Development and biochemical characterization of freeze-dried guava powder fortified with Lactobacillus plantarum.

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is one of the most nutrient-dense fruits, which is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The processing of value-added products from guava has not been carried out on a scale similar to some other fruits, which offers an opportunity to fully exploit the potential of this fruit, such as guava-based nutraceutical food products.

Assessing the Feasibility of a Multifaceted Intervention Package for Improving Respiratory Health of Textile Workers: Findings From the MultiTex Pilot Study in Karachi, Pakistan.

We piloted the development and implementation of a multifaceted intervention package for improving respiratory health among textile workers using a pre-post design at six mills in Karachi. The intervention, implemented following a baseline survey (n = 498), included health and safety training of workers and managers, promotion of cotton dust control measures, and the provision of facemasks. Follow-up surveys were conducted at 1, 6, and 12 months post-intervention.

A Stability-Based Management Protocol for Isolated Lateral Malleolar Ankle Fractures at the Level of the Syndesmosis Reduces the Need for Surgical Intervention.

Purpose: The study aimed to establish and subsequently improve the rate of stability assessments of fractures with uncertain stability and the impact on the avoidance of potentially unnecessary surgery.

Methods: Two independent audit cycles were conducted from October 2019 to May 2020. All patients had closed isolated lateral malleolar fractures at the level of the tibiotalar syndesmosis involving skeletally mature bone.

Circular economy and its implementation in cement industry: A case point in Pakistan.

The cement industry contributes substantially to world emissions. Sustainable and circular practices are adopted globally to mitigate such emissions. Developing countries like Pakistan lack adaptation to circular and sustainable practices.

Neuroprotective effects of vitamin B1 on memory impairment and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) remains one of the prevailing disorders that affect millions of people around the globe. There is a cascade of secondary attributes attached to TBI including excitotoxicity, axonal degeneration, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Neuroinflammation is caused due to the activation of microglia along with pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Same Gene, Different Story (a Case Report of Congenital Long QT Syndrome Subtype 8 With a Novel Mutation).

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) 8 is a rare inherited channelopathy caused by CACNA1C gene mutations that affects calcium channels, and when combined with congenital heart defects, musculoskeletal defects, and neurodevelopmental defects, it is referred to as Timothy syndrome. A female patient, aged 17 years, presented with a witnessed episode of syncope secondary to ventricular fibrillation that was successfully cardioverted. Electrocardiogram showed sinus bradycardia 52/min, normal axis, and a QTc of 626 ms.

Solar PV power plant site selection using a GIS-based non-linear multi-criteria optimization technique.

The ongoing rise in energy consumption imposed serious environmental challenges by using fossil fuels. The use of renewable energy sources is being increasingly explored as a potential answer for achieving sustainable energy production and minimizing adverse environmental effects. In the modern day, photovoltaic (PV) systems are viewed as a possible replacement for fossil fuels as a clean energy source.

Effect Of Cotton Dust Exposure On Respiratory Health Outcomes Among Textile Workers.

Background: Cotton dust is generated during various textile manufacturing processes. Only a few studies from Pakistan assessed cotton dust exposure and explored the relationship of duration of work in the textile industry with respiratory health outcomes. We aimed to assess cotton dust exposure and its association with lung function and respiratory symptoms among textile workers in Pakistan.

Risk assessment of circular economy practices in construction industry of Pakistan.

The construction industry (CI) is responsible for consuming 3 billion tons of natural raw materials annually. Also, as per the survey by World Resources Institute, the CI accounts for 40 % of the total waste generated globally. The solution to this inefficient resource usage and adverse effects on the ecosystem is implementing Circular Economy (CE) practices in CI.

Evaluation of potential bacterial protease inhibitor properties of selected hydroxyquinoline derivatives: an docking and molecular dynamics simulation approach.

Antimicrobial drug resistance (AMR) is a severe global threat to public health. The increasing emergence of drug-resistant bacteria requires the discovery of novel antibacterial agents. Quinoline derivatives have previously been reported to exhibit antimalarial, antiviral, antitumor, antiulcer, antioxidant and, most interestingly, antibacterial properties.

Evaluation of critical risk factors in the implementation of modular construction.

Modular construction is considered as a preferred construction method over conventional construction due to a number of benefits including reduction in project completion time, improved environmental performance, better quality, enhanced workers' safety and flexibility. However, successful implementation of modular construction is hindered by various risk factors and uncertainties. Therefore, it is imperative to perform a comprehensive risk assessment of critical risk factors that pose a negative impact on the implementation of modular construction.

Evaluation of the EULAR/American College of Rheumatology Classification Criteria for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Population-Based Registry.

Objective: Using the Manhattan Lupus Surveillance Program, a multiracial/ethnic population-based registry, we aimed to compare 3 commonly used classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to identify unique cases and determine the incidence and prevalence of SLE using the EULAR/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria.

Methods: SLE cases were defined as fulfilling the 1997 ACR, the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC), or the EULAR/ACR classification criteria. We quantified the number of cases uniquely associated with each and the number fulfilling all 3 criteria.

Implementation of the circular supply chain management in the pharmaceutical industry.

The ever-increasing levels of pollution and waste creation have subjected industries around the world to incorporate the concept of circular economy (CE) in their supply chains. The amalgamation of the CE approach along with supply chain management is called circular supply chain management (CSCM). Among other industries, the pharmaceutical industry is also involved in damaging the ecosystem.

A facilitating framework for a developing country to adopt smart waste management in the context of circular economy.

To achieve higher standards of sustainability, the waste management sector now requires the incorporation of circular economy (CE) principles. However, an easy transition toward the particular goal would require the use of smart waste technologies. To achieve the aforementioned goal, this study aims to provide a facilitating framework for the adoption of smart waste management in the context of CE for Pakistan.

Insights into the structure and drug design of benzimidazole derivatives targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

Tyrosine kinase overexpression could result in an unfavourable consequence of cancer progression in the body. A number of kinase inhibitor drugs targeting various cancer-related protein kinases have been developed and proven successful in clinical therapy. Benzimidazole is one of the most studied scaffolds in the search for effective anticancer drugs.

Isolation, Characterization and Neuroprotective Activity of Folecitin: An In Vivo Study.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) extend the global health burden. Consumption of alcohol as well as maternal exposure to ethanol can damage several neuronal functions and cause cognition and behavioral abnormalities. Ethanol induces oxidative stress that is linked to the development of NDs.

Adoption of circular economy for food waste management in the context of a developing country.

Food wastage is a global concern with high economic, social and environmental impacts. Pakistan, a developing country, is also significantly affected by the adverse impacts of food wastage. For overcoming this problem, the transition from a Linear to a Circular Economy (CE) for the management of food wastage can serve as a viable strategy.

What Has Dual Energy CT Taught Us About Gout?

Purpose Of The Review: Dual energy computed tomography (DECT) scan has emerged as a useful diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of gout over recent years. Here, we review the role of DECT in the context of typical and atypical gout, including its role in identifying extra-articular monosodium urate (MSU) deposition.

Recent Findings: DECT has been found to be more accurate than ultrasound in detecting extra-articular MSU deposition in soft tissue.

The risk and severity of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and gout: A National Representative Database study.

Background: It has been shown that gout is associated with left atrium remodeling and a pro-inflammatory state leading to the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). There is limited evidence whether gout increases the risk of stroke in patients with AF. We assessed the incidence of gout and the risk of stroke in patients with AF.

Sustainable production of diapers and their potential outputs for the Pakistani market in the circular economy perspective.

One of the challenging issues of any country's agenda today is the management of solid waste in the circular economy and eco-efficiency perspective. In this context, there has been much debate about the disposal of diapers, but the current research lacks data for developing countries. Furthermore, the research lacks quantification of data, in terms of output products generated through sustainable waste management practices particularly for diapers.