Evaluation of indigenous plants' extracts for mosquitocidal activity against different stages of Culex quinquefasciatus say (Diptera: Culicidae)

Being vector of West Nile Virus and falariasis the control of Culex quinquefasciatus is likely to be essential. Synthetic insecticide treatment is looking most effective for vectors mosquito control. However, these products are toxic to the environment and non-target organisms. Consequently, ecofriendly control of vectors mosquito is needed. In this regard botanical insecticide is looking more fruitful. Therefore, the present research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of methanolic extract and various fractions, including, n-hexane, ethyl-acetate, chloroform, and aqueous fraction, obtained from methanolic extract of Ailanthus altissima, Artemisia scoparia, and Justicia adhatoda using separating funnel against larval, pupal, and adult stages of Culex quinquefasciatus. The larvae and pupae of Culex quinquefasciatus were exposed to various concentrations (31.25-1000 ppm) of methanolic extract and its fractions for 24 hours of exposure period. For knock-down bioassay (filter paper impregnation bioassay) different concentration of the methanolic extract and its various fractions (i.e. 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and 1mg/mL) were applied for 1 hour exposure period. The results were statistically analysed using standard deviation, probit analysis, and linear regression. The R2 values of larvae, pupae, and adult range from 0.4 to 0.99. The values of LC50 (concentration causing 50% mortality) for late 3rd instar larvae after 24 hours exposure period range from 93-1856.7 ppm, while LC90 values range from 424 -7635.5ppm. The values of LC50for pupae range form 1326.7-6818.4ppm and and values of LC90 range from 3667.3-17427.9ppm, respectively. The KDT50 range from 0.30 to 2.8% and KDT90 values range from1.2 to 110.8%, respectively. In conclusion, Justicia adhatoda may be effective for controlling populations of vector mosquito.

Photosynthetic acclamatory response of Panicum antidotale Retz. populations to root zone desiccation stress

Growth of plants is severely reduced due to water stress by affecting photosynthesis including photosystem II (PSII) activity and electron transport. This study emphasised on comparative and priority targeted changes in PSII activity due to progressive drought in seven populations of Panicum antidotale (P. antidotale) collected from Cholistan Desert and non-Cholistan regions. Tillers of equal growth of seven populations of P. antidotale grown in plastic pots filled with soil were subjected progressive drought by withholding water irrigation for three weeks. Progressive drought reduced the soil moisture content, leaf relative water content, photosynthetic pigments and fresh and dry biomass of shoots in all seven populations. Populations from Dingarh Fort, Dingarh Grassland and Haiderwali had higher growth than those of other populations. Cholistani populations especially in Dingarh Grassland and Haiderwali had greater ability of osmotic adjustment as reflected by osmotic potential and greater accumulation of total soluble proteins. Maximum H2O2 under water stress was observed in populations from Muzaffargarh and Khanewal but these were intermediate in MDA content. Under water stress, populations from Muzaffargarh and Dingarh Fort had greater K+ accumulation in their leaves. During progressive drought, non-Cholistani populations showed complete leaf rolling after 23 days of drought, and these populations could not withstand with more water stress condition while Cholistani populations tolerated more water stress condition for 31 days. Moreover, progressive drought caused PSII damages after 19 days and it became severe after 23 days in non-Cholistani populations of P. antidotale than in Cholistani populations.

Accuracy of routine 2D echocardiography to estimate PDA type and dimension and predict device selection for successful PDA occlusion

Background

Assessment of the shape and dimensions of PDA is usually done angiographically and in the majority of cases need arterial access. Our aim was to evaluate the value of routine 2 D echocardiography (ECHO) in predicting type, dimensions of PDA and to anticipate device size to be used during the intervention.

Material and methods

The charts of all patients who underwent transcatheter closure of PDA between January 2015 and December 2020 were reviewed. Their pre-procedure ECHO and catheterization details at the time of device closure were analyzed.

Results

Total of 139 patients were reviewed and 8 were excluded because of lack of adequate echocardiographic or angiographic images. The mean age and weight of the study population were 2.6 ± 2.5 years (range 0.2–14 years) and 11.2 ± 7.8 kg (range: 1.5–57 kg), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in PDA narrowest diameter (p = 0.99) and predicted device type (p = 0.54) between Echo and angiography. Echo slightly overestimated PDA length (p = 0.01) and aortic ampulla dimension (p = 0.047), while morphology of PDA was correctly identified in the majority of cases (82%).

Conclusions

Pre-procedure echocardiography correlates well with angiographically obtained measurements and hence can be used to estimate PDA diameter, shape and guide device decide selection. Routine echocardiography can be used successfully to plan the intervention and in some cases to guide transcatheter closure.

Response to Rucaparib in BRCA-Mutant Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Identified by Genomic Testing in the TRITON2 Study

PURPOSE

The PARP inhibitor rucaparib is approved in the United States for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and a deleterious germline and/or somatic BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA) alteration. While sequencing of tumor tissue is considered the standard for identifying patients with BRCA alterations (BRCA+), plasma profiling may provide a minimally invasive option to select patients for rucaparib treatment. Here, we report clinical efficacy in patients with BRCA+ mCRPC identified through central plasma, central tissue, or local genomic testing and enrolled in TRITON2.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients had progressed after next-generation androgen receptor-directed and taxane-based therapies for mCRPC and had BRCA alterations identified by central sequencing of plasma and/or tissue samples or local genomic testing. Concordance of plasma/tissue BRCA status and objective response rate and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response rates were summarized.

RESULTS

TRITON2 enrolled 115 patients with BRCA+ identified by central plasma (n = 34), central tissue (n = 37), or local (n = 44) testing. Plasma/tissue concordance was determined in 38 patients with paired samples and was 47% in 19 patients with a somatic BRCA alteration. No statistically significant differences were observed between objective and PSA response rates to rucaparib across the 3 assay groups. Patients unable to provide tissue samples and tested solely by plasma assay responded at rates no different from patients identified as BRCA+ by tissue testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma, tissue, and local testing of mCRPC patients can be used to identify men with BRCA+ mCRPC who can benefit from treatment with the PARP inhibitor rucaparib.

A review of the berberine natural polysaccharide nanostructures as potential anticancer and antibacterial agents

Despite the promising medicinal properties, berberine (BBR), due to its relatively poor solubility in plasma, low bio-stability and limited bioavailability is not used broadly in clinical stages. Due to these drawbacks, drug delivery systems (DDSs) based on nanoscale natural polysaccharides, are applied to address these concerns. Natural polymers are biodegradable, non-immunogenic, biocompatible, and non-toxic agents that are capable of trapping large amounts of hydrophobic compounds in relatively small volumes. The use of nanoscale natural polysaccharide improves the stability and pharmacokinetics of the small molecules and, consequently, increases the therapeutic effects and reduces the side effects of the small molecules. Therefore, this paper presents an overview of the different methods used for increasing the BBR solubility and bioavailability. Afterwards, the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic of BBR nanostructures were discussed followed by the introduction of natural polysaccharides of plant (cyclodextrines, glucomannan), the shells of crustaceans (chitosan), and the cell wall of brown marine algae (alginate)-based origins used to improve the dissolution rate of poorly soluble BBR and their anticancer and antibacterial properties. Finally, the anticancer and antibacterial mechanisms of free BBR and BBR nanostructures were surveyed. In conclusion, this review may pave the way for providing some useful data in the development of BBR-based platforms for clinical applications.

Prevalence of parasites in selected captive bird species

Blood and fecal samples of chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar), albino pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera), rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were analyzed to check parasitic prevalence. To record parasites these five avian species were placed kept in separate cages at Avian Conservation and Research Center, Department of Wildlife an Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. 100 fecal and 100 blood samples for each bird species were inspected to analyze internal parasites. During present study, 17 species of endoparasites 14 from fecal samples and three from blood were examined. Two species of ectoparasites i.e. mite Dermanyssus gallinae 42% and fowl ticks Args persicus 41%were studied. Blood parasites included Plasmodium juxtanucleare 50%, Leucoctoyzoon simond having parasitic prevalence 40%, and Aegyptinella pullorum having parasitic prevalence of 40%. Parasitic species recorded from fecal samples included 6 species of nematodes viz. Allodpa suctoria 2%. Syngamus trachea with parasitic prevalence of 60%, Capillaria annulata 37.5%, Ascardia galli 24%, Capillaria anatis 40% and Heterakis gallinarum 28.3%. Similarly, two species of trematodes viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus having parasitic prevalence of 50% and Prosthogonimus macrorchis 21% were also documented from fecal avian samples . Single cestode species Raillietina echinobothrida having parasitic prevalence of 72% and 3 protozoan species i.e. Eimeria maxima having parasitic prevalence of 21%, Giardia lamblia 41% and Histomonas meleagridis 18% were documented during corpological analysis. In our recommendation, proper sanitation, medication and vaccination of bird's enclousres are suggested to avoid parasites.

Abstract P202: Initial findings from an ongoing first-in-human phase 1 study of the CBP/p300 inhibitor FT-7051 in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

Background: Prostate cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the US. CREB binding protein (CBP) and paralog p300 are co-activators of androgen receptor (AR) relevant to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) progression and AR therapy resistance. FT-7051 is an oral, potent and selective inhibitor of CBP/p300 bromodomain with activity in preclinical prostate cancer models, including those resistant to enzalutamide. Methods: The Courage Study (NCT04575766) is a first-in-human, multicenter, phase 1, open-label study to examine the safety, PK/PD, and preliminary anti-tumor activity of FT-7051 in mCRPC patients (pts) who have progressed despite prior therapy, including at least one AR pathway inhibitor. The study uses a Bayesian optimal interval (BOIN) design with an accelerated titration phase. FT-7051 is dosed on a 28-d cycle (21-d on/7-d off). Following accelerated titration, dose escalation/de-escalation decisions are made by comparing the observed dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) rate at the current dose with pre-specified dose escalation/de-escalation boundaries. The primary objectives are to evaluate safety and tolerability of FT-7051 and determine the recommended phase 2 dose. Key secondary endpoints include PSA at 12 wks, time to PSA progression, time to radiographic progression, overall response rate, and PK parameters. Biomarker analyses include PD assessments of CBP/p300 inhibition in surrogate tissues and genetic analyses in circulating tumor cells (AR, AR-v7) and peripheral blood. Results: As of 18-June-2021, a total of 5 pts were enrolled with exposure data entered into the database, with 2 pts ongoing and 3 pts discontinued (disease progression, n=1; no longer clinically benefitting, n=1; subject withdrawal, n=1). Pts had a median age of 71 yrs (range: 66-82) with a median time since first mCRPC diagnosis of 2.3 yrs (0.4-4.7) and a median of 3 (1-5) prior lines of mCRPC therapy. Mutations reported by the investigator for 3 pts included MYC, p53, RB1, AR, and PTEN loss. Preliminary PK analyses indicated that FT-7051 exposure increased with dose in a greater than dose-proportional manner. Importantly, observed FT-7051 exposures were consistent with the predicted efficacious exposure threshold derived from PK/efficacy modeling in preclinical studies. TEAEs were reported in 4 (80%) pts. Most TEAEs were mild (Gr1) or moderate (Gr2), ≥Gr3 TEAEs included one event of possibly related Gr3 hyperglycemia and one event of unrelated Gr5 disease progression. Conclusions: Preliminary safety and PK data from the accelerated titration phase of this BOIN study support the continued investigation of FT-7051 in men with mCRPC. Initial PK data confirm that FT-7051 exposure is consistent with the predicted efficacious exposure threshold determined by PK/efficacy modeling. Additional analyses of PSA, PD assessments, and genetic analyses, including AR-v7 status, will be reported.

Citation Format: Andrew J. Armstrong, Michael S. Gordon, Melissa A. Reimers, Arif Hussain, Vaibhav G. Patel, Elaine T. Lam, Alex Sedkov, Von Potter, Neal Shore. Initial findings from an ongoing first-in-human phase 1 study of the CBP/p300 inhibitor FT-7051 in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2021 Oct 7-10. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2021;20(12 Suppl):Abstract nr P202.

Genetic variations and phylogenetic relationship of genus Uromastyx from Punjab Pakistan

During the present study, specimens were collected from selected sites of Cholistan desert and Kalabagh Game Reserve, Punjab province, Pakistan. Each captured specimen was tagged with voucher number and morphometric measurements were taken. The average snout to vent length was 172.559±1.40 mm and average weight was 92.1±1.30 g. The DNA of Uromastyx hardwickii was amplified and sequenced using 16S rRNA primer set. The obtained DNA sequence has shown reliable and clear species identification. After trimming ambiguous bases, the obtained 16S rRNA fragment was 520 bp while 16S rRNA fragments aligned with closely matched sequence from NCBI comprised of 510 bp. Closely matched sequences of genus Uromastyx were retrieved from NCBI in blast searches. Neighbour-joining tree of genus Uromastyx was constructed based on p-distance using MEGA X. The mean intraspecific variation was 0.095±0.01 while intraspecific variation was ranging from 0-1%. Similarly, interspecific variation of Uromastyx hardwikii with Saara asmussi, Uromastyx alfredschmidti, Uromastyx geyri, Uromastyx thomasi, Uromastyx alfredschmidti was 0-12%, 0-19%, 0-19%, 0-20%, 12-19% respectively. The newly produced DNA was submitted to NCBI and accession number was obtained (MW052563.1). Results of current study provided information about the molecular and morphological identification of Genus Uromastyx. In our recommendation, comprehensive molecular based identification of Pakistan's reptiles is required to report any new or subspecies from country.

Development of chitosan based microencapsulated spray dried powder of tuna fish oil: oil load impact and oxidative stability

The impact of fish oil concentration on the oxidative stability of microcapsules through the spray drying process using chitosan and maltodextrin as wall material was studied. Emulsions were prepared with different Tuna fish oil (TFO) content (TFO-10%, TFO20%, TF030% TF0-40%) while wall material concentration was kept constant. Microencapsulated powder resulting from emulsion prepared with high fish oil load have high moisture content, wettability, total oil and low encapsulation efficiency, hygroscopicity and bulk tapped density. Oxidative stability was evaluated periodically by placing microcapsules at room temperature. Microcapsules prepared with TFO-10% presented high oxidative stability in terms of peroxide value (2.94±0.04) and anisidine value (1.54±0.02) after 30 days of storage. It was concluded that optimal amounts of fish oil for microencapsulation are 10% and 20% using chitosan and maltodextrin that extended its shelf life during study period.

Qureshi A, H. Shirazi J. Synthesis, characterization, anti-microbial and cytotoxic applications of zinc(II) complexes

ABSTRACT. In the present research, three zinc(II) complexes were synthesized using 3-(3-fluorophenyl)-2-methylacrylic acid (HL), 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2'-pyridine as ligands. The composition, structural confirmation, coordination way of ligand and assignment of geometry to the complexes were made by different analytical tools like elemental analysis, FTIR and 1H-NMR. The ligand 3-(3-fluorophenyl)-2-methylacrylate appeared to coordinate the metal (Zn) atom via COO- moiety in all of the complexes (1-3) while 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2'-pyridine co-ordinated to Zn(II) atom through N-donor sites in complexes 2 and 3, respectively. The complex 1 showed four while 2 and 3 showed six co-ordinated geometry. The synthesized complexes were evaluated for antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. The obtained results showed that complexes are active against microbial agents and exhibited significant cytotoxicity.                     KEY WORDS: Co-coordination, Geometry, Zinc(II) complexes, Biological activity   Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(2), 287-299. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i2.6

International High-Risk Clones Among Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background:Escherichia coli is a major extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)–producing organism responsible for the rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that has compromised our ability to treat infections. Baseline data on population structure, virulence, and resistance mechanisms in E. coli lineages from developing countries such as Bangladesh are lacking.

Methods: Whole-genome sequencing was performed for 46 ESBL–E. coli isolates cultured from patient samples at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b)-Dhaka. Sequence data were analyzed to glean details of AMR, virulence, and phylogenetic and molecular markers of E. coli lineages.

Results: Genome comparison revealed presence of all major high-risk clones including sequence type 131 (ST131) (46%), ST405 (13%), ST648 (7%), ST410 (4.3%), ST38 (2%), ST73 (2%), and ST1193 (2%). The predominant ESBL gene and plasmid combination were bla_CTX–M–15 and FII-FIA-FIB detected in diverse E. coli phylogroups and STs. The bla_NDM–5 (9%) gene was present in prominent E. coli STs. One (2%) mcr-1–positive ST1011 E. coli, coharboring bla_CTXM–55 gene, was detected. The extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli genotype was associated with specific E. coli lineages. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based genome phylogeny largely showed correlation with phylogroups, serogroups, and fimH types. Majority of these isolates were susceptible to amikacin (93%), imipenem (93%), and nitrofurantoin (83%).

Conclusion: Our study reveals a high diversity of E. coli lineages among ESBL-producing E. coli from Dhaka. This study suggests ongoing circulation of ST131 and all major non-ST131 high-risk clones that are strongly associated with cephalosporin resistance and virulence genes. These findings warrant prospective monitoring of high-risk clones, which would otherwise worsen the AMR crises.

The inhibitory effect of Cannabis Sativa L. and Morus nigra L. against lipid peroxidation in goat liver and brain homogenates

The present study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential and inhibitory effect ofCannabis sativa and Morus nigra against lipid peroxidation in goat brain and liver homogenates. The formation of free radicals, highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) is a normal metabolic process for cellular signaling and countering the antigens. However, they may cause serious damage if they produced at amplified tolls. In addition, metabolic disorders also serve as sources of these reactive species. Although the issue can be addressed through supplements and other phytochemicals. In this study, two plant species were evaluated for their biological potential by employing a spectrum of antioxidant assays. The antioxidant activity was performed by lipid peroxidation assay. The water extract prepared from leaves of Cannabis sativa and Morus nigra showed significant (P<0.05) inhibition as compared to control i.e., 522.6±0.06 and 659.97±0.03 µg/mL against iron-induced lipid peroxidation in goat brain homogenate while the inhibitions were 273.54±0.04 and 309.18±0.05 µg/mL against nitroprusside induced lipid peroxidation of the brain. The iron and nitroprusside induced lipid peroxidation was also significantly inhibited by leaf extracts of Cannabis sativa and Morus nigra in liver homogenates such as 230.63±0.52 and 326.91±0.01 µg/mL (iron-induced) while 300.47±0.07 and 300.47±0.07 µg/mL (nitroprusside induced), respectively. The extracts of Cannabis sativa extract showed promising activity (96.04±0.060%) against DPPH radicals while Morus nigra showed a moderate activity (34.11±0.120%). The results suggest that different accessions ofCannabis sativa and Morus nigra are a potential source of antioxidants and have a therapeutic effect against disease induced by oxidative stress and hence can be used for novel drug discovery and development.

In Silico Studies Reveal Antiviral Effects of Traditional Indian Spices on COVID-19

BACKGROUND

The global health emergency due to SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the scientific community to intensify their research work for its therapeutic solution. In this study, Indian traditional spices owing to various medicinal properties were tested in silico for their inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 proteins. SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins (SP) and main proteases (M^pro) play a significant role in infection development were considered as potential drug targets.

METHODS

A total of 75 phytochemicals present in traditional Indian spices retrieved from the published literature and Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Database, were docked with M^pro (PDB IDs: 6YNQ), and the SP (PDB IDs: 6LXT and 6YOR).

RESULTS

Through the screening process, 75 retrieved phytochemicals were docked with spike protein (PDB IDs: 6LXT and 6YOR) and main protease (PDB ID: 6YNQ) of SARS-CoV-2. Among them, myricetin, a flavonoid (rank score: 6LXT: -11.72383; 6YOR: -9.87943; 6YNQ: -11.68164) from Allium sativum L and Isovitexin, an example of flavone (rank score: 6LXT: -12.14922; 6YOR: -10.19443; 6YNQ: -12.60603) from Pimpinella anisumL were the most potent ligands against SP and M^pro of SARS-CoV-2. Whereas, Astragalin from Crocus sativus L.; Rutin from Illicium verum, Oxyguttiferone from Garcinia cambogia; Scopolin from Apium graveolens L, Luteolin from Salvia officinalis, Emodin, Aloe-emodin from Cinnamomum zeylanicium and Apigenin from Allium sativum L showed better inhibition against M^pro than SP of SARS-CoV-2. The amino acid residues like SER, LYS, ASP and TYR were found playing important role in protein-ligand interactions via hydrogen bonding and Vander Waals forces.

CONCLUSION

Optimal use of traditional spices in our daily meals may help fight against COVID-19. This study also paves the path for herbal drug formulation against SARS-CoV-2 after wet lab validation.

1085 Equestrian Related Pelvic and Acetabular Fractures – Experience from a Major Trauma Centre in England

Introduction

Equestrianism is enjoyed by three million people in the UK; however, there is a lack of literature on pelvic and acetabular (P&A) injuries incurred through the sport. We aim to describe P&A injuries sustained in equestrian accidents, discuss management, and establish their outcomes.

Method

Data was extracted from a prospectively collected database of referrals to the P&A Service of a Major Trauma Centre (MTC) from 01/01/2016 to 31/12/2020 and cross-referenced with medical records.

Results

60 of the 1,218 P&A referrals were secondary to horse-riding accidents. Mean age 45 (SD 16.59); 46 female; 33 managed non-operatively and 27 managed operatively at the MTC. There was sufficient information for 59 cases to be classified; 46 of the injuries were pelvic fractures (10 anterior-posterior compression; 29 lateral compression; 4 sacral and 3 pubic rami fractures) and 13 were acetabular (2 anterior column; 1 anterior wall; 2 associated both columns; 1 posterior column and posterior wall; 1 posterior wall; 2 T-shaped and 4 transverse fractures). The operative group were managed by examination under anaesthesia (n = 3), open reduction internal fixation (n = 22) or percutaneous fixation (n = 2). Mean hospitalisation was 9.2 days (SD 5.44). 81% were non-weight-bearing post-operatively and mean time to independent mobilisation was 12.6 weeks (SD 7.09). Return-to-riding information was available for 8 patients with a mean of 29.5 weeks (SD 11.55).

Conclusions

Equestrianism can result in significant P&A injuries. Patients should be counselled that they may have a long recovery, a protracted return-to-riding time and some may never return to the sport.

579 Emergency Surgical Admissions During The COVID-19 Pandemic; Comparative Study of Emergency Surgery Outcome Before and During The COVID-19

Introduction

There are relatively few studies on emergency surgical practice in the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim is to analyse the outcomes of emergency surgery before against those during COVID-19.

Method

Retrospectively we collected the emergency admissions to the general surgery department at a district general hospital during November 2019, which is a representative of our regular activity, and April 2020, the height of the COVID-19. The primary endpoint was the number and nature of surgical admissions and procedures. The secondary endpoints were morbidities and mortalities, laparoscopic and procedure approach (laparoscopic vs open), inflammatory markers (white cell count and C-reactive protein), hospital stay, gender and age.

Results

During the two months a total of 332 patients were admitted; 177 during November 2019 and 146 patients during April 2020. The mean age was 51 years in the November group and 49 years in the April group. 146 operations were conducted in November, while 117 procedures were performed in April. Hospital stay average was 5.87 days and 5.43 days for November and April groups, respectively. In the April group, seven patients tested positive for COVID-19. Mortality was slightly higher during April (2.05%) than November (1.6%). Postoperative complications, C-reactive protein level and prevalence of acute cholecystitis were much higher during April, while abscess and diverticulitis prevalence were significantly lower.

Conclusions

Morbidity, mortality and acute cholecystitis were significantly higher during the COVID-19 pandemic, while abscess and diverticulitis were significantly less prevalent likely due to and tendency by patients to avoid hospitals and hence late clinical presentation.

Dynamic right-to-left interatrial shunt may complicate severe COVID-19

Right-to-left (RTL) interatrial shunt (IAS) may complicate select cases of COVID-19 pneumonia. We describe the use of serial imaging to monitor shunt in critically ill patients. A 52-year-old man presented with COVID-19 pneumonia. Hypoxia worsened despite maximal medical therapy and non-invasive ventilation. On day 8, saline microbubble contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiography revealed a patent foramen ovale (PFO) with RTLIAS. Invasive ventilation was initiated the next day. The course was complicated by intermittent severe desaturation without worsening aeration or haemodynamic instability, so PFO closure was considered. However, on day 12, saline microbubble contrast-enhanced transoesophageal echocardiography excluded RTLIAS. The patient was extubated on day 27 and discharged home 12 days later. Thus, RTLIAS may be dynamic and changes can be detected and monitored by serial imaging. Bedside echocardiography with saline microbubble contrast, a simple, minimally invasive bedside test, may be useful in the management of patients with severe hypoxia.

Exploring the interaction of quercetin-3-O-sophoroside with SARS-CoV-2 main proteins by theoretical studies: A probable prelude to control some variants of coronavirus including Delta

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of interaction between quercetin-3-O-sophoroside and different SARS-CoV-2's proteins which can bring some useful details about the control of different variants of coronavirus including the recent case, Delta. The chemical structure of the quercetin-3-O-sophoroside was first optimized. Docking studies were performed by CoV disease-2019 (COVID-19) Docking Server. Afterwards, the molecular dynamic study was done using High Throughput Molecular Dynamics (HTMD) tool. The results showed a remarkable stability of the quercetin-3-O-sophoroside based on the calculated parameters. Docking outcomes revealed that the highest affinity of quercetin-3-O-sophoroside was related to the RdRp with RNA. Molecular dynamic studies showed that the target E protein tends to be destabilized in the presence of quercetin-3-O-sophoroside. Based on these results, quercetin-3-O-sophoroside can show promising inhibitory effects on the binding site of the different receptors and may be considered as effective inhibitor of the entry and proliferation of the SARS-CoV-2 and its different variants. Finally, it should be noted, although this paper does not directly deal with the exploring the interaction of main proteins of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant with quercetin-3-O-sophoroside, at the time of writing, no direct theoretical investigation was reported on the interaction of ligands with the main proteins of Delta variant. Therefore, the present data may provide useful information for designing some theoretical studies in the future for studying the control of SARS-CoV-2 variants due to possible structural similarity between proteins of different variants.

Isolation and characterization of bacteria residing in the oral, gut, and fecal samples of different pheasant species

There is a paucity of research conducted on microbial prevalence in pheasants. The microbiota of captive birds has zoonotic significance and must be characterize. Present study is therefore planned to assess the microbiota from oral, fecal and gut content of captive avian species. It will be helpful in characterization of harmful microbes. Different samples taken from oral, gut and feces of ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), green pheasants (Phasianus versicolor), golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) and silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera). Samples were collected, diluted, and inoculated onto different agar plates (MacConkey, SS agar, MSA and nutrient agar) for cultivation of bacterial species. Colonies of E.coli, Staphylococcus spp. Brachyspira spp. and Campylobacter spp were observed based on colony morphology. Colony forming unit showed E. coli as frequently found bacteria in fecal, oral and gut contents of all the above pheasants. The overall significance difference was found among bacterial species of golden pheasants, green pheasant, ring-necked pheasant, and silver pheasants. It was concluded that E.coli is predominant isolated from heathy pheasants followed by Campylobacter, Staphylococcus and Brachyspira.

Wild birds trade in Dera Ismael Khan and Bannu divisions of Khyber PakhtunKhwa (KPK) Province, Pakistan

Wildlife trade is a profitable economic activity. Birds are among the most heavily traded animals worldwide, with numerous species threatened by pet trade. The present case study was stretched for period of one year to find out the status of wild birds' trade in Bannu and Dera Ismael Khan Divisions. The study was aimed to find out the types of species, commercial prices of bird, trade routes, overall income generated from birds' trade and the status of dealers whether licensed or not. Bimonthly visits were conducted to interview 52 bird dealers/pet shops owners/venders (23 in Dera Ismael Khan and 29 in Bannu). A sum of 16 conceivable sites were visited during the study period. Out of these, 8 sites were located in Dera Ismael Khan and 8 sites in Bannu Division. The highest priced species was Demoiselle crane (Grus virgo) and the lowest priced species was house sparrow (Passer domesticus). Total number of species traded in both regions were 8 and 14 while the income generated by bird trade was amounting to PkR 1,322,200 and 7,128,950 in Dera Ismael Khan and Bannu respectively. Majority of the birds were trapped locally with the exception of few from adjacent areas. Commercial activity led by illegal bird traders was found 75% and 100% species in Dera Ismael Khan and Bannu respectively. There was no significant difference between prices of birds, number of species sold and income generated by bird trade in two divisions.