The Salutary Effects of Diminazene, Lisinopril or Valsartan on Cisplatin - Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Rats: A Comparative Study

Nephrotoxicity as a cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by cisplatin (CP), limits its usefulness as an anticancer agent. Diminazene, an angiotensin converting enzyme 2 activator, exhibited renoprotective properties on rat models of kidney diseases. This research aims to investigate the salutary effect of diminazene in comparison with lisinopril or valsartan in CP-induced AKI. The first and second groups of rats received oral vehicle (distilled water) for 9 days, and saline injection or intraperitoneal CP (6 mg/kg) on day 6, respectively. Third, fourth, and fifth groups received intraperitoneal injections of CP on day 6 and diminazene (15 mg/kg/day, orally), lisinopril (10 mg/kg/day, orally), or valsartan (30 mg/kg/day, orally), for 9 days, respectively. 24h after the last day of treatment, blood and kidneys were removed under anesthesia for biochemical and histopathological examination. Urine during the last 24 h before sacrificing the rats was also collected. CP significantly increased plasma urea, creatinine, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, calcium, phosphorus, and uric acid. It also increased urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, N-Acetyl-beta-D-Glucosaminidase/creatinine ratio, and reduced creatinine clearance, as well the plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines [plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1beta], and significantly reduced antioxidant indices [catalase, glutathione reductase , and superoxide dismutase]. Histopathologically, CP treatment caused necrosis of renal tubules, tubular casts, shrunken glomeruli, and increased renal fibrosis. Diminazine, lisinopril, and valsartan ameliorated CP-induced biochemical and histopathological changes to a similar extent. The salutary effect of the three drugs used is, at least partially, due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Keywords: Cisplatin, Diminazene, ACE2 activator, Lisinopril, Valsartan, Acute kidney injury.

Insights into measles virus: Serological surveillance and molecular characterization

BACKGROUND

Measles has been a significant public health concern in Pakistan, especially in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, where sporadic and silent epidemics continue to challenge existing control measures. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and investigate the molecular epidemiology of the measles virus (MeV) in KPK and explore the vaccination status among the suspected individuals.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and October 2021. A total of 336 suspected measles cases from the study population were analyzed for IgM antibodies using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Throat swabs were randomly collected from a subset of positive cases for molecular analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of MeV isolates was performed using the neighbor-joining method. The vaccination status of individuals was also recorded.

RESULTS

Among the suspected participants, 61.0% (205/336) were ELISA positive for IgM antibodies, with a higher prevalence in males (64.17%) compared to females (57.04%). The majority of cases (36.0%) were observed in infants and toddlers, consistent with previous reports. The majority of IgM-positive cases (71.7%) had not received any dose of measles vaccine, highlighting gaps in vaccine coverage and the need for improved immunization programs. Genetic analysis revealed that all MeV isolates belonged to the B3 genotype, with minor genetic variations from previously reported variants in the region.

CONCLUSION

This study provides valuable insights into the genetic epidemiology of the MeV in KPK, Pakistan. The high incidence of measles infection among unvaccinated individuals highlights the urgency of raising awareness about vaccine importance and strengthening routine immunization programs.

Cadmium (Cd) influences calcium (Ca) levels in the skeleton of a freshwater fish Channa gachua

Abstract Environmental contamination with heavy metals is a threat to the organisms due to their toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation in food chains. The study was aimed to assess cadmium (Cd) effect on calcium (Ca) level in bones of a freshwater fish Channa gachua. 42 fish individuals were kept into six (6) aquaria; labelled aq.0, 1, 2, 3,4 and 5 in the laboratory for treatment. Aq.0 was control group and aq.1, 2,3,4,5 were experimental with treatment solution of Cd 0, 0.1ppm, 0.5ppm, 1ppm, 2.5ppm and 5ppm respectively for three months. After exposure, bones tissue were examined for Cd accumulation and Ca concentration. Highest accumulation of Cd were recorded in aq.5 mean 46.86 ± 0.46 mgkg-1 .and lowest in the control group with mean 0.61 ± 0.06 mgkg-1. The order of Cd bioaccumulation in bones were aq.5 > aq.4 >aq.3 > aq.2 > aq.1 > aq.0. Highest concentration of Ca were noted in aq.0 (Control group) mean 7888.06 ± 4827.22 mgkg-1 and lowest were 1132.36 ± 203.73 mgkg-1 in aq.5 (at 5.0 ppm). Generally a pattern of decreasing Ca level were observed with each rise of Cd bioaccumulation aq.0 > aq.1 > aq.2 > aq.3 > aq.4 > aq.5. Current study indicated that Cd accumulation have substantial effect on Ca level in bones and hence on skeleton system. Strict rules must be implemented by government to control metals pollution and exploitations of biota.

Organoleptic characteristics and compositional profile of meat of growing Japanese quail fed different levels of poultry byproducts compost

The poultry industry generates a lot of waste, including dead birds, manure, and poultry litter. Poultry waste should never be disposed of improperly because it can seriously harm the environment. The waste can be recycled as a feedstock for use in poultry feed by composting the litter and deceased birds. The compositional profile and organoleptic properties of the meat of growing Japanese quail were examined over the course of a 4-week trial to ascertain the effect of adding compost to the diet. In a completely randomized design (CRD), 1200 newly hatched quail chicks (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were divided into five treatment groups (diets with 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10% compost), each consisting of 40 birds with six replicates. The addition of compost to the diet had no noticeable effects on the organoleptic qualities of appearance, color, aroma, taste, texture, juiciness, tenderness, and acceptability (P>0.05). The compositional profile characteristics for chicks given compost at any level compared to chicks fed the control diet showed no differences (P>0.05). These findings suggest that the sensory characteristics and compositional profile of growing meat quails can be maintained when fed diets including up to 10% compost.

Association between oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes, and homocysteine in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent health condition that commonly affects adolescent girls and young women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between levels of total glutathione (TG), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxidation, and homocysteine with PCOS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study employed a cross-sectional case-control design, involving a target population of 305 Sudanese females. Among them, 205 individuals were categorized as cases, and 100 served as controls. The TG, GSH, SOD, lipid peroxidation, and homocysteine levels were measured in the serum of study participants through enzyme-linked immunosorbent essay.

RESULTS

Total glutathione (1,174.5 ± 271.4 vs. 986.1 ± 191.5, p = 0.01), GSH (801.3 ± 132.2 vs. 748.6 ± 103.1, p = 0.007), SOD (225.2 ± 57.8 vs. 195.5 ± 49.6, p = 0.009), lipid peroxidation (3.4 ± 1.1 vs. 2.4 ± 0.7, p = 0.03), and homocysteine (14.9 ± 2.1 vs. 13.5 ± 1.6, p = 0.04), showed significant differences between the two groups (cases vs. controls). A moderate positive correlation between TG, GSH, SOD, lipid peroxidation, homocysteine, BMI, age, and duration of PCOS was observed. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation between BMI, age, and duration of PCOS was noted within the patient group.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this study demonstrates that patients with PCOS have elevated levels of TG, GSH, SOD, lipid peroxidation, and homocysteine compared to the control group. These findings suggest a potential association between PCOS and oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and homocysteine pathways. Moreover, the observed positive correlation with BMI, age, and duration of PCOS indicates the importance of these factors in disease progression.

Fluorescence Spectroscopy for the Assessment of Microbial Load in UVC Treated Water

In this article, Fluorescence spectroscopy has been employed for the assessment of microbial load and it has been compared with the gold standard colony forming unit (CFU) and optical density (OD) methods. In order to develop a correlation between three characterization techniques, water samples of different microbial loads have been prepared by UVC disinfection method through an indigenously developed NUVWater sterilizer, which operates in close cycle flow configuration. A UV dose of 58.9 mJ/cm2 has been determined for 99.99% disinfection for a flow rate of 0.8 l/min. The water samples were excited at 270 nm which results in the tryptophan like fluorescence at 360 nm that decreases gradually with increase of UVC dose, indicating the bacterial degradation and it has been confirmed by OD and CFU methods. In addition, it has been proved that a close cycle water flow around UV lamp is imperative so that an appropriate dose must be delivered to microorganisms for an efficient disinfection. It has been found that due to the sensitive nature of Fluorescence spectroscopy, it yields immediate results, whereas, for CFU and OD methods, water samples needs to be inoculated for 24 h. Fluorescence spectroscopy, therefore, provide a fast, online, reliable and sensitive method for the monitoring of pathogenic quantification in drinking water.

Treatment Tolerance and Toxicity in Elderly Oropharyngeal Cancer Patients and Implication on Outcomes

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To investigate the tolerance level and toxicity for standard of care treatment for oropharyngeal cancer (OP) in elderly patients and their impact on outcomes.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Using our in-house head and neck cancer database, we looked for non-metastatic OP cases that received definitive treatment between 1/2009-6/2020. All patients received either definitive radiation therapy (RT) +/- concomitant systemic therapy (ST), or surgery followed by adjuvant RT or RT-ST. For the elderly (age at diagnosis ≥65 years) and young (<65 years) patients, we compared treatment package time (TPT) (time from surgery to RT conclusion) for adjuvant RT, total RT duration and unplanned RT interruptions. ST details and dose/protocol modifications were also compared. We evaluated worst grade of pain and mucositis, hospitalization for non-hydration causes and febrile neutropenia (FN) during RT. Feeding tube (FT) use and weight loss were compared. The independent effect of these indicators on locoregional (LRFS), distant (DRFS) recurrence free and overall (OS) survival was assessed using multivariate analyses (MVA).

RESULTS

A cohort of 326 patients was included: 36% elderly (n = 118) and 64% young (n = 208), with no differences in AJCC stage distribution (8th), treatment received and HPV status (HPV+ve: 73% vs 74.6%; p = 0.86). In 23.6 % who received adjuvant RT, median TPT was 86 (range 72-128) and 81 (65-137) days for elderly vs young (p = 0.27); whereas in the definitive RT cases 76.4%, total RT duration was 49 days for both age groups. Overall, prescribed RT course was not completed in 4% and unplanned RT interruptions occurred in 22.8% and both were non-significant between age groups. Among the 261 patients that received ST, elderly utilized more cetuximab (26 vs 12%; p = 0.007). For those who received cisplatin, 20% of elderly had cumulative dose <200 mg/m2 compared to 6% among the younger age group (p = 0.006); and cisplatin was changed to carboplatin or cetuximab in 18% vs 8% (p = 0.019). Delayed/cancelled cycles and dose reductions were similar. There were more hospitalizations (47% vs 27%; p<0.001) and a trend for more FN (9% vs 3%; p = 0.09) with older age, while worst pain and mucositis was similar. FTs were used more in elderly patients (64% vs 50%; p = 0.02), for a median of 97 vs 64 days (p = 0.31); of which 19.5% vs 11% (p = 0.28) were inserted before RT start. However, % weight loss was non-significant. On MVA, longer RT duration, FT use and hospitalizations predicted worse LRFS and DRFS; and they were prognostic for OS in addition to TPT >90 days (p<0.05 for all). Nevertheless, elderly vs young had non-significant 3-year LRFS (91% vs 90% and 67% vs 69%), DRFS (86% vs 90% and 79% vs 81%) & OS (85% vs 81% and 39% vs 52%) for HPV+ve and HPV-ve respectively (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Elderly patients with OP need more multi-disciplinary supportive care when receiving RT and concurrent ST. However, survival outcomes are equivalent to younger patients. Ongoing studies should enroll more elderly candidates and stratify endpoints with age.

First-in-Human Phase I Trial Combining Biologically Guided Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) Using a 90Y-Anti-CD25 Monoclonal Antibody (Mab) with CT-guided Total Marrow and Lymphoid Irradiation (TMLI) in Relapsed and Refractory (R/R) Acute Leukemia

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Patients with R/R acute leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (alloHCT) have a dismal prognosis with 3-year survival rates of < 20%. To improve outcomes, innovative targeted forms of organ sparing radiotherapy, such as tumor-specific RIT and TMLI, are needed to dose escalate with acceptable toxicities, especially in patients ≥ age 60 years who cannot tolerate total body irradiation (TBI) / myeloablative regimens and who have a poor prognosis. CD25 is an ideal RIT target given its expression in acute leukemias, association with poor prognosis, and expression by leukemia stem cells. In this phase I trial (NCT05139004) we hypothesized that combining dose escalated 90Y-anti-CD25 RIT with fixed dose TMLI 12 Gy, fludarabine (flu), and melphalan (mel) in patients with R/R disease is safe and associated with acceptable toxicities.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The primary objective of this trial is to determine the maximum tolerated dose and recommended phase 2 dose of 90Y-anti-CD25 Mab (Day -15) with 12 Gy TMLI (1.5 Gy twice a day, days -8 to -5), flu (30 mg/m2/d days -5 to -2), and mel (100 mg/m2, day -2) in patients ≥ 60 years old or with a HCT-comorbidity index ≥ 2 and with R/R AML, ALL or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) scheduled to undergo alloHCT from a matched donor. TMLI mean organ dose constraints for kidney, lung and liver were 4 Gy. Planned dose levels of 90Y-anti-CD25 were 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mCi/kg. 111In-anti-CD25 (5 mCi) was co-infused followed by serial nuclear scans to assess dosimetry and biodistribution.

RESULTS

To date 5 patients (ages 31-74) with R/R AML have been treated. Marrow and circulating blasts ranged from 10-36% and 9-44%, respectively. For the 3 patients at 0.3 mCi/kg, follow-up ranged from 89-191+ days. 90Y/111In-anti-CD25 nuclear scans demonstrated persistent uptake in bone out to 144 hours, which was associated with a decline in circulating blasts. After combined RIT and TMLI, mean doses (Gy) to lungs ranged from 5.7-6.5, to kidneys from 7.5-8.2 and to liver from 7.2-11.6. No dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) were observed. All 3 patients achieved CR on day +30 bone marrow biopsies and 2 remained in CR on day +90 biopsies. Two patients have recently been treated at the 0.4 mCi/kg dose level. The results of patients treated at the higher dose levels will be provided.

CONCLUSION

Dose escalation by adding 90Y-anti-CD25 RIT at 0.3 mCi/kg to 12 Gy TMLI was safe, including in older patients, with no dose-limiting toxicities, mean critical organ doses lower than conventional myeloablative TBI, and encouraging response rates. The toxicity profile and dose estimates at 0.3 mCi/kg predict that the planned higher dose levels will also be feasible with acceptable toxicities. RIT and TMLI are complementary and when combined address the limitations of each modality. Combining these targeted therapies may be a superior strategy to intensify dose to leukemia compared to dose escalation of either modality alone.

Quality Analysis of Canola and Mustard Oil Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy

The potential of Fluorescence spectroscopy has been utilized for the quality analysis of canola and mustard oil along with the effect of heating on their molecular composition has been investigated. Laser diode at 405 nm has been employed directly to oil surface to excite both oil type samples and their emission spectra has been recorded by an in-house developed Fluorosensor. The emission spectra of both oil types unveiled that they contain carotenoids, isomers of vitamin E and chlorophylls that exhibit their fluorescence at 525 and 675/720 nm, and these can be used as markers for their quality assurance. Fluorescence spectroscopy is a fast, reliable and non-destructive analytical technique for the quality assessment of both oil types. Moreover, the effect of temperature on their molecular composition has been investigated by heating them at 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 170, 180 and 200 °C, each sample for 30 min which was done because both oils are used for cooking and frying. On heating, the deterioration of carotenoids and isomers of vitamin E in both oil types occurred with an increase in the oxidised products. However, it was found that up to 150 °C, both oil types can be used safely for cooking/frying purpose where they do not lose much of their valuable ingredients and up to 180 °C for deep frying, both oils can be used with less deterioration and after that both deteriorated much due to rapid increase of the oxidized products. The portable Fluorosensor, therefore, proved as an excellent device for quality screening of edible oils based on carotenoids and vitamin E.

Overcoming taxonomic challenges in DNA barcoding for improvement of identification and preservation of clariid catfish species

DNA barcoding without assessing reliability and validity causes taxonomic errors of species identification, which is responsible for disruptions of their conservation and aquaculture industry. Although DNA barcoding facilitates molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of species, its availability in clariid catfish lineage remains uncertain. In this study, DNA barcoding was developed and validated for clariid catfish. 2,970 barcode sequences from mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and cytochrome b (Cytb) genes and D-loop sequences were analyzed for 37 clariid catfish species. The highest intraspecific nearest neighbor distances were 85.47%, 98.03%, and 89.10% for COI, Cytb, and D-loop sequences, respectively. This suggests that the Cytb gene is the most appropriate for identifying clariid catfish and can serve as a standard region for DNA barcoding. A positive barcoding gap between interspecific and intraspecific sequence divergence was observed in the Cytb dataset but not in the COI and D-loop datasets. Intraspecific variation was typically less than 4.4%, whereas interspecific variation was generally more than 66.9%. However, a species complex was detected in walking catfish and significant intraspecific sequence divergence was observed in North African catfish. These findings suggest the need to focus on developing a DNA barcoding system for classifying clariid catfish properly and to validate its efficacy for a wider range of clariid catfish. With an enriched database of multiple sequences from a target species and its genus, species identification can be more accurate and biodiversity assessment of the species can be facilitated.

Thermal Effects on the Quality Parameters of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Extra virgin olive oil is one of the superlative due to its health benefits. In this work, the Fluorescence spectra of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) from different olive growing regions of Pakistan and Al-Jouf region from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) were obtained. The emission bands depicted relative intensity variations in all non-heated and heated EVOO samples. Prominent emission bands at 385, 400, 435 and 470 nm represent oxidized products of fatty acids, bands at 520 and 673 nm has been assigned to beta carotene and chlorophyll isomers respectively. All EVOO samples collected from Al-Jouf region, KSA and from Pakistan (Loralai Baluchistan, Barani Agricultural Research Institute, Chakwal and Morgha Biodiversity Park, Rawalpindi) regions showed thermal stability. Other EVOO samples from Chaman Baluchistan and one sample from wild specie (Baluchistan) bought directly from farmers showed denatured spectra even without heating. Chemical characteristics of all EVOO samples changed significantly at 200 °C. Relatively, EVOO samples from Al-Jouf showed more thermal stability which might be due to geographical distribution, environmental effects, genetic background and processing or storage conditions. These results demonstrated fluorescence spectroscopy as a quick, cost-effective and reliable approach to assess the quality and thermal stability of EVOO. These characteristics of fluorescence spectroscopy may lead to the development of portable device for the onsite monitoring of EVOO.

Antibacterial Efficacy of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Salvia nubicola Extract against Ralstonia solanacearum, the Causal Agent of Vascular Wilt of Tomato

Ralstonia solanacearum is a phytopathogen causing bacterial wilt diseases of tomato and affecting its productivity, which leads to prominent economic losses annually. As an alternative to conventional pesticides, green synthesized nanoparticles are believed to possess strong antibacterial activities besides being cheap and ecofriendly. Here, we present the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Sn-AgNPs) from medicinally important aqueous plant extracts of Salvia nubicola. Characterization of biologically synthesized nanoparticles was performed through UV-vis spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis. The antibacterial activity of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles was tested against the phytopathogen R. solanacearum through in vitro experiments. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the plant extracts revealed the presence of substantial amounts of flavonoids (57.08 mg GAE/g), phenolics (42.30 mg GAE/g), tannins, and terpenoids. The HPLC phenolic profile indicated the presence of 25 possible bioactive compounds. Results regarding green synthesized silver nanoparticles revealed the conformation of different functional groups through FTIR analysis, which could be responsible for the bioreduction and capping of Ag ions into silver NPs. TEM results revealed the spherical, crystalline shape of nanoparticles with the size in the range of 23-63 nm, which validates SEM results. Different concentrations of Sn-AgNPs (T1 (500 μg/mL) to T7 (78.1 μg/mL)) with a combination of plant extracts (PE-Sn-AgNPs) and plant extracts alone exhibited an efficient inhibition of R. solanacearum. These findings could be used as an effective alternative preparation against the bacterial wilt of tomato.

All-Microwave Leakage Reduction Units for Quantum Error Correction with Superconducting Transmon Qubits

Minimizing leakage from computational states is a challenge when using many-level systems like superconducting quantum circuits as qubits. We realize and extend the quantum-hardware-efficient, all-microwave leakage reduction unit (LRU) for transmons in a circuit QED architecture proposed by Battistel et al. This LRU effectively reduces leakage in the second- and third-excited transmon states with up to 99% efficacy in 220 ns, with minimum impact on the qubit subspace. As a first application in the context of quantum error correction, we show how multiple simultaneous LRUs can reduce the error detection rate and suppress leakage buildup within 1% in data and ancilla qubits over 50 cycles of a weight-2 stabilizer measurement.

Unveiling the Antibiotic Susceptibility and Antimicrobial Potential of Bacteria from Human Breast Milk of Pakistani Women: An Exploratory Study

Background

Human life quality and expectancy have increased dramatically over the past 5 decades because of improvements in nutrition and antibiotic's usage fighting against infectious diseases. Yet, it was soon revealed that the microbes adapted to develop resistance to any of the drugs that were used. Recently, there is great concern that commensal bacteria from food and the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals could act as a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes. Methodology. This study was intended for evaluating the phenotypic antibiotic resistance/sensitivity profiles of probiotic bacteria from human breast milk and evaluating the inhibitory effect of the probiotic bacteria against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Results

The results point out that some of the isolated bacteria were resistant to diverse antibiotics including gentamycin, imipenem, trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole, and nalidixic acid. Susceptibility profile to certain antibiotics like vancomycin, tetracycline, ofloxacin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, rifampicin, and bacitracin was also observed. The antimicrobial qualities of cell-free supernatants of some probiotic bacteria inhibited the growth of indicator bacteria. Also, antimicrobial properties of the probiotic bacteria from the present study attributed to the production of organic acid, bacterial adhesion to hydrocarbons (BATH), salt aggregation, coaggregation with pathogens, and bacteriocin production. Some isolated bacteria from human milk displayed higher hydrophobicity in addition to intrinsic probiotic properties like Gram-positive classification, catalase-negative activity, resistance to gastric juice (pH 2), and bile salt (0.3%) concentration.

Conclusion

This study has added to the data of the antibiotic and antimicrobial activity of some probiotic bacteria from some samples of Pakistani women breast milk. Probiotic bacteria are usually considered to decrease gastrointestinal tract diseases by adhering to the gut epithelial and reducing population of pathogens and in the case of Streptococcus lactarius MB622 and Streptococcus salivarius MB620 in terms of hydrophobicity and exclusion of indicator pathogenic strains.

Environmental and Socio-Cultural Factors Impacting the Unique Gene Pool Pattern of Mae Hong-Son Chicken

Understanding the genetic diversity of domestic chicken breeds under the impact of socio-cultural and ecological dynamics is vital for the conservation of natural resources. Mae Hong Son chicken is a local breed of North Thai domestic chicken widely distributed in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand; however, its genetic characterization, origin, and diversity remain poorly understood. Here, we studied the socio-cultural, environmental, and genetic aspects of the Mae Hong Son chicken breed and investigated its diversity and allelic gene pool. We genotyped 28 microsatellite markers and analyzed mitochondrial D-loop sequencing data to evaluate genetic diversity and assessed spatial habitat suitability using maximum entropy modeling. Sequence diversity analysis revealed a total of 188 genotyped alleles, with overall nucleotide diversity of 0.014 ± 0.007, indicating that the Mae Hong Son chicken population is genetically highly diverse, with 35 (M1-M35) haplotypes clustered into haplogroups A, B, E, and F, mostly in the North ecotype. Allelic gene pool patterns showed a unique DNA fingerprint of the Mae Hong Son chicken, as compared to other breeds and red junglefowl. A genetic introgression of some parts of the gene pool of red junglefowl and other indigenous breeds was identified in the Mae Hong Son chicken, supporting the hypothesis of the origin of the Mae Hong Son chicken. During domestication in the past 200-300 years after the crossing of indigenous chickens and red junglefowl, the Mae Hong Son chicken has adapted to the highland environment and played a significant socio-cultural role in the Northern Thai community. The unique genetic fingerprint of the Mae Hong Son chicken, retaining a high level of genetic variability that includes a dynamic demographic and domestication history, as well as a range of ecological factors, might reshape the adaptation of this breed under selective pressure.

Cadmium-induced impairment of spermatozoa development by reducing exosomal-MVBs secretion: a novel pathway

Cadmium is a heavy environmental pollutant that presents a high risk to male-fertility and targets the different cellular and steroidogenic supporting germ cells networks during spermatogenesis. However, the mechanism accounting for its toxicity in multivesicular bodies (MVBs) biogenesis, and exosomal secretion associated with spermatozoa remains obscure. In the current study, the light and electron microscopy revealed that, the Sertoli cells perform a dynamic role with secretion of well-developed early endosomes (Ee) and MVBs pathway associated with spermatozoa during spermatogenesis. In addition, some apical blebs containing nano-scale exosomes located on the cell surface and after fragmentation nano-scale exosomes were directly linked with spermatozoa in the luminal compartment of seminiferous tubules, indicating normal spermatogenesis. Controversially, the cadmium treated group showed limited and deformed spermatozoa with damaging acromion process and mid-peace, and the cytoplasmic vacuolization of spermatids. After cadmium treatment, there is very limited biogenesis of MVBs inside the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells, and no obvious secretions of nano-scale exosomes interacted with spermatozoa. Interestingly, the cadmium treated group demonstrated relatively higher formation of autophagosomes and autolysosome, and the autophagosomes were enveloped by MVBs that later formed the amphisome which degraded by lysosomes, indicating the hypo-spermatogenesis. Moreover, cadmium declined the exosomal protein cluster of differentiation (CD63) and increased the autophagy-related proteins microtubule-associated light chain (LC3), sequestosome 1 (P62) and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2) expression level were confirmed by Western blotting. These results provide rich information regarding how cadmium is capable of triggering impaired spermatozoa development during spermatogenesis by reduction of MVBs pathway through high activation of autophagic pathway. This study explores the toxicant effect of cadmium on nano-scale exosomes secretion interacting with spermatozoa.

Validation of conventional and synchronous fluorescence emission of potable water

Water from filter plants and bottled water is generally safe to drink but regular quality monitoring of these facilities requires development of quick analytical technique to ensure public safety and health. This study presented the variation of two components in spectra of conventional fluorescence spectroscopy (CFS) and four components in synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) to assess the quality of 25 water samples from different sources. Poor quality water either due to organic or inorganic contaminants presented high intensity fluorescence emission in the blue green region and low intensity water Raman peak unlike an intense water Raman peak originated from pure water when excited at 365 nm. Emission intensity in the blue green region and water Raman peak can be used as a marker for quick screening of water quality. Although few discrepancies were observed in CF spectra of samples with intense Raman peak but were found to be positive for bacterial contamination, thus questioning the sensitivity of CFS that needs to be addressed. Whereas, SFS presented highly selective and detailed picture of water contaminants emitting aromatic amino acid, fulvic and humic like fluorescence. It is suggested that the specificity of CFS can be enhanced by coupling it with SFS or use of multiple excitation wavelengths to target different fluorophores for water quality analysis.

Harnessing microbial multitrophic interactions for rhizosphere microbiome engineering

The rhizosphere is a narrow and dynamic region of plant root-soil interfaces, and it's considered one of the most intricate and functionally active ecosystems on the Earth, which boosts plant health and alleviates the impact of biotic and abiotic stresses. Improving the key functions of the microbiome via engineering the rhizosphere microbiome is an emerging tool for improving plant growth, resilience, and soil-borne diseases. Recently, the advent of omics tools, gene-editing techniques, and sequencing technology has allowed us to unravel the entangled webs of plant-microbes interactions, enhancing plant fitness and tolerance to biotic and abiotic challenges. Plants secrete signaling compounds with low molecular weight into the rhizosphere, that engage various species to generate a massive deep complex array. The underlying principle governing the multitrophic interactions of the rhizosphere microbiome is yet unknown, however, some efforts have been made for disease management and agricultural sustainability. This review discussed the intra- and inter- microbe-microbe and microbe-animal interactions and their multifunctional roles in rhizosphere microbiome engineering for plant health and soil-borne disease management. Simultaneously, it investigates the significant impact of immunity utilizing PGPR and cover crop strategy in increasing rhizosphere microbiome functions for plant development and protection using omics techniques. The ecological engineering of rhizosphere plant interactions could be used as a potential alternative technology for plant growth improvement, sustainable disease control management, and increased production of economically significant crops.

Characterization of Corn Oil Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy

In these studies, Fluorescence spectroscopy has been utilized for the characterization of pure and commercially available corn oil. The best excitation wavelength of 380 nm has been investigated, where maximum spectral information can be assessed. The emission spectra from pure and commercial corn oil samples disclosed that pure corn oil contained oleic acid, beta-carotenes, chlorophylls, isomers of vitamin E and traces of oxidized products which exhibit fluorescence at 406, 525, 675, 440 and 435/475 nm respectively. Whereas, commercial corn oils lack these valuable ingredients and only contain fats along with their primary and secondary oxidized products that emit a broad emission band centred at 440 nm. The study has also depicted that Fluorescence spectroscopy can even be used to select best quality corn oil among pure corn oil samples with different varieties and seed origins. In addition, the effect of temperature on the composition of pure and commercial corn oil samples have also been investigated by heating them at 100, 120,140, 160, 180 and 200 °C each sample for 30 min. This was done because corn oil is being used for cooking where it is generally heated up to 120 °C and for deep frying up to 180 °C. On heating, in pure corn oil, deterioration of Vitamin-E and beta-carotenes occurred with an increase in the oxidation products, whereas, in commercial oil samples, only the concentration of oxidation products increased. However, it was found that up to 140 °C, pure corn oil can be used safely for cooking purpose where it does not lose much of its valuable ingredients while in commercial corn oils, fat composition does not alter much up to 180 °C and after that oxidized products start to increase rapidly.

P-572 Hormonal Monitoring and Progesterone Adjustment in Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycles

Study question

We investigated the effect of monitoring and follow-up of serum progesterone, estradiol & luteinizing hormone levels and progesterone supplement adjustments on pregnancy outcomes for FET in programmed HRT cycles.

Summary answer

Monitoring and follow-up of different hormones in patient’s serum in programmed frozen embryo transfer cycles didn’t have an impact on overall pregnancy rate.

What is known already

Frozen Embryo transfer treatment rapidly expanded in recent years. FET can effectively prevent IVF associated complications, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and multiple pregnancy. In addition, FET serves as a safe & cost-effective way to increase cumulative pregnancy rate.

Though progesterone levels on the day of transfer have not yet been studied extensively in humans, tailoring the time of transferring a frozen embryo based on serial P4 values rather than cycle day number alone results in higher pregnancy rates.The value of measuring the serum E2 levels on the day of embryo transfer as an indicator for clinical pregnancy is still doubtful.

Study design, size, duration

Six Hundred FETs were performed in a randomized prospective manner in an infertility center in Alexandria starting from 2019 till 2021.These were further subdivided based on computer randomization into Group I (Non-intervention) including300 patients with only ultrasound monitoring & Group II (intervention) including 300 patients with monitoring of serum level of progesterone, estrogen & luteinizing hormone as well as progesterone supplement adjustments.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Group I (Non-intervention) including300 patients with only ultrasound monitoring & Group II (intervention) including 300 patients with monitoring of serum level of progesterone, estrogen & luteinizing hormone as well as progesterone supplement adjustments which are further subdivided into three groups depending on progesterone level in patient’s serum early in the morning prior to embryo transfer. Group II A: P4 levels &lt; 5ng/dl, Group II B: P4 levels 5-10ng/dl, Group II C: P4 levels &gt;10ng

Main results and the role of chance

Live birth and overall pregnancy rate showed no significant difference among group monitored with ultrasound only compared to the hormonal monitored group. However, on the day of embryo transfer, serum P4 &gt; 11.83 ng/ml represented a cut-off value above which there is marked increase in OPR/LBR and a sensitivity of 53.7% & specificity of 51.2% in predicting pregnancy. Also, serum E2 value more than 292 pg/ml at day 18 demonstrated an increase in OPR/LBR.In our study, the cut off value of LH level less than of 10.8 IU/L at day13 had a sensitivity of 58.3% & specificity of 50.4% in predicting pregnancy. Regarding pregnancy outcome, monitoring of LH levels didn’t generate useful data with no added prognostic value.Conclusion: Monitoring and follow-up of different hormones in patient’s serum in programmed frozen embryo transfer cycles didn’t have an impact on live birth, overall pregnancy & abortion rate when compared to ultrasound only in non-intervention group.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Patients in non-intervention group didn’t have a hormonal pre-transfer assessment so it’s not possible to determine if the progesterone levels are suboptimal or not when compared to intervention group.

Also, we didn’t have a post transfer hormonal assessment in case group to determine whether the progesterone dose reached desired levels.

Wider implications of the findings

Kofinas et al. proposed in his study that in order to optimize pregnancy and rate, P4 levels in FET cycles should be sustained between 10 and 20 ng/ml.

This was in accordance to our study where the cut off value of P4 on day of 11.83 ng/ml optimized pregnancy rates.

Trial registration number

NCT05189145

Drought stress enhances the efficiency of floral dip method of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation in Arabidopsis thaliana

The Agrobacterium-mediated floral dip protocol is the most extensively used transformation method for a model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Several useful methods for Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformations of Arabidopsis are existing, but they are time consuming and with low transformation efficiency. Here, we developed a transgenic Arabidopsis lines TET12p::TET12-RFP in a short period of time and enhanced transformation efficiency by using a modified transformation method by applying drought stress after floral dip. In this protocol, Agrobacterium cells carrying TET12p::TET12-RFP recombinant vectors were resuspended in a solution of 5% sucrose, 0.05% (v/v) silwet L-77 to transform female gametes of developing Arabidopsis inflorescences. Treated Arabidopsis were then applied with different levels of drought stresses to stimulate plants for the utilization of maximum plant energy in seed maturation process. The applied stresses achieved the fast maturation of already treated inflorescences while stopped the growing of newly arising untreated inflorescence, thus decreased the chances of wrong collection of untransformed seeds. Consequently, the collected seeds were mostly transgenic with a transformation frequency of at least 10%, thus the screening for positive transformants selection was more advantageous on a selective medium as compared to a classical floral dip method. Within 2-3 months, two hundred of individual transgenic plants were produced from just 10 infiltrated plants. This study concludes that application of drought stresses in a specific stage of plant is a beneficial strategy for achieving the transgenic Arabidopsis in a short period of time with high transformation efficiency.

Classification of Sidr honey and detection of sugar adulteration using right angle fluorescence spectroscopy and chemometrics

Sidr honey is vulnerable to adulteration with low-grade honey and sugar syrups, which compromises its nutritional and medicinal value, demanding fast and reliable analytical tools for quality assessment. In this study, fluorescence spectroscopy was employed to assess the quality of a honey samples, specifically, Sidr, unifloral (Acacia) and multifloral (Acacia, Carisa and Justicia) honey. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed characteristic spectral signatures of Sidr honey, compared to Acacia and multifloral honey. In addition, cane sugar syrup was artificially added to Sidr honey at different concentrations. These spectral signatures were exploited for the machine-assisted classification of Sidr, sugar syrup and different concentrations of Sidr–sugar mixture. The bagging classification algorithm generated values of sensitivity and specificity close to unity, indicating its ability for efficient discrimination of the samples. Fluorescence spectroscopy in tandem with chemometrics could potentially be used as a rapid analytical tool to identify Sidr honey and its sugar adulteration.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of Tamarixia radiata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) reveals differentially expressed genes upon heat shock

Temperature is a key parameter that affects insect population, abundance, and distribution in tropical and subtropical regions. Tamarixia radiata Waterson (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a species-specific ectoparasitoid widely used as a biological control agent for the major citrus pest Diphornia citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidea). To date, T. radiata response to high temperature at the molecular level still is unclear. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the transcriptomes of T. radiata exposed at 25 °C and 38 °C for 15 min. A total of 51,072 unigenes were obtained, 22,413 annotated with a mean length of 1054 bp. Differential expression analysis showed that 502 genes were identified, including 476 genes significantly up-regulated and 26 genes down-regulated after heat stress exposure. The Gene Ontology analysis showed that most enriched DEGs are categorized into "cellular process", "metabolic process" and "DNA binding." In addition, "Lysosome," "Longevity regulating pathway-multiple species," and "starch and sucrose metabolism" were highly enriched in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. Transcriptome analyses showed that heat stress significantly induced the transcription of the molecular chaperone, immune response, stress signaling transduction, and oxidation resistance, including highly expressed heat shock proteins, ATPases, and detoxifying enzymes. Furthermore, the expression patterns of thirteen genes including heat shock proteins (HSP), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and cytochrome P450 were consistent with the transcriptome results obtained through qRT-PCR. Together, our results provided a comprehensive study of the molecular response of T. radiata to heat stress and provides new insight for the future functional validation of heat resistance-related genes.

A Diagnostic Pitfall in the Evaluation of CD138-Positive Plasmacytoid Cells in a Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy

Introduction/Objective

The identification of plasmacytoid cells on rapid assessment leads to a wide range of differential diagnoses.

Methods/Case Report

We present a 51-year-old female with a parotid mass and cervical lymphadenopathy. The fine needle aspiration biopsy of the lymph node showed clusters of plasmacytoid cells. Flow cytometric studies showed cells positive for CD19, CD45, CD138 and kappa, but negative for CD38 and lambda. The kappa to lambda ratio was greater than 100. Histological sections showed plasmacytoid cells that were positive for AE1/AE3, S100, and SOX10, weakly positive for CK7 and GATA3, but negative for CD79a, CD45, EMA, p40, p63, and pan-melanoma markers. Kappa and lambda had a 1:1 ratio. Due to the discrepancy between the flow cytometric results and the immunohistochemistry, excision was recommended. The subsequent excision specimen showed classic morphology for myoepithelial carcinoma, plasmacytoid variant.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

NA

Conclusion

Myoepithelial carcinomas of the salivary glands are rare neoplasms, and they have various morphologies. The plasmacytoid variant can pose as a diagnostic pitfall. In fine needle aspiration biopsies, carcinoma cells with plasmacytoid morphology can be confused with a plasma cell neoplasm. CD138 is nonspecific marker, and it can be expressed in plasma cells as well as carcinomas. To further complicate matters, pancytokeratin and SOX10 can aberrantly expressed in some plasma cell myelomas. Flow cytometry studies is a valuable tool to define various cell types. However, it can be misleading if it is used as a sole source for interpreting plasmacytoid cells. Epithelial and myoepithelial neoplasms should be considered as differential diagnoses when CD138-positive plasmacytoid cells are encountered. Extended immunohistochemistry panel including multiple epithelial and myoepithelial markers play pivotal role in settling the diagnosis.

Honey as a bioindicator of environmental organochlorine insecticides contamination

Honey is a suitable matrix for the evaluation of environmental contaminants including organochlorine insecticides. The present study was conducted to evaluate residues of fifteen organochlorine insecticides in honey samples of unifloral and multifloral origins from Dir, Pakistan. Honey samples (5 g each) were extracted with GC grade organic solvents and then subjected to Rotary Evaporator till dryness. The extracts were then mixed with n-Hexane (5 ml) and purified through Column Chromatography. Purified extracts (1μl each) were processed through Gas Chromatograph coupled with Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD) for identification and quantification of the insecticides. Of the 15 insecticides tested, 46.7% were detected while 53.3% were not detected in the honey samples. Heptachlor was the most prevalent insecticide with a mean level of 0.0018 mg/kg detected in 80% of the samples followed by β-HCH with a mean level of 0.0016 mg/kg detected in 71.4% of the honey samples. Honey samples from Acacia modesta Wall. were 100% positive for Heptachlor with a mean level of 0.0048 mg/kg followed by β-HCH with a mean level of 0.003 mg/kg and frequency of 83.3%. Minimum levels of the tested insecticides were detected in the unifloral honey from Ziziphus jujuba Mill. Methoxychlor, Endosulfan, Endrin and metabolites of DDT were not detected in the studied honey samples. Some of the tested insecticides are banned in Pakistan but are still detected in honey samples indicating their use in the study area. The detected levels of all insecticides were below the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) and safe for consumers. However, the levels detected can cause mortality in insect fauna. The use of banned insecticides is one of the main factors responsible for the declining populations of important insect pollinators including honeybees.

Tuneable exchange-spring stiffness in amorphous magnetic trilayer structures

We investigate the magnetic properties of amorphous Sm₁₀Co₉₀/Co₆₀(Al₇₀Zr₃₀)₄₀/Co₈₅(Al₇₀Zr₃₀)₁₅exchange-spring magnet trilayers. The magnetically soft Co₈₅(Al₇₀Zr₃₀)₁₅layer is coupled to the magnetically hard Sm₁₀Co₉₀layer through the weakly magnetic low-T_cCo₆₀(Al₇₀Zr₃₀)₄₀spacer layer. The strength of the coupling can be controlled with temperature and the coupling persists above the intrinsicT_cof the spacer layer due to a long-range magnetic proximity effect. Polarized neutron reflectivity is used to examine the magnetic profile of the trilayers during magnetization reversal. A two-step switching occurs, with the switching angle of the soft layer strongly dependent on the strength of the coupling. In the strong coupling regime a magnetic state can be achieved where the soft layer magnetization is perpendicular to the hard layer whereas in the weak coupling regime the soft layer reverses fully.

Shoulder Function Assessment After Head And Neck Reconstruction With Pedicled Supraclavicular Flap

The supraclavicular artery flap is used for reconstruction of defects of the head and neck. One of the major implications of this procedure is injury to the nerve roots of C3 and C4 of the superficial cervical plexus, which provides sensation over the clavicle, shoulder and proximal chest, thereby causing problems in overall shoulder function. The objective of this study was to assess shoulder function, range of motion, pain, daily activities and overall satisfaction of the patient after using this flap. This study was conducted at the Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Dow University of Health Sciences & Dr. Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, Pakistan, from May 2015 to November 2018. Supraclavicular flap was used in 35 patients who underwent soft tissue reconstruction of defect of the neck after release of post burn contracture. Penn Shoulder Score and Constant Murley Score were used as assessment tools. Assessment by Penn Shoulder Score resulted in 25 (71.4%) patients within the upper quartile and 10 (18.6%) patients within the lower quartile. Constant Murley Score showed 19 (54.2%) of patients had 161°-180° shoulder abduction and lateral elevation. Forward flexion of 161°-180° was seen in 17 (48.5%) patients, 17 (48.5%) had internal rotation till the inter scapular region, 15 (42.8%) had no impairment of external rotation, 19 (54.2%) patients had no impairment of work/recreation, 25 (71.4%) had felt no change in their sleep and 22 (62.8%) were able to position their arm above their head. Overall parameters indicate better function, good range of motion, less pain, resumption of daily activities, and overall satisfaction.

High-Fidelity Controlled-Z Gate with Maximal Intermediate Leakage Operating at the Speed Limit in a Superconducting Quantum Processor

Simple tuneup of fast two-qubit gates is essential for the scaling of quantum processors. We introduce the sudden variant (SNZ) of the net zero scheme realizing controlled-Z (CZ) gates by flux control of transmon frequency. SNZ CZ gates realized in a multitransmon processor operate at the speed limit of transverse coupling between computational and noncomputational states by maximizing intermediate leakage. Beyond speed, the key advantage of SNZ is tuneup simplicity, owing to the regular structure of conditional phase and leakage as a function of two control parameters. SNZ is compatible with scalable schemes for quantum error correction and adaptable to generalized conditional-phase gates useful in intermediate-scale applications.

Molecular characterization of Leucoanthocyanidin reductase and Flavonol synthase gene in Arachis hypogaea

Arachis hypogaea (peanut) is a potential source of bioactive compounds including flavonols and proanthocyanidins, which have gained particular interest of metabolic engineering owing to their significance in the growth, development and defense responses in plants. To gain insight of proanthocyanidins and flavonols production in A. hypogaea, Leucoanthocyanidin reductase (AhLAR) and Flavonol synthase (AhFLS) enzymes responsible for their production, have been structurally, transcriptionally and functionally characterized. Structural and functional analysis of putative protein sequence of AhFLS indicated two functional motifs 2OG-FeII_Oxy and DIOX_N, while six functional motifs belonging to the families of NAD-dependent dehydratase, 3, β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and NmrA-like family were observed in case of AhLAR. Promoter sequence analysis unraveled several promoter elements related to the development regulation, environmental stress responses and hormonal signaling. Furthermore, the expression analysis of AhFLS and AhLAR and accumulation pattern analysis of proanthocyanidins and flavonols in three selected cultivars of A. hypogaea under saline environment confirmed their role against salinity in genotype-dependent and stress level-dependent manner. Correlation studies revealed that AhFLS and AhLAR expression is not directly dependent on the antioxidant enzymes activity, biochemical and growth parameters but higher Pearson r value depicted some level of dependency. This detailed study of AhLAR and AhFLS can assist in the metabolic engineering of flavonoid biosynthetic pathway to produce stress tolerant varieties and production of proanthocyanidins and flavonols at an industrial scale.

Cardiovascular Dysfunction in Children Exposed to Preeclampsia During Fetal Life

BACKGROUND

Keeping in view the developmental origin of health and disease hypothesis, the aim of this study was to assess differences in cardiac and vascular structure and function in children exposed to preeclampsia in utero compared with those of normotensive mothers. The hypothesis under investigation was that children exposed to preeclampsia would have altered cardiac and vascular structure and function compared with the unexposed group.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study that included children 2 to 10 years of age born to mothers with and without exposure to preeclampsia in utero (n = 80 in each group). Myocardial morphology and function using echocardiography and carotid intima-media thickness and pulse-wave velocity were determined. Multivariate linear regression was used to compare preeclampsia-exposed and nonexposed groups. Subgroup analysis to assess differences between early- and late-onset preeclampsia was also performed.

RESULTS

Forty-one percent of mothers (n = 33) had early-onset preeclampsia. Children in the exposed group had a significantly higher prevalence of stage 1 systolic and diastolic hypertension (22% [n = 18] and 35% [n = 18], respectively) compared with the unexposed group (9% [n = 7] and 19% [n = 15], respectively; P = .01). Children in the exposed group also had higher pulse-wave velocity compared with those in the unexposed group (0.42 ± 0.1 vs 0.39 ± 0.1, P = .03). Subgroup analysis revealed that changes in blood pressure and pulse-wave velocity were determined primarily by early-onset preeclampsia. There was no significant difference in cardiac morphology or systolic and diastolic function between the exposed and unexposed groups.

CONCLUSION

In utero exposure to preeclampsia has an effect on vascular function in children aged 2 to 10 years, related primarily to early-onset disease. Routine blood pressure screening should be recommended for such children.

Is implantable loop recorder the answer to reduce the increased risk of stroke in cancer patients?

Introduction

Recent epidemiologic data suggests increased risk of ischaemic stroke in cancer patients. The etiology of increased ischaemic stroke is unknown. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is among the potential etiologies. The risk of AF has not been studied among cancer patients in the United States.

Purpose

Ascertain the association of AF in cancer patients in the USA by using the largest database i.e. National Inpatient Sample (NIS).

Methods

Patients ≥18 years old were selected in the NIS database for years 2010 to 2014 and stratified based on presence or absence of any of four cancers (lung, colon, breast and prostate; 4CA) using ICD 9 codes. Atrial fibrillation and stroke/TIA were also identified using ICD 9 codes. Components of CHADS2 score (CHF, hypertension, Age&gt;75, diabetes and stroke/TIA) were identified using ICD 9 codes. χ2 tests performed for prevalence of AF in patients with or without these cancers stratified by CHADS2 score. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze individual components of CHADS2 score.

Results

AF and stroke/TIA were significantly higher among 4CA than non-4CA group (18.7% vs 12.0%, P&lt;0.001 and 5.4% vs 4.8%, P&lt;0.001 respectively). AF prevalence increased with CHADS2 and was significantly higher in 4CA group with CHADS2 score 0 to 4 (Table 1 and Figure 1). Logistic regression for the outcome of AF showed “Age &gt;75” OR (3.0), CHF (2.8), CVA (1.2), HTN (1.3) and DM (1.1).

Conclusion

This is the first study using a national database of USA patients to estimate prevalence of AF in cancer patients compared to non-cancer patients and reaffirms the higher burden of AF in cancer patients. Prevalence of both AF and stroke were greater in cancer patients when stratified by CHADS2 score. This may indicate not just an increased risk of AF but an increased risk of stroke/TIA for the same CHADS2 score. Stroke incidence was also higher in the 4CA group (5.4% vs. 4.8% P&lt;0.001). Cancer patients with CHADS2 score &gt;1 may benefit from screening with loop recorder to identify previously undetected AF and initiate anticoagulation therapy. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to validate this retrospective study.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Agronomic efficiency and profitability of cotton on integrated use of phosphorus and plant microbes

Cotton crop, plays a significant role in Pakistan's economy by ruling a prominent place in edible oil and local textile industry. Phosphorus (P) inaccessibility and deficiency of soil organic matter are the key restraints for low crop productivity in cotton. Therefore, a two years field study was designed during 2014-15, to explore the influence of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), farmyard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM) and inanimate sources of P on various physiological, growth, yield and quality parameters of cotton crop at CCRI Multan. Field responses of seeds inoculated with two distinctive phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) strains viz. S0 = control, S1 =strain-1, S2 = strain-2 and eight organic, inorganic P sources viz., P0= control, P1 = 80 kg ha-1 P from inorganic source, P2 = 80 kg ha-1 P from FYM, P3 = 80 kg ha-1 P from PM, P4 = 40 kg ha-1 P from FYM + 40 kg ha-1 P from inorganic source, P5 = 40 kg ha-1 P from PM + 40 kg ha-1 P from inorganic source, P6 = 80 kg ha-1 P from FYM + 40 kg ha-1 P from inorganic source, P7 = 80 kg ha-1 P from PM + 40 kg ha-1 P from inorganic source and P8 = 40 kg ha-1 P from FYM + 40 kg ha-1 P from PM were evaluated. Results revealed that inoculation of seeds with PSB and collective use of inorganic and organic sources of P had considerably increased the yield contributing attributes in cotton. However, the treatment P7 (80 kg P ha-1 from PM + 40 kg P ha-1 from inorganic source) in coincidence with seeds inoculated with PSB (S1) produced taller plant, maximum boll weight, significantly higher LAI and CGR. Significantly higher seed cotton yield, lint yield, fiber length and maximum BCR of 1.95 and 1.81 was also obtained from the P7 treatment during both crop-growing seasons. In conclusion, combined use of 80 kg P ha-1 from PM + 40 kg P ha-1 from inorganic source and cotton seeds inoculated with strain-1 improved phosphorus uptake ensuing in greater consumption of photo-assimilates for maximum growth and yield.