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Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)/drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) cause significant morbidity and mortality and impede new drug development. HLA class I associations with SJS/TEN and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms/drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome have aided preventive efforts and provided insights into immunopathogenesis. In SJS/TEN, HLA class I–restricted oligoclonal CD8+ T-cell responses occur at the tissue level. However, specific HLA risk allele(s) and antigens driving this response have not been identified for most drugs. HLA risk alleles also have incomplete positive and negative predictive values, making truly comprehensive screening currently challenging. Although, there have been key paradigm shifts in knowledge regarding drug hypersensitivity, there are still many open and unanswered questions about SCAR immunopathogenesis, as well as genetic and environmental risk. In addition to understanding the cellular and molecular basis of SCAR at the single-cell level, identification of the MHC-restricted drug-reactive self- or viral peptides driving the hypersensitivity reaction will also be critical to advancing premarketing strategies to predict risk at an individual and drug level. This will also enable identification of biologic markers for earlier diagnosis and accurate prognosis, as well as drug causality and targeted therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a time series (2009–2013) analysis for a new version of the “Digital Divide” concept that developed in the 1990s. Digital information technologies, such as the Internet, mobile phones and social media, provide vast amounts of data for decision-making and resource management. The Data Poverty Index (DPI) provides an open-source means of annually evaluating global access to data and information. The DPI can be used to monitor aspects of data and information availability at global and national levels, with potential application at local (district) levels. Access to data and information is a major factor in disaster risk reduction, increased resilience to disaster and improved adaptation to climate change. In that context, the DPI could be a useful tool for monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030). The effects of severe data poverty, particularly limited access to geoinformatic data, free software and online training materials, are discussed in the context of sustainable development and disaster risk reduction. Unlike many other indices, the DPI is underpinned by datasets that are consistently provided annually for almost all the countries of the world and can be downloaded without restriction or cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrical power distribution network in Pakistan is a complex system with many geographical regions suffering from frequent blackouts, limited and intermittent supply. Investment in mega-scale solar energy generation projects could help mitigate these supply related problems and counterbalance the country׳s growing dependence on imported oil. The purpose of this paper is to explore the economic and technical impact of connecting a mega-scale PV plant to the national grid. The area of Kharan in Balochistan province was chosen due to desired solar irradiation (7–7.5 kW h/m 2 /day). The simulations were carried out with existing and planned interconnected transmission system of Pakistan that has not been pre-designed to incorporate such intermittent generation. Load flow studies and short circuit analysis were carried out and it was established that power from this solar power project can be evacuated to the 220 KV system of National Transmission & Despatch Company (NTDC), Pakistan without any transmission constraints. The three phase and single phase short circuit current studies further confirmed reliable grid interconnection in terms of power quality indices. Furthermore recommendations encompassing the economics and technical sides are presented for the successful commissioning of this installation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]