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The etiology of chronic kidney disease of unclear etiology, also known as Mesoamerican nephropathy, remains unclear. We investigated potential etiologies for Mesoamerican nephropathy in an immigrant dialysis population.Migrants with Mesoamerican nephropathy kidney failure (Patients with Mesoamerican nephropathy and kidney failure were young agricultural workers, almost exclusively men; the majority were from Mexico and El Salvador; and they had prior exposures to agrochemicals, including paraquat (27%). After adjustment for age/sex, exposure to any agrochemical or paraquat was associated with Mesoamerican nephropathy kidney failure (odds ratio, 4.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.82 to 12.96;Exposure to agrochemicals is associated with Mesoamerican nephropathy, and chronic exposure of mice to paraquat, a prototypical oxidant, induced kidney failure similar to Mesoamerican nephropathy.

Existing guidelines offer little direction about the use of thiazide and loop diuretics in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review summarizes recent studies impacting indications and safety considerations for these agents in patients with CKD.Chlorthalidone reduces blood pressure compared to placebo in patients with advanced CKD, challenging the belief that thiazide diuretics lose efficacy at lower glomerular filtration rates (GFR). Existing studies show no clear impact of thiazide or loop diuretic use on kidney or cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CKD. Sodium-glucose co-transporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have diuretic effects, but concomitant use of a diuretic does not diminish the preventive benefits of these agents against acute kidney injury (AKI). Despite theoretical concerns, thiazide diuretics likely do not worsen circulating vasopressin levels or cyst progression in polycystic kidney disease and may be useful for alleviating polyuria from tolvaptan. Diuretics cause multiple adverse effects, including electrolyte abnormalities, hemodynamic-mediated decrease in estimated GFR, and AKI.Recent evidence supports expanded indications for diuretics in patients with kidney disease, including chlorthalidone for hypertension in advanced CKD. Monitoring electrolytes and estimated GFR is critical to ensure patient safety when prescribing these agents for patients with CKD.

Adsorption of lead as Pb(II) using biochar is an environmentally sustainable approach to remediate this kind of pollution affecting wastewater. In this study, rice straw biochar (BC) was modified by combination with nano-hydroxy-apatite (HAP), resulting in a material designated as BC@nHAP, with enhanced adsorption performance. Based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses, it was evidenced that, after modification, HAP greatly enhanced surface functional groups (i.e., -COOH and/or -OH) of raw biochar's surface. Batch tests showed that the maximum sorption capacity of BC (63.03 mg g

Soil net nitrogen (N) mineralization is a vital process that impacts the global N cycling and regulates the N availability for plant development. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the response of N mineralization to long-term organic versus inorganic fertilization and to quantify the relationships between N mineralization and soil microbial characteristics in the ferrosol (red soil) of South China after 30 years of mineral and manure application in a wheat-maize cropping system. Soil was sampled from a wheat-maize rotation system, consisting of five treatments. The treatments included (1) CK (no fertilizer), (2) PK (synthetic phosphorus and potassium fertilizer), (3) NK (synthetic nitrogen and K fertilizer), (4) N (synthetic N fertilizer), and (5) NPKM (synthetic NPK fertilizer and manure). The sampled soil was analyzed for physicochemical parameters and incubated for the determination of N mineralization, soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN), and associated soil enzymes related to C and N cycling. Results showed that NPKM increased soil organic carbon (SOC), available P (AP), total P (TP), and total nitrogen (TN) by 132%, 880%, 293%, and 76% respectively, over the control (CK). Among different treatments, soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN) and carbon (SMBC) were highest under the NPKM treatment. N-cycling and P-cycling enzyme activities also showed significant differences among treatments. N-Acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG), leucine-aminopeptidase (LAP), and acid phosphatase (AcP) activities were also highest under the NPKM treatment, at 650.36, 32.36, and 23.41 (mol g−1 h−1), respectively. A linear increase was observed in the NO3−-N and NH4+-N concentrations throughout the 90-day incubation period. NPKM showed a maximum N mineralization potential (No) and mineralization rate constant, k (NMR), at the end of the incubation period. A principal component analysis (PCA) interpreted the differences among fertilization and their effects on net N mineralization. A significant (p ≤ 0.05) positive correlation was observed between SMBC (R2 = 0.87), SMBN (R2 = 0.92), enzyme activities, and the No. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that SOC, TN, and TP directly affected mineralization, while SMBC and SMBN indirectly affected the net mineralization. Manure input increased the extracellular enzymes in soil, which accelerated the net N mineralization due to enhanced soil microbial activities. Consequently, long-term manure addition appears to be an optimal approach to meet the nutrient demands and to enhance the N availability in a wheat-maize cropping system.

Fertilization regimes greatly influence how manganese (Mn) oxides are recycled. However, information on this subject is scarce in rice managed paddies. The objective of this study was to examine the distributions of Mn pools in bulk soil and aggregates under different chemical and organic fertilizer ratios at both surface (0–20 cm) and subsurface (20–40 cm) soil depths. Depth distributions of Mn pools in bulk soil and aggregates were extracted using Mehlich 3 (M3-Mn), dithionite (Mnd), oxalate (Mno), and pyrophosphate (Mnp) solutions under a long-term fertilization experiment in a double rice cropping system. Fertilizer treatments comprised unfertilized control (CK), mineral nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), 30% mineral NPK + 70% organic fertilizer (30F; pig manure + milk vetch), 50% mineral NPK + 50% organic fertilizer (50F), and 70% mineral NPK + 30% organic fertilizer (70F) under a randomly complete block design (RCBD) in paddy conditions. A pattern of 30F > 50F > 70F > NPK > CK was established with positive and significant correlations among total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), and pH. All pools of Mn were in higher concentrations at the subsurface compared to the surface layer, where all aggregate sizes contributed equally to the enrichment of the metal oxides except for Mno in the 0.25–2.0 mm sizes at the surface layer. Distribution of manganese oxides was equal among the different soil aggregates which could cause the microaggregates to transport Mn oxides and pollute both surface and underground water sources.

Liming (L) is a common practice to mitigate soil acidification and enhance soil quality and crop productivity. However, in acidic soil, it is not clear how long-term application of lime and nitrogen (N)-based fertilizer affects soil chemical properties, the wheat and maize grain yields (GY), and N-use efficiency (NUE). Thus, to investigate the effects of N-based fertilizations without L (−L) and with L (+L) on wheat and maize GY and NUE through their effects on soil chemical properties, we analyzed a 28-year field experiment in acidic soil under a wheat-maize system in South China. The analysis was carried out between 1991 and 2010 (before L) and between 2011 and 2018 (after L). We categorized the treatments into (1) no fertilizer (C), nitrogen (N), N and phosphorus (NP), N and potassium (NK), N, P and K (NPK), and NPKCR, NPK and crops residue (CR) applications (NPKCR), before L, and (2) C, N − L, N + L, NP − L, NP + L, NK − L, NK + L, NPK − L, NPK + L, NPKCR − L and NPKCR + L, after L. The effects of long-term fertilization resulted in lower soil pH by 15%, soil available K (AK) by 19%, POlsen by 6%, NO3−-N by 15%, soil organic matter (SOM) by 16%, total N by 16%, and C:N ratio by 13% in −L soil than in +L soil. However, the accumulation of NH4+-N was higher by 40% in −L soil than in +L soil. Wheat and maize GY, N recovery efficiency (REN), and N partial factor productivity (PEPN) were more adversely affected by 8-year fertilizations in −L compared with fertilizations before L and in +L primarily because of the significantly decreased soil pH. Conversely, improvements in wheat and maize yields, REN, and PFPN by 8-year fertilizations in +L were related to increasing soil pH, exchangeable base cations such as Ca2+, Mg2+, and the alleviated toxicity of Al3+. Overall, improvement of GY and NUE from the acidified soil in South China requires the long-term integrated use of fertilizer (NPK), retention of CR, and the +L (i.e., NPKCR + L).

With the growing awareness of environmental impacts of land degradation, pressure is mounting to improve the health and productivity of degrading soils, which could be achieved through the use of raw and modified biochar materials. The primary objective of the current study was to investigate the efficiency of pristine and Mg-modified rice-straw biochar (RBC and MRBC) for the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions and improvement of soil properties. A 90 days' incubation experiment was conducted using treatments which included control (CK), two RBC dosages (1% and 2.5%), and two MRBC doses (1% and 2.5%). Soil physico-chemical and biological properties were monitored to assess the effects due to the treatments. Results showed that both biochars improved soil physicochemical properties as the rate of biochar increased. The higher rates of biochar (RBC

This research was undertaken (I) to evaluate the status of phosphorus fractions in paddy soils in response to different tillage management practices under different rice-based cropping systems and environments in order to better understand phosphorus behavior in paddy soils and (II) to assess the effects of various tillage practices on crop yield in different soil types and climatic conditions. We selected four tillage treatments, i.e., conventional tillage (T1), conventional tillage with straw return (T2), rotary tillage with straw return (T3), and no-tillage with straw return and autumn plowing with straw return (T4) at Ningxiang and Haerbin, respectively. Soil samples were collected from 20 cm depth, and we investigated soil pH, total P, Olsen P, SOM content, phosphatase activities, phosphorus fractions, and grain yield at the two experimental sites. The results showed that the T4 tillage system led to significantly higher soil organic matter (SOM) content, total P, and Olsen P concentrations at both sites compared with T1. Regardless of the tillage system, the average rice grain yield at Haerbin was 50.3% greater than that at Ningxiang. Phosphomonoesterase (AcP) and phosphodiesterase (DP) enzyme activities were significantly higher, by 39.8% and 62.1% and by 40.3% and 54.6%, under T4 compared to under T1 at Haerbin and Ningxiang, respectively. The organic and inorganic fractions of P were significantly affected by the different tillage systems. Labile and moderately labile P pools were 29.3% and 19.2% higher in Ningxiang and 64.7% and 33.8% higher in Haerbin under T4 compared to T1, and the non-labile P pools were 10.6% and 18.5% lower, respectively. The labile and moderately labile organic P fractions and phosphatase activities showed a significant correlation with SOM and total P concentrations in RDA analysis. Variance partitioning analysis (VPA) showed that different soil properties, climate factors, phosphatase activities, and their interactions were responsible for 7.1%, 6.8%, 1.3%, and 53.7%, respectively, of the variation in grain yield. Different tillage management practices revealed varied effects at both sites for grain yield, P fractions, and phosphatase activities. Tillage management and climatic variations could be the driving factors that influence grain yield in northern and southern parts of China.

To compare the effect of posterior capsular stretch on pain, ROM and functional disability in Adhesive Capsulitis. Study Design: Experimental, Randomized Control Trail. Setting: Department of Physiotherapy, Capital Development Authority Hospital Islamabad. Period: October 2015 to March 2016. Materials and Methods: Forty female patients having aged between 40 to 70 years with freezing and frozen stage of adhesive capsulitis were screened out. Adhesive capsulitis secondary to cervical Spondylosis, osteoporosis, direct trauma and any inflammation were excluded from the study. Subjects were randomly placed into two groups lottery method, the experimental group having 19 subjects received posterior capsular stretch along with conventional manual therapy and electrotherapy whereas the control group had 21 subjects and they were given manual therapy and electrotherapy alone. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and Range of Motion of shoulder joint were used as outcome measures. All the patients were assessed at baseline before intervention and at the completion of 6 weeks of treatment. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Abduction, Internal Rotation and disability show significant result. The abduction mean value of Group A was 115.00±22.023and of the Group B was 81.74±20.653 with p value was P

Introduction: Obesity is an important factor for increasing breathing problemsamong asthmatic female population. However there appeared to be no published data onobesity and asthma pertaining to women in Pakistan. The aim of the study was to determinethe association of obesity and asthma in women and to find if obesity is a risk factor for addingcomplications in them. Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional survey. Period: February15, 2016 to July 15, 2016. Setting: Pakistan Railway Hospital, Rawalpindi. Methodology: 100asthmatic female patients. Sample size was calculated through Rao-soft. The participants wererecruited through non probability purposive sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaireof 21 questions was used to collect data which was analyzed later on SPSS 20. Results: Out of100 female asthmatic patients, 45 patients were found overweight. strong positive association(r = 0.52) was found between BMI with duration of asthma. Negative Moderate association (r =0.22) of BMI with life style was found. Conclusion: Present Study concluded that obesity addsto the complication of asthma and there lays an association between obesity and asthma. Asthe duration of asthma increases it causes increase in BMI resulting in severity of symptoms,activity limitations and decline in life style.

The exploration and rational design of easily separable and highly efficient sorbents with the sufficient capability of retaining radioactive and toxic uranium U(VI) is paramount. In this study, a hydroxyapatite (HAP) biochar nanocomposite (BR/HAP) was successfully fabricated from rice straw biochar (BR), to be used as a new and efficient adsorbent for removing U(VI) from aqueous solution. Both BR and the BR/HAP composite were characterized via Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. Batch test results showed that BR/HAP exhibited remarkably higher adsorption capacity than the raw BR. A pseudo-second order kinetic model thoroughly explained the adsorption kinetics, providing the maximum U(VI) adsorption capacities (qe) of 110.56 mg g−1 (R2 = 0.98) and 428.25 mg g−1 (R2 = 0.99), for BR and BR/HAP, respectively, which was indicative of the rate-limited sorption via diffusion or surface complexation after rapid initial adsorption steps. The Langmuir isotherm model fitted the experimental data to accurately simulate the adsorption of U(VI) onto BR and BR/HAP (R2 = 0.97 and R2 = 0.99). The thermodynamic results showed negative values for ΔG°, clearly indicating that the reaction was spontaneous, as well as positive values for ΔH° (11.04 kJ mol−1 and 28.86 kJ mol−1, respectively) and ΔS° (88.97 kJ mol−1 K−1, and 183.42 kJ mol−1 K−1), making clear the endothermic nature of U(VI) adsorption onto both sorbents, with an increase in randomness at a molecular level. FTIR spectroscopy and XPS spectrum further confirmed that the primary mechanisms were ion exchange with UO22+ and surface complexion by –OH and –COOH. In addition, BR/HAP showed an excellent reusability, making it a promising candidate as a new sorbent for U(VI) removal from wastewater. In view of that, it would be interesting to perform future research to explore practical implications of this sorbent material regarding protection from environmental and public health issues related to that pollutant.

A novel phosphorus (P) modified biochar (PLBC) was produced by pyrolyzing biomass of the dietic herb Taraxacum mongolicum Hand-Mazz (TMHM) and treating it with monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4). This phosphorous loaded biochar was then assessed as adsorbent for As(III) removal from contaminated water. In the current research, the adsorbent was characterized before and after P loading by means of SEM-EDX, TEM, FTIR and XRD techniques. It was evidenced that the presence of P on the surface of the biochar (BC) could improve its efficiency to remove As(III) from contaminated environments. Adsorption kinetics were evaluated by performing batch-type experiments at varied times and pH values (5, 7 and 9). The kinetic study revealed that a contact time of 24 h was required to attain equilibrium and the experimental data were best fitted to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (qe = 17.1 mg g−1). In addition, several batch experiments were conducted with varied arsenic concentrations. During the adsorption tests, the maximum adsorption of As(III) was found at pH 5. The adsorption study further showed that compared to BC, PLBC depicted increased removal of As(III) from contaminated solutions. The adsorption experimental data showed the best fit to the Langmuir isotherm model (with R2 = 0.84), with maximum As(III) adsorption capacity reaching 30.76 mg g−1 for PLBC.

Water contamination due to radionuclides is considered a crucial environmental issue. In this study, Tribulus terrestris plant biomass was used as a precursor for obtaining biochar (BC), that was further modified by two different methods using FeCl3 to obtain two different magnetic biochars. Both (one-step biochar, called 1S-BC, and two-steps biochar, called 2S-BC) were studied to investigate their capability for adsorbing/removing uranium (VI) from aqueous solutions. The U(VI) removal efficacy of both biochars was tested for different values of pH, ionic strength, initial concentration of U(VI) and temperature. Experimental adsorption data fitted well to the Freundlich model (achieving as highest value for adsorption capacity KF = 49.56 mg g−1 (mg L−1)-1/n, R2 = 0.99). Thermodynamic studies revealed that adsorption was endothermic, characterized by inner-sphere complexation, and entropy-driven with a relatively increased randomness in the solid-solution interface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that U(VI) sorption took place by surface complexation between U(VI) and oxygen containing functional groups on both biochars. Five consecutive regeneration cycles verified an excellent reusability for 1S-BC. The overall results allow to conclude that the FeCl3 modification of the biochar obtained from Tribulus terrestris plant biomass could give an efficient alternative adsorbent for U(VI) removal in a variety of environmental conditions, promoting protection of the environment and human health, as well as facilitating resource utilization and sustainable management of the materials studied.

Soil phosphorus (P) adsorption and desorption occur in an important endogenous cycle linked with soil fertility problems and relevant to the environmental risk assessment of P. In our study, the effect of long-term inorganic and organic fertilization on P adsorption and desorption characteristics in relation to changes in soil properties was evaluated by selecting three long-term experimental sites in southern China. The selected treatments at each site were CK (unfertilized), NPK (synthetic nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and NPKM (synthetic NPK plus manure). The adsorption and desorption characteristics of P were evaluated using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The results showed that long-term application of NPK plus manure significantly increased soil organic carbon (SOC), total P and available P at all three sites compared with the NPK and CK treatments. All three treatments fit these equations well. The maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) of P increased with NPKM treatment, and the binding energy of P (K) and the maximum buffering capacity (MBC) showed increasing trends. NPKM showed the highest Qm (2346.13 mg kg-1) at the Jinxian site, followed by Nanchang (221.16 mg kg-1) and Ningxiang (2219.36 mg kg-1). Compared to CK and NPK, the NPKM treatment showed a higher MBC as 66.64, 46.93 and 44.39 L kg-1 at all three sites. The maximum desorption capacity (Dm) of P in soil was highest with the NPKM treatment (157.58, 166.76, 143.13 mg kg-1), showing a better ability to release P in soil. The correlation matrix showed a significant positive correlation of SOC, total and available P with Qm, Dm and MBC. In conclusion, it is suggested that manure addition is crucial to improve P utilization in red paddy soils within the recommended range to avoid the risk of environmental pollution.

Uranium (U) is a radioactive and highly toxic metal. Its excessive concentrations in the aqueous environments may result in severe and irreversible damage. To fight this hazard, a raw biochar was prepared from Citrullus lanatus L. seeds, then characterized and compared with a MnFe

Sexual health is inversely associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate and is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, depression, poor self-image, and impaired quality of life. Many women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and ESKD experience symptoms of sexual dysfunction which is underrecognized secondary to a variety of factors including physicians' discomfort in discussing sexual health, patients' reluctance to bring up sexual health, difficulty in the assessment of sexual health in comparison to men, and the overall lack of well-conducted clinical studies in women. The pathophysiology is not fully understood but likely involves changes in sex hormones throughout the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Proper evaluation of this axis is necessary as treatment is tailored to these findings and can improve outcomes. A comprehensive assessment of sexual dysfunction inclusive of women with varying gender identification and sexual orientation, partnered with recognition and treatment of contributing factors as well as identifying the underlying cause, is paramount. With the lack of studies, particularly in women with CKD, treatment options, in some cases, can be considered unchartered territory. In this article, we will review available evidence on the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment for sexual dysfunction in women with CKD and ESKD.

© 2020 IEEE. The traditional Z-source inverter suffers from large voltage stress across the switches, and discontinuous source current, which is not appropriate for the electric motor drives applications. This paper presents a design and thorough analysis of a trans-Z-source (transformer-based Z-source) with higher boost capability and negligible leakage inductance which overcomes the drawbacks of traditional Z-source inverters (ZSI). Additionally, the fault-tolerant capability of the proposed trans-ZSI is investigated for open-circuit and short-circuit faults occurring in the power semiconductor switches of the inverter module. It proposes a highly efficient faulty leg identification method which is independent of the temperature rise occurring due to high current in the faulty mode. The proposed fault-tolerant scheme is characterized by low cost, fast fault diagnosis irrespective of load, and maintaining post-fault speed characteristics of motor identical to pre-fault characteristics. The experimental results are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method for induction motor drives. Also, a comparative study with similar fault diagnosis strategies is tabulated to validate the potential of the proposed fault-tolerant strategy.

Cultivation of green manure (GM) crops in intensive cropping systems is important for enhancing crop productivity through soil quality improvement. We investigated yield sustainability, nutrient stocks, nutrient balances and enzyme activities affected by different long-&nbsp, term (1982&ndash, 2016) green manure rotations in acidic paddy soil in a double-rice cropping system. We selected four treatments from a long-term experiment, including (1) rice-rice-winter fallow as a control treatment (R-R-F), (2) rice-rice-milkvetch (R-R-M), (3) rice-rice-rapeseed (R-R-R), and (4) rice-rice-ryegrass (R-R-G). The results showed that different GM rotations increased grain yield and the sustainable yield index compared with those of the R-R-F treatment. Compared with those of R-R-F, the average grain yield of early rice in R-R-M, R-R-R, and R-R-G increased by 45%, 29%, and 27%, respectively and that of late rice increased by 46%, 28%, and 26%, respectively. Over the years, grain yield increased in all treatments except R-R-F. Green manure also improved the soil chemical properties (SOM and total and available N and P), except soil pH, compared to those of the control treatment. During the 1983&ndash, 1990 cultivation period, the soil pH of the R-R-M treatment was lower than that of the R-R-F treatment. The addition of green manure did not mitigate the soil acidification caused by the use of inorganic fertilizers. The soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) contents and stocks of C, N and P increased over the years. Furthermore, GM significantly increased phosphatase and urease activities and decreased the apparent N and P balances compared with those in the winter fallow treatment. Variance partitioning analysis revealed that soil properties, cropping systems, and climatic factors significantly influenced annual grain yield. Aggregated boosted tree (ABT) analysis quantified the relative influences of the different soil properties on annual grain yield and showed that the relative influences of TN content, SOM, pH, and TP content on annual crop yield were 27.8%, 25.7%, 22.9%, and 20.7%, respectively. In conclusion, GM rotation is beneficial for sustaining high crop yields by improving soil biochemical properties and reducing N and P balances in acidic soil under double-&nbsp, rice cropping systems.

Objective of the study was to investigate effects of task specific circuit gait training to improve gait parameters and mobility among sub-acute and chronic stroke patients. A randomized control trial was conducted on stroke survivors of either gender being capable of standing 10 seconds and having 2-4 score on Rankin Modified Scale. Sample comprised of 30 participants randomly assigned into two groups. Training was given for a session of 40-50 minutes for 3-4 days/week for six weeks. Timed get up and go test (TUG), Cadence, Step Length and Step Width assessed measures of concern. The sample included 16 males and 14 females with mean age of 54.10 ± 10.10 years. After six weeks, significant improvement was recorded in TUG (p=0.014). Cadence (p=0.001), step length (p

A long-term experiment (38 years) was conducted to elucidate the effects of long-term N addition on the net N mineralization in both paddy and upland soils, based on their initial soil N status, with and in connection with soil microbial biomass and N cycling extracellular enzyme activities. Two treatments without N addition CK (No fertilizer) and K (inorganic potassium fertilizer) and two treatments with N addition (inorganic nitrogen fertilizer) and NK (inorganic nitrogen and potassium fertilizer) were placed in incubation for 90 days. Results showed that the total N and soil organic carbon (SOC) contents were higher in the treatments with N application compared to the treatments without N in both paddy and upland soils. The SOC content of paddy soil was increased relative to upland soil by 56.2%, 45.7%, 61.1% and 62.2% without N (CK, K) and with N (N and NK) treatments, respectively. Site-wise, total N concentration in paddy soil was higher by 0.06, 0.10, 0.57 and 0.60 times under the CK, K, N and NK treatments, respectively, compared with upland soil. In paddy soil, soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN) was higher by 39.6%, 2.77%, 29.5% and 31.4%, and microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) was higher by 11.8%, 11.9%, 10.1% and 12.3%, respectively, in CK, K, N and NK treatment, compared with upland soil. Overall, compared to upland soil, the activities of leucine-aminopeptidase (LAP) were increased by 31%, 18%, 20% and 11%, and those of N-acetyl-b-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) were increased by 70%, 21%, 13% and 18% by CK, K, N and NK treatments, respectively, in paddy soil. A significantly linear increase was found in the NO3−-N and NH4+-N concentrations during the 90 days of the incubation period in both soils. NK treatment showed the highest N mineralization potential (No) along with mineralization rate constant, k (NMR) at the end of the incubation. SMBC, SMBN, enzyme activities, NO3−-N and NH4+-N concentrations and the No showed a highly significant (p ≤ 0.05) positive correlation. We concluded that long-term N addition accelerated the net mineralization by increasing soil microbial activities under both soils.

Uranium (U) is a radioactive and highly toxic metal. Its excessive concentrations in the aqueous environments may result in severe and irreversible damage. To fight this hazard, a raw biochar was prepared from Citrullus lanatus L. seeds, then characterized and compared with a MnFe2O4 modified biochar, both tested for U(VI) adsorption from wastewater, which was assayed for the first time in this study. The characterization of the adsorbent materials was performed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) with elemental mapping, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The effects of solution pH, concentration of sorbate and sorbents, temperature, time and ionic strength were assessed as regards their influence on U(VI) adsorption. The experimental adsorption data showed good fit to a pseudo-second-order kinetic model (reaching a value of qe = 15.12 mg g−1, R2 = 0.96 at equilibrium), and to the Langmuir isotherm (achieving a maximum score of qmax = 27.61 mg g−1, R2 = 0.96). The maximum adsorption capacity was found at 318 K. The results of the study indicate that the binding of negatively charged functional groups (carbonyls, hydroxyls, and some carboxylic groups) with MnFe2O4 significantly enhanced U(VI) adsorption. In view of the overall results, it can be concluded that the MnFe2O4 modification of the Citrullus lanatus L. seeds biochar could give an efficient alternative adsorbent for U(VI) removal in a variety of environmental conditions, simultaneously promoting resource utilization and good sustainable management of the materials studied, aiding to protect the environment and human health.

Background: Worldwide prevalence of chronic low back pain is 19.6% in thoseaged between 20-59 years and more prevalent in women. Routine physiotherapy appears to beeffective in reducing pain and improving functional outcome in chronic low back pain patients.Lumbar stabilization exercises are trending in the management of chronic low back pain thoughit is not known whether addition of these exercises produce better results as compared to routinephysiotherapy alone. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of thelumbar stabilization exercises on pain, ROM and functional disability in the management ofchronic low back pain. A randomized control trial. Period: February 2016 to July 2016. Setting:Rehab & Research Center, Pakistan Railway General Hospital. Methodology: 42 chronic lowback pain patients (02 drop outs, one from each group). The participants were recruited throughpurposive sampling technique. Random allocation was done through coin toss method into twogroups Lumbar Stabilization Exercise (LSE) group (n=20) and Conventional Physiotherapy(CPT) group (n=20). Tools used to collect data were NPRS, Modified ODI, Goniometer (LumbarFlexion, Extension and Side bendings) and MMT (Trunk Flexors and Extensors). The data wasanalyzed (n=40) at baseline and later after 2 weeks of intervention (8 sessions) on IBM SPSS-20. Results: 28 females and 12 males participated in the study with mean age of 38.88 ±12.69.After 02 weeks of intervention both treatment groups showed improvement in decreasing painand improving functional status. LSE group had significant gains in NPRS p=0.001, ModifiedODI p=0.001, ROM Extension p= 0.027, ROM Right side bend p= 0.024 and MMT Flexion p=0.031 as compared to CPT group. Conclusion: Lumbar stabilization exercises in addition toconventional physiotherapy are found more effective in chronic low back pain managementas compared to conventional physiotherapy alone in terms of reducing pain and functionaldisability.

Non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (NDD-CKD) patients are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)–related deaths in comparison with the general population. This review summarizes recent guideline recommendations and studies on primary and secondary prevention of traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in those with NDD-CKD. The use of antiplatelet agents for primary prevention in CKD is not supported by clinical trial evidence; however, they offer potential benefits when used for secondary prevention of CVD in the absence of an elevated bleeding risk. Lipid-lowering therapy reduces CV risk and is recommended for all NDD-CKD patients. In light of recent clinical trial findings, current clinical practice guidelines recommend a blood pressure (BP) goal

The identification of phosphorus (P) fractions is essential for understanding the transformation and availability of P in paddy soils. To investigate the soil P fractions associated with soil properties under long-term fertilization, we selected three fertilization treatments, including no fertilization (CK), chemical fertilizers (NPK) and chemical fertilizers combined with manure (NPKM), from three long-term experiments located in Nanchang (NC), Jinxian (JX) and Ningxiang (NX). The results showed that chemical fertilizers combined with manure (NPKM) significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased the soil total phosphorus, Olsen P and soil organic matter (SOM) by 2, 3 and 1 times, respectively, compared with the NPK treatment, and by 4, 17 and 2 times, respectively, compared with the CK treatment. NPKM significantly increased the grain yield compared with CK and NPK at all sites. The apparent P balance with NPK was higher in NC and NX but lower in JX compared with NPKM. Hedley fractionation revealed the predominance of most of the organic and inorganic phosphorus (Po and Pi) fractions with long-term fertilization, especially with the NPKM treatment, at all sites. The nonlabile P pool decreased by 14% and 18% whereas the moderately labile P pool proportions increased by 3 and 6 times with the NPK and NPKM treatments, respectively, compared to the CK treatment. The labile P pool showed a significant positive relationship with the SOM, total P and Olsen P contents. The moderately labile P was positively correlated with the total P and Olsen P. A significant positive correlation was observed between soil pH and the nonlabile P pool. Redundancy analysis revealed that the moderately labile P fraction (HCl dil. Pi fraction) was remarkably increased by the NPKM treatment and significantly correlated with the soil pH and total P concentration. The labile P fraction (NaHCO3-Pi) showed a strong relationship with the Olsen P and total P. However, the residual P fraction was negatively correlated with the HCl. dil. Pi fraction. We concluded that NPKM application improved P availability by many folds compared to NPK, which could lead to environmental pollution; therefore, the rate of combined application of manure and chemical fertilizer should be reduced compared to chemical fertilizer inputs to minimize the wastage of resources and environmental P losses.

In this study, rice straw derived biochar (RSBC) was used as a precursor for obtaining oxidized biochar (RSBC-Ox), for which the capability for adsorbing/removing uranium (VI) from aqueous solutions was investigated. The U(VI) removal efficacy of RSBC-Ox was tested for different values of pH, ionic strength, initial concentration of U(VI) and temperature. RSBC-Ox reached 242.65 mg g-1 as the most effective score regarding uptake. Experimental adsorption data fitted well to a pseudo-second-order kinetic model (reaching a value at equilibrium of qe = 148.9 mg g-1, R2 = 0.99), and to the Langmuir isotherm (achieving a maximum score of qmax = 242.65 mg g-1, R2 = 0.99). Thermodynamics revealed that adsorption was endothermic, and indicated inner-sphere complexation, and entropy-driven with a relatively increased randomness in the solid-solution interface. This research could be of aid for reusing rice straw as an effective and low-cost adsorbent for U(VI) removal in various environmental conditions, simultaneously promoting resource utilization and sustainable management of the materials, aiding to protect the environment and human health.

Elevated mineral fertilization may change the composition and increase the availability of soil phosphorus (P) in subtropical paddy soils and thus affect long-term plant growth. However, an understanding of the response of soil P fractions to long-term nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) additions remains elusive. This study aimed to explore the responses of soil P-fractions and their mobility to different long-term chemical fertilization rates under a double rice cropping system. The rates of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the low NPK treatment (LNPK) were 90, 45, and 75 kg ha&minus, 1 year&minus, 1, respectively, and in the high NPK treatment (HNPK), they were 180, 90, and 150 kg ha&minus, 1, respectively. The results showed that the concentrations of soil organic matter (SOM), total P, Olsen P, total N, and mineral N were remarkably increased under HNPK by 17.46%, 162.66%, 721.16%, 104.42%, and 414.46%, respectively, compared with those under control (CT). Compared to the CT P fractions, HNPK increased the labile P fractions (i.e., NaHCO3-Pi and NaHCO3-Po) by 322.25% and 83.53% and the moderately labile P fractions (i.e., NaOH-Pi, NaOH-Po and HCl. dil. Pi) by 163.54%, 183.78%, and 3167.25% respectively, while the non-labile P was decreased by the HNPK addition. P uptake and grain yield were increased by LNPK and HNPK by 10.02% and 35.20%, respectively, compared with CT. P use efficiency indices were also higher under HNPK than under LNPK. There was a strong positive relationship between grain yield and P use efficiency (R2 = 0.97). A redundancy analysis (RDA) showed a strong correlation between soil chemical properties and the labile and moderately labile P pools. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that SOM, mineral N, and available P strongly control the labile P pool. In conclusion, NPK additions under the paddy soils significantly influences the soil P fractions. The soil P dynamics and the mechanisms governing the interactions between plants and soil nutrients are clearly explained in this study.

Hydropericardium syndrome (HPS) is a fatal disease of broiler chickens causing high mortality and heavy economic losses in various countries. More than 100 million birds have been affected by this destructive disease in less than two years worldwide. As it is a viral disease, the only solution is to vaccinate chickens. Different types of vaccines are being used against this disease in different areas of the world. Liver organ inactivated vaccines are more extensively used to control the disease initially. These vaccines have many drawbacks regarding their dose, un-predictable immune response and secondary bacterial infections. Following this, oil adjuvant vaccine was used to control the disease, however the handling stress and the formation of granuloma at the site of injection remains a problem. Consequently there is a need for cell culture adapted and attenuated vaccines, which can be administered through oral routes. A chicken embryo-adapted inactivated vaccine has shown good results but requires a continuous supply of specific, pathogen-free chicken embryos and a continuous life killing process. The continuous cell lines are a more promising solution for the production of cell culture-adapted and attenuated vaccines, which are safer, more economical and easy to administer. The following review discusses the development of modern HPS vaccines.

The study was designed to determine the blood glucose response of six different snakes/meals including chapatti + egg, chicken patty and pizza from three different local bakeries and pizza makers of Faisalabad, Pakistan. The approximate analysis of six different test meals was done for determination of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, ash and fibre contents. A group of 6 normal and 6 diabetic human volunteers were selected and given the test and control meals randomly. The volunteers were fed different meals containing 50g carbohydrates portion, the blood sample of diabetic volunteers were taken finger pricks at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes and normal volunteers 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 minutes and glycaemic index were calculated by standard formula. Results obtained in present study have suggested that all four test pizzas and chicken patty have very high glycaemic indices. It is therefore suggested that diabetic patients and high-risk families should not take all the test pizzas and chicken patty in their daily routine.