Anti-inflammatory activity, stability, bioavailability and toxicity studies on seabuckthorn polyphenol enriched fraction and its phospholipid complex (Phytosomes) preparation.

A standardized polyphenol-enriched fraction (IPHRFPPEF) was formulated into a phospholipid complex (IPHRFPPEF-PC) to enhance oral bioavailability and evaluate stability, toxicity, and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in Sprague Dawley rats. IPHRFPPEF was prepared from crude extract using XAD-HP7/Diaion-HP20 resin column chromatography and analyzed via HPLC and NMR. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified, with IPHRFPPEF showing higher values than the crude fraction.

Waterborne contaminants in high intensity agriculture and plant production: A review of on-site and downstream impacts.

Waterborne contaminants pose a significant risk to water quality and plant health in agricultural systems. This is particularly the case for relatively small-scale but intensive agricultural operations such as plant production nurseries that often rely on recycled irrigation water. The increasing global demand for plants requires improved water quality and more certainty around water availability, which may be difficult to predict and deliver due to variable and changing climate regimes.

Ablation Depth-Dependent Survival Analysis of Phototherapeutic Keratectomy for Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome.

Introduction: Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is a treatment for recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCES). The aim of this study was to investigate whether deeper ablations yielded greater success rates.

Methods: Retrospective case notes review with prospective patient-reported outcome measures for all patients who had undergone PTK for RCES at a single tertiary referral unit.

Keeping Patients Safe Online: A Study of Refractive Surgery Advertisements on Social Media.

Introduction Refractive error is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness globally. Increasingly, patients are exposed to information about refractive surgery through social media advertisements. While national guidelines specify how refractive surgery should be advertised in traditional media, it is unclear to what extent these standards are adhered to in the emerging commercial arena of social media.

Spectrum of Inpatient Pediatric Dermatology Cases at a Tertiary Health Care Centre in South India.

Background Dermatologists and pediatricians commonly encounter pediatric dermatology cases in their clinical practice, and the number has risen for the past decade. While numerous studies have addressed adult inpatient dermatology cases, there is a lack of data on the same for the pediatric population. Aim The study aimed to investigate the spectrum and outcomes of inpatient pediatric dermatology cases at a tertiary health care center.

A comparison of keratoconus progression following collagen cross-linkage using standard or personalised keratometry thresholds.

Objective: To define how estimates of keratoconus progression following collagen cross-linking (CXL) vary according to the parameter selected to measure corneal shape.

Materials And Methods: We estimated progression following CXL in 1677 eyes. We compared standard definitions of keratoconus progression based on published thresholds for Kmax, front K2, or back K2, or progression of any two of these three parameters, with the option of an increased threshold for Kmax values ≥ 55D.

Method validation and environmental monitoring of triethanolamine ester quaternary ammonium compounds.

In this study water and sediment samples, collected from the River Nene (Northamptonshire) at several sites in the vicinity of the Great Billing sewage treatment plant (STP), were analysed for triethanolamine quaternary compounds (TEAQ, ester quats). A method was developed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) with a electrospray ionisation source (ESI). Ten components were determined using a characterised commercial sample of Tallow TEAQ as a standard.

Laser-assisted cataract surgery versus standard ultrasound phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

Background: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world and, as such, cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed operations globally. Surgical techniques have changed dramatically over the past half century with associated improvements in outcomes and safety. Femtosecond lasers can be used to perform the key steps in cataract surgery, such as corneal incisions, lens capsulotomy and fragmentation.

Bioaccessibility, exposure and risk assessment of potentially toxic elements and essential micronutrients in ayurvedic, traditional Chinese and Ghanaian medicines.

Potentially toxic constituents in traditional medicines remain a concern due to health risks posed to consumers. Thirty-six traditional medicines (TM) consisting of 14 Indian Ayurvedic Medicines, 11 Chinese Traditional Medicines and eleven Ghanaian Traditional Medicines were evaluated using Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (T-XRF) after microwave assisted acid digestion. Physiologically Based Extraction Test (PBET) was used to obtain bioaccessible elemental concentrations.

Personalized Model to Predict Keratoconus Progression From Demographic, Topographic, and Genetic Data.

Purpose: To generate a prognostic model to predict keratoconus progression to corneal crosslinking (CXL).

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Methods: We recruited 5025 patients (9341 eyes) with early keratoconus between January 2011 and November 2020.

Machine Learning Algorithms to Detect Subclinical Keratoconus: Systematic Review.

Background: Keratoconus is a disorder characterized by progressive thinning and distortion of the cornea. If detected at an early stage, corneal collagen cross-linking can prevent disease progression and further visual loss. Although advanced forms are easily detected, reliable identification of subclinical disease can be problematic.

HIV Response Interventions that Integrate HIV Molecular Cluster and Social Network Analysis: A Systematic Review.

Due to improved efficiency and reduced cost of viral sequencing, molecular cluster analysis can be feasibly utilized alongside existing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention strategies. The goal of this paper is to elucidate how HIV molecular cluster and social network analyses are being integrated to implement HIV response interventions. We searched PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library databases for studies incorporating both HIV molecular cluster and social network data.

Creation of a Medical Student Training to Improve Comfort Providing Trauma-Informed Care to Sexual Assault Survivors.

Introduction: Sexual violence is a significant public health concern in the United States, affecting as many as one in two women and one in four men. However, few medical schools offer education on trauma-informed communication with patients who disclose sexual assault (SA). The goal of this training was to provide medical students with an understanding of how to empathically respond to SA disclosures, collect pertinent medical information while avoiding retraumatization, and empower patients to feel in control of their care.

Characterizing the spatial distributions of soil biota at a legacy base metal mine using environmental DNA.

Characterizing the distribution of biota in response to contaminants is a critical element of site risk assessments. In this study we investigated the spatial distributions of biota and soil chemistry data in surface soil from Sunny Corner, a legacy base metal sulfide mine, Australia. Our results showed that copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) in the surface soil exceeded Australian national soil quality guidelines and posed risks to the environment.

Impact assessment of ephemeral discharge of contamination downstream of two legacy base metal mines using environmental DNA.

Mining and processing metalliferous ores can degrade the environment well beyond the footprint of the mine, particularly where on-site containment and post-mining remediation has been insufficient to prevent releases of solid and aqueous mine wastes. In this study, we investigated the potential of sediment and water chemistry coupled with environmental (e)DNA metabarcoding to evaluate discrete and cumulative ecological impacts of two legacy base metal (copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb)) mines (Peelwood and Cordillera) which discharge metals via ephemeral tributaries into perennial Peelwood Creek. Although the two mine streams exceeded Australian guidelines for sediment and freshwater quality for Cu, Zn and Pb, Peelwood Creek had relatively low sediment and water metal concentrations, suggesting a low potential for environmental toxicity.

A citizen science approach to identifying trace metal contamination risks in urban gardens.

We launched the VegeSafe program in 2013 to assist Australians concerned about exposure to contaminants in their soils and gardens. VegeSafe analyses garden soils provided by citizens for trace metals at our laboratory at little to no cost, with easy-to-follow guidance on any intervention required. The response was overwhelming-Australians submitted 17,256 soils from 3,609 homes, and in turn VegeSafe researchers now have unparalleled household-scale data, providing new insights into urban trace metal contamination.

Application of environmental DNA for assessment of contamination downstream of a legacy base metal mine.

Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) from legacy mines can negatively impact the biota in sediments and waters for tens of kilometers downstream. Here we used environmental (e)DNA metabarcoding to assess the impacts of metal contaminants on biota in sediment and water downstream of a legacy base metal sulfide mine in southeastern Australia, as exemplar of similar mines elsewhere. Concentrations of metals in water were below Australian water quality guideline values at 20 km downstream for copper (Cu), 40 km downstream for zinc (Zn) and 10 km downstream for lead (Pb).

Preliminary data demonstrate the Geriatric Surgery Verification program reduces postoperative length of stay.

Objectives/background: The Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) Program promotes clinical standards aimed to optimize the quality of surgical care delivered to older adults. The purpose of this study was to determine if preliminary implementation of the GSV Program standards improves surgical outcomes.

Design: Prospective study with cohort matching.

Assessing metal contaminants in Antarctic soils using diffusive gradients in thin-films.

Metal contaminants in Antarctic soils are typically found around research stations which are concentrated in ice-free coastal areas. The risk of these contaminants to the Antarctic environment is not well understood, given Antarctica's unique organisms and climate. This study assessed the use of diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT), a passive sampler that measures fluxes of labile metals from soils to porewaters, in Antarctic soils.

History of environmental contamination at Sunny Corner Ag-Pb-Zn mine, eastern Australia: A meta-analysis approach.

Environmental impacts associated with mining can be important even after cessation of ore extraction, particularly where sites are abandoned and unremediated. Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is a common concern in such legacy mines where sulfide ores were extracted. AMD can introduce large concentrations of heavy metals to aquatic systems and contaminate the environment for many kilometres downstream of old mines.

Assessment of legacy mine metal contamination using ants as indicators of contamination.

Most legacy mines contributed to contamination of the environment before and after cessation of mining. Contamination from waste rock, slag and tailings can introduce large concentrations of metals and metalloids to the surface soil and downstream sediments. Since ants are able to accumulate metals in their bodies, we investigated the possibility of using the elemental compositions of ants as indicators of metals at legacy mines developed on ores rich in copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), silver (Ag) and lead (Pb).