Influence of Oil and Gas End-Use on Summertime Particulate Matter and Ozone Pollution in the Eastern US.

The influence of oil and gas end-use activities on ambient air quality is complex and understudied, particularly in regions where intensive end-use activities and large biogenic emissions of isoprene coincide. In these regions, vehicular emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO≡NO + NO) modulate the oxidative fate of isoprene, a biogenic precursor of the harmful air pollutants ozone, formaldehyde, and particulate matter (PM). Here, we investigate the direct and indirect influence of the end-use emissions on ambient air quality.

Structure-guided discovery of ancestral CRISPR-Cas13 ribonucleases.

The RNA-guided ribonuclease CRISPR-Cas13 enables adaptive immunity in bacteria and programmable RNA manipulation in heterologous systems. Cas13s share limited sequence similarity, hindering discovery of related or ancestral systems. To address this, we developed an automated structural-search pipeline to identify an ancestral clade of Cas13 (Cas13an) and further trace Cas13 origins to defense-associated ribonucleases.

The health burden of air pollution in the UK: a modelling study using updated exposure-risk associations.

Background: Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution, in particular fine particles or PM, is a leading global disease burden. PM in the UK, dominated by agricultural emissions of ammonia (NH), has been estimated to be responsible for 29 000-34 000 adult early deaths a year. These estimates use models that relate exposure to health risk that predate cohort studies that have identified a supralinear relationship between exposure and risk at relatively low PM concentrations typical of the UK (5-12 mg m).

Impact of Legislated and Best Available Emission Control Measures on UK Particulate Matter Pollution, Premature Mortality, and Nitrogen-Sensitive Habitats.

Past emission controls in the UK have substantially reduced precursor emissions of health-hazardous fine particles (PM) and nitrogen pollution detrimental to ecosystems. Still, 79% of the UK exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline for annual mean PM of 5 μg m and there is no enforcement of controls on agricultural sources of ammonia (NH). NH is a phytotoxin and an increasingly large contributor to PM and nitrogen deposited to sensitive habitats.

Effect of iron-fortified rice on the hemoglobin level of the individuals aged more than six months: A meta-analysis of controlled trials.

Fortification of staple food items with iron is a potential strategy to address anemia for a larger population. We reviewed studies to assess the impact of iron-fortified rice (IFR) on hemoglobin levels of individuals more than six months of age. We included studies assessing the effectiveness of IFR (with or without other micronutrients) conducted in any part of the world available in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, clinicaltrials.

Feasibility of Real-Time Monitoring for Anemia Using Mobile Application Linked With Point-of-Care Testing Device.

Background Anemia testing using digital hemoglobinometers (DH) enabled with real-time data visibility improves delivery outcomes, reduces the manual process of keeping records, and strengthens follow-up. In this study, testing of anemia was done by HealthTrender, an innovative mobile-based cloud-connected application, with HemoCue 301 device (HemoCue AB, Ängelholm, Sweden). Aim The objective of the study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability and coverage of anemia testing by the HealthTrender mobile application by the end users - Auxiliary Nursing Midwives (ANMs).

Correction Equation for Hemoglobin Values Obtained Using Point of Care Tests-A Step towards Realistic Anemia Burden Estimates.

Digital hemoglobinometers have been used as point-of-care tests (POCT) to estimate the burden of anemia in community-based studies and national-level surveys in India. As the accuracy of hemoglobin estimated in POCT varies, there is a need for adjustments to the POCT-hemoglobin to ensure they are closer to reality and are comparable. We used data (collected between 2016 and 2020) (N = 1145) from four studies from India: three among pregnant women and 6-59-month-old children from Haryana and the fourth from a national nutritional survey among 1-19-year-old children.

Ideal Dose of Iron in Multiple Micronutrient Supplement: A Narrative Review of Evidence.

Anemia is a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The co-existence of other micronutrient deficiencies and iron deficiency among pregnant women may be the reason for the inability to control anemia through iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation. Multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) in pregnancy may help to overcome this problem.

Rapid rise in premature mortality due to anthropogenic air pollution in fast-growing tropical cities from 2005 to 2018.

Tropical cities are experiencing rapid growth but lack routine air pollution monitoring to develop prescient air quality policies. Here, we conduct targeted sampling of recent (2000s to 2010s) observations of air pollutants from space-based instruments over 46 fast-growing tropical cities. We quantify significant annual increases in nitrogen dioxide (NO) (1 to 14%), ammonia (2 to 12%), and reactive volatile organic compounds (1 to 11%) in most cities, driven almost exclusively by emerging anthropogenic sources rather than traditional biomass burning.

Optimal NIV Medicare Access Promotion: Patients With OSA: A Technical Expert Panel Report From the American College of Chest Physicians, the American Association for Respiratory Care, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and the American Thoracic Society.

This document summarizes the work of the CPAP and bilevel PAP therapy for OSA Technical Expert Panel working group. For positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, the most pressing current coverage barriers identified were: an insufficient symptom list describing all potential symptoms in patients with mild OSA; the 4 h per night of PAP usage requirement to keep the device; the additional sleep studies requirement to re-qualify for PAP or supplemental oxygen; and the inability to use telehealth visits for follow-up visits. Critical evidence supports changes to current policies and includes: symptom list inadequate to cover all scenarios based on updated clinical practice guidelines; published evidence that 2 h per night of PAP use can result in benefit to quality of life and other metrics; the costs of another sleep study not justified for all nonadherent patients or for supplemental oxygen due to other types of assessment currently available; and the remarkable success and acceptance of telehealth visits.

Effect of cooking food in iron-containing cookware on increase in blood hemoglobin level and iron content of the food: A systematic review.

In developing countries there is a need for simple and cost-effective strategies to reduce the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia. The objective of the current systematic review is to summarize how cooking food in iron pots or iron ingots can increase the blood hemoglobin level and iron content of the food. Literature search was conducted using databases namely PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline-Ovid, IndMed, Cochrane library, World Health Organization bulletin and by cross-referencing articles.

Digital Hemoglobinometers as Point-of-Care Testing Devices for Hemoglobin Estimation: A Validation Study from India.

Introduction: India has launched Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) strategy in 2018, to deal with the high burden of anemia in the country. Point-of-care testing (POCT) of anemia using digital hemoglobinometers and treatment is one of the primary interventions under AMB. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic validity of digital hemoglobinometers (TrueHb and HemoCue 301) for screening of anemia compared to hematology analyzer.

Global mortality from outdoor fine particle pollution generated by fossil fuel combustion: Results from GEOS-Chem.

The burning of fossil fuels - especially coal, petrol, and diesel - is a major source of airborne fine particulate matter (PM), and a key contributor to the global burden of mortality and disease. Previous risk assessments have examined the health response to total PM, not just PM from fossil fuel combustion, and have used a concentration-response function with limited support from the literature and data at both high and low concentrations. This assessment examines mortality associated with PM from only fossil fuel combustion, making use of a recent meta-analysis of newer studies with a wider range of exposure.

Formulation, Characterisation and In vitro Cytotoxic Effect of Lens culinaris Medikus Seeds Extract Loaded Chitosan Microspheres.

Objective: The aim of present study was to formulate chitosan microspheres loaded with ethanolic extract of Lens culinaris Medikus (L.culinaris) seeds (ME) and to explore its anticancer potential against lung cancer (A549) cell line.

Methods: Central composite design was applied to prepare and optimise the chitosan microspheres.

Point-of-Care Testing Using Invasive and Non-Invasive Hemoglobinometers: Reliable and Valid Method for Estimation of Hemoglobin among Children 6-59 Months.

Introduction: Globally around 47.4% of children and in India, 58% of children aged 6-59 months are anemic. Diagnosis of anemia in children using accurate technologies and providing adequate treatment is essential to reduce the burden of anemia.

Efficacy and tolerability of DPP4 inhibitor, teneligliptin, on autonomic and peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes: an open label, pilot study.

Background: Diabetic neuropathy increases risk of cardiovascular disease, peripheral artery disease, foot amputation and overall mortality. Not only hyperglycaemia induced nerve damage is harder to repair using currently approved medications, but also, the use of these agents is often limited by the extent of pain relief provided and side effects.

Methodology: In this prospective, open-label, pilot study, 20 type-2 diabetes mellitus patients (male/female=13/7, mean age- 56.

Effect of N-Acetylcysteine on Metabolic Profile in Metabolic Syndrome Patients.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC), the acetylated variant of amino acid l-cysteine, acts as a free radical scavenger and plays multifunctional roles by suppressing endogenous level of oxidative stress and inflammation and by enhancing nitric oxide bioavailability. Thus, present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of NAC on various inherent components of metabolic syndrome (MetS). An open-label pilot study was conducted at diabetes outpatient clinic.

Serum progranulin/tumor necrosis factor-α ratio as independent predictor of systolic blood pressure in overweight hypertensive patients: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Vascular inflammation plays a key role in the progression of hypertension. Progranulin (PGRN), an anti-inflammatory growth factor, mediated inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a pleiotropic cytokine, activity has been well-established. Despite the role of chronic low-grade inflammation in hypertension, serum levels of PGRN and PGRN/TNF-α ratio and, their association with systolic and diastolic blood pressure has not been determined in hypertensive patients till now.

Addressing gaps between payer policies and AASM clinical practice guidelines using scorecards.

The Payer Policy Review Committee of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine launched an initiative to assess the alignment between clinical practice guidelines and private payer medical policies. This article summarizes the importance of the initiative, details the scorecard development process, including an analysis of policy scores and subsequent revisions, and discusses the impact of the scorecards particularly as related to the scorecards on the clinical practice guideline for diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in adults. This initiative has increased communication and engagement among members of the Payer Policy Review Committee and private payers, creating opportunities to advocate on behalf of sleep medicine providers and patients with sleep disorders, encouraging payers to modify existing policies so that evidence-based care is provided to patients with sleep disorders.

An unusual hydrops in keratoconus.

A young 19-year-old male was referred for the management of acute hydrops in the left eye. During follow-up, other eye cornea developed edematous bands as if hydrops was developing at two parallel sites. Edema progressed very slowly and new edema bands continued to develop.

Association of sudomotor function with peripheral artery disease in type 2 diabetes.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and lower extremity amputation in patients with diabetes. Autonomic neuropathy is a risk factor for cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality. Sudomotor dysfunction is well established in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and reflects small fibre neuropathy, cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy and peripheral sympathetic autonomic neuropathy.