Search

Purpose: To conduct a comprehensive narrative review of the evidence for radiotherapy target volumes to the neck, after neck dissection, for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma from an unknown primary (HNSCCUP). Inclusion or exclusion of mucosal irradiation is not the focus of interest for this review article. Materials and Methods: Literature (PubMed‐Medline, EMBASE database and Cochrane library) was searched using the relevant keywords. The search results were limited to the studies published in year 2000 or after. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies were retrospective in nature. The incidence of contralateral recurrence rates in the untreated neck when the involved neck only is treated remains very low (0%–10%). Survival has improved over the past two decades, most likely due to improved diagnostic techniques and the increase in incidence of HPV‐related disease. Conclusion: Given the rarity of disease, level one evidence from randomised controlled trials is lacking. Available data are retrospective but support unilateral post‐operative radiotherapy as a treatment option in selected cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorangium ahmadii sp. nov. and Circinaria darelensis sp. nov. are described as new species from Pakistan. A comparative morpho-anatomical, chemical study and ITS-based molecular analyses confirmed the positions of these species within the genera Chlorangium and Circinaria. Chlorangium ahmadii sp. nov. differs from its closely related species, C. alpicola in having light brown to whitish-brown thallus (vs. brownish-grey to greyish-green), flat to concave apothecial disc (vs. concave to convex when young, becoming more flat when old), smaller exciple 20–35 μm (vs. 65–85 μm) and larger ascospores 27–40 × 22–25 μm (vs. 19–24 × 19–23 μm). Circinaria darelensis sp. nov. is distinguished from its closely related species, C. maculata in having crustose-areolate light brown to greyish-brown thallus (vs. areolate, brown, olive brown to dark olive), absence of lobes (vs. presence), taller hymenium 120–190 μm (vs. 100–125 µm) and smaller ascospores 14–17 × 6–10 μm (vs. 22.5–27.5 × 15–20 µm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-energy recycling cooperative communication, in which the relay nodes simultaneously harvest energy from the source and their own transmitted signal, has been demonstrated to significantly increase the total harvested energy. In this paper, we present an optimization framework for the resource allocation and relay selection with the objective of maximizing the sum-throughput in afull-duplex multi-relay multi-user multiple-input-multiple-output network by incorporating self-energy recycling at the relays, for the first time. The formulated problem is a mixed integer non-linear programming problem, which is difficult to solve for the global optimal solution in polynomial-time. As a solution strategy, we decompose the optimization problem into two sub-problems: resource allocation problem and relay selection problem. First, we solve the resource allocation problem for a predetermined relay selection by using Taylor series approximation and convex optimization techniques. For the relay selection problem, we propose a polynomial-time sub-optimal algorithm based on the idea of iteratively selecting the relay offering the maximum throughput at each time. Through simulations, we demonstrate that the proposed dynamic time FD-MIMO system increases the throughput by 30% as compared to the conventional static time protocol system, and by a factor of 2.4 over the system without self-energy recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perylene diimide (PDI) and naphthalene diimides (NDIs) are compounds widely used in supramolecular structures due to their versatile and functional properties. They have high absorptions and photoluminescence capabilities, which make them ideal for electronic transition studies. Reflux method, a widely employed synthetic technique, was utilized to synthesize NDI and PDI derivatives. In this method, the respective amino acids and NTDA (naphthalene‐1,4,5,8‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride) were combined in acetic acid and the resulting mixture was subjected to reflux. This study centered on a diverse set of NDI and PDI ligands, comprising L‐ala‐NDI, B‐ala‐NDI, Gly‐NDI, Imi‐NDI, Pyr‐NDI, L‐ala‐PDI, B‐ala‐PDI, Gly‐PDI, Imi‐PDI, and Pyr‐PDI ligands. Crystal structures were obtained for three NDI ligands, while the characterization of all ligands involved several analytical techniques such as NMR, IR, UV, DFT, TD‐DFT calculations, and single‐crystal x‐ray crystallography specifically for the NDI ligands. The investigation focused on studying the electron acceptor/donor behavior of the NDI and PDI ligands, identifying their potential for charge transfer applications. Furthermore, the NLO (nonlinear optical) response of all 10 NDI and PDI ligands was assessed through an analysis involving HOMO‐LUMO, TDM, EDDM, NCI, Iso‐surface, MEP, natural population, and DOS analysis. This evaluation encompassed the examination of linear polarizability, as well as first and second hyperpolarizability in the context of NLO. The findings of the study revealed that Gly‐PDI, Imi‐PDI, L‐ala‐PDI, and B‐ala‐PDI ligands displayed a higher NLO response compared with the other ligands. These results highlight the potential of these ligands for nonlinear optical applications. The comprehensive characterization and assessment of the NDI and PDI ligands contribute to a deeper understanding of their electron properties, positioning them as promising candidates for charge transfer and nonlinear optical materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

North Dakota glaciolacustrine deposits are susceptible to leaching of sodium sulfate, potentially emerging from the Dakota sandstone. The current work is designed to investigate the effects of sodium sulfate on the consistency limits and fully softened shear strength of cohesive deposits of glacial lake Agassiz, around the riverbanks of the Red River reach in the City of Fargo, North Dakota, USA. A decrease in the shear strength of cohesive deposits could increase susceptibility of riverbanks failures of the Red River. Field samples of topsoil, plastic laminated Sherack and Brenna formations were collected and tested for potential change in consistency limits and fully softened shear strength by adding different concentrations of sodium sulfate as pore fluid. It was found that the saline pore fluid significantly controls the consistency limits of these deposits and a decrease in the shear strength is recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After fieldwork in different regions of Pakistan, two lichen species were established as new for the country: Aspicilia persica (Müll. Arg.) Sohrabi and Chlorangium sphaerothallinum (J. Steiner) S.Y. Kondr., Gromakova & Khodos. They were discovered in Darel Valley, Gilgit Baltistan and Killa Saifullah, Muslim Bagh, Balochistan. Each species is briefly described, with phylogenetic analysis, habitat, chemistry and morphology. These collections suggest a high potential for finding more unreported lichen species in Balochistan and Gilgit Baltistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study adds new records of the lichen genus, Aspicilia to the lichen flora of Pakistan. All the previously reported species of Aspicilia from country have been found in cold temperate areas where as the present taxon occurred in dry tropical land of the region. We represent first East Asian record of this species in this study. The phylogenetic analysis, taxonomic description and altitudinal distribution of species are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rusavskia dasanensis (Teloschistaceae), which was previously found in Norway, the Svalbard Islands, Ny-Ålesund, Haloya Island, the Korean Arctic station and Europe, is being reported as a new record from Darel Valley, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. A description of the species is provided together with details on its range, habitat and phylogeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expected gains in the productivity and sustainability of cotton cultivars across environmental spectra may face many challenges. To address this issue, a set of 572 cotton accessions, including 284 F1 hybrids along with their parental lines and checks, were evaluated and compared across multiple test environments. Popular biometrical tools viz; best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP), additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and genotype main effects and genotype × environment interaction effects (GGE) were utilized for reliable estimation graphical depiction of GEI effects. The first two interaction coordinates as principal components in BLUP, AMMI, and GGE biplots explained the maximum proportion of GEI regarding seed cotton yield. The contrasting environments did not cluster together, thus revealing their varying influences on the genotypes. A set of 44 F1 hybrids featuring higher stability, 46 with higher adaptability, and 5 F1 hybrids exhibited higher stability, adaptability, and highest seed cotton yield across the investigated environments simultaneously. F1 hybrids of cotton were concluded as more stable and adaptable regarding seed cotton yield across environments. Accordingly, switching from line to hybrid breeding could enable a cotton breeding program to address the broader issue of growing this crop in a wide range of target environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cotton production is adversely effected by drought stress. It is exposed to drought stress at various critical growth stages grown under a water scarcity environment. Roots are the sensors of plants; they detect osmotic stress under drought stress and play an important role in plant drought tolerance mechanisms. The seedling stage is very sensitive to drought stress, and it needed to explore the methods and plant characteristics that contribute to drought tolerance in cotton. Results: Initially, seedlings of 18 genotypes from three Gossypium species: G. hirsutum, G. barbadense, and G. arboreum, were evaluated for various seedling traits under control (NS) and drought stress (DS). Afterward, six genotypes, including two of each species, one tolerant and one susceptible, were identified based on the cumulative drought sensitivity response index (CDSRI). Finally, growth rates (GR) were examined for shoot and root growth parameters under control and DS in experimental hydroponic conditions. A significant variation of drought stress responses was observed across tested genotypes and species. CDSRI allowed here to identify the drought-sensitive and drought-resistant cultivar of each investigated species. Association among root and shoots growth traits disclosed influential effects of enduring the growth under DS. The traits including root length, volume, and root number were the best indicators with significantly higher differential responses in the tolerant genotypes. These root growth traits, coupled with the accumulation of photosynthates and proline, were also the key indicators of the resistance to drought stress. Conclusion: Tolerant genotypes have advanced growth rates and the capacity to cop with drought stress by encouraging characteristics, including root differential growth traits coupled with physiological traits such as chlorophyll and proline contents. Tolerant and elite genotypes of G. hirsutum were more tolerant of drought stress than obsolete genotypes of G. barbadense and G. arboreum. Identified genotypes have a strong genetic basis of drought tolerance, which can be used in cotton breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cotton production is adversely effected by drought stress. It is exposed to drought stress at various critical growth stages grown under a water scarcity environment. Roots are the sensors of plants; they detect osmotic stress under drought stress and play an important role in plant drought tolerance mechanisms. The seedling stage is very sensitive to drought stress, and it needed to explore the methods and plant characteristics that contribute to drought tolerance in cotton. Results: Initially, seedlings of 18 genotypes from three Gossypium species: G. hirsutum, G. barbadense, and G. arboreum, were evaluated for various seedling traits under control (NS) and drought stress (DS). Afterward, six genotypes, including two of each species, one tolerant and one susceptible, were identified based on the cumulative drought sensitivity response index (CDSRI). Finally, growth rates (GR) were examined for shoot and root growth parameters under control and DS in experimental hydroponic conditions. A significant variation of drought stress responses was observed across tested genotypes and species. CDSRI allowed here to identify the drought-sensitive and drought-resistant cultivar of each investigated species. Association among root and shoots growth traits disclosed influential effects of enduring the growth under DS. The traits including root length, volume, and root number were the best indicators with significantly higher differential responses in the tolerant genotypes. These root growth traits, coupled with the accumulation of photosynthates and proline, were also the key indicators of the resistance to drought stress. Conclusion: Tolerant genotypes have advanced growth rates and the capacity to cop with drought stress by encouraging characteristics, including root differential growth traits coupled with physiological traits such as chlorophyll and proline contents. Tolerant and elite genotypes of G. hirsutum were more tolerant of drought stress than obsolete genotypes of G. barbadense and G. arboreum. Identified genotypes have a strong genetic basis of drought tolerance, which can be used in cotton breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aiming to assess the impact of total quality management factors on organizational performance. Explanatory research type was used to examine the connection between total quality management factors and organizational performance, via using the deductive approach to test the claims. The data was collected for one time period only. A survey method was executed to gather the data from the shipping industry of Pakistan with a sample of 206. After the analysis of the congregated data, it has become evident that total quality management aspects including top management commitment as well as policy and strategy along with training and development, communication, and process management have a substantial influence on the performance of shipping-related organizations. Researchers have welcomed the concept of TQM in the last few decades very warmly, particularly in developed countries while Pakistan and other developing countries have paid scarce focus on this aspect of Management. So, therefore, shipping needs to put focus on the above-mentioned prospects to flourish in the competitive scenario. Thus, this study provides evidence to develop strategies for managers who are working in this setup to see how these factors can be implemented which in turn improves the organizational performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of our study was to note the spectrum of neurological diseases in Out Patient department of hospital. Study Design: Observational Cross Sectional study. Setting: Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar. Period: Jan 2019 to June 2019. Material & Methods: All the patients presenting/referred to neurology OPD were included. There demographic characteristics, level of disability and diagnosis was noted on proforma. The diagnosis was made by neurologist and the neurological diseases were grouped according to International Classification of Disease in different categories. Data was entered and analyzed on SPSS 22. Results: Out of 455 patients, 54.7% (n=249) were female. Mean age was 42.92±17.69. 54.7% (n=249) belong to urban area. Psychiatric illness was the most common group of illness accounted for 29.5% (n=134) followed by nerve disorders 23.3 %( n=106) and Headaches 23.10 %( n=105), muscular disorders 14.70% (n=67), vascular diseases 13.40% (n=61) and epilepsy 5.9% (n=27). Vascular diseases were significantly more in males (P value < 0.05). Female predominance was observed in nerve and psychiatric disorders (P value < 0.05). Vascular diseases, movement disorders and dementia was observed in elder age group. (P-value < 0.05). Epilepsy effected pediatric, headache and psychiatric illness were seen in young age and nerve disorder were common in middle aged people mostly. (P value <0.05). Conclusion: Psychiatric disorder was the top most diagnosis followed by nerve disorder and headache. Most of the disorders were significantly more in specific age groups and few were gender specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology is a vast field of science with the most vibrant and conspicuous applications. The green synthesis approach is cost-effective, eco-friendly, and produces the most stable metal-based nanoparticles without the use of toxic chemicals. This study presents the green synthesis of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs). For biosynthesis of FeNPs, Phoenix dactylifera extract was used as a reducing agent and iron sulfate heptahydrate (FeSO4·7H2O) was used as a substrate. FeNPs were characterized by different techniques including UV–Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nano zeta-sizer analysis. The antimicrobial activity of FeNPs synthesized by using an aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus leutus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. A notable color change from yellow to black confirmed the synthesis of FeNPs. The sharp peak at 450 nm UV–Visible spectroscopy confirmed the synthesis of FeNPs. FTIR showed the presence of O–H and C=C stretching due to the presence of phenol and alkene functional groups. The average size of FeNPs was 6092 d.nm. The results of antimicrobial activity showed that FeNPs exhibit different potential against different bacterial strains with a maximum 25 ± 0.360 zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli. Thus, green synthesized FeNPs could be used as potential antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The current study evaluated the knowledge and its predictors regarding the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) among future healthcare professionals in a university in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study approach was utilized to recruit the study participants from three different healthcare faculties of a university. A validated research tool with a data collection form was used to obtain data by convenience sampling method. The healthcare faculties involved in the present research were pharmacy, dentistry, and medical. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 24.0 was used to analyze the data. Results: In the current study, a total of 273 participants were recruited. The majority of the study participants had an average and inadequate knowledge about EVD. The male participants had better adequate knowledge than females. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were applied to determine the predictors of knowledge about EVD among the study participants. Statistically, a significant level was taken at p <0.05. Conclusion: Gender and healthcare professionals in the family were observed as the pure predictors of knowledge regarding EVD among the study participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communication system design for wireless networked control systems (WNCSs) requires strict timing, reliability and lifetime guarantees despite limited battery resources and the non-idealities introduced by wireless networking such as delays. In this paper, we introduce radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting paradigm into WNCS framework for the first time in the literature. We study the optimal power control, energy harvesting and scheduling problem with the objective of providing maximum level of adaptivity under periodicity, delay and reliability requirements. We show that the power allocation problem is separable from the scheduling problem at optimality and provide the exact expression for optimal power control. The scheduling problem is then formulated as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problem and proven to be NP-Hard. For the scheduling, we propose polynomial-time heuristic algorithms motivated by the analogy between scheduling sensor nodes with energy harvesting requirements over time units and jobs with sequence dependent setup times on identical machines. We prove the theoretical worst-case bound for the performance of these heuristics. We show via extensive simulations that the proposed algorithms perform close-to-optimal and significantly better than Earliest Deadline First (EDF) algorithm in terms of adaptivity, delay, reliability and average runtime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology deals with the synthesis of materials and particles at nanoscale with dimensions of 1–100 nm. Biological synthesis of nanoparticles, using microbes and plants, is the most proficient method in terms of ease of handling and reliability. Core objectives of this study were to synthesize metallic nanoparticles using selenium metal salt from citrus fruit extracts, their characterization and evaluation for antimicrobial activities against pathogenic microbes. In methodology, simple green method was implicated using sodium selenite salt solution and citrus fruit extracts of Grapefruit and Lemon as precursors for synthesizing nanoparticles. Brick red color of the solution indicated towards the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). Nanoparticle's initial characterization was done by UV–Vis Spectrophotometry and later FTIR analysis and DLS graphs via Zetasizer were obtained for the confirmation of different physical and chemical parameters of the nanoparticles. Different concentrations of SeNPs were used for antimicrobial testing against E. coli, M. luteus, B. subtilis and K. pneumoniae comparative with the standard antibiotic Ciprofloxacin. SeNPs possessed significant antimicrobial activities against all the bacterial pathogens used. Conclusively, SeNPs made from citrus fruits can act as potent antibacterial candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in healthcare professionals (HP) is a crucial measure for improving their healthcare interventions and pharmaceutical care planning which they provide to their patients for prevention and better treatment of diseases. Studies have shown that poor health status among HPs is a greater risk factor in achieving desired outcomes in their patients. This study assessed the current level of HRQoL among HPs and evaluated various factors influencing their HRQoL. A cross-sectional study was conducted among HPs using the self-administered research tool "WHOQOL-BREF". Descriptive, comparative, and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS ver. 24. The study results reported a total of 336 participants, with more males than females (n=268, 79.8%, and n=68, 20.2% respectively). The mean scores for the physical, psychological, social relationships and environmental domains were 65.18±13.01, 68.92±15.53, 70.30±15.90, and 65.10±15.17, respectively. This study confirmed that HPs in Pakistan were more satisfied with their HRQoL in social domain and relatively less satisfied in physical and environment domains of HRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this observational study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the presentation, stage and management pattern on newly presented HNC patients during the pandemic era. The data on all newly diagnosed HNC patients at our centre during April-December 2020 (COVID-19 cohort) were collected, and it was compared against the baseline pre-COVID-19 cohort (all new HNC patients diagnosed between April and December 2019). During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was postulated that there might be a delay in cancer patients' presentation, stage migration and changes in management leading to excess cancer mortality.1 However, there is a paucity of real-time objective data to support this, particularly in HNC. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: To determine the current level of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and evaluate factors influencing it among health-care providers (HCPs) in Alkharj, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among HCPs in Alkharj, Saudi Arabia, using the standardized research tool, BREF-WHOQOL. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed in hospitals, in the medical colleges of Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, and community pharmacies in Alkharj, Saudi Arabia. Descriptive, comparative, and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS. Results: A total of 289 HCPs agreed to participate in the study, 52 % of whom were female. Most participants were married (69 %), and most had fewer than 10 years of experience (58 %). Statistically significant differences in marital status, education level, income, and year of practice were found that correlated with HCPs' HRQoL (p ≤ 0.05). Overall, respondents reported an above-average score for all survey items. Conclusion: The results indicate that HCPs see their general quality of life as good - a particularly important consideration in view of the demanding nature of their job. This study will help the concerned authorities to exactly know the current level of HRQoL among HCPs in Alkharj, Saudi Arabia, as well as help in designing better healthcare policies in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study determined the current awareness and knowledge among physicians about biosimilars in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional study design and data were acquired by the convenience sampling method. The research tool was self-developed, prevalidated and self-administered to achieve the sample size. The physicians from various parts of the country participated in the study. Both, inferential statistics with the help of descriptive statistics were applied using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 and Microsoft Excel. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 105 practicing physicians throughout the country participated in the study. The majority of the participants were well informed and had adequate knowledge and awareness about numerous aspects of biosimilars except for the local healthcare policies and payer policies, where around half of them very aware of them. Statistically, a non-significant association (p-value >0.05) was observed. Conclusion: It is concluded that the study physicians had adequate knowledge and awareness about biosimilars in Saudi Arabia. Statistically, a non-significant association (p <0.05) was observed between adequate and inadequate knowledge among the studied physicians in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The effect of anticoagulation control on overall Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in patients taking warfarin in Pakistan has not been explored yet. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate HRQoL among warfarin patients in Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients on warfarin in Pakistan. By purposive sampling, data were collected using demographic data collection form and the World Health Organization Quality of Life: Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF). The WHOQOL-BREF is comprised of four domains; physical, psychological, social relationships, and environment. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22. Results: Out of 295 warfarin patients, more females than males (<0.001) were observed (n = 184, 62.4%, and n = 111, 37.6% respectively). One hundred and eighteen (40.0%) patients were less than 30-years of age, whereas one hundred and seventy-seven (60.0%) patients were above 30-years of age. Mean scores for the physical (62.44±15.36), psychological (67.84±15.54), social (64.27±26.28) and environment domains (63.45±17.66) were observed. Conclusion: Patients had overall lower to moderate but satisfactory HRQoL scores in all four domains. Age, gender, employment status, education level, the indication of use and duration of warfarin therapy was associated with one or more domains of HRQoL among warfarin patients. The findings of this study would serve as a primary database for future studies. This study highlights how non-clinical factors could impact HRQoL in studied patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: For limited stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) where concurrent chemoradiotherapy is inappropriate due to tumour bulk, co-morbidities or performance status, sequential treatment using chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy is the standard of care. The outcomes are not well established; we assessed in a single institution, the survival of these patients, prognostic factors and compared to the limited existing literature. Materials and Method: Retrospective data was collected on all 59 patients diagnosed with LS-SCLC from 2011 to 2016 who received chemotherapy consisting of Carboplatin or Cisplatin + Etoposide followed by thoracic radiotherapy (50 Gy in 25 fractions) +/- prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI). Results: Median age at diagnosis was 66 years (range 46-90). Patients received a median of four cycles of chemotherapy (range: 1-6) and all the patients completed a full course of radiotherapy with only one patient experiencing grade >2 radiation induced toxicity. With a median follow up of 20.6 months, 45 patients had died with a median survival of 20.6 months. 2-year overall survival (OS) rates were 42%. Age using a cut-off of 65 was prognostic (median OS 25.6 months =65 years versus 14.1 months >65 years, p = 0.013) but gender, stage and receipt of PCI were not. Conclusions: Most of the literature reporting outcome from sequential treatment in LSSCLC is old and used a variety of radiotherapy regimens. Our data shows inferior outcomes to the gold standard concurrent chemoradiotherapy but support its usage in less fit patients with reasonable outcome observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the practice level of Community Pharmacists (CPs) towards dengue control and management. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among CPs by using a convenience sampling technique using a newly developed and validated research tool. Results: Out of 205 respondents, 70.2% had never taken part in any health-promotion campaigns against dengue. The majority of the participants (82.9%) never attended any particular training/workshops about dengue control and management. Around 65.9% of the CPs knew that NSAIDs should not be given to every dengue suspected patient. A total of 35.6% of the respondents agreed that the only method of controlling dengue infection is to combat the vector mosquitoes. Conclusion: Overall, the results revealed that the practices of the CPs to prevent, control and manage dengue infection were satisfactory but still continuing professional development seminars/workshops will further strengthen their skills to specifically control and mange dengue infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the supramolecular interactions between perylene diimides (PDI) and nucleotides, specifically adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and cytidine monophosphate (CMP). Ten complexes (complex 1 (l-ala-PDI-AMP), complex 2 (B-ala-PDI-AMP), complex 3 (GLY-PDI-AMP), complex 4 (IMI-PDI-AMP), complex 5 (PYR-PDI-AMP, complex 6 (l-ala-PDI-CMP), complex 7 (B-ala-PDI-CMP), complex 8 (GLY-PDI-CMP), complex 9 (IMI-PDI-CMP), and complex 10 (PYR-PDI-CMP), were simulated using the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level of DFT method. The study explores NMR, IR, UV, hyperpolarizabilities, frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), density of states (DOS), noncovalent interactions (NCI), iso-surface analysis, atom in molecule (AIM), dipole moment (µ), electron density distribution map (EDDM), transition density matrix (TDM), molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), and electron–hole analysis (EHA) using differential functional theory (DFT). The weak bonds formed were visualized using Discovery Studio Visualizer. The electronic properties of the complexes were examined through natural bond orbital (NBO) and natural population analysis (NPA), leading to nonlinear optics (NLO) study. Complex 6 demonstrates the highest NLO activity with γ static of 17,424,700.00, and complex 10 exhibits the weakest NLO activity with second dipole hyperpolarizability (γ static) at 25,116.10. Moreover, global reactivity factors for complexes 1–5 show EA ranging from 6.53 to 7.7, and ionization potential (IP) spans 7.8–8.8. Global hardness values highlight complex 4 as the hardest (η = 0.55) and complex 1 as the softest (η = 0.51). Electronegativity (X) varies from 7.28 to 8.25, with complex 3 being the most electronegative. Chemical potential (μ) ranges from − 7.9 to − 8.25, global softness (σ) identifies complex 1 as the softest (0.2575) and complex 4 as the hardest (0.435). Electrophilicity (ω) ranges from 33.30 to 61.87. Complexes 6–10 show EA from 6.7 to 7.53. IP values range from 8.4 to 8.6, with complexes 7 and 10 highest. Global hardness spans 0.53 to 0.85. X ranges from 7.55 to 8.06, with complex 7 the most electronegative. μ varies from − 7.55 to − 8.06, and complex 7 has the lowest. From σ values, complexes 9 and 10 are the softest. ω ranges from 35.53 to 60.78, with complex 7 the most electrophilic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to safe water is the primary goal of all development plans, yet population increase, urbanization lead to contamination of water resources. This paper focuses on microbial contamination and aims to analyze the fate and transport of Escherichia coli in the Kabul River Basin using SWAT model to evaluate the contribution of different sources. The SWAT is calibrated and validated for the monthly time step using observed E. coli concentrations for April 2013–July 2015. The model skill score; coefficients of determination (R2) equal 0.72 and 0.70, Nash–Sutcliffe efficiencies (NSE) equal 0.69 and 0.66, and percentages bias (PBIAS) equal 3.7 and 1.9 respond well for both calibration and validation, respectively. Regional measured and modeled concentrations are very high with peaks of up to 5.2 10log cfu/100 ml in the wet season. Overall, point sources that are comprised of human feces from the big cities and livestock manure from animal sheds, contribute most (44%) to the E. coli concentrations. During peak discharge the non-point sources become the most important contributors due to wash-off from the land and diluted point sources. Allthough such studies are lacking in developing countries, they can be helpful for sanitation management by developing and accessing regional sanitation scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Microbial pollution is a major problem worldwide. High concentrations of Escherichia coli have been found in Kabul River in Pakistan. E. coli concentrations vary under different socio-economic conditions, such as population and livestock densities, urbanisation, sanitation and treatment of wastewater and manure, and climate-change aspects, such as floods and droughts. In this paper, we assess potential future E. coli loads and concentrations in the Kabul River using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool with scenarios that are based on the most recent Shared Socio-economic Pathways and Representative Concentration Pathways (SSPs and RCPs) developed for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Scenario_1 considers moderate population and livestock density growth, planned urbanisation and strongly improved wastewater and manure treatment (based on SSP1, "Sustainability"), and moderate climate change (RCP4.5, moderate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions). Scenario_2 considers strong population and livestock density growth, moderate urbanisation, slightly improved wastewater treatment, no manure treatment (based on SSP3, "Regional rivalry") and strong climate change (RCP8.5, high GHG emissions). Simulated E. coli responses to Scenario_2 suggest a mid-century increase in loads by 111% and a late century increase of 201% compared to baseline loads. Similarly, simulated E. coli loads are reduced by 60% for the mid-century and 78% for the late century compared to the baseline loads. When additional treatment is simulated in Scenario_1, the loads are reduced even further by 94%, 92% and 99.3% compared to the baseline concentrations when additional tertiary treatment, manure treatment or both have been applied respectively. This study is one of the first to apply combined socio-economic development and climate change scenario analysis with an E. coli concentration model to better understand how these concentrations may change in the future. The scenario analysis shows that reducing E. coli concentrations in Pakistan's rivers is possible, but requires strongly improved waste water treatment and manure management measures. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • E. coli concentrations are influenced by socio-economic development and climate change. • The SWAT model is run for Kabul river with scenarios based on IPPC's SSPs and RCPs. • E. coli concentrations are large and expected to double in a BAU scenario. • Concentrations are expected to reduce to 0.6–7% of baseline in a sustainable scenario. • Reduction of E. coli concentrations in Kabul river requires stringent measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heterosis, a multigenic complex trait extrapolated as sum total of many phenotypic features, is widely utilized phenomenon in agricultural crops for about a century. It is mainly focused on establishing vigorous cultivars with the fact that its deployment in crops necessitates the perspective of genomic impressions on prior selection for metric traits. In spite of extensive investigations, the actual mysterious genetic basis of heterosis is yet to unravel. Contemporary crop breeding is aimed at enhanced crop production overcoming former achievements. Leading cotton improvement programs remained handicapped to attain significant accomplishments. Results: In mentioned context, a comprehensive project was designed involving a large collection of cotton accessions including 284 lines, 5 testers along with their respective F1 hybrids derived from Line × Tester mating design were evaluated under 10 diverse environments. Heterosis, GCA and SCA were estimated from morphological and fiber quality traits by L × T analysis. For the exploration of elite marker alleles related to heterosis and to provide the material carrying such multiple alleles the mentioned three dependent variables along with trait phenotype values were executed for association study aided by microsatellites in mixed linear model based on population structure and linkage disequilibrium analysis. Highly significant 46 microsatellites were discovered in association with the fiber and yield related traits under study. It was observed that two-thirds of the highly significant associated microsatellites related to fiber quality were distributed on D sub-genome, including some with pleiotropic effect. Newly discovered 32 hQTLs related to fiber quality traits are one of prominent findings from current study. A set of 96 exclusively favorable alleles were discovered and C tester (A971Bt) posited a major contributor of these alleles primarily associated with fiber quality. Conclusions: Hence, to uncover hidden facts lying within heterosis phenomenon, discovery of additional hQTLs is required to improve fibre quality. To grab prominent improvement in influenced fiber quality and yield traits, we suggest the A971 Bt cotton cultivar as fundamental element in advance breeding programs as a parent of choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circinaria russus sp. nov. is described based on morpho–anatomical and phylogenetic analysis. The novel species is characterized by its reddish brown thallus, absence of marginal lobes, taller hymenium 175–190 µm, and larger ascospores 22–32 × 15–20 than the similar taxon Circinaria tortuosa. A phylogenetic analysis, based on ITS nrDNA sequencing and ML analysis, supported the separation of the novel species. Complete description and a comparative analysis with related Circinaria species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial surface water quality is important, as it is related to health risk when the population is exposed through drinking, recreation or consumption of irrigated vegetables. The microbial surface water quality is expected to change with socio-economic development and climate change. This study explores the combined impacts of future socio-economic and climate change scenarios on microbial water quality using a coupled hydrodynamic and water quality model (MIKE21FM-ECOLab). The model was applied to simulate the baseline (2014-2015) and future (2040s and 2090s) faecal indicator bacteria (FIB: E. coli and enterococci) concentrations in the Betna river in Bangladesh. The scenarios comprise changes in socio-economic variables (e.g. population, urbanization, land use, sanitation and sewage treatment) and climate variables (temperature, precipitation and sea-level rise). Scenarios have been developed building on the most recent Shared Socio-economic Pathways: SSP1 and SSP3 and Representative Concentration Pathways: RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 in a matrix. An uncontrolled future results in a deterioration of the microbial water quality (+75% by the 2090s) due to socio-economic changes, such as higher population growth, and changes in rainfall patterns. However, microbial water quality improves under a sustainable scenario with improved sewage treatment (-98% by the 2090s). Contaminant loads were more influenced by changes in socio-economic factors than by climatic change. To our knowledge, this is the first study that combines climate change and socio-economic development scenarios to simulate the future microbial water quality of a river. This approach can also be used to assess future consequences for health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent convergence of wireless standards for incorporation of spatial dimension in wireless systems has made spatial spectrum sensing based on Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR) of the received signal, a promising approach. This added dimension is principally exploited for stream multiplexing, user multiplexing and spatial diversity. Considering such a wireless environment for primary users, we propose an algorithm for spectrum sensing by secondary users which are also equipped with multiple antennas. The proposed spatial spectrum sensing algorithm is based on the PAPR of the spatially received signals. Simulation results show the improved performance once the information regarding spatial diversity of the primary users is incorporated in the proposed algorithm. Moreover, through simulations a better performance is achieved by using different diversity schemes and different parameters like sensing time and scanning interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lobothallia pulvinata is described and illustrated here from Pakistan. The species is characterized by a thin thallus, large lecanorine apothecial discs, (0.3–1.2 mm), smaller ascospores, (8–12 × 4–6 µm) and the presence of norstictic acid than the similar L. pakistanica. Both the morphological and molecular characters confirm the novelty of this taxon. The phylogenetic position within the relatively recent genus-level circumscription of the family Megasporaceae is confirmed based on nrITS and mtSSU sequence datasets. Description, phylogenetic analysis and a comparison table with other Lobothallia species are provided. A brief note on L. iqbalii, norstictic acid chemotype is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a number of specimens of the genus Diploschistes were collected from different areas of Pakistan and characterized using morpho-anatomical and molecular techniques. The present work revealed that collected specimens belong to two species of genus Diploschistes i.e. Diploschistes gypsaceus and D. neutrophilus which are additions to the lichen biota of Pakistan. Complete morpho-anatomical descriptions, ecology and distribution, along with ITS-based molecular analysis are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Head and neck cancer; Oligometastasis; Stereotactic radiotherapy; SABR; SBRT EN Head and neck cancer Oligometastasis Stereotactic radiotherapy SABR SBRT 527 528 2 02/01/22 20220201 NES 220201 This comment refers to the article available online at https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-021-03518-5. From this description, it seems that some patients might have received 21 Gy in 3 fractions which seems a conservative dose of radiotherapy, more like that, in high-dose palliative radiotherapy. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Concurrent chemoradiation is the standard of care in inoperable locally advanced squamous cell head and neck cancers. The most widely accepted schedule of concomitant cisplatin is 100mg/m2 given on a 3 weekly basis but the optimal regime is unknown. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the tolerability, compliance, and clinical outcomes of weekly cisplatin (40mg/m2). Methods: During the period of January 2007-December 2009, we analyzed retrospectively 122 patients with histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (nasopharynx, oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx, and oral cavity) treated with definitive chemoradiation. All patients received 63 Gy in 30 daily fractions with concomitant weekly cisplatin 40mg/m2. We assessed treatment toxicities and patient compliance. We estimated overall survival using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Sixty-eight percent of patients managed to complete all six cycles of chemotherapy while 87% of patients completed at least 5 cycles of weekly cisplatin. Incidence of grade 3/4 toxicity was as follows: mucositis 33%, dermatitis 41%, dysphagia 15%, mouth/neck pain 17%, neutropenia 2%, and renal impairment 3%. 53% patients required at least one hospital admission for symptom control. The 5-year overall survival rate was 60%. Conclusion: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy using weekly cisplatin at 40mg/m2 per week is an effective, well tolerated regimen allowing most patients to receive at least 5 cycles of chemotherapy. However, a phase III randomized control trial comparing the standard dose of 100mg/m2 cisplatin tri-weekly with a weekly regimen is needed to establish the long term clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Spindle cell carcinoma of the head and neck is a rare entity and the evidence of optimal management is lacking. The objective of our study was to report the treatment and outcomes of 15 patients treated in a single institution over a seven year period. Materials and Methods: A total of 15 patients (12 males and 3 females) with spindle cell carcinoma of the head and neck were treated between July 2007 to June 2014. In six patients the disease developed after previous radiotherapy. Of the 15 patients, five patients had their primary in the tongue, four in the paranasal sinuses, two in the hypopharynx, two in the vocal cords, and one each in the soft palate and the floor of mouth. Eleven patients were treated with radical intent (seven patients required surgery only and four were treated with combined modality). The remaining four patients were treated with palliative intent. Results: Among 11 patients treated with radical intent eight are alive or died of non-oncological causes. The disease recurred locally in three patients and they died of the disease (two patients with locally advanced disease in the tongue and one patient with T1N0 tumour in the hypopharynx). Median overall survival (OS) was 18 months. Conclusion: Surgery or surgery combined with radiotherapy has a real impact on the natural cause of spindle cell carcinoma of the head and neck region. Even locally advanced tumours can be controlled with aggressive treatment. The worst outcome is seen with the tongue as the primary site because of a high local recurrence rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of larynx is a rare, aggressive type of malignancy. As only about 200 cases worldwide have been reported, any larger institutional experience is valuable. This study reports our experience in managing this rare entity.Methods:Of the nine patients identified, three had metastatic cancer at the time of diagnosis. Four patients underwent radical treatment: one was managed surgically followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and consolidation radiotherapy; the remaining three were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and definitive radiotherapy.Results:Of the 4 patients treated with radical intent, 1 was alive and disease free after 99 months, 2 died of metastatic disease after 22 and 26 months, and 1 was alive after 20 months with a diagnosis of recurrent disease.Conclusion:Our relatively small number of patients confirms other centres' experiences. This cancer has a poorer prognosis than most other head and neck cancers. Although the logistics would be challenging, there is a need for international multicentre trials for this disease modelled on those performed for other cancers, as has been done for paediatric malignancies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Salivary ductal carcinomas (SDCs) are extremely rare and aggressive malignancies, accounting for approximately 6% of all salivary gland malignancies. One distinct feature is their resemblance to ductal carcinomas of breast. A significant percentage of SDCs overexpress Her2 and the use of targeted therapy with trastuzumab can be considered in these patients. We report a rare case of long term disease control with trastuzumab in Her2 positive metastatic parotid ductal carcinoma. Our case also highlights that isolated brain metastasis should be managed aggressively to allow optimal local control when systemic disease is under remission with trastuzumab. We have also reviewed the published literature on the use of trastuzumab in SDCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ependymomas are rare neoplasms of the central nervous system. Disease-free survival after relapse is poor and approaches to treatment in recurrent disease often palliative. This overview summarises the management of primary disease for which broad consensus exists. We also extensively review treatment options in relapsed disease for which approaches to treatment are varied due to the paucity of literature evidence. Incorporated in this overview is a survey of UK neuro-oncology units to form a snapshot of current UK practise with respect to preferred systemic therapy regimens for patients with recurrent ependymoma. The outcome reflects a preference for mainly oral-based regimens. Universal guidance is lacking in the management of non-operable irradiated recurrent ependymoma and there are worthy therapeutic avenues for further investigation, in particular the role of radical re-irradiation and also the potential of bevacizumab in advanced disease. It is hoped that advances can be achieved by multicentre collaboration in future studies to overcome the difficulties posed by achieving meaningful data in such a rare tumour with extensive natural history. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A study was carried out at Cotton Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad Pakistan during the year 2013 to determine the cause and effect of some morphological traits viz. number of leaves per plant, number of sympodial branches per plant, number of bolls per plant and plant height on seed yield per plant in upland cotton. Seventy two cotton genotypes at F5 generation were sown in a RCBD with three replications. The results indicated that number of leaves (0.2334), sympodial branches (0.4859) and number of bolls per plant (0.3722) had exerted positive and significant to highly significant correlation at genotypic level with seed cotton yield per plant. The data also revealed that number of leaves showed positive and highly significant correlation with sympodial branches (0.3427"") plant height (0.6924"") and bolls per plant (0.4238""). Number of leaves, bolls per plant and sympodial branches showed positive direct effect on seed-cotton yield per plant. Direct effect of sympodial branches on cotton yield was very high and positive. However, number of leaves showed positive indirect effect via sympodial branches, bolls per plant and plant height. Similarly sympodial branches had shown positive indirect effect on seed yield per plant via number of leaves and bolls per plant. Direct effect of number of leaves on seed-cotton yield per plant was low while indirect effect via number of bolls per plant was positive. The number of bolls per plant also showed positive indirect effect via number of leaves, sympodial branches and plant height but effect of plant height on cotton yield was negative via number of bolls and sympodial branches. The results conclude that sympodial branches per plant influenced the cotton yield per plant to greater extent. Hence selection based on this trait may lead to development of genotypes having high seed cotton yield potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a research study on quantifying cefotaxime in admixtures of all-in-one total parental nutrition (AIO-TPN) using the reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography ultraviolet (RP-HPLC-UV) method with solid phase extraction (SPE). Materials and reagents used include cefotaxime and caffeine, acetonitrile and methanol and glacial acetic acid for admixtures that were observed and analysed. Results showed that the RP-HPL-UV method is precise, selective and accurate.

Experiment was designed for ethanol production using corn and other organic waste material containing starch contents and cellulosic material while barely used for diastase and acidic digestion methods. The effect of temperature, yeast, barely diastase and various dilutions of acid (sulfuric acids) were investigated on ethanol production. The result showed that corn yielded high amount of ethanol (445ml) as compared to cellulosic material which produced 132ml of ethanol from one kg of weight. It was also noted that with the increase of barely and yeast amount in a proper manner can increase ethanol production from different starch sources. It was also noted that acid dilutions affected cellulose digestion where high yield of reducing sugar was noted at 0.75% of sulfuric acid dilution. It was concluded from the present experiment that economical sources of starch and various dilutions of acids should be tried on cellulose digestion for bio-fuel production to withstand in this energy crisis time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 6 x 6 complete diallel mating design was used to study the inheritance of different plant traits in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Six genotypes viz., BJA-592, ACALA-SJ-4, 4-F, CP-15/2, CIM-497 and PB-899 were included in diallel crosses. Results revealed that over-dominance type of gene action was controlling the inheritance of monopodial and sympodial branches plant height number of bolls and boll weight. The line CP-15/2 possessed maximum dominant genes for monopodial branches, plant height and boll weight, BJA-592 for sympodial branches and ACALA-SJ-4 has maximum dominant genes for bolls per plant. However the cultivar CIM-497 carried maximum recessive genes for monopodial branches and plant height, PB-899 for bolls per plant and sympodial branches while ACALA-SJ-4 has maximum recessive genes for boll weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wireless powered communication networks (WPCNs) will be a major enabler of massive machine type communications (MTCs), which is a major service domain for 5G and beyond systems. These MTC networks will be deployed by using low-power transceivers and a very limited set of transmission configurations. We investigate a novel minimum length scheduling problem for multi-cell full-duplex wireless powered communication networks to determine the optimal power control and scheduling for constant rate transmission model. The formulated optimization problem is combinatorial in nature and, thus, difficult to solve for the global optimum. As a solution strategy, first, we decompose the problem into the power control problem (PCP) and scheduling problem. For the PCP, we propose the optimal polynomial time algorithm based on the evaluation of Perron–Frobenius conditions. For the scheduling problem, we propose a heuristic algorithm that aims to maximize the number of concurrently transmitting users by maximizing the allowable interference on each user without violating the signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) requirements. Through extensive simulations, we demonstrate a 50% reduction in the schedule length by using the proposed algorithm in comparison to unscheduled concurrent transmissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the findings of a study on the use of reactive nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing radiotherapy. The study found that most patients admitted for NGT feeding were receiving curative radiotherapy. The timing of NGT insertion varied, and the study suggests that streamlining access to NGT feeding could reduce hospital stays. The article also discusses the cost implications of NGT feeding and suggests that an outpatient NGT feeding service could be beneficial in initiating earlier enteral feeding and avoiding hospital admissions. [Extracted from the article]