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The agro-waste derived valuable products are prime interest for effective management of toxic heavy metals (THMs). The present study investigated the efficacy of biochars (BCs) on immobilization of THMs (Cr, Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni and Cd), bioaccumulation and health risk. Agro-wastes derived BCs including wheat straw biochar (WSB), orange peel biochar (OPB), rice husk biochar (RHB) and their composite biochar (CB) were applied in industrial contaminated soil (ICS) at 1% and 3% amendments rates. All the BCs significantly decreased the bioavailable THMs and significantly (p < 0.001) reduced bioaccumulation at 3% application with highest efficiency for CB followed by OPB, WSB and RHB as compared to control treatment. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF), concentration index (CI) and ecological risk were decreased with all BCs. The hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) of all THMs were <1, except Cd, while carcer risk (CR) and total cancer risk index (TCRI) were decreased through all BCs. The overall results depicted that CB at 3% application rate showed higher efficacy to reduce significantly (p < 0.001) the THMs uptake and reduced health risk. Hence, the present study suggests that the composite of BCs prepared from agro-wastes is eco-friendly amendment to reduce THMs in ICS and minimize its subsequent uptake in vegetables. Novelty statement: The present study has a scientific research scope, based on reduction of bioavailability and bioaccumulation of toxic heavy metals (THMs) by the addition of biochars derived from agro-wastes and their composite biochar (CB), thereby decreasing the potential health risk. Limited study has been conducted, especially on the impact of CB in THMs-contaminated soil. This study could fill the scientific research gap and provides useful information for mitigation of THMs present in contaminated soil, which could be followed by the Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Agriculture and farmers in degraded lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work aimed to study the kinetics and isotherms of adsorption of mixture of four pesticides (atrazine, chlorothalanil, β-endosulfan, and α-endosulfan) from aqueous solution on activated carbon (AC) and biochar (BCH) under the effect of ultrasonic media. The optimized pH, sonication time, solution initial concentration, adsorbent dose, adsorbent particle size, solution temperatures, and sonication power (US-power) for the maximum adsorption rate were found to be 7, 60 min, 10 µg Lˉ1, 200 µg Lˉ1, 20 µm, 288, and 80 W, respectively. Pesticides adsorption was enhanced by increasing pH to 7, while slight decreases were noted when pH increases from 7 to 9. The adsorption equilibrium data were well described by the Langmuir isotherm model having a significant correlation coefficient value of 0.9999. The kinetics model of pseudo-second order was perceived to best describe the adsorptions data. Negative values of standard Gibb's free energy (ΔG) were observed for thermodynamics analysis, signifying the process's spontaneity. The positive value observed for enthalpy change (ΔH) shows that the reaction's nature is endothermic with randomness intensifying due to positive entropy change. The adsorbents' high adsorptions efficiency designates its appropriateness for the remediation of pesticides from synthesized aqueous solutions and water-containing bodies. No previous ultrasonic-assisted adsorption study on AC and BCH has been recorded for the pesticides in reference, which shows the significance and novelty of the current research study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Teaching and training of glaucoma fellows on the technique of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation surgery is very important. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical outcomes and complications of AGV surgery performed by glaucoma fellows of a tertiary eye center from eastern India. Methods: This was a retrospective study based on electronic medical records. Thirty-five eyes operated with AGV by five glaucoma fellows from January 2016 to November 2020 were included. Best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of antiglaucoma medications (AGMs) were the study outcome measures. Results: The mean (±standard deviation) age of the patients was 40.5 (±19.7) years. The follow-up period was 24.37 (±13.01) months. Both complete success (IOP <21 mmHg without additional AGM) and qualified success (IOP <21 mmHg with an additional AGM) were achieved in eight eyes each (22.8%). Failure of the surgery was noted in 19 eyes (54.3%) as there was a need for repeat surgery for IOP control in 12 eyes and a persistent IOP spike (IOP >21 mmHg with AGM beyond 3 months) in seven eyes. Despite a high rate of failure of the primary surgery, with the consultants' intervention, there was statistically significant improvement in vision and IOP in all patients (P < 0.01) at the last follow-up. Conclusion: AGV implantation is a challenging surgical skill to be acquired by the glaucoma fellows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpine lakes are aquatic ecosystems that maintain and regulate water supply for the downstream streams, rivers, and other reservoirs. This study examined the water characteristics of various alpine lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan, Northern Pakistan. For this purpose, water was sampled and investigated for basic parameters, anions, and cations using the multi-parameter analyzers and atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Physicochemical parameters of alpine lakes were noted under the World Health Organization water guidelines, except for fluoride (F−) and turbidity in 4.3% and 36% of samples, respectively. Water quality index (WQI) classified samples (93%) as excellent and good quality (7%). Results showed maximum chronic daily intake values (0.14 ± 0.01 mg/kg-day) for nitrate (NO3−) and hazard quotient (0.80 ± 0.24) for F− in children via water intake from Upper Kachura and Shausar Lakes, respectively. Statistical analyses of Piper and Gibbs’s plots revealed that the water quality is mainly characterized by bedrock geology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of aquatic and terrestrial environment with hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) is one of the major hazards worldwide due its carcinogenicity, persistency and immobility. Different research techniques have been adopted for Cr(VI) remediation present in terrestrial and aquatic media, while adsorption being the most advance, low cost, environmentally friendly and common method. The present study discussed the mechanisms of Parthenium hysterophorus derived biochar, iron-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (nFe-ZnO) and Fe-ZnO modified biochar (Fe-ZnO@BC) involved in Cr(VI) mobility and bioavailability. Pot experiments were conducted to study the effect of Parthenium hysterophorus derived biochar, nFe-ZnO and Fe-ZnO@BC application rates (2%, 2 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, respectively). The results indicated that the addition of soil amendments reduced Cr(VI) mobility. The findings revealed that the reduction in chromium mobility was observed by P. hysterophorus BC, and Fe-ZnO@BC but nFe-ZnO application significantly (p = 0.05) reduced Cr(VI) and CrT uptake as compared to the control treatments. The results of SEM coupled with EDS showed a high micropores and channel, smooth surface which helped in adsorption, and may enhance soil conditions. The concentration index (CI) by different amendments in trifolium plant was followed the descending order as: nFe-ZnO > Fe-ZnO@BC > P. hysterophorus BC after 30, 60 and 90 days of harvesting, respectively. In addition, human health risk index was found less than one (H1 < 1.0) in amended soils as compared to control treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigated wild plant resources and health risk assessment along with northern Pakistan's mafic and ultramafic regions. Ethnobotanical data was collected through field visits and semi-structured questionnaire surveys conducted from local inhabitants and healers. Six potentially toxic elements (PTEs) such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) were extracted with acids and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS, Perkin Elmer-7000) in nine selected wild medicinal plants. Contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI) were used to determine the health risk assessment of the studied medicinal plants. The results showed that the selected medicinal plants were used for the treatments of cough, joint swelling, cardiovascular disorders, toothaches, diabetes, and skin pimples by the local inhabitants due to their low-cost and easy accessibility. The concentrations of Pb (3.4–53 mg kg–1), Cd (0.03–0.39 mg kg–1), Ni (17.5–82 mg kg–1), Cr (29–315 mg kg–1), Mn (20–142 mg kg–1), and Zn (7.4–64 mg kg–1) in the studied medicinal plants were found above the safe limits (except Zn) set by WHO/FAO/USEPA (1984/2010). The Pb contamination factor was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in A. modesta (7.84) and D. viscosa (6.81), and Cd contamination factor was significantly higher in C. officinalis (26.67), followed by A. modesta (8.0) mg kg–1. Based on PTE concentrations, the studied plants are considered not suitable for human consumption purposes. Pollution load index values for A. modesta, A. barbadensis, A. caudatus, A. indica, C. procera (2.93), D. viscosa (2.79), and C. officinalis (2.83), R. hastatus (3.12), and Z. armatum were observed as 1.00, 2.80, 2.29, 2.29, 2.93, 2.79, 2.83, 3.12 and 2.19, respectively. Hazard index values were in order of R. hastatus (1.32 × 10–1) ˃ C. procera (1.21 × 10–1) ˃ D. viscosa (1.10 × 10–1) ˃ A. caudatus (9.11 × 10–2) ˃ A. barbadensis (8.66 × 10–2) ˃ Z. armatum (7.99 × 10–2) ˃ A. indica (6.87 × 10–2) ˃ A. modesta (5.6 × 10–2) ˃ C. officinalis (5.42 × 10–2). The health risk index values suggested that consumption of these plants individually or in combination would cause severe health problems in the consumers. Pearson's correlation results showed a significant correlation (p ≤ 0.001) between Zn and Mn in the studied medicinal plants. The current study suggests that wild medicinal plants should be adequately addressed for PTEs and other carcinogenic pollutants before their uses in the study area. Open dumping of mining waste should be banned and eco-friendly technology like organic amendments application should be used to mitigate PTEs in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contamination of agricultural soil with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu) persists and intensifies in food crops posing a risk to human health. When used as effective soil manures, biomass conversion to organic amendments can help to deal with this deteriorating problem and, at the same time, remediate PTEs within contaminated soil. The present study compared the potential of orange peel-derived biochar (OPDBC) and poultry manure (PM) toward reducing the bioavailability of PTEs when they are applied to degraded agricultural soil (DAS). It further evaluated PTEs bioaccumulation in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) and the associated health risks. The DAS was amended with OPDBC and PM at 1%, 3%, and 5% application rates, and okra was grown in these modified soils in pots (2.5 kg soils each). Compared to control (contaminated soil), OPDBC treatments significantly reduced Cd availability, reduced Cd uptake to plants (21–37%), followed by Ni (18–27%), and increased okra plant biomass (15–39%) and fruits weight (40–93%). PM effectiveness was lower than OPDBC and reduced Cd uptake (8–33%) and increased vegetative biomass and fruit yield (3–22% and 13–33%, respectively). OPDBC 5% demonstrated the best results in terms of immobilization and reduction of Cd uptake by plants (37%) and fruits (41%). The contamination factor and pollution load index (PLI) of PTEs showed low pollution level (PLI < 1) in terms of PTEs except Cd, in OPDBC treatments, as compared to PM and control. When compared to other PTEs, the Cd bioavailability in okra fruits decreased with 5% application rate of OPDBC. In the current study, OPDBC5 decreased the daily intake and health risk index (HRI˂1) of Cd and other selected PTEs. The total hazard index (THI) values of selected PTEs were relatively lower for the adults than the children, thereby reduced by OPDBC and PM applications, while OPDBC5 reduced the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILTCR) of Cd from (25–41%) via okra fruits consumption for both the adults and children when compared with 1%, 3%, and control treatments. The study results show that among amendments, orange peel waste conversion to biochar as OPDBC amendment and its addition to DAS should be a viable alternate method that could mitigate the health risk by remediating and immobilizing the PTEs like Cd and minimize its subsequent accumulation in vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of concurrent intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection with trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C (MMC) in neovascular glaucoma (NVG). Methods: Patients with NVG who underwent trabeculectomy with concurrent IVB (group 1) and those who underwent IVB sequentially, followed by trabeculectomy with MMC (group 2) in 1–2 weeks between January 2021 and August 2022, were included in this retrospective hospital-based study. The need for medications for intraocular pressure (IOP) control at 6 months in the two groups was the primary outcome measured and compared between the groups. The association of the need for medications postoperatively with clinical variables was assessed using stepwise multivariate regression statistics. Results: We finally included 40 patients (n = 12 in group 1, n = 28 in group 2) with no significant differences in presenting age between groups. The IOP at 1 day and 1 week were not significantly different between groups though the IOP at 1, 3, and 6 months. IOP was lower in group 1 eyes with the 6-month IOP, being significantly lower in group 1, P = 0.05. Three eyes in group 1 and 11 eyes in group 2 required anti-glaucoma medications in the postoperative period. Multivariate regression identified preoperative IVB >3 (β =0.7, P < 0.001) and recurrent vitreous hemorrhage (β = 0.7, P = 0.004) as prognostic factors (R2 = 40.6%) determining the need for anti-glaucoma medication (AGM) postoperatively in both groups. Conclusion: Concurrent IVB with trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C is a feasible alternative in patients with NVG with refractory high-presenting IOP. This may serve to address raised IOP as well as retinal ischemia, thereby improving surgical success rates in the most challenging NVG cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogens of the Burkholderia genus are causing diseases in a diverse variety of hosts. After the discovery of T6SS, it was found to play a pivotal role in virulence and other pathogenicity factors in different pathogenic Burkholderia species. For this study, three strains of Burkholderia cenocepacia were selected from different ecological niches; J2315 from humans, MC0-3 from the rhizosphere of maize, and YG-3 from the Populus tree. The sequenced genomes were retrieved from PATRIC. It was found that B. cenocepacia J2315 and MC0-3 strains had only 1 cluster of T6SS in their genomes while the YG-3 strain had 3 clusters. The circular genomic map and phylogenetic tree suggested major differences in T6SS clusters 2 and 3 of the YG-3 strain from other clusters. From the results obtained in the study and reviewing the literature, it was concluded that all 3 strains harbor T6SS-1 type cluster that is involved in causing virulence in eukaryotic organisms and several bacterial species. This factor of causing virulence in the bacteria species might be helpful for B. cenocepacia strains J2315, MC0-3 and YG-3 in survival and niche adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we investigated the efficacy of a novel material parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) biochar (PBC), iron doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (nFe-ZnO), and biochar modified with nFe-ZnO (Fe-ZnO@BC) to adsorb heavy metals (HMs) and reduce their uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in a highly chromite mining contaminated soil. The co-application of the applied soil conditioners exhibited a positive effect on the immobilization and restricted the HMs uptake below their threshold levels in shoot content of wheat. The maximum adsorption capacity was because of large surface area, cation exchange capacity, surface precipitation, and complexation of the soil conditioners. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) showed porous smooth structure of parthenium weed derived biochar that helped in HMs adsorption, increase the efficiency of soil fertilizers and nutrients retention which help in the enhancement soil condition. Under different application rates the highest translocation factor (TFHMs) was obtained at 2 g nFe-ZnO rate followed the descending order: Mn > Cr > Cu > Ni > Pb. The overall TFHMs was found <1.0 indicating that low content of HMs accumulation in roots from soil slight transferred to shoot, thus satisfying the remediation requirements. Wheat is considered as an important staple food which is grown in a chromite mining contaminated soil containing toxic HMs releasing from weathering of mafic and ultramafic rocks in the study area. The present research work is significantly beneficial in identifying the efficiency of treatment technologies to immobilize toxic HMs in soil. Parthenium weed derived biochar and biochar modified with nFe-ZnO (Fe-ZnO@BC) reduce the HMs uptake by wheat plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work pertains to the transient modeling and comparative study of active solar thermal space and water heating systems using liquid and air-type solar thermal collectors as the main energy source. The study utilizes TRNSYS to simulate the two systems in the context of Taxila's weather data (located at 33.74°N, 72.83°E), with the goal of meeting peak space and domestic water heating demands of 20 kW and 200 lit/day, respectively. The liquid water-based system (S-1) is primarily composed of a liquid solar collector, thermal storage, an auxiliary heater, connections to the hot water supply, and the space heating load through a water–air heat exchanger. In contrast, the air-based system (S-2), employs a pebble bed storage to store heat extracted from the solar thermal air collector. The heated air is subsequently used directly for space heating and passed through an air–water heat exchanger for water heating. Dynamic simulations of both systems span the entire winter season, and various performance metrics, including solar fraction, primary energy savings, and solar collector thermal efficiency, are computed. The results revealed that at the same collector area, the liquid water-based system (S-1) shows a higher solar fraction than the air-based systems (S-2) while the primary energy savings of the S-1 resulted in lower values than S-2 at smaller collector areas (< ∼30 m2) but surpasses the S-2 with increasing collector size. The optimal collector tilt for both systems is determined to be 50°, while specific storage volumes corresponding to maximum primary energy savings are estimated to be 100 and 40 L/m2 for S-1 and S-2, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides are environmental contaminants of great interest because of their toxicity, persistence in the environment and bio-accumulative nature. However, there is a scarcity of literature concerning human exposure to pesticides through the consumption of contaminated drinking water. This study investigates the levels of multiple pesticides in drinking water and their subsequent carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk in five selected districts (Peshawar basin) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan, to understand the exact scenario of pesticide toxicity in the sources of drinking water. The water samples were extracted by liquid–liquid extraction and analyzed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS). Results obtained indicated that the detected concentrations of ∑21 pesticides ranged between 0 and 883.7 µg L−1 in the study area. The highest concentration was detected for methiocarb (mean 5.30 µg L−1), followed by acetamiprid (0.90 µg L−1), while the lowest was observed for cyhalothrin (0.01 µg L−1). The highest concentration of EU Watch List of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (methiocarb and acetamiprid) in the study area is alarming. Most of the pesticide residues recorded in the water samples exceeded the maximum residue limits except for dieldrin and cyhalothrin. Whereas, the residues of aldicarb, carbofuran deg, carbofuran, atrazine, alpha endosulfan, beta endosulfan, cypermethrin-1, difenoconazol-I and difenoconazol-II were not observed in any of the collected samples. The incremental lifetime cancer risk of endocrine disruptors such as dieldrin, o,p′ DDT, o,p′ DDD, and p,p′ DDE was > 10–6, posing potentially serious carcinogenic risk to the local inhabitants. Whereas, the non-carcinogenic risk through pesticide exposure was negligible, suggesting no/little risk to the inhabitants from these chemicals in drinking water. Regular monitoring is needed to evaluate pesticide concentrations not only in drinking water sources but also in soil and food crops as they pose serious eco-toxicological risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) has received widespread attention in urban children's parks (UCPs) worldwide in the past few decades. However, the risk assessment of PTEs in drinking water sources of UCPs is still unknown particularly in developing countries. Hence, the present study investigated the spatial distribution, sources for PTEs (Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Cu), and health risk assessment in drinking water sources of UCPs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Among PTEs, Cd, Cr, and Pb had low to high concentrations and exceeded the safe limits of WHO and PAK-EPA in most UCPs. PCA results showed high anthropogenic and low natural sources, contributing to the release of PTEs in all UCPs. Heavy-metal pollution index (PTE-PI) results showed low to high pollution levels for all UCPs, with the highest values of 113 and 116 for Sardaryab Park Charsadda (SPC) and Zoo Park Peshawar (ZPP), respectively. Heavy-metal evaluation index (PTE-EI) results also showed low to high pollution levels for all UCPs. UCPs samples (50%) showed low pollution levels in PTE-PI results. To the contrary, UCPs samples (50%) exhibited high pollution levels in PTE-EI results. The non-carcinogenic risk of HQ and HI values of all PTEs were below the permissible limit (<1) for adults and children via ingestion and dermal contact. CR and TCR results showed that PTEs (Cr, Cd, Pb, and Ni) had the highest carcinogenic risk (>1.00 × 10−4) for both adults and children in all UCPs, except Cd and Ni for adults via the ingestion route, while Cr values (>1.00 × 10−4) were exceeded for children in some of the UCPs via the dermal route. Consequently, long-term exposure to toxic PTEs could pose a carcinogenic risk to the local population. Thus, the present study suggests that the government should implement enforcement with firm protocols and monitoring guidelines of environmental regulations to mitigate PTEs originating from anthropogenic sources in order to reduce health risks and improve public health safety in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain tumors, along with other diseases that harm the neurological system, are a significant contributor to global mortality. Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in effectively treating brain tumors. To distinguish individuals with tumors from those without, this study employs a combination of images and data-based features. In the initial phase, the image dataset is enhanced, followed by the application of a UNet transfer-learning-based model to accurately classify patients as either having tumors or being normal. In the second phase, this research utilizes 13 features in conjunction with a voting classifier. The voting classifier incorporates features extracted from deep convolutional layers and combines stochastic gradient descent with logistic regression to achieve better classification results. The reported accuracy score of 0.99 achieved by both proposed models shows its superior performance. Also, comparing results with other supervised learning algorithms and state-of-the-art models validates its performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graph Introduction Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) result in mucosal defects of various sizes with exposure to muscularis and submucosal vessels; these defects can result in immediate or delayed adverse events, including bleeding and perforation. Location and indication for TTSS The most common indications for TTSS use were defect closure after lesion resection (n = 42, 79.2 %), followed by fistula closure (n = 7, 13.2 %) and stent fixation (n = 3, 5.7 %). For patients who underwent defect closure, TTSS showed excellent outcomes regardless of defect size. [Extracted from the article]

Glaciers in high-altitude mountain regions are retreating rapidly due to global warming, exposing deglaciated soils to extreme environmental conditions, and microbial colonization. However, knowledge about chemolithoautotrophic microbes, which play important roles in the development of oligotrophic deglaciated soils prior to plant colonization, remains elusive in deglaciated soils. Using real-time quantitative PCR and clone library methods, the diversity and succession of the chemolithoautotrophic microbial community harboring the cbbM gene across a 14-year deglaciation chronosequence on the Tibetan Plateau were determined. The abundance of the cbbM gene remained stable for the first 8 years after deglaciation and then increased significantly, ranging from 105 to 107 gene copies g−1 soil (P < 0.001). Soil total carbon increased gradually to 5-year deglaciation and then decreased. While total nitrogen and total sulfur levels were low throughout the chronosequence. Chemolithoautotrophs were related to Gammaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria, with the former dominating early deglaciated soils and the latter dominating older deglaciated soils. The diversity of chemolithoautotrophs was high in mid-age deglaciated soils (6-year-old) and was low in early (3-year-old) and older deglaciated soils (12-year-old). Our findings revealed that chemolithoautotrophic microbes colonize deglaciated soils quickly and follow a clear successional pattern across recently deglaciated chronosequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The long-term persistence of potentially carcinogenic pollutants, like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), in agricultural soil has attracted the world scientists for using various biochars to assess their applicability for reducing their mobility in soils and bioaccumulation in food crops. Experiments were conducted to check the influence of different biochars, like rice straw biochar (RSBC), sewage sludge biochar (SSBC), and soybean stalk biochar (SBBC), on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons mobility and bioaccumulation in spinach added at the rates of 2, 5, and 10% to polluted soil. The application of selected biochars reduced the mobility of PAHs; however, the results were more effective at a rate of 5%. The application of biochar considerably (P ≤ 0.05) minimized the bioaccumulation of PAHs in spinach, with decreases observed as 41–72% for RSBC, 15–37% for SSBC, and 38–69% for SBBC. The efficiency of RSBC in decreasing PAHs was more significant (P ≤ 0.05) at rates of 2% and 5% compared to SBBC and SSBC. These findings suggest that RSBC treatment will be more effective for remediating PAHs from the contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes of microincisional trabeculectomy (MIT), a new technique of ab-interno trabeculectomy. Methods: Consecutive patients with open-angle glaucoma identified from the hospital database that underwent MIT with or without cataract surgery between September 2021 to June 2022 at a tertiary eye centre in East India, were screened. Those with a follow-up of < 6 months or with incomplete data were excluded. MIT was done ab-interno using microscissors and microforceps in 2–4 clock hours of the nasal angle via a temporal incision. The intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction at 6 months, and reduction in the number of medications after surgery were analysed. Surgical success (IOP>6 and <22 mm Hg), complications, angle features on anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT), and the need for additional surgeries were analysed. Results: We included thirty-two eyes of 32 patients with open-angle glaucoma (including n = 9 eyes that underwent concurrent cataract surgery) with a preoperative mean IOP of 22 ±11.1 mm Hg and visual field index of 47±37.9%. All eyes achieved >30% IOP reduction, with a final IOP of 14±6.9 mm Hg at 6 months. Surgical success in 31 of 32 eyes with complete success seen in 28 eyes with none of the eyes requiring >1 medication for IOP control. Hyphema was seen in 4 eyes, while transient IOP spikes at 1 day-1 month were seen in 5 eyes, none of which required any additional interventions. One eye with persistent raised IOP at 1 month required incisional trabeculectomy for uncontrolled IOP with 2 medications. Conclusion: MIT, a new technique of ab-interno trabeculectomy, is effective in terms of IOP control and reduction in the number of medications while having fewer complications. Long-term studies comparing the efficacy of MIT with incisional trabeculectomy, or other procedures are warranted in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is aimed to investigate the hydrochemical characteristics, spatial distribution and suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes along the Indus Suture Zone (ISZ), north Pakistan. Physicochemical parameters and hazardous trace elements (HTEs) like Cd, Co, Cu and Mn were determined following standard methods. The mean and median concentrations were found below the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water guidelines values. Hydrochemical results indicate that groundwater sources were mainly attributed to rock–water interaction category. Piper diagram shows that most of the groundwater samples fall in Ca–HCO3─ class presenting weak-alkaline proportion type. The drinking water quality index (DWQI) ranking was categorized as good to excellent, indicating the overall quality of the groundwater may pose no health hazard concern. Based on irrigation WQI (SAR, Na%, MAR, KR), the groundwater was found fit for irrigation except SAR whereas 36% of the groundwater samples fall within the poor class. The total HI values through dermal contact exceeded the safe non-carcinogenic threshold of HI = 1. Therefore, there is required an effective groundwater monitoring and management facility in the study area to safeguard residents from various illnesses associated with varying HTEs concentrations in drinking water. The major response actions needed for groundwater bodies restoration are including the installation of a continuous groundwater monitoring network and control of agricultural fertilizers that seems to be the most effective and tangible for immediate action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) has become standard-of-care therapy at many centers for pancreaticobiliary disease in patients with Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the opinions and practices of endoscopists who perform EDGE. Methods: A 22-question utilization of EDGE survey was sent to 36 advanced endoscopists at tertiary care centers in the United States. The two-section survey included questions regarding advanced endoscopy volume and training at the respective facilities, and questions on specific details of EDGE utilization. Results: Among 36 interventional endoscopists (IE) surveyed, 14 (39%) reported performing > 1000 ERCPs annually. Thirty (83%) offered EDGE as an option for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients with previous cholecystectomy. Other options offered included: 19 (53%) offered Laparoscopy-assisted ERCP (LA-ERCP), 7 (19%) offered Single-Balloon ERCP (SBE), and 10 (28%) offered percutaneous drainage (PTC). Twenty (56%) IE performed 10 or less EDGE procedures, while 16 (44%) performed 11 or more. Single-session EDGE was performed by 7 (19%) IE, while 15 (42%) performed dual session, and 13 (36%) performed both. 19 (53%) actively closed fistulas while 17 (47%) let them close spontaneously. Thirty one (86%) reported a technical success rate of 91% to 100%. The most frequently reported immediate adverse event post-procedurally was abdominal pain, reported by 17 IE (47%). Weight gain was reported by 2 IE (6%). Conclusion: EDGE continues to gain in popularity as an option for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients requiring pancreaticobiliary interventions, with 24/36 IE (67%) believing that it should be the new standard. In addition, most report a low frequency of post-procedural weight gain. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05041608. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Proglacial terrains provide an ideal environment to determine soil formation and microbial colonization, where autotrophic microbes could play a role as primary producers. We investigated the succession and drivers of autotrophic microorganisms harboring the cbbL gene in deglaciated soils across a 14-year deglaciation chronosequence on the Tibetan Plateau. Materials and methods: Surface soils were collected in triplicate at 15 points beginning at the glacier terminus. The abundance and community composition of autotrophic microbes were determined using quantitative PCR and sequencing of clone libraries, respectively. Results and discussion: The abundance of form IC and ID cbbL increased gradually across deglaciation chronosequence, while form IA/B cbbL increased during the first 5 years since deglaciation and then remained stable. The succession of form IA/B and ID autotrophs occurred in a similar manner over three deglaciation stages, early (0-year-old), transitional (1–7-year-old), and late stage (8–14-year-old), whereas form IC autotrophs displayed distinct succession in the early (0–3-year-old) and transitional stage (4–7-year-old). Autotrophic microbial succession was prominently driven by soil moisture, pH, total carbon, and deglaciation age. Proteobacteria dominated young deglaciated soils (4–5-year-old), while Stramenopiles dominated old deglaciated soils (13-year-old). These findings revealed that autotrophic microbes follow clear successional patterns across recently deglaciated chronosequences and are primarily influenced by physicochemical parameters. Conclusions: Autotrophic microbes quickly colonized deglaciated soils following glacier retreat, and their population increased with increasing deglaciation age. Physicochemical parameters played an important role in driving autotrophic microbes in the early, transitional, and late stages. Chemoautotrophic Proteobacterial-dominated young deglaciated soils to photoautotrophic algae-dominated old deglaciated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the total and bioaccessible concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in urban soils and their associated human health and ecological risk. Total and bioaccessible metal concentrations were found within the safe limits except for Cd, surpassing the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) China limit in 9.5% of parks. Bioaccessible concentrations were higher in the gastric (G) phase than the intestinal (I) phase, while Cd showed more bioaccessibility compared to Pb. Bioaccessible concentrations reduced Hazard Quotient (HQing) values by 2–22 times and 0–2 times for children and adults, respectively, while hazard index (HI) declined by 1.7 times, and the mean total bioaccessible risk of Pb decreased by 20.8 times. Further, the study revealed a low level of contamination factor (CF < 1) and a low degree of contamination (CD < 6), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) values for all the cities were less than 150, indicating low ecological risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ozone can be medically useful concerning healing wounds and relieving pain in various conditions, such as disc disease. The aspects of human blood ozonation have been reviewed, as well as potential complications that may arise. The mechanisms of ozone therapy are discussed in detail. It is imperative to recognize ozone as a useful proxy in oxidative-stress related diseases, consolidating other medical gases recognized for their therapeutic importance. The utility of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is also discussed. Disc herniation is very common, as more than 3 million cases are treated per year. Herein we review the medical, surgical, and gene-based therapies that ozone therapy can provide regarding disc disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kalpani River, Pakistan is an important stream that collects more than two third of the untreated domestic, commercial, industrial, and sewerage water, agricultural overflow, and other unwanted effluents of the surrounding area. These effluents have degraded the overall quality of this river water. The current study aims to examine the concentration of selected heavy metal (HM) contamination in Kalpani River sediments. The HMs studied were Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni, Fe, and Cu. Sediment samples were taken from nine selected locations (labeled as P1, P2, P3, ... P9) and tested for HM contamination. The HMs contamination level in the sediment was computed using the contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), and geo-accumulation index (Igeo). All three indicators revealed that the Kalpani River in Mardan city is polluted with hazardous HMs such as Cd, Pb, and Zn. Pb, Ni, Fe, and Cu CF levels in sediment samples ranged from low (< 1) to moderate (1–3). However, the CF values for Cd and Zn indicated being highly polluted (> 6). The PLI values along the Kalpani River varied considerably and were observed lower upstream (P1 and P2, i.e., 0.821), highest (1.229) at the middle course, and lower (0.897) downstream. The Igeo for the studied HMs ranged from moderately to strongly polluted. The primary anthropogenic sources responsible for HM pollution in the Kalpani River were improper waste dumping, untreated sewage urban and industrial wastewater into the river, and excessive pesticide usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining activities have serious environmental impacts, thus releasing heavy metals (HMs) such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni) into the surrounding environment. The current paper investigated the impacts of mining activities of Pb-Zn sulfide on soil and medicinal plants. Hence, soil samples (n = 36) and medicinal plants (n = 36) samples were collected, acid extracted and were analyzed through Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for HMs quantification. Our results showed that mineralized zones showed high HMs enrichment levels as compared to non-mineralized zones. Various Indices for HMs assessment revealed that the contaminated soil of the study area had low to extreme level. The mean concentrations of HMs in mining degraded soil and medicinal plants were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.01) and were found in order of Zn > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cd and Cr > Zn > Pb > Ni > Cd respectively. Similarly, some widely consumable medicinal plants showed good metal accumulation for Cd, Cr and Pb i.e., 3.57 mg kg1, 350 mg kg–1 and 335 mg kg–1 in C. sativa, while 5.9 mg kg–1, 276.9 mg kg–1 and 188.7 mg kg–1 in R. hestatus respectively. Hence, the present study recommended that medicinal plants grown in mining areas should be analyzed for HMs concentration before consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response of Vigna radiata L. (mung bean) to tropospheric ozone (O3) phytotoxicity using Ethylenediurea (EDU) and magnesium nitrate (Mg(NO3)2, 20 mg/L and 50 mg/L) was assessed through field experiment in Peshawar, Pakistan. For this purpose, semi-urban area was selected and the concentration of tropospheric ozone was monitored. The mean monthly ozone ranged between 36.5 and 51.0 ppb for the three months experimental period. Accumulated Ozone exposure over a Threshold of 40 ppb (AOT40) was substantially high i.e. 6.9 ppm h for three-month growing period. The results showed that the tallest plant was measured in the group treated with Mg(NO3)2 50 mg/L (18%), followed by EDU (10.8%) and Mg(NO3)2 20 mg/L (2.9%) than the control plants. Similarly, Mg(NO3)2 50 mg/L was more effective in producing longer and more number of pods/plants followed by EDU and Mg(NO3)2 20 mg/L. The chlorophyll contents showed better results in Mg(NO3) 50 mg/L than the other groups. Similarly, against the control group, increased biomass (73%) was observed in Mg(NO3)250 mg/L, followed by EDU (58%) and Mg(NO3)2 20 mg/L (42%). Elemental contents (Mg, Ca and Na) in seeds were observed in the sequence of Mg(NO3)2 50 mg/L > Mg(NO3)2 20 mg/L > EDU > control. Average crude protein was in the sequence of Mg(NO3)2 50 mg/L (127%) > Mg(NO3)2 20 mg/L (114%) > EDU (102%) than the control group. Moreover, protein fragmentation obtained through Gel electrophoresis image showed that 25 kDa band was visible in the treated plants and absent in the control group. Only leaves of the control group showed moderate foliar injury. The results of the current study showed that Mg(NO3)2 50 mg/L was more effective followed by EDU in reducing the phytotoxic effects of O3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report the early postoperative causes of intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes after complete circumferential gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT). Methods: This was retrospective interventional case series of patients who underwent circumferential GATT by a single surgeon (APR) from 2021 to 2022 at a tertiary eye care in East India and who developed IOP spikes at 1 day-2 weeks (immediate) or early (> 2 weeks– 2 months) after GATT. The intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medications, and angle evaluation by ASOCT at 1 week, and 1 month were compared between the two groups. Results: Thirty-two eyes of 32 consecutive patients, aged 40± 20.1 years (20 exfoliation glaucoma, 9 juvenile open-angle, and 3 developmental glaucoma), that developed IOP spikes between immediate (n=20) or early (n=12) IOP spikes after GATT, were included. Immediate postoperative spikes were seen in 20 eyes due to retained viscoelastic (n=8), hyphema (n=8) in uncontrolled hypertension, and peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) (n=6) of which only one eye required medication at 2 months. Causes of immediate IOP spikes on ASOCT included an inverted/reattached trabecular shelf, iris strands in eyes with abnormal iris in developmental glaucoma, and PAS in 1– 2 quadrants. Causes of early IOP spikes included PAS > 3 quadrants (n=8), and hyperreflective fibrotic tissue over TM (n=4) with 50% requiring medications at 2 months. The ASOCT features predicting the need for medications were PAS > 3 quadrants (OR=8.4[2.2– 14.3], p=0.03) and fibrotic TM closure (OR=5.4, [3.6– 10.2], p=0.003). One eye with macrohyphema 3 days after surgery owing to uncontrolled hypertension (owing to the stoppage of medicines), required additional incisional trabeculectomy within 1 month of surgery. Conclusion: Immediate IOP spikes are mostly self-resolving as opposed to early IOP spikes > 2 weeks that require medications after GATT. Gonioscopic PAS > 3 quadrants, and fibrotic TM closure were the main identifiable ASOCT causes predicting the need for medications after GATT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury (Hg) contamination of aquatic ecological units and subsequent bioaccumulation are major environmental problems of international scope. Moreover, the biogeochemistry of Hg in the remote alpine lakes aquatic ecosystem in the Himalayas remains largely unexplored. The current study investigated Hg concentrations in different environmental compartments such as water, fish, and sediments in the remote alpine lakes (RALs) including Glacial-fed Lake, Ice melting-fed Lake, and Rain-fed Lake in northern areas of Pakistan. The mean concentration of Hg in Rain-fed Lake water was (1.07 µg L−1), Ice melting-fed Lake (1.16 µg L−1), and Glacial-fed Lake (1.95 µg L−1). For fish muscle tissues, mean concentration of Hg was 1.02 mg kg−1 in the Rain-fed Lake, and 1.2 mg kg−1 for the Ice melting-fed Lake, and 1.51 mg kg−1 in the Glacial-fed Lake. Meanwhile, 0.27 mg kg−1 was observed for sediments in the Rain-fed Lake, 0.33 mg kg−1 for the Ice melting-fed Lake, and 0.38 mg kg−1 for the Glacial-fed Lake, respectively. Chronic daily intake (CDI) and potential health quotient (PHQ) for water showed high health risk in Glacial-fed Lake and low in Rain-fed Lake (PHQ < 1). The target hazard quotient (THQ) values for both the Brown and Rainbow trout in all the studied lakes water were less than 1, indicating no health risk. Furthermore, the Hg level showed high level of contamination in the sediments of all the studied lakes (190 ≤ RI < 380). Overall, Glacial-fed Lake water was more polluted with Hg, as compared to Rain-fed Lake and Ice melting-fed Lake. In the light of the abovementioned results, further research work is urgently needed to shed light on the biological and geochemical monitoring of Hg in arid high-altitude ecosystems along with source identification, mercury speciation, and other potential pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is the drinking water source for the majority of rural settlements of district Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study aimed to analyze the groundwater quality and its vulnerability to pollution and to develop its spatial distribution mapping. For this purpose, forty-eight groundwater samples were collected from dug wells, tube wells, and hand pumps of sixteen villages and analyzed for physicochemical parameters. The XY coordinates of the sample's sources were marked by Magellan Triton 1500 handheld global positioning system (GPS). The results were compared with WHO and Pak-EPA guidelines. The results of the majority of selected parameters were found within the WHO and Pak-EPA guidelines; however, in certain areas the concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS), chlorides (Cl−), and alkalinity were higher than the guideline limits. Based on cumulative water quality the excellent water quality prevails over an area of 376 km2 (21% of district area), good water quality 726 km2 (42%), poor 424 km2 (24%), very poor 116 km2 (6%), and unfit for drinking 84 km2 (4%). The water of the Nizampur and Rashaki areas were categorized unfit for drinking. The groundwater quality of nearly one-half of the district varies from poor to very poor, and the soil type and vadose zone sediment/material was found the key reason for groundwater contamination. Based on the infiltration capacity of vadose zone material, the study area was divided into four water pollution vulnerable zones. The low vulnerable zone covers an area of 104 km2, moderate 862 km2, high 667 km2, and very high 93 km2. The most important factor which determines the vulnerability of the groundwater to contamination is the vadose zone material/sediment which in turn determines the soil infiltration capacity. The generated groundwater susceptibility and water quality maps provide critical information for identifying optimal locations for supply wells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop productivity and yield are adversely affected by the deficiency of P in agricultural soil. Phosphate fertilizers are used at a large scale to improve crop yields globally. With the rapid increase in human population, food demands are also increasing. To see that crop yields meet demands, farmers have continuously added phosphate fertilizers to their arable fields. As the primary source of inorganic phosphorous, rock phosphate is finite and the risk of its being jeopardized in the foreseeable future is high. Therefore, there is a dire need to improve plant-available P in soil, using feasible, environmentally friendly technologies developed on the basis of further understanding of P dynamics between soil and plants. This study systemically reviews the mechanism of P uptake and P-use efficiency by plants under starvation conditions. The recent advances in various strategies, especially imaging techniques, over the period 2012–2021 for the measurement of plant-available P are identified. The study then examines how plants fulfill P requirements from tissue-stored P during P starvation. Following this understanding, various strategies for increasing plant-available P in agricultural soil are evaluated. Finally, an update on novel carriers used to improve the P content of agricultural soil is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides have great potential to contaminate resources of drinking water by percolating and leaching, when applied in the agriculture sector as well as in domestic region. Activated carbon (AC) and Biochar (BCH) were used for adsorption in a fixed-bed column system. Both of the adsorbent-packed columns indicated an increase in the breakthrough time for atrazine from 3350 to 5800 min and 3200 to 5700 min, chlorothalanil 3200–5600 min and 3150–5550 min, β-endosulfan 3050–5400 min and 2950–5400 min, and α-endosulfan 2900–5200 min and 2850–5200 min with bed heights from 10 cm to 15 cm, respectively. Similarly, when flow rate increased from 0.5 to 1.5 mL min−1 and contaminant concentration from 50–100 µg L−1, it resulted in a decrease in exhaust time. The models of Yoon–Nelson (R2 = 0.9427) and Thomas (R2 = 0.9921) describe the process of adsorption to be best well-under optimal conditions. Both the adsorbents would be efficiently utilized as the best adsorbents to remediate pesticide-contaminated water under optimal conditions. Pesticides adsorption onto adsorbents followed the order of atrazine > chlorothalanil > β-endosulfan > α-endosulfan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to high level of arsenic (As) through the ingestion of contaminated soil, dust and food plants can pose health risk to humans. This study investigates the total arsenic (As), arsenobetaine (AsB), monomethylarsenate (MMA), dimethylarsenate (DMA), arsenite (As3+) and arsenate (As5+) concentrations in poultry feed, manure, agricultural soils and food plants collected from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. The total mean As concentrations in the edible parts of food plants ranged from 0.096 mg kg−1 to 1.25 mg kg−1 with percentile (P) values (P25-0.039, P50-0.0765, P75-0.165 1 mg kg−1 to P25-0.95, P50-1.23, P75-1.6 1 mg kg−1) and exceeded the food safety limit (0.1 mg kg−1) of Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) in all plant species except Pisum sativum (pea) and Mentha arvensis (mint). The risk to human health was assessed through the average daily intake (ADI), hazards quotient (HQ), health risk index (HRI) and lifetime cancer risk (LTCR). The highest average daily intake of As via the ingestion of Malva neglecta (mallow, a leafy plant) was observed for adults and children. The ADI for adults and children (2.36 × 10−4 mg kg−1 day−1 and 6.33 × 10−4 mg kg−1 day−1) was about 13% and 5%, respectively, of the Bench Mark Dose Limit (BMDL0.5) of 3.00 × 10−3 mg kg−1 day−1 set by WHO. The HRI was 3 times more in the children (2.1) than the adults (0.79), posing non-cancer health risks (health risk index > 1) for children. The LTCR values were slightly higher (1.53 × 10−4) relative to USEPA and WHO limits (1 × 10−6 to 1 × 10−4) for children whereas a minimal cancer risk was observed for adults via consumption of selected food plants. The results showed that poultry manure can contaminate food plants that may lead to cancer and non-cancer risks in agricultural areas, Pakistan. Thus, it is important to minimize As concentration in poultry feed to safeguard human health and environment from adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accelerated mining activities have increased water contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and their associated human health risk in developing countries. The current study investigated the distribution of PTEs, their potential sources and health risk assessment in both ground and surface water sources in mining and non-mining areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Water samples (n =150) were taken from selected sites and were analyzed for six PTEs (Ni, Cr, Zn, Cu, Pb and Mn). Among PTEs, Cr showed a high mean concentration (497) μg L-1, followed by Zn (414) μg L-1 in the mining area, while Zn showed the lowest mean value (4.44) μg L-1 in non-mining areas. Elevated concentrations of Ni, Cr and a moderate level of Pb in ground and surface water of Mohmand District exceeded the permissible limits set by WHO. Multivariate statistical analyses showed that the pollution sources of PTEs were mainly from mafic-ultramafic rocks, acid mine drainage, open dumping of mine wastes and mine tailings. The hazard quotient (HQ) was the highest for children relative to that for adults, but not higher than the USEPA limits. The hazard index (HI) for ingestions of all selected PTEs was lower than the threshold value (HIing<1), except for Mohmand District, which showed a value of HI>1 in mining areas through ingestion. Moreover, the carcinogenic risk (CR) values exceeded the threshold limits for Ni and Cr set by the USEPA (1.0E-04–1.0E-06). In order to protect the drinking water sources of the study areas from further contamination, management techniques and policy for mining operations need to be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the quality of groundwater affected due to the municipal solid waste (MSW) used as a landfill. To assess the impacts, 13 groundwater samples were collected from solid waste dumping sites (SWDS) and 13 from safe sites (SS). Groundwater was analyzed for pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), total hardness (TH), Cl−, Ca+2, K+1, NO−2, NO−3, SO4−2; heavy metals such as Pb, Cr, Mn, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd, Fe; biological parameter such as total coliform. Waste samples collected from SWDS showed that food and garden waste had the highest percentage by weight (30.5%) followed by fines (17.3%). The two groups (SWDS and SS) differ significantly for the mean value of EC, TH, Na, Ca, NO3− and SO4−2, Ni and TC. Samples collected from SWDS (84%) were found contaminated with total coliform (TC) ranged 2–22 (No./100 ml). It was analyzed that concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, EC, TH, NO3−, SO4−2, NO2−, Ca+2, Na+, TC, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cd and TC were more in the samples collected from 70–130 feet than 140–200 feet. TC found in 70–80 feet depth was significantly different from the rest of the groups. A questionnaire survey was also conducted from the people living near the dumping sites to assess the frequency of the water-related disease the community is suffering from. The results of the questionnaire survey revealed negative correlation between the diseases and distance from the landfill sites, and significant correlation was only observed for typhoid, cholera, skin allergies and gastroenteritis. The study confirmed that using MSW as a fill material has contaminated the groundwater quality, and leveling of land through MSW is not safe. Deep drilling is recommended for extraction of groundwater in the contaminated area to minimize the associated health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the recent past, a huge number of cameras have been placed in a variety of public and private areas for the purposes of surveillance, the monitoring of abnormal human actions, and traffic surveillance. The detection and recognition of abnormal activity in a real-world environment is a big challenge, as there can be many types of alarming and abnormal activities, such as theft, violence, and accidents. This research deals with accidents in traffic videos. In the modern world, video traffic surveillance cameras (VTSS) are used for traffic surveillance and monitoring. As the population is increasing drastically, the likelihood of accidents is also increasing. The VTSS is used to detect abnormal events or incidents regarding traffic on different roads and highways, such as traffic jams, traffic congestion, and vehicle accidents. Mostly in accidents, people are helpless and some die due to the unavailability of emergency treatment on long highways and those places that are far from cities. This research proposes a methodology for detecting accidents automatically through surveillance videos. A review of the literature suggests that convolutional neural networks (CNNs), which are a specialized deep learning approach pioneered to work with grid-like data, are effective in image and video analysis. This research uses CNNs to find anomalies (accidents) from videos captured by the VTSS and implement a rolling prediction algorithm to achieve high accuracy. In the training of the CNN model, a vehicle accident image dataset (VAID), composed of images with anomalies, was constructed and used. For testing the proposed methodology, the trained CNN model was checked on multiple videos, and the results were collected and analyzed. The results of this research show the successful detection of traffic accident events with an accuracy of 82% in the traffic surveillance system videos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radon (Rn) is a radioactive, odorless, and colorless gas which has a half-life of 3.83 days. One of the main sources of Rn which is directly consumed by the population is Groundwater (Tube well, Bore well, Hand pump). Rn gas is found naturally in rock, soil and water and can be considered as main health risk factor in terms of lung cancer, stomach diseases, leukemia and childhood cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the concentration of Rn in the drinking water sources, appraisal of health risk for children in District Bannu, Pakistan. Total of 98 drinking water samples were analyzed by using RAD-7 detector. The experimental data was statistically analyzed by using Pearson's test. The experimental and epidemiological data of the study area are shown on map using ArcGIS version 10.5. The analytical results show that Rn in drinking water was found varying from 10.1 Bq/l to 53.1 Bq/l with the average highest and lowest depth of 60 ft to 550 ft respectively. Pearson's test was used to show the concentration of Rn verses the depth of the water sources so +1 positive linear correlation was observed among the depth of water sources and the concentration of Rn. Out of 98 drinking water samples 40 sample were above the maximum contaminant level of 11.1 Bq/l (MCL) set by WHO, 2002. The effective doses (AED and DEing) for children ranges from 0.00001 to 3.792 mSv/y which exceeds the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of Rn (0.1mSv/y) in 30 drinking water samples. On the basis of analytical results Rn high concentration areas are shown on the map using IDW model of interpolation and health risks were shown in areas where Rn content was above the maximum contaminant level. High correlations of diseases related to Rn were observed amongst the residence of the study area. Gastrointestinal diseases, brain tumor, lung cancer and kidney diseases were observed among the children of the study area. From the overall analysis it was observed that high Rn concentration in drinking water may cause substantial health damage in children after long term exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bar ties in square FRP-reinforced concrete (FRP-RC) columns provide low strength and ductility. This is due to the lower ultimate tensile strength at the bent sections (corner) than at the straight sections of the conventional FRP bar ties. To overcome this problem, a new system of carbon-FRP (CFRP) tube ties was developed and its applicability was investigated in high-strength concrete (HSC) square columns. Hence, this study experimentally investigated the axial and flexural behaviors of the HSC specimens reinforced longitudinally with glass-FRP (GFRP) bars and laterally with CFRP tube ties (CFRP-TTs). The effect of CFRP-TTs on the behavior of GFRP bar–reinforced HSC specimens was investigated in terms of strength development and failure pattern under different loading conditions (concentric, 25- and 50-mm eccentric axial loadings, and four-point bending). The experimental results of the GFRP bar–reinforced HSC specimens laterally reinforced with CFRP-TTs (Group GC specimens) were compared with the steel bar–reinforced HSC specimens laterally reinforced with steel ties (Group SS specimens). The test results showed that the better confinement offered by the CFRP-TTs in the Group GC specimens resulted in higher axial load and bending moment capacity than in Group SS specimens under concentric, 25-mm eccentric axial loading, and four-point bending conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of modified and unmodified biochar as soil conditioners in alleviating saline-alkaline soil. The biochar was treated with HCl afterward referred as modified biochar (MBCs) and unmodified biochar (UMBCs), respectively. For the quoted reason, a pot experiment was conducted by taking 2% and 3% doses of MBCs and UMBCs in comparison to control without biochar. All the pots were collected in replicates such as each treatment carry three pots for MBCs2, MBCs3, UMBCs2, and UMBCs3, respectively, along with control to observe its effects on soil salinity, available nutrients, and its plant uptake. Results showed that the application of MBCs significantly decreased the soil pH by 1.1 to 0.9 compared to the control condition. Similarly, significant decreased was observed in the level of HCO−3 + CO3−2. Significant decrease of HCO−3 for MBCs2, MBCs3, UMBCs2, and UMBCs3 was about 55%, 46%, 58%, and 45%, respectively, as compared to control. However, major cations increased significantly which further play significant role in increasing cation exchange capacity. In addition, application of both (MBCs and UMBCs) had increased soil organic matter (SOM). MBCs2 increased by 10%, whereas MBCs3 increased by about 20%. Similarly, SOM of UMBCs2 and UMBCs3 were increased by about 8% and 11%, respectively. Available nutrients such as N and P were increased both in soil and its plant uptake with application of biochar. Application of 3% observed greater than 2%. Findings of the present study suggest that applying MBCs for remediating saline-alkali soil was promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parathyroid carcinoma is very rare in pregnancy. Clinical features are similar to primary hyperparathyroidism. A 38-year-old pregnant woman had repeated hospital admissions for palpitations, headaches, dizziness and polydipsia. Blood investigations showed severe hypercalcaemia with raised parathyroid hormone and 24-hour ECG showed ventricular bigeminy and premature ventricular contractions. Neck ultrasound showed a lesion in the right thyroid lobe. Consequently, she underwent an en bloc resection of the right parathyroid and thyroid lobe at 23 weeks gestation. Histology results confirmed parathyroid cancer. This case highlights the complexities of identifying hypercalcaemia in pregnancy due to the overlapping features with common disorders of pregnancy. Early recognition and timely surgical management can prevent maternal and fetal complications. Also, the case demonstrates the value of interprofessional collaboration between different specialities in providing quality care and improving outcomes. An abridged version of this case was presented at European Congress of Endocrinology 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the availability of toxic heavy metals (HM) to earthworm-assisted soils of different land types (urban, rural, industrial, and mining) collected from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. For this purpose, the soil samples of different land types were collected and assayed for physicochemical properties including HM. The physicochemical properties of soils including texture, organic matter (OM) content, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and HM such as chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), and lead (Pb) were determined. Results showed the highest concentrations of Mn and Cr in soil collected from mining land types. The concentrations of HM in soils of mining land type only had surpassed the safe limits set by US-EPA (2002) and SEPA-China (1995), except for Pb. The biomass response of earthworms to HM was observed through pot experiments for 7 days and 14 days times. Results of pot experiments showed the highest decrease in biomass within 7 days and 14 days times, respectively, for earthworms of industrial and urban land types. Among studied HM, the highest bioaccumulation within the body of earthworms was observed for Pb, while the lowest for Ni in soils of various land types. It is concluded that the bioavailability of HM to earthworms varies from soil to soil depending on various factors associated with land types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The producer focuses on producing parts that match the customer’s requirements during manufacturing the automotive engine parts. One of the essential automotive engine parts is a crankshaft used to translate movement from the pistons to the car axle. The crankshaft is a complex shape and diffi cult to produce accurate dimensions during the machining processes. Many machines are used to create the crankshaft. Therefore, many defects happen during the machining process, reducing reliability and increasing the manufacturing process’s production cost. This paper focuses on analyzing failure data and reliability of the crankshaft production line that occurs during the manufacturing process of one year. The common failure associated with the manufacturing process were ring screw, unbalanced crankshaft, broken drill screw, hub machining error, mains part machining error, and setup error. The paper aimed to determine and analyze the best failure fi t between the distribution methods, such as Weibull, normal, lognormal, and exponential. Also, the reliability, hazard rate, surviving quantity, and failure density were calculated to evaluate the current situation and predict the reliability of the production line. Results proved the skewness of the data was positive equal to 3.33; the last months had the highest production failure rate, which is 53.8%, the normal method had a proper distribution of data depending on the Anderson-Darling (adj) values which is 1.367 when it compared with other methods, the normal method had the best fi tting result depended on failure percentage, from 1% to 95% of the crankshafts production are expected to fail between 47.2676 and 1149.85 months respectively. The reliability of the production line decreased with manufacturing time increased. To reduce the failure and increase reliability, the maintenance system must be supported, analyze the sources that cause failure and downtime of the production line, continue the employee training system on an ongoing basis, and support the production line with modern technology. All analytical results and suggestions could be valuable to the production line to improve reliability and reduce the manufacturing process’s failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of climate change in terms of variability in temperature and rainfall are adversely affecting agriculture and its features like cropping patterns, production, agricultural land use, and handling the food crises of the regions. Developing countries like Pakistan are suffering from the disastrous impacts of climate change on agriculture sectors, and those who are usually unaware of these changes and adaptation strategies do not overcome these issues. For this purpose, the impacts of climate change on the foothills of the Himalayas were investigated through site visits and detailed discussion with the local people and analysis of temperature, rainfall, and crop production data of the last 28 years. According to the field survey, 87% of the community were farmers and more than three-quarters (77.6% and 76.7%) noticed changes in the cropping pattern (sowing and harvesting period) of rabi (wheat), kharif (maize), and vegetables. According to the analysis, the effect of climate change (temperature, rainfall) recorded was greater on rain-fed agriculture in the foothills of the Himalayas. Association between the variables (temperature, precipitation, and crop production) was measured, and a negative correlation of − 0.536 was observed for temperature and wheat and − 0.028 for maize. Contrary to the abovementioned results, a strong positive correlation of 0.792 was observed for rainfall and maize and 0.662 for wheat. It was analyzed that climate change had adverse impacts on agriculture, i.e., crop production, yield, pattern, and agricultural land resources of the district Haripur, eventually causing economic loss. However, adaptation practices adopted by the local community have somewhat mitigated the negative impacts of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are a major source of pollution due to their toxicity, persistence, and bio-accumulating nature in riverine bed sediments. The sediment, as the largest storage and source of PTEs, plays an important role in transformation of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and other toxic PTEs. Several important industrial hubs that contain a large population along the banks of different rivers, such as Kabul, Sutlej, Ravi, Jhelum, and Chenab in Pakistan, are acting as major sources of PTEs. In this study, 150 bed sediment samples (n=30 from each river) were collected from different sites. Total (acid extracted) PTE (Hg, Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, and Pb) concentrations in bed sediments were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Sediment pollution indices were calculated in the major rivers of Pakistan. The results demonstrated high levels of Hg and Ni concentrations which exceeded the guideline standards of river authorities in the world. The contamination factor (CF) and contamination degree (CD) indices for Hg, Ni, and Pb showed a moderate to high (CF≥6 and CD≥24) contamination level in all the selected rivers. The values of geo-accumulation index (Igeo) were also high (Igeo≥5) for Hg and Pb and heavily polluted for Ni, while Cr, Cu, and Zn showed low to unpolluted (Igeo) values. Similarly, the enrichment factor (EF) values were moderately severe (5≤EF≤10) for Hg, Pb, and Ni in Sutlej, Ravi, and Jhelum, and severe (10≤EF≤25) in Kabul and Jhelum. Moreover, Hg and Ni showed severe to very severe enrichment in all the sampling sites. The ecological risk index (ERI) values represented considerable, moderate, and low risks, respectively, for Hg (The ERI value should not be bold. Please unbold the ERI in the whole paper. It should be same like RI, CD and EF. 80 ≥ E R I ≥160), Pb and Ni (40≤ E R I ≤80), and Cr, Cu, and Zn (E R I ≤40). Similarly, potential ecological risk index (PERI) values posed considerable (300≤RI≤600) risk in Ravi and moderate (150≤RI≤300) in Kabul and Jhelum, but low (RI≤150) risk in Ravi and Chenab. On the basis of the abovementioned results, it is concluded that bed sediment pollution can be dangerous for both ecological resources and human beings. Therefore, PTE contamination should be regularly monitored and a cost-effective and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment plant should be installed to ensure removal of PTEs before the discharge of effluents into the freshwater ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastics are man-made long-chain high polymeric compounds which have long-lasting effects on environment and human health. One of the most concerning issues of plastic is related with their associated chemicals and their subsequent effects upon release on ecological resources and human beings. The current study was conducted with the purpose to assess the composition of solid waste generation in general and plastic waste generation in particular. The study further examines the potentials of plastic waste refinery in district Peshawar (Pakistan) with its cost management and possible potentials to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions. Average per capita waste generation for Peshawar City was found to be 0.46 kg/cap/day, while the physical composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) intimated that food waste is the major component generated with an average of 0.257 kg/cap/day (52% of the total MSW) followed by plastic waste as the second major component with an average of 0.077 kg/cap/day (16%). The total volume of plastic waste was found to be 330 tons/day in the study area. It has been estimated that the establishment of plastic waste refinery for 330 tons of plastic waste can save an amount of 66,725,340 rupees/annum along with generation of 551/month mgwt energy and reduction of 41.08 GHGT/year greenhouse gases emission. The findings of this study will be helpful for the concerned departments and decision-makers for establishment of plastic waste refineries for sustainable plastic waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]