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The fields of agronomy and pesticides have assumed significant roles in contemporary society. Pesticides can have adverse effects on human health, both in the short and long term. We have conducted a comprehensive analysis of the various categories of pesticides, providing a thorough examination of their modes of operation, prevalence, and global utilization. A critical review of reported research has been conducted to investigate the carcinogenic effects of agricultural pesticide use on human health. The widespread utilization of malathion and parathion for pest management indicates that individual occupational choices significantly impact their exposure to these chemicals. Pesticides can cause neurological abnormalities, reproductive problems, respiratory irritations, ecological disturbance, and the emergence of pest resistance, among other sublethal consequences beyond their carcinogenicity (breast cancer, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, bladder cancer, and leukemia). Ultimately, there is an anticipation for a forthcoming surge in endeavors to mitigate the utilization of hazardous pesticides and the consequent peril they pose to human well-being and the ecosystem.

Reinforced concrete structures constructed in coastal areas in Indonesia often suffer damage before reaching their intended service life, with steel reinforcement corrosion being a major contributing factor. This study aims to investigate the use of concrete structures produced with simple methods and inadequate supervision in coastal regions. Reinforced concrete structures near the coast are susceptible to carbonation due to marine environmental factors, leading to reinforcement corrosion. The study was conducted on the Dande Dandere Market building, Tanakeke Island, Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi. The research method employed quantitative techniques, including surveys and structural testing. Visual inspections were conducted to identify the types of damage present in the building and estimate their causes. Structural testing involved both destructive and non-destructive tests. Concrete compressive strength testing was also conducted to assess the concrete sample’s compressive strength, along with carbonation testing to determine the acidity level of concrete due to the intrusion of salt compounds or carbonation formed within the concrete mass. The research findings indicate structural degradation in the market’s construction, occurring more rapidly than the intended lifespan of the building. Signs of structural degradation in the reinforced concrete construction include spalling of concrete cover on beams, supporting columns, and cantilever slabs, as well as degraded reinforcement, with an average reduction in steel weight of 62.70% over six years, and an average weight loss of 0.103 grams per day. Therefore, efforts are needed to optimize the structural quality of the building through comprehensive repairs, starting from the foundation. However, for cost-efficient alternatives, it is recommended to use timber structural materials for new market construction. The use of timber in coastal buildings, which are vulnerable to marine influences, is more feasible as the presence of saltwater can inhibit wood decay caused by microorganisms.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the pre and post-vaccination effects of vaccination on various COVID SOPs and to determine whether or not HCWs take adequate precautions. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was conducted between May and July 2021. Online survey forms were distributed via social media platforms, completed by male and female house officers, medical officers, postgraduate trainees, residents, and specialists/consultants at Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi. RESULTS: Our study enrolled 104 volunteers. The participants ranged in age from 18 to 30 years, and males constituted more than half of the study population. The most frequently used designation was postgraduate trainees/residents, which accounted for 34% of all participants. 100% of medical professionals used masks before vaccination, and 45% of medical professionals practiced social distancing. Fourteen of the participants discontinued the use of masks following vaccination. Hand washing and sanitizing habits decreased by 14. CONCLUSION: Vaccination has made life easy for HCWs, as negative trends are observed towards preventive measures. The pandemic timeline and physical and mental well-being depreciation also played a crucial role in the COVID-19 SOPs. So let us all hope that the whole population gets vaccinated and the virus gets eradicated.

The origin of the COVID-19 pandemic has given overture to redirection, as well as innovation to many digital technologies. Even after the progression of vaccination efforts across the globe, total eradication of this pandemic is still a distant future due to the evolution of new variants. To proactively deal with the pandemic, the health care service providers and the caretaker organizations require new technologies, alongside improvements in existing related technologies, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning in terms of infrastructure, efficiency, privacy, and security. This paper provides an overview of current theoretical and application prospects of IoT, AI, cloud computing, edge computing, deep learning techniques, blockchain technologies, social networks, robots, machines, privacy, and security techniques. In consideration of these prospects in intersection with the COVID-19 pandemic, we reviewed the technologies within the broad umbrella of AI-IoT technologies in the most concise classification scheme. In this review, we illustrated that AI-IoT technological applications and innovations have most impacted the field of healthcare. The essential AI-IoT technologies found for healthcare were fog computing in IoT, deep learning, and blockchain. Furthermore, we highlighted several aspects of these technologies and their future impact with a novel methodology of using techniques from image processing, machine learning, and differential system modeling.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as an abnormality of the kidney's structure or function that is present for more than 3 months. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a consequence of CKD, which eventuates with a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of alternate-day cinacalcet in noncompliant dialysis patients compared with a daily dose. The effects on the levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), calcium, and phosphorus were measured, and the compliance of patients with our protocol was observed. We followed the patients’ (n = 134) iPTH levels every 3 months and their serum calcium and phosphorous monthly for 6 months and compared the results with 6 months of data from patients receiving daily doses of cinacalcet. The patients’ mean age was 49.54 ± 16.17 years, the mean duration of dialysis was 6.44 ± 5.10 years, and 37.3% had diabetic nephropathy. The mean dose of alternate-day cinacalcet was 61.92 ± 26.59 mg. The level of iPTH before and after the change was 924.63 ± 474.132 pg/mL and 787.87 ± 496.49 pg/mL, respectively (P = 0.001), and the mean serum calcium level before and after was 8.56 ± 1.91 mg/dL and 8.85 ± 1.25 mg/dL, respectively (P = 0.035). The level of serum phosphorous before and after the change was 4.81 ± 1.32 mg/dL and 5.08 ± 2.3 mg/dL, respectively (P = 0.204). Cinacalcet produced significant reductions in iPTH with intermittent (three times per week) doses and thus was more cost-effective and had better compliance.

Introduction: Multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) is a major health problem worldwide especially in Pakistan. It infects around 7000 individuals annually. Many factors are related to the disease prevalence and disease transmission, however, limited data is available in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). We designed a study that provides an opportunity to mark the rich pockets and the predictors of the implications of MDR-TB in KP. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of 1-year (2016-2017) at the unit of Programmatic Management of Drug-resistant TB (PMDT) located in tertiary care hospital, Lady Reading Hospital (LRH). Results: Out of 1015 cases, 137 (14%) were detected rifampicin-resistant (RR) by Xpert MTB/RIF. Mutation present in codon 531 of the rpoBgene was observed frequently. Females 529 (52%) with the dominant age range of (

Calebin-A, a novel natural product of turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome has been reported to possess various pharmacological activities. The minimal natural occurrence has been the major constraint for exploiting its pharmacological use. Thus, this study focuses to investigate the production of calebin-A through biotransformation approach using curcumin as the substrate. Four bacterial strains (Acinetobacter calcoaceticus delfa L360, Pseudomonas putida TGPNP13, P.putida NCIMB 10007 and A.johnsonii NCIMB 9871) and three different media compositions (MTSB, modified tryptic soy broth; TSB, tryptic soy broth; NB, nutrient broth) were used to investigate the conversion of curcumin to calebin-A. Biotransformation studies were carried out by supplementing curcumin (50 mg) into media (1000 ml). After 24 h of interval, samples were withdrawn and ethyl acetate extract was obtained as per partition method followed by determination of calebin-A presence using HP-TLC and HPLC techniques. P. putida NCIMB 10007 and A. johnsonii NCIMB 9871 were found to convert curcumin to calebin-A in a time dependent manner with optimum conversion at 48 h and after 96 h respectively. The highest growth of P. putida NCIMB 10007 and A. johnsonii NCIMB 9871 and the production of calebin-A were observed when grown in MTSB media. Baeyer-Villiger monoxygenase enzyme was produced by P. putida NCIMB 10007 (3.30±0.09 U/ml) and A. johnsonii NCIMB 9871 (4.10±0.10 U/ml), suggesting its possible role in the conversion of curcumin to calebin-A. The findings of this study clearly suggested that P. putida NCIMB 10007 and A. johnsonii could be potential candidates for biotechnological production of calebin-A from curcumin.

Abstract Calebin-A is a curcuminoid compound reported to be present in Curcuma longa rhizome. The current study was aimed to isolate and characterize calebin-A from Curcuma caesia rhizome and its production through biotransformation approach using endophytic fungus. C. caesia rhizomes of different ages were subjected to analysis in order to investigate the age at which maximum calebin-A content is present. HP-TLC profiles, HPLC retention times and mass spectrometry detector confirmed the occurrence of calebin-A in C. caesia rhizomes of 12 to 14 months of age but not in rhizomes younger to 12 months. Furthermore, an endophytic fungus strain, EPE-10 that was isolated from the medicinal plant C. caesia was identified as Ovatospora brasiliensis based on morphological and molecular characteristics. This strain O. brasiliensis was deposited to the culture collected centre, MTCC Chandigarh, India under the Budapest treaty and was designated with the Accession Number MTCC 25236. Biotransformation process was carried out at 37 ± 0.5 °C with shaking for 7 days after addition of 0.01% w/v curcumin. Extraction of biotransformed products was done by following partition method and the extracts obtained were analyzed using HPTLC, HPLC and LCMS. The data of the study suggested that O. brasiliensis MTCC 25236 was found to convert curcumin to calebin-A in a time dependant manner with optimum conversion at 48 h. Furthermore, O. brasiliensis MTCC 25236 was found to be positive for the Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase (BVMOs) enzyme activity which could possibly be the mechanism of this bioconversion. The results of this study for the first time indicated that the endophytic fungus identified as O. brasiliensis MTCC 25236 isolated from the C. caesia rhizome could be a possible source for naturally producing calebin-A.

Objectives: To quantify the non-complaint portion of the general public – not wanting to be screened for COVID-19 and find the reason for this non-compliance, in the general public of Rawalpindi Pakistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: General public of Rawalpindi, Pakistan. From June 19, 2020, to June 21, 2020. Methodology: A questionnaire was constructed based on a local study, it was injected to the accessible online population through Google Forms. Surveyors collected data from the illiterate population on printed proforma. A sample of 1108 was collected. IBM® SPSS® was used for data analysis. For categorical data, frequencies and percentages were calculated. A Chi-square test was applied for statistical significance. Results: 45.3% of participants were females, 54.7% were males. 37.9% of participants were married and 62.1% were unmarried. 3.8% were illiterate, 40.4% were matriculated and 47.1% had education higher than intermediate. 38.3% was non-compliant population – didn’t want to get screened for COVID-19. 30.7% were non-compliant because of ‘fear of isolation/ quarantine with other COVID-19 patients, leading to worsening of disease’ followed by 26.9% who ‘don’t trust the reliability of the test’. Gender and Education level variables were statistically significant in determining non-compliance. Marital status was found non-significant. Conclusion: A significant portion of the population i.e. 38.3% showed non-compliance with COVID-19 screening, which was statistically associated with gender and education level.

Background: The modification of microbial ecology in human gut by supplementing probiotics may be an alternative strategy to ameliorate or prevent depression. Objective: The current study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of the probiotic strain Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 for major depressive disorder (MDD) in IBS patients. Method: Patients (n = 40) diagnosed for MDD with IBS were randomized (1:1) to receive placebo or B. coagulans MTCC 5856 at a daily dose of 2 × 109 cfu (2 billion spores) and were maintained to the end of double-blind treatment (90 days). Changes from baseline in clinical symptoms of MDD and IBS were evaluated through questionnaires. Results: Significant change (p = 0.01) in favour of the B. coagulans MTCC 5856 was observed for the primary efficacy measure Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and Irritable bowel syndrome quality of life questionnaire (IBS-QOL). Secondary efficacy measures i.e. Clinical Global Impression-Improvement rating Scale (CGI-I), Clinical Global Impression Severity rating Scale (CGI-S), Gastrointestinal Discomfort Questionnaire (GI-DQ) and Modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale (mESS) also showed significant results (p = 0.01) in B. coagulans MTCC 5856 group compared to placebo group except dementia total reaction scoring. Serum myeloperoxidase, an inflammatory biomarker was also significantly reduced (p < 0.01) when compared with the baseline and end of the study. All the safety parameters remained well within the normal clinical range and had no clinically significant difference between the screening and at the end of the study. Conclusion: B. coagulans MTCC 5856 showed robust efficacy for the treatment of patients experiencing IBS symptoms with major depressive disorder. The improvement in depression and IBS symptoms was statistically significant and clinically meaningful. These findings support B. coagulans MTCC 5856 as an important new treatment option for major depressive disorder in IBS patients.

Background: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common pathogen which has increased both morbidity and mortality in hospitals and out-door patients. Objective: Aim of our study is to measure prevalence of MRSA in in-door patients and out- door patients, as well as its sensitivity against gentamycin, vancomycin and ciprofloxacin. Methods: A sample of 194 S. aureus was taken retrospectively from Pathology lab of a tertiary care hospital. MRSA was identified and further subjected against gentamycin, vancomycin and ciprofloxacin. Result: 65.9% of S. aureus isolates were MRSA. 22.7%, 35.7%, 99.1% of MRSA were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, gentamycin and vancomycin, respectively. 75.8% MRSA was from pus samples. 66% MRSA was from in-door patient department (IPD). Conclusion: MRSA was more prevalent in IPD. MRSA prevalence is escalating. Vancomycin is losing its effectiveness against MRSA as one resistant case was found. Inappropriate use and unprofessional prescriptions for antibiotics can be the main cause. Proper legislative action is required to keep in control the prescriptions for antibiotics. Keywords: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Bacterial drug resistance, Antimicrobial drugs

Background: To retrieve all diagnosed cancer cases during the past four years (2014-2017) in Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi, and categorize them by organ sites affected/ topographically, to determine cancers with the highest prevalence in our part of the world. Materials & Methods: A hospital registry-based retrospective study was undertaken in the Department of Pathology of Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi. All diagnosed cases of cancer for the past four years that had been histologically confirmed, were retrieved. The cancer cases thus obtained were then classified topographically, according to the International classification of diseases for oncology. The data obtained was then analyzed using SPSS v.23 into percentage frequencies and ranked with respect to gender, and presented using tables and figures. Results: Urinary Bladder, Breast, Prostate, Skin, Kidney, Colorectum, Cervix, Esophagus, Uterus and Vulva were in descending order the 10 leading sites overall. Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder emerged as the leading cancer in males, comprising 30.7% of male cases, followed by Prostate (24.7%), Skin (16.3%), Colorectum (5.6%), Kidney (5.6%) and Stomach (2.4%). The most common site of cancer in females was Breast (36.2%), followed in decreasing order by Cervix (8.6%), Kidney (7.6%), Urinary Bladder (7.1%), Skin (7.1%), and Esophagus (6.2%). Conclusion: In conclusion, the cancer pattern revealed by this study provides valuable leads to cancer epidemiology in the region. The two most common cancer sites in males were urinary bladder (30.7%) and prostate (24.7%), whereas in females they were breast (36.2%) and cervix (8.6%).

Reinforced concrete structures constructed in coastal areas in Indonesia often suffer damage before reaching their intended service life, with steel reinforcement corrosion being a major contributing factor. This study aims to investigate the use of concrete structures produced with simple methods and inadequate supervision in coastal regions. Reinforced concrete structures near the coast are susceptible to carbonation due to marine environmental factors, leading to reinforcement corrosion. The study was conducted on the Dande Dandere Market building, Tanakeke Island, Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi. The research method employed quantitative techniques, including surveys and structural testing. Visual inspections were conducted to identify the types of damage present in the building and estimate their causes. Structural testing involved both destructive and non-destructive tests. Concrete compressive strength testing was also conducted to assess the concrete sample's compressive strength, along with carbonation testing to determine the acidity level of concrete due to the intrusion of salt compounds or carbonation formed within the concrete mass. The research findings indicate structural degradation in the market's construction, occurring more rapidly than the intended lifespan of the building. Signs of structural degradation in the reinforced concrete construction include spalling of concrete cover on beams, supporting columns, and cantilever slabs, as well as degraded reinforcement, with an average reduction in steel weight of 62.70% over six years, and an average weight loss of 0.103 grams per day. Therefore, efforts are needed to optimize the structural quality of the building through comprehensive repairs, starting from the foundation. However, for cost-efficient alternatives, it is recommended to use timber structural materials for new market construction. The use of timber in coastal buildings, which are vulnerable to marine influences, is more feasible as the presence of saltwater can inhibit wood decay caused by microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]