ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: Dengue virus (DENV) is an RNA virus that infects approximately 2.5 billion people around the world. The incidence of dengue fever has rapidly increased at an alarming rate in the last few years and has affected thousands of people in Pakistan. This review explores the prevalence, serotypes and pathogenesis of dengue virus circulating in Pakistan. Methods: A systematic review of observational studies published between 1994 and December 2019 was performed. All records of the confirmed outbreak of dengue fever in Pakistan were reviewed and articles containing no primary data were excluded. Results: Four identified serotypes of dengue virus (DENV 1-4) circulate in different regions of the world causing epidemics. The most prevalent serotype, which is still epidemic and dominant in Pakistan, is DENV-2. Many factors like over-population, rapid urbanization, travelling, lack of vector control in dengue endemic areas and inadequate health-care are responsible of dynamic and huge raise of dengue in Pakistan. Interpretation & conclusion: Currently there is no specific treatment for prevention of dengue virus. Recently some antiviral compounds were being tested to eradicate this disease. There is a need to develop an efficient and safe vaccine for all four serotypes to combat dengue viral infection globally and particularly in Pakistan.
ABSTRACT
Aims: The present study aimed to assess the nutritional significance of some of the commonly consumed vegetables collected from Hangu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Study Design: The study was designed in randomized block design and each analysis was performed with three replicates. Place and Duration of Study: Kohat University of Science & Technology, Kohat and the duration of the study was one year. Methodology: Present study was conducted to determine the nutritional importance of the commonly consumed vegetable viz. Amaranthus caudatus, Lathyrus aphaca, Abelmoschus esculenthus, Solanum melongena, Raphanus sativus and Brassica rapa. These vegetable species were evaluated for their nutritional values and mineral composition. By the nutritional analysis of these vegetable species, the total proteins, fats, carbohydrates, ash, and moisture contents were evaluated, whereas the macro-elements (Mg and Na) and micro-elements (Fe, Cu, Pb, Mn, Cr, and Cd) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric method. Results: The moisture content was found to be highest in R. sativus (13.59%±0.01), whereas A. caudatus was found to be highest in crude fats (2.91%±0.01), ash content (24.16% ± 0.03) and the protein value (15.65% ± 0.02). The fiber analysis indicated the highest value in A. esculenthus (30.93%±0.03), whereas B. rapa was found to be highest in the content of carbohydrates (86.65%±0.02) and thus the energy value was also calculated to be highest in B. rapa (352.52 ± 0.09). A. caudatus was also separated from the rest of the vegetables based on principal component analysis. 3-D component plot and rotated component matrix showed that this separation was due to variations in Pb and protein contents. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that Amaranthus caudatus and Raphanus sativus are the most balanced sources with respect to nutritional values and mineral composition, as both of them were found to contain the highest content of essential nutrients and the mineral elements (macro and micro-elements).
ABSTRACT
Aims: The present study aimed to assess the nutritional significance of some of the economically important medicinal plants species collected from Pakistan. Study Design: The study was designed in randomized block design and each analysis was performed with three replicates. Place and Duration of Study: Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat and duration of the study was ten months. Methodology: Present study was conducted to determine the nutritional importance of medicinal plants viz. Achyranthes aspera, Xanthium strumarium, Albizzia lebbeck, Amaranthus cruentus and Calotropis procera. Proximate compositions of these plant species (moisture, ash, fats, fiber, alcohol soluble extractive (ASE), proteins,carbohydrates and energy value) were carried out using standard methods of food analysis. Results: The mean moisture content ranged from 0.334% for X. strumarium to 8.18% for A. cruentus. X. strumarium was found highest in fats, fibers and ASE. Highest percentage of moisture (8.2%) and ash (15.9%) was found in A. cruentus. C. procera was identified as a good source of carbohydrates (67.3%) and energy value (301.9 kcal/100g). The ICPOES analysis of the medicinal plants showed that A. lebbeck had significant concentrations of calcium while A. cruentus had highest concentration of iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese and phosphorous as compared to other medicinal plants. The heavy metals contents were either absent or negligible. Conclusion: The present finding suggests that the selected medicinal plants have a promising potential to not only cure ailments but to maintain a healthy life.
ABSTRACT
Eisenmenger syndrome is a term used to any large shunt between systemic and pulmonary circulation which results in high pulmonary arterial pressure and irreversible changes in pulmonary vascular bed with bidirectional shunt with physical limitation and shortness of breath. Eisenmenger syndrome particularly creates problems to fetus and mother in pregnancy and there is a particularly risk during aneasthesia while performing general surgery. We collected all consecutive patients above age 12 with atrial septal defect [ASD], ventricular septal defect [VSD] and patent ductus arteriosus [PDA] who attended echocardiography department between June 2008 to October 2010. We also analysed all pregnant females with Eisenmenger complex during this period. Out of 309 patients diagnosis of one of three shunts was confirmed either by transthorasic echocardiography with intravenous saline infusion or transesophageal echocardiography Eisenmenger syndrome was diagnosed in 39 patients [19 patients with ASD, 11 patients with VSD and 09 patients with PDA]. All 39 patients were followed till October 2010 and were alive. Among 03 pregnant females, 02 completed pregnancy without any hazard to child and mother. However tubal ligation was opted at time of delivery. One lady opted abortion and ligation to prevent further pregnancy. 05 patients underwent non cardiac surgery under general anesthesia without any complication. Eisenmenger syndrome a silent killer in a congenital treatable disease which is being neglected and diagnosis is being delayed. It seems Eisenmenger syndrome is on rise in Pakistan. We need to establish adult congenital heart disease department in each cardiac centre where trained persons should be appointed who had experience of congenital heart disease. Screening clinics need to be established at school and community level to diagnose this silent killer at a stage when pulmonary artery pressure is still reversible