to grow at a rate of 5% each year. In the United Kingdom, there is a growing demand for Halal food, which has resulted in the formation of various unregulated Halal Certification Bodies. In the halal food market, the problem of halal authenticity has recently become a serious concern. The purpose of the paper was to determine the effect of product attributes and marketing stimuli on customer attitudes toward halal food among Muslim customers in the U.K. A cross-sectional study was adopted for this study. The sample of the study included the Muslim customers who have consumed halal food in the U.K. The authors used a survey method to collect the quantitative data. A total of 384 responses were received and data were analysed using SPSS. The findings of the study revealed that product attributes such as country of origin have a significantly greater influence on the customer attitude towards halal food compared to other product attributes. The findings further showed that marketing stimuli such as sales’ location impact on customer attitude however advertisement did not have any impact on customer attitude towards halal food. The finding held perspectives from Muslim customers in the U.K and contributes to the stimulus-organism-response theory by incorporating product attributes and marketing as stimulus factors that affect the internal psychological state i.e., customer’s attitude in the case of the U.K. The implication of this study was to recommend Halal enterprises import halal food from Islamic countries for U.K customers, research the strategic location and select the hypermarkets, that handle halal food with care.

Increased Ion Temperature and Neutron Yield Observed in Magnetized Indirectly Driven D_{2}-Filled Capsule Implosions on the National Ignition Facility

The application of an external 26 Tesla axial magnetic field to a D_{2} gas-filled capsule indirectly driven on the National Ignition Facility is observed to increase the ion temperature by 40% and the neutron yield by a factor of 3.2 in a hot spot with areal density and temperature approaching what is required for fusion ignition [1]. The improvements are determined from energy spectral measurements of the 2.45 MeV neutrons from the D(d,n)^{3}He reaction, and the compressed central core B field is estimated to be ∼4.9  kT using the 14.1 MeV secondary neutrons from the D(T,n)^{4}He reactions. The experiments use a 30 kV pulsed-power system to deliver a ∼3  μs current pulse to a solenoidal coil wrapped around a novel high-electrical-resistivity AuTa_{4} hohlraum. Radiation magnetohydrodynamic simulations are consistent with the experiment.

Risk of malignancy in thyroid nodules with indeterminate (THY3f) cytology

BACKGROUND

Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an integral part of thyroid nodule assessment. Nodules with an indeterminate cytology (THY3a-f) require formal histological assessment to confirm benign or malignant pathology. This study aimed to provide data for an evidence-based approach for management of patients with THY3f nodules.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients who had a thyroid FNAC reported as suspicious of follicular neoplasm (THY3f) or showing atypia (THY3a) were identified, and clinical, operative and outcomes data were analysed.

RESULTS

Between 2018 and 2020, 200 patients (167F:33M, median age 51 years (range:18-86 years)) had a THY3f cytology. Most presented with a palpable nodule (n=104; 68.4%). Overall, 152 (76.0%;130F:23M) underwent surgery and 31 (20.4%) were found to have a thyroid carcinoma (22 follicular carcinomas, 7 papillary carcinomas, 1 medullary thyroid carcinoma and 1 metastatic renal carcinoma). An additional incidental carcinoma (size: 0.7-13mm) was found in seven (4.6%). Among those with cancer, a completion thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine treatment was indicated in nine (<6% of the entire cohort). Previously suggested risk factors for malignancy, eg male gender, large tumour size (>4cm) or age, were not found to be associated with increased risk. During the same period, THY3a cytology was reported in 53 patients, of whom 29 underwent diagnostic surgery and 4 patients were found to have a thyroid cancer (follicular, n=3 and medullary, n=1).

CONCLUSION

One in five patients with features suspicious of a follicular neoplasm (THY3f) has a thyroid carcinoma. This risk is much lower for THY3a. This study reinforces the current recommendation for thyroid surgery in all patients with a reliable THY3f cytology, as no further stratifying risk factors could be identified.

Intracoronary Imaging in left main stent percutaneous coronary intervention has a clear survival benefit particularly in more complex patients

Background

Left Main Stem Disease (LMS) is prognostically important coronary artery disease that is managed either with coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Use of intracoronary imaging (ICI) modalities such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) have been shown to improve outcomes with PCI revascularization.

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of ICI on outcomes following LMS PCI.

Methods

Retrospective observation study of 498 (5.1% of all PCI cases) patients who had undergone LMS PCI at our tertiary primary PCI centre hospital over a 11-year period between July 2010-July 2021. Data was collected from electronic medical records. Follow-up was also obtained through linkage with the Office of National Statistics.

Results

The mean age at the time of enrolment was 70.7±11.5 years. Majority of the patients were male 351 (70.5%). 353 (70.9%) of cases had acute coronary syndrome (ACS) presentation while the remainder were elective procedures. Mean follow-up duration was 3.75±3.06 years. Survival calculated by Kaplan-Meier was 70%. 87 patients (17.5%) deceased during first year of enrolment. 344 (69.1%) patients had ICI, with IVUS in 316 (63.5%) and OCT in 28 (5.6%) patients. IVUS comprised 91.9% of ICI procedures. Protected LMS (OR 0.175, 95% CI: 0.037–0.833, P-value=0.029) and the use of left ventricular mechanical support device (OR 0.324, 95% CI: 0.122–0.859, P-value=0.024) were associated with decreased odds of undergoing an ICI.

Patients undergoing ICI had significantly better survival compared to those without ICI (HR: 0.54, P&lt;0.001). Moreover, OCT showed significantly better survival compared with IVUS (HR: 0.181, P=0.017). Use of ICI was associated with better survival in patients who had Rotablation (HR: 0.455, 95% CI: 0.232–0.892, P=0.022), ACS (HR: 0.523, 95% CI: 0.383–0.714, P&lt;0.001) or comorbidities of diabetes and stroke (HR: 0.551, 95% CI: 0.337–0.807, P=0.002).

Conclusion

ICI in LMS PCI has a significant survival benefit in our dataset. This is especially the case in patients presenting with ACS, those with comorbidities of Diabetes mellitus and stroke and those undergoing rotablation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Antibacterial activity of asam gelugur (Garcinia atroviridis Griff) fruit extract against foodborne pathogens and its effect on microbial population in raw chicken

Foodborne illness has a major impact on public health and is a major concern worldwide. The awareness about foodborne pathogens has increased among consumers because of their significant impact on public health. Moreover, research on safe natural plant products possessing antimicrobial activities against foodborne pathogens is vital because many consumers prefer natural compounds to synthetic ones. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of Garcinia atroviridis Griff against foodborne pathogens and to evaluate the effect of the fruit extract in the microbial population in raw chicken meat at different concentrations and temperatures during storage. The antibacterial activity of G. atroviridis Griff was assessed using disc diffusion assay (DDA), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The DDA results showed that the inhibition zone of the extract ranged from 6.50±0.50 to 11.00±0.00 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) values of the extract ranged from 3.13 to 25.00 mg/mL and 6.25 to 25.00 mg/mL, respectively. G. atroviridis Griff maintained its antibacterial activity after being treated with different temperatures (4˚C, 25˚C, 60˚C and 80˚C) and various pH ranges (pH 3.0, 7.0, and 9.0). A 5.00% concentration of extract can reduce the microbial population in the raw chicken and maintain its microbiological quality with longer exposure within 21 days in storage conditions at chiller and freezer temperature. The findings showed that the asam gelugur extract might be used as a natural alternative preservative for reducing the microbial population in raw chicken and maintaining its microbiological quality during storage prior to cooking.

The antibody landscapes following AS03 and MF59 adjuvanted H5N1 vaccination

Current seasonal and pre-pandemic influenza vaccines induce short-lived predominantly strain-specific and limited heterosubtypic responses. To better understand how vaccine adjuvants AS03 and MF59 may provide improved antibody responses to vaccination, we interrogated serum from subjects who received 2 doses of inactivated monovalent influenza A/Indonesia/05/2005 vaccine with or without AS03 or MF59 using hemagglutinin (HA) microarrays (NCT01317758 and NCT01317745). The arrays were designed to reflect both full-length and globular head HA derived from 17 influenza A subtypes (H1 to H16 and H18) and influenza B strains. We observed significantly increased strain-specific and broad homo- and heterosubtypic antibody responses with both AS03 and MF59 adjuvanted vaccination with AS03 achieving a higher titer and breadth of IgG responses relative to MF59. The adjuvanted vaccine was also associated with the elicitation of stalk-directed antibody. We established good correlation of the array antibody responses to H5 antigens with standard HA inhibition and microneutralization titers.

19 A Rare Case of Parapharyngeal Schwannoma Mimicking Peritonsillar Abscess in a Young Female Patient

Introduction

Parapharyngeal Space (PPS) tumours are responsible for 0.5% of head and neck cancers. Presenting features can mimic peritonsillar abscess. A differential diagnosis of PPS tumour should therefore be considered in young, systemically well patients with resistant peritonsillar masses.

Aim

To report a rare case of parapharyngeal schwannoma in a fit and well adult female with a focus on investigations and optimal management.

Method

A 29-year-old, Caucasian female presented with a three-week history of a right sided oropharyngeal mass, odynophagia, and dysphonia. A stagnant clinical picture prompted further investigation with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This demonstrated a 7cm right sided PPS mass arising from the deep lobe of the right parotid gland. Mass excision and partial, ipsilateral parotidectomy confirmed Schwannoma (neurilemoma).

Results & Discussion

Schwannomas account for a third of PPS tumours. Arising from neurological Schwann cells, they are often encapsulated, benign tumours which are characterised by slow and asymptomatic growth. Presentation often follows mass effects leading to dysphagia, odynophagia, and dysphonia. MRI and FNAC remain the gold standard in confirmation of diagnosis. Insensitivity to radiotherapy ensures that surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment and may utilise the transcervical, transparotid or transmandibular approach.

Conclusion

There is a significant degree of overlap in the epidemiology and presenting features of peritonsillar abscess and PPS tumours. In cases of treatment resistant, chronic peritonsillar masses a differential diagnosis of PPS tumour must therefore be excluded.

979 Emphysematous Pyelonephritis in a Diabetic Patient with Horseshoe Kidney: Case Study and Literature Review

We present to you the case of a 54-year-old female with a background of horseshoe kidney presenting with a fever, right-sided flank pain, and raised inflammatory markers. This presentation was on a background of recurrent urinary tract infections which were managed conservatively with antibiotics. CT-KUB revealed pockets of gas in both kidneys and within the pelvis, with wall thickening of the left renal pelvis. She subsequently received broad spectrum antibiotics and a suprapubic catheter. Bilateral JJ stents were inserted, and ultrasound was performed in the days following to rule out hydronephrosis. Subsequently, a nephrostomy tube was inserted. The patient clinically improved over time. Horseshoe kidney is a rare anomaly, presenting multiple challenges when managing emphysematous pyelonephritis in these patients.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a necrotising renal infection that leads to the formation of gas in the renal parenchyma, collecting ducts, and surrounding tissue. In the past, multiple eponyms have been used to describe these conditions: ‘renal emphysema’, ‘pneumonephritis’. The pathophysiology of this benign condition is multifactorial. The gas formation that occurs can be either focal or diffuse and has the capability of tracking into perinephric and paranephric spaces.

Approximately 90% of these patients have an underlying diagnosis of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus with pathogens that can produce gas, whilst 10% have urinary tract obstructions. EPN is rare, and the occurrence in a diabetic patient with horseshoe kidney has rarely been reported. The presence of a horseshoe kidney makes management more difficult. Few cases have been reported in the literature.

Search for Subsolar-Mass Binaries in the First Half of Advanced LIGO's and Advanced Virgo's Third Observing Run

We report on a search for compact binary coalescences where at least one binary component has a mass between 0.2  M_{⊙} and 1.0  M_{⊙} in Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo data collected between 1 April 2019 1500 UTC and 1 October 2019 1500 UTC. We extend our previous analyses in two main ways: we include data from the Virgo detector and we allow for more unequal mass systems, with mass ratio q≥0.1. We do not report any gravitational-wave candidates. The most significant trigger has a false alarm rate of 0.14  yr^{-1}. This implies an upper limit on the merger rate of subsolar binaries in the range [220-24200]  Gpc^{-3} yr^{-1}, depending on the chirp mass of the binary. We use this upper limit to derive astrophysical constraints on two phenomenological models that could produce subsolar-mass compact objects. One is an isotropic distribution of equal-mass primordial black holes. Using this model, we find that the fraction of dark matter in primordial black holes in the mass range 0.2  M_{⊙}<m_{PBH}<1.0  M_{⊙} is f_{PBH}≡Ω_{PBH}/Ω_{DM}≲6%. This improves existing constraints on primordial black hole abundance by a factor of ∼3. The other is a dissipative dark matter model, in which fermionic dark matter can collapse and form black holes. The upper limit on the fraction of dark matter black holes depends on the minimum mass of the black holes that can be formed: the most constraining result is obtained at M_{min}=1  M_{⊙}, where f_{DBH}≡Ω_{DBH}/Ω_{DM}≲0.003%. These are the first constraints placed on dissipative dark models by subsolar-mass analyses.

Clinical management of cutaneous bovine papillomatosis in a cow calf: a case report

A Sahiwal breed heifer calf of ~ 5-month age was presented with numerous warts of varying sizes principally on head, face and neck. The history and clinical examination were suggestive of bovine cutaneous papillomatosis. The animal was treated medically with an alternative medicine: Thuja occidentalis 30X. The warts regressed completely after two months of treatment with Thuja occidentalis, suggesting this medicine can be used to treat warts in bovines successfully.

Comparative study of nutritional and functional characteristics of pearl millet, buckwheat, amaranth and unripe banana flours for gluten-free bakery products

Suburbanization and changes in societal habits have led to a paradigm shift towards products that are nutritionally rich and therapeutic. However, the indispensable wheat flour in the bakery industry is also a trigger for gluten-related disorders. The present research focused on the characterization of nutritional and functional properties of glutenfree cereals-pearl millet, buckwheat, amaranth and unripe banana flours in comparison with wheat flour. The data were evaluated using analysis of variance and the difference between specific pair of means was compared using Duncan’s multiple range test at a 95% confidence interval. Pearson correlation analysed the interaction amongst derived parameters. The results were significantly different (p<0.05) except for oil-absorbing capacity. The gluten-free flours reported higher protein (15.55% for amaranth), carbohydrates (82.69% for unripe banana) and energy content (384.72 kcal/g for pearl millet) compared to wheat flour whereas the moisture (6.26% for pearl millet) and fat content (0.98% for unripe banana) were lower. Amaranth had the highest water holding capacity and foam capacity (3.86 mL/g and 26.62% respectively) but the lowest foam stability (89.20%). Pearson correlation showed significant relations among functional properties and food components. Oil-absorbing capacity was found to be positively correlated to protein and negatively to carbohydrates and foam stability. The foam capacity was strongly correlated with different food components. The protein-rich and high energy gluten-free flours along with their functional properties can aid in the development of composite flour and fill the gap in the demand-supply of the therapeutic gluten-free diet.