Population and risk assessment of sympatric pheasant species in Palas Valley, Pakistan

Abstract Pheasants are declining everywhere in the world and therefore updated information about their population and habitats are important for conservation and management. The present study was conducted in the Palas Valley, District Kohistan, Pakistan in late spring (May and June) 2020 and early spring (March and April) 2021 to assess the population and anthropogenic stress. The major focus was on three sympatric pheasant species, including Western Horned Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus), Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus), and Koklass Pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha). We used the “Call Count Method” for the population assessment in the field, and a questionnaire survey was conducted to document the risk assessment of local residents of the valley. The population assessments revealed that the Koklass Pheasant is more adapted to increasing anthropogenic activities and its population appeared more or less similar as 22 years ago. In the past 22 years, Western Tragopan and Himalayan Monal have lost about 40–50% of their populations. Human interference in the form of illegal hunting, deforestation, and overgrazing was found to be common in the valley. The study concludes that the Palas Valley habitat is ideal for pheasant species; however, human interference in the form of urbanization, habitat fragmentation, illegal hunting, and deforestation is occurring at a rapid pace, causing havoc in the pheasant population.

Hyperon Polarization along the Beam Direction Relative to the Second and Third Harmonic Event Planes in Isobar Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The polarization of Λ and Λ[over ¯] hyperons along the beam direction has been measured relative to the second and third harmonic event planes in isobar Ru+Ru and Zr+Zr collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. This is the first experimental evidence of the hyperon polarization by the triangular flow originating from the initial density fluctuations. The amplitudes of the sine modulation for the second and third harmonic results are comparable in magnitude, increase from central to peripheral collisions, and show a mild p_{T} dependence. The azimuthal angle dependence of the polarization follows the vorticity pattern expected due to elliptic and triangular anisotropic flow, and qualitatively disagrees with most hydrodynamic model calculations based on thermal vorticity and shear induced contributions. The model results based on one of existing implementations of the shear contribution lead to a correct azimuthal angle dependence, but predict centrality and p_{T} dependence that still disagree with experimental measurements. Thus, our results provide stringent constraints on the thermal vorticity and shear-induced contributions to hyperon polarization. Comparison to previous measurements at RHIC and the LHC for the second-order harmonic results shows little dependence on the collision system size and collision energy.

Measurements of the Elliptic and Triangular Azimuthal Anisotropies in Central ^{3}He+Au, d+Au and p+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The elliptic (v_{2}) and triangular (v_{3}) azimuthal anisotropy coefficients in central ^{3}He+Au, d+Au, and p+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV are measured as a function of transverse momentum (p_{T}) at midrapidity (|η|<0.9), via the azimuthal angular correlation between two particles both at |η|<0.9. While the v_{2}(p_{T}) values depend on the colliding systems, the v_{3}(p_{T}) values are system independent within the uncertainties, suggesting an influence on eccentricity from subnucleonic fluctuations in these small-sized systems. These results also provide stringent constraints for the hydrodynamic modeling of these systems.

Beam Energy Dependence of Triton Production and Yield Ratio (N_{t}×N_{p}/N_{d}^{2}) in Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report the triton (t) production in midrapidity (|y|<0.5) Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=7.7-200  GeV measured by the STAR experiment from the first phase of the beam energy scan at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. The nuclear compound yield ratio (N_{t}×N_{p}/N_{d}^{2}), which is predicted to be sensitive to the fluctuation of local neutron density, is observed to decrease monotonically with increasing charged-particle multiplicity (dN_{ch}/dη) and follows a scaling behavior. The dN_{ch}/dη dependence of the yield ratio is compared to calculations from coalescence and thermal models. Enhancements in the yield ratios relative to the coalescence baseline are observed in the 0%-10% most central collisions at 19.6 and 27 GeV, with a significance of 2.3σ and 3.4σ, respectively, giving a combined significance of 4.1σ. The enhancements are not observed in peripheral collisions or model calculations without critical fluctuation, and decreases with a smaller p_{T} acceptance. The physics implications of these results on the QCD phase structure and the production mechanism of light nuclei in heavy-ion collisions are discussed.

Comparative evaluation of different techniques for herniorrhaphy in calves

Umbilical hernia is one of the most common problems in young calves. This problem occurs in dairy sector as well as in the local farmers. Present study was conducted to compare outcomes of four different techniques of herniorrhaphy. Twenty four young calves (n=24) were divided in 4 groups (A, B, C, and D) which underwent four different surgical techniques. Group A underwent vicryl plus suture material and pants-over-west technique, Group B underwent mesh application with Dexon suture material by using simple interrupted suture pattern, Group C underwent closed method with Nylon No. 3 suture material by using vertical mattress suture pattern and Group D underwent clamp application method with Silk No. 2 suture material by using simple interrupted suture pattern. The result showed that mesh application method was comparatively better with respect to feed intake, body weight gain and healing time. There was no reoccurrence with non-significant hematological changes (p≤0.05). It is concluded that mesh application method is safer than other three techniques and there are no systemic effects of this surgical intervention on calves' health.

Fungal conversion of chicken-feather waste into biofortified compost

Poultry industry is amongst highly developed industries of Pakistan, fulfilling the protein demand of rapidly increasing population. On the other hand, the untreated poultry waste is causing several health and environmental problems. The current study was designed to check the potential of keratinolytic fungal species for the conversion of chicken-feather waste into biofortified compost. For the purpose, three fungal species were isolated from soil samples. These strains were pure cultured and then characterized phenotypically and genotypically. BLAST searches of 18S rDNA nucleotide sequence of the fungal isolates revealed that the two fungal isolates belonged to genus Aspergillus and one belonged to genus Chrysosporium. Optimum temperature for Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Chrysosporium queenslandicum was 29, 26 and 25 oC, respectively. A. flavus showed maximum (53%) feather degradation, A. niger degraded feather waste up to 37%, while C. queenslandicum showed 21% keratinolytic activity on chicken feathers at their respective temperature optima. The degradation potential of these fungal species showed their ability to form compost that has agro-industrial importance.

Breakthrough Infections and Low Mortality Observed in Heart Transplant Recipients Infected with COVID-19 at UC San Diego

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Immunologic Monitoring of a Breakthrough Infection in a Heart and Kidney Transplant Recipient

Introduction

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) have lower SARS-CoV-2 spike seroconversion than healthy subjects (HS) following vaccination. A breakthrough (BT) infection is defined as the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in a respiratory specimen after a person is ≥14 days after completing the recommended doses for a vaccine. We report a case of SARS-CoV-2 BT infection in a SOTR who was immunologically followed longitudinally following vaccination.

Case Report

A 44-year-old man with a history of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) and end stage renal disease had undergone heart and kidney transplantation in December 2017 with thymoglobulin induction. His NICM was secondary to radiation for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treated with autologous bone marrow transplant in 2001. Maintenance immunosuppression consisted of sirolimus 2mg daily, tacrolimus 2mg twice daily (BID), and prednisone 5mg daily at his 1^st Moderna vaccine in April 2021. In anticipation of surgery, sirolimus was stopped and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) 500mg BID was started. He was on this regimen at the time of his 2^nd Moderna vaccine. Sirolimus was restarted in July and increased to 1mg daily while continuing MMF 500mg BID, tacrolimus, and prednisone. At the end of July, the patient was exposed to several family members with COVID-19. He tested positive 89 days after his 2^nd Moderna vaccine (cycle threshold of 33.5). He was asymptomatic at the time, but later developed fever, myalgias, headache, and loss of taste and smell and was treated with casirivimab and imdevimab monoclonal antibody (mAb) infusion. We assessed the patient's immunologic response 14 days post 2^nd Moderna vaccination and at BT infection prior to mAb infusion and compared this to HS. The patient developed SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific CD4⁺ T cells at 14 days post 2^nd mRNA vaccine at a frequency below the average frequency for HS. At BT infection, the patient did not have SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific CD4⁺ T cells, partly due to virus induced lymphopenia. The patient did not develop spike-specific CD8⁺ T cells, spike IgG or neutralizing antibodies at 14 days post 2^nd Moderna vaccination or at BT infection.

Summary

The patient developed SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4⁺ T cells following vaccination. His uneventful recovery may be secondary to these SARS-CoV-2 specific CD4⁺ T cells post vaccination as well as receiving mAb therapy 8 days post infection.

Long COVID-19 in Heart Transplant Recipients

Purpose

The goal of this study was to assess the frequency and common symptoms of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (Long COVID-19) in heart transplant recipients (HTR).

Methods

After obtaining IRB approval, we conducted telephone surveys of HTR (n=30) who had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 to evaluate their experience with acute COVID-19 illness and assess symptoms of Long COVID-19. Symptoms at onset and also beyond 6, 12, and 24 weeks of the initial diagnosis were recorded. Additionally, medical charts were reviewed for detailed information regarding transplant history, immunosuppression, COVID-19 management and hospitalization, and COVID-19 vaccination status.

Results

As noted in Table 1, among the 30 participants, 10 (33%) had symptoms consistent with Long COVID-19. Those with Long COVID-19 were more symptomatic during acute illness, with 40% of patients reporting cough, fevers or chills, and headaches, compared with 15%, 25%, and 20% respectively in those without Long COVID-19. Emergency department visits at initial illness (80% vs. 20%) and admission to the intensive care unit were more frequent (60% vs. 5%) in the Long COVID-19. Symptoms of Long COVID-19 lasted for a median of 9 weeks with 30% reporting ongoing symptoms at week 24. The most common persistent symptoms were depression, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.

Conclusion

This study is an early investigation of a complex syndrome of Long COVID-19 in transplant patients. Long COVID-19 is not well described in the transplant setting. HTR at our center with Long COVID-19 were sicker at their initial COVID-19 diagnosis and had more emergency room visits, hospital admissions, and longer hospital stays than those without subsequent Long COVID-19. Although, recall bias could affect participants’ ability to remember details and symptoms, this would have impacted both groups similarly as the time since COVID-19 diagnosis to study enrollment was similar between the two groups. These are preliminary findings and the study is currently ongoing.

Impact of the introduction of an integrated multi-professional pathway for atrial fibrillation on long-term outcomes

Background

An integrated structured approach to atrial fibrillation (AF) management is recommended by ESC.1 However, limited data is available on its “real-world” impact on anticoagulation uptake and subsequent AF-related hospitalisation and stroke rates.

Purpose

To evaluate the long-term impact of the introduction of a community-wide integrated AF service based in a secondary care hospital.

Methods

In September 2017 we implemented a new integrated pathway for patients with newly diagnosed “symptomatic” atrial arrhythmias across two regions (population 450,000) in England in collaboration with primary care. All patients were seen in a one-stop multi-professional clinic (Arrhythmia nurse and Electrophysiologist with ECG and echocardiogram) within 2 weeks. They underwent standardised screening for modifiable risk factors, counselling regarding diagnosis/ anticoagulation and received an individualised AF management plan as well as access to a nurse-led telephone helpline. We followed up the first 126 consecutive patients for a period of 12 months.

Results

Baseline characteristics are shown in Table 1, showing a high incidence of modifiable risk factors (previously un-identified in the majority). After review in clinic, 30-day AF-related readmission rates to hospital were low (1.6%, n=2) as compared to historical local data (5.8%). This was sustained at 3 months (4.7%, n=6) and at 12 months (7.9%, n=10). 99% of 83 of eligible patients (CHA2DS2-VASc score of &gt;2 with no major contra-indications) received oral anticoagulation. Over 12 months follow-up, rates of TIA/stroke was low (n=3, 2.4%). All-cause mortality was also low (n=1, 0.8%). NHS England region-wide data showed a marked reduction in percentage of total stroke admissions with history of AF not taking anticoagulation at stroke presentation in 2018/19 as compared to 2017/18 across our two regions; this was lower than the national average and the lowest within West Yorkshire (Figure 1).

Conclusions

An integrated service for AF management implemented community-wide was associated with high uptake of oral anticoagulation among eligible patients and low rates of AF-related hospitalisations and all-cause mortality. Across the community, among stroke admissions with AF at presentation, a lower percentage of patients without anticoagulation was observed in comparison with previous years and neighbouring regions.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Real world radiation exposure in left atrial appendage occlusion device implantation performed in a high volume center

 

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is an established and effective treatment to reduce the risk of thromboembolic stroke derived from the LAA in patient with non valvular atrial fibrillation. Per-cutaneous closure of the LAA is typically guided by fluoroscopic and echocardiographic guidance.

The purpose of our study is to ascertain real world radiation exposure during the LAAO performed in our institution and the interplay of different variables and patient characteristics.

Our study retrospectively analyzed all consecutive LAAO procedures performed at our Tertiary level Teaching Hospital. Data was collected using Hospital electronic records and cardiac catherization laboratory records.

A total of 261 patients who underwent LAAO were identified, 28% were female. Average age at the time of procedure was 77 years (range 54–93 years). Mean fluoroscopy time was 10.2 minutes (±7.0), average Radiation dose was 67 gy/cm2 (±73). Interestingly, gy/cm2 per minute of fluoroscopy averaged at 6.69 (±5.0).

Subgroup analysis focused on the effect of Body mass index (BMI) on radiation dose. Since the recent introduction of a partial electronic health record system, BMI data was only available on 161 patients. The cohort with BMI &lt;30 had a mean radiation dose of 57±62 gy/cm2, whereas for BMI &gt;30 mean dose was 96.8±68, p=0.0025 (95% CI (65 to 14)).

Analysis by the four different device types (Watchman, Watchman Flx, Wavecrest and ACP) were used for LAAO, with highest number been watchman (n=189). Upon comparing the radiation exposure in our study cohort watchman device had the least Dose adjusted Product (DAP) at 62gy/cm2 but the newer watchman flx (n=25) had slightly lower gy/cm2 per minute of fluoroscopy time 6.58±3.41 versus 6.83±5.56.

In addition, operator volume between our two implanters was assessed. Our highest volume operator implanted the majority of devices (n=235) whilst the Watchman Flx was predominantly implanted by our newer implanter (n=26). Despite the relatively modest numbers of the Watchman Flx, there was minimal difference in exposure time in favor of the more senior interventionist.

In conclusion, LAAO in our center has encouraging radiation safety data, which is comparable to previously published data in internationally recognized high volume centers. Normal BMI patients had the least radiation exposure, with the dose increasing with rising BMI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Bar Graph, radiation dose vs BMIScatter Plot, radiation dose vs BMI

COVID-19 Pandemic and Food Safety Issues in Pakistan

The article's abstract is not available.  

Consequential study on different levels of C/N ratios used in biofloc-based aquaculture system

Biofloc technology is much highlighted these days because of its tremendous effects on aquaculture. Microbes were enriched on cheapest organic carbon source i. e., powdered banana peels and were incorporated in different aquaria rearing grass carp fingerlings under different C/N treatments (10:1, 15:1 and 20:1) and 10% water daily water exchange. The initial growth of fingerlings was recorded. The experiment was settled in triplicates for 60 days and run parallel to control group provided with commercial feed and daily water exchange. Its effect was evaluated by measuring the growth of fingerlings and water parameters of each aquarium. The average % gain in weight and length of fingerlings was obtained significantly highest (28.12 ± 0.30g and 17.29 ± 0.46cm respectively) in aquaria containing pure powdered banana peels with 10% water exchange and C/N ratio was adjusted at 20: 1 (T3) than other treatments and control. Ammonia and other water parameters were also under control in T3 than other experimental and control groups. By all counts, it was concluded that the highest C/N ratio in biofloc system had the potential to increment C. idella growth rate by reducing toxicity and could be used as fish meal substitute.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated hematological alterations in small ruminants of D.G. Khan district of Southern Punjab, Pakistan

ABSTRACT The present study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence and hematological effects of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goat in district Dera Ghazi Khan. Blood samples (n=204) were collected comprise goats (n=101) and sheep (n=103) alongwith age, gender and breeds of animals. Samples were collected randomly from 25 flocks of 7 different union council Viz. Vehova, Tibbi Qaisrani, Lakhani, Kohar, Tuman Qaisrani, Nutkani and Kot Qaisrani of Tehsil Taunsa Sharif at least 4 animals from each flock. All ruminants divide into three groups based on age, breed and gender. The prevalence was detected through two different kits Viz. LAT and ELISA kit. The overall prevalence suspected in goats through LAT and ELISA kit was (35.64%), (32.67%) and in sheep was (25.24%), (23.30%) respectively. The Toxoplasma gondii had a significant effect on goats in age groups and non-significant all other groups of goats and sheep. Toxoplasma gondii had a significant effect on all hematological parameters like Hemoglobin, total leukocyte cells, granulocytes, lymphocytes, platelets, and red blood cells, except monocytes. In conclusion of the current study, toxoplasmosis is prevalent among ruminants, reveals the possibility of transmission to humans on the use of host animals as protein source.

Composite infrared spectrometer (CIRS) on Cassini: publisher's note

This publisher's note renumbers the reference list in Appl. Opt.56, 5274 (2017)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.56.005274.

Composite infrared spectrometer (CIRS) on Cassini

The Cassini spacecraft orbiting Saturn carries the composite infrared spectrometer (CIRS) designed to study thermal emission from Saturn and its rings and moons. CIRS, a Fourier transform spectrometer, is an indispensable part of the payload providing unique measurements and important synergies with the other instruments. It takes full advantage of Cassini's 13-year-long mission and surpasses the capabilities of previous spectrometers on Voyager 1 and 2. The instrument, consisting of two interferometers sharing a telescope and a scan mechanism, covers over a factor of 100 in wavelength in the mid and far infrared. It is used to study temperature, composition, structure, and dynamics of the atmospheres of Jupiter, Saturn, and Titan, the rings of Saturn, and surfaces of the icy moons. CIRS has returned a large volume of scientific results, the culmination of over 30 years of instrument development, operation, data calibration, and analysis. As Cassini and CIRS reach the end of their mission in 2017, we expect that archived spectra will be used by scientists for many years to come.

Perceived learned skills and professional development of graduates from a master in dental public health programme

INTRODUCTION

Assessing the impact of a training programme is important for quality assurance and further development. It also can helps with accountability and marketing purposes. This study evaluated the impact of King's College London (KCL) Master of Science programme in Dental Public Health in terms of graduates' perceived learned skills and professional development.

METHODS

An online questionnaire was sent to individuals who completed successfully the KCL Master of Science programme in Dental Public Health and had a valid email address. Participants provided information on demographic characteristics, perceived learned skills (intellectual, practical and generic) and professional development (type of organisation, position in the organisation and functions performed at work before and after the programme). Learned skills' scores were compared by demographic factors in multiple linear regression models, and the distribution of responses on career development was compared using nonparametric tests for paired groups.

RESULTS

Although all scores on learned skills were on the favourable side of the Likert scale, graduates reported higher scores for practical skills, followed by intellectual and generic skills. No differences in scores were found by sex, age, nationality or time since graduation. In terms of career development, there were significantly higher proportions of graduates working in higher education institutions and taking leadership/managerial roles in organisations as well as greater number and variety of functions at work after than before the programme.

CONCLUSION

This online survey shows that the programme has had a positive impact on graduates in terms of perceived learned skills and professional development.