Prediction of soil seed bank of piedmont and alluvial environments of Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan / Predição do banco de sementes do solo do piemonte e ambientes aluviais de Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Paquistão

Abstract The current focus is on the overall pattern of seed storage present in the fragments of the soil of piedmont and alluvial landscapes of the environment. The present study predicted the seed banks of both soils of alluvial and piedmont zones in different ecological conditions and evaluate the potential of seeds in the restoration of both environments. The composition of the seed bank of soil is mainly affected by the alluvial environment and the structure of cleared area shows that more species of germinating annual grasses and growable seeds with the higher total number. Extant vegetation structures have an important role in the diversity of soil seed reservoirs, whose composition corresponded with the openness of the site. When in situ soil seed bank is recruited, it helps to restore only some components of the plant community in an alluvial environment. In our current research, it was confirmed that seed richness was higher in number at lower elevation (alluvial) than that at high elevation (piedmont). Seed richness showed a significant negative correlation with anions, cations, while significantly positive with altitude that suggests the richness pattern of the overall seed bank of the area is influenced by various environmental factors.

Resumo O foco atual está no padrão geral de armazenamento de sementes presente nos fragmentos de solo do Piemonte e nas paisagens aluviais do meio ambiente. O presente estudo previu os bancos de sementes de ambos os solos das zonas aluvial e piemontesa em diferentes condições ecológicas e avaliou o potencial das sementes na restauração de ambos os ambientes. A composição do banco de sementes do solo é afetada principalmente pelo ambiente aluvial e a estrutura da área desmatada mostra que mais espécies de gramíneas anuais em germinação e sementes cultiváveis ​​apresentam o maior número total. As estruturas da vegetação existente têm um papel importante na diversidade dos reservatórios de sementes do solo, cuja composição correspondeu à abertura do local. Quando o banco de sementes do solo in situ é recrutado, o mesmo ajuda a restaurar apenas alguns componentes da comunidade de plantas em um ambiente aluvial. Em nossa pesquisa atual, foi confirmado que a riqueza de sementes era maior em número em altitudes mais baixas (aluviais) do que em altitudes elevadas (Piemonte). A riqueza de sementes mostrou uma correlação negativa significativa com ânions, cátions, enquanto significativamente positiva com a altitude, o que sugere que o padrão de riqueza do banco geral de sementes da área é influenciado por vários fatores ambientais.

Prediction of soil seed bank of piedmont and alluvial environments of Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract The current focus is on the overall pattern of seed storage present in the fragments of the soil of piedmont and alluvial landscapes of the environment. The present study predicted the seed banks of both soils of alluvial and piedmont zones in different ecological conditions and evaluate the potential of seeds in the restoration of both environments. The composition of the seed bank of soil is mainly affected by the alluvial environment and the structure of cleared area shows that more species of germinating annual grasses and growable seeds with the higher total number. Extant vegetation structures have an important role in the diversity of soil seed reservoirs, whose composition corresponded with the openness of the site. When in situ soil seed bank is recruited, it helps to restore only some components of the plant community in an alluvial environment. In our current research, it was confirmed that seed richness was higher in number at lower elevation (alluvial) than that at high elevation (piedmont). Seed richness showed a significant negative correlation with anions, cations, while significantly positive with altitude that suggests the richness pattern of the overall seed bank of the area is influenced by various environmental factors.

Resumo O foco atual está no padrão geral de armazenamento de sementes presente nos fragmentos de solo do Piemonte e nas paisagens aluviais do meio ambiente. O presente estudo previu os bancos de sementes de ambos os solos das zonas aluvial e piemontesa em diferentes condições ecológicas e avaliou o potencial das sementes na restauração de ambos os ambientes. A composição do banco de sementes do solo é afetada principalmente pelo ambiente aluvial e a estrutura da área desmatada mostra que mais espécies de gramíneas anuais em germinação e sementes cultiváveis apresentam o maior número total. As estruturas da vegetação existente têm um papel importante na diversidade dos reservatórios de sementes do solo, cuja composição correspondeu à abertura do local. Quando o banco de sementes do solo in situ é recrutado, o mesmo ajuda a restaurar apenas alguns componentes da comunidade de plantas em um ambiente aluvial. Em nossa pesquisa atual, foi confirmado que a riqueza de sementes era maior em número em altitudes mais baixas (aluviais) do que em altitudes elevadas (Piemonte). A riqueza de sementes mostrou uma correlação negativa significativa com ânions, cátions, enquanto significativamente positiva com a altitude, o que sugere que o padrão de riqueza do banco geral de sementes da área é influenciado por vários fatores ambientais.

The Role of E-learning in Medical Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study of Student Perception

Background: In march 2020, with the declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, the schools, colleges, and universities of the highly contagious areas of the world were instantaneously closed to mitigate the deleterious effects of COVID-19. Moreover, as a result of social distancing, the most effective preventative strategy since the emergence of COVID-19, medical education has been profoundly disturbed. In light of the prevailing pandemic, an abrupt shifting of the educational system was made from face-to-face learning to online methodologies to provide uninterrupted education to the students of the affected countries. By and large, traditional education was replaced by various forms of e-learning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of e-learning in undergraduate medical students at Medical Colleges during covid pandemic. Material & Methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study and was conducted from December, 2020 to February, 2021 in the CARe Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh. In the present study we included 270 undergraduate medical students as our participants and students who were not willing to participate were excluded from our study. Results: In our study we found the mean age of the respondents was 23.05 ± 1.28 years and majority of our students were female (68%) compared to male (32%). Most of the students (67%) had moderate grade of IT skills. We found major advantage of e-learning was the ability to record classes 67% and the disadvantage was poor internet speed (68.9%). Among all students, 51.1% & 6.7% students were able to increase knowledge, 62.6% & 3% were able to increase clinical skill and 37.8% & 7.4% were able to increase social skill via conventional & e-learning methods respectively. Majority (88.1%) students preferred face-to face learning method and 11.9% preferred e-learning method. Conclusion: In our study, we evaluated the student’s perception of e-learning and its associated advantages and disadvantages in terms of learning outcomes. While comparing e-learning and face-to-face learning among undergraduate medical students,we found face-to-face learning was considered the most effective way of learning to increase knowledge, practical skills and social skills. Therefore, most of our students preferred the face-to-face learning method compared to e-learning.

Comparison of MRI Findings in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients with Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis

Objective?Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) has emerged as a key concern during the period of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Diabetes mellitus is a known risk factor for invasive fungal infection. The aim of this article was to study and compare the radiological features of COVID-19-associated ROCM between diabetic and nondiabetic patients using magnetic resonance imaging. Materials and Methods?A retrospective observational study comprising 78 diabetics and 40 nondiabetics who developed ROCM after COVID-19 was conducted. The imaging data of both groups were analyzed, findings tabulated and compared using statistical methods. Results?Maxillary and ethmoid sinuses were commonly involved in both groups. Periantral fat and orbits were the most common sites of disease extension. The spread of infection to periantral soft tissue was significantly higher in diabetics (p = 0.049). Diabetics were more likely to have bone, orbit, and brain involvement than nondiabetics, although the difference was not statistically significant. Diabetic patients were the only ones to experience complications such as fungal abscess and cavernous sinus and internal carotid artery involvement. However, a considerable number of nondiabetic patients (22.5%) also had an intracranial extension of disease. Conclusion?The radiological appearances and common sites of invasion in ROCM are similar in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. The extensive spread of infection to extra-sinus regions can occur in nondiabetic patients with COVID-19 but is less frequent compared with diabetics.

A 28-mm intraocular foreign body removal: The vitreoretinal surgeon’s dilemma

Background: Intraocular foreign body (IOFB) removal becomes tricky if its large and impacted in the ocular coats. When confronted with such a combination, the vitreoretinal surgeon will need to modify the surgical plan. This surgical video describes one of such situation encountered during removal of a long wooden IOFB impacted in the ocular coats. Purpose: The video describes a scenario when the surgeon becomes aware that injury to ocular structure is inevitable due to inherent length of the IOFB. However, a careful assessment of the situation helps the surgeon to identify how he could minimize the damage to the eye and not put vision at risk. Synopsis: A young boy presented with painful loss of vision in left eye since 15 days. Examination showed BCVA of 20/32 and limitation movement in up gaze. Fundus showed hazy media and an IOFB in superior quadrant. It was noted that IOFB was moving with eye movement. The impaction in sclera and extraocular extension was suspected. After pars plana vitrectomy, it was observed that IOFB was longer than what was measured by the scan and it was impacted in the coats. Removal using IOFB forceps further pulled the IOFB into vitreous cavity. A rectangular scleral window was created, IOFB was pushed towards opposite pars plana region to avoid injury to macula, optic nerve, lens and peripheral retina. The IOFB was then removed.The retinal tears were lasered. Three months following the surgery, he developed cataract, which needed surgery. His BCVA at the last follow up visit was 20/25 with attached retina. Highlights: 1. Limitation of movement in presence of linear IOFB shall raise a suspicion of IOFB being impacted in coats and possibility of its extraocular extension; 2.An oblique IOFB posterior to limbus, can have length more in transverse diameter of the eyeball. Though rarely used, an ab?externo approach can be a viable option in such a case to minimise injury to vital structure of the eye, particularly if the IOFB is severely impacted in sclera.

CORELATION OF PREOPERATIVE VARIABLES WITH POSTOPERATIVE PULMONARY COMPLICATIONS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING ELECTIVE SURGERY UNDER GENERAL ANESTHESIA

Background: Almost every patient undergoing a major surgical procedure will experience some degree of physiologic alteration in lung function. A postoperative pulmonary complication is de?ned as any respiratory complication that occur within 48-72 hours following a surgical procedure. The relationship between preoperative variables and postoperative pulmonary complications in surgical patients has been the subject of numerous studies. Development of POPC is due to a combination of factors, including surgical pathology and existing comorbidities, as well as surgical and anaesthetic management in the perioperative period. The main risk factors that have been associated with postoperative pulmonary complication are smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, advanced age, site and duration of surgery, obesity and comorbidity.

A Rare Cause of Breathlessness in a Patient on Hemodialysis

Background: The possibility of recurrence in COVID-19 is very rare and hence mostly underdiagnosed. In the face of pandemic, this can lead to circulation of the virus like a hidden iceberg. Better understanding about this topic can improve our knowledge of the COVID-19 pathogenesis and ways to control the transmission. Case presentation: A 41 year old male with no known comorbidities was admitted five times during a period of 7 months each time after being detected RTPCR positive for SARS-CoV-2 and more symptomatic than previously. He had no contact with other COVID-19 patients and was asymptomatic in between admissions. Despite this, he did not develop antibodies against SARS- CoV-2. Later on, he was diagnosed with thymoma on biopsy of the anterior mediastinal mass. Patient’s condition deteriorated on last hospitalization and he died, despite the treatment. Here we present an interesting report on multiple times recurrent COVID-19 infection, probably a case of reactivation and different plausible explanations on the role of thymoma. Conclusion: Acknowledging the potential of SARS-CoV-2 to cause recurrence is very important during the pandemic as a part of the long term transmission mitigation. The case report shows that previous infection does not guarantee complete immunity from COVID-19, especially in immuno-compromised patients. Hence, despite the status of prior infection, vulnerable individuals who recovered from COVID-19 should be under surveillance.

Effect of myricetin on cognitive impairments in the transgenic Drosophila model of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder involving the loss of dopaminergic neurons. Despite the availability of many drugs to ease the life of PD patients, there is no permanent cure until now. Now-a-days, there has been a considerable attention towards the use of herbal products to treat PD patients worldwide due to less side effects. In this context, here we investigated myricetin, a common plant derived flavonoid, on the cognitive impairments exhibited by the transgenic Drosophila expressing human ?-synuclein in the neurons. The PD flies were allowed to feed on the diet having 10, 20 and 40 ?M of myricetin for 24 days and then assayed for cognitive impairments. The exposure of myricetin showed a dose dependent significant delay in the cognitive impairments. Molecular docking studies showed the positive interaction between myricetin and ?-synuclein. The results suggest a protective effect of myricetin against the cognitive impairments.

Study on prevalence and liver function test enzymes of differently plumaged peafowls (Pavo cristatus) infected with Toxoplasma gondii in captivity / [Estudo sobre enzimas de prevalência e teste da função hepatica de pavões de plumage diferente (Pavo cristatus) infectados com Toxoplasma gondii em cativeiro]

O presente estudo foi realizado para determinar a prevalência geral de toxoplasmose em pavões de plumagem diferente e seu efeito nas enzimas de teste da função hepática dos hospedeiros. Um total de cem pavões de plumas diferenciais, como ombro preto (n = 52), azul (n = 28), branco (n = 10) e arlequim (n = 10) foram estudados no zoológico de Bahawalpur, no Paquistão, usando o Latex Agglutination Test (LAT) e ensaio imunossorvente ligado a enzima (ELISA). A prevalência geral por LAT e ELISA foi de 37% e 30%, respectivamente. Por LAT, observou-se uma prevalência não significativamente maior (P≥0,05) em gênero (37,77%) nos machos do que nas fêmeas (36,36%), enquanto os adultos apresentaram uma prevalência maior (37,97%) em relação aos jovens (33,33%). De acordo com o ELISA, uma prevalência significativamente (P <0,05) maior (35,55%) foi observada nos machos do que nas fêmeas (25,45%) e significativamente (P <0,05) maior prevalência (31,64%) foi registrada nos adultos do que nos jovens (23,80%). A análise do perfil bioquímico sérico mostrou que o nível de bilirrubina não teve elevação significativa nos hospedeiros infectados, em comparação aos não infectados, enquanto a concentração de albumina, alanina aminotransferase (ALT), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), fosfatase alcalina (ALP) foi significativamente (P <0,05) diferente nos hospedeiros infectados. Conclui-se que a toxoplasmose afeta as enzimas do teste da função hepática. Essa é uma pesquisa preliminar e requer mais pesquisas em todo o país, com populações e amostras maiores.(AU)

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated hematological alterations in small ruminants of D.G. Khan district of Southern Punjab, Pakistan / [Soroprevalência de Toxoplasma gondii e alterações hematológicas associadas em pequenos ruminantes no distrito de D.G. Khan no sul de Punjab, Paquistão]

The present study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence and hematological effects of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goat in district Dera Ghazi Khan. Blood samples (n=204) were collected comprise goats (n=101) and sheep (n=103) alongwith age, gender and breeds of animals. Samples were collected randomly from 25 flocks of 7 different union council Viz. Vehova, Tibbi Qaisrani, Lakhani, Kohar, Tuman Qaisrani, Nutkani and Kot Qaisrani of Tehsil Taunsa Sharif at least 4 animals from each flock. All ruminants divide into three groups based on age, breed and gender. The prevalence was detected through two different kits Viz. LAT and ELISA kit. The overall prevalence suspected in goats through LAT and ELISA kit was (35.64%), (32.67%) and in sheep was (25.24%), (23.30%) respectively. The Toxoplasma gondii had a significant effect on goats in age groups and non-significant all other groups of goats and sheep. Toxoplasma gondii had a significant effect on all hematological parameters like Hemoglobin, total leukocyte cells, granulocytes, lymphocytes, platelets, and red blood cells, except monocytes. In conclusion of the current study, toxoplasmosis is prevalent among ruminants, reveals the possibility of transmission to humans on the use of host animals as protein source.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a prevalência e efeitos hematológicos de Toxoplasma gondii em ovelhas e cabras no distrito Dera Ghazi Khan. Amostras de sangue (n=204) foram coletadas para incluir cabras (n=101) e ovelhas (n=103), além de idade, gênero e raça dos animais. Amostras foram coletadas aleatoriamente de 25 rebanhos de 7 conselhos sindicais: Vehova, Tibbi Qaisrani, Lakhani, Kohar, Tuman Qaisrani, Nutkani e Kot Qaisrani of Tehsil Taunsa Sharif com pelo menos 4 animais em cada rebanho. Todos os ruminantes foram divididos em três grupos baseados em idade, raça e gênero. A prevalência foi detectada usando dois kits, LAT e ELISA. A prevalência total suspeita em cabras através dos kits LAT e ELISA foi (35.64%), (32.67%) e em ovelhas foi (25.24%), (23.30%) respectivamente. O Toxoplasma gondii teve efeito significativo em cabras em grupos de idade e não significativo em todos os outros grupos de cabras e ovelhas. Toxoplasma gondii teve efeito significativo em todos os parâmetros hematológicos como hemoglobina, células totais de leucócitos, granulócitos, linfócitos, plaquetas e glóbulos vermelhos, exceto monócitos. O presente estudo conclui que toxoplasmose é prevalente entre ruminantes, e revela a possibilidade de transmissão para humanos com o uso de animais hospedeiros como fonte de proteína.(AU)

WHO prescribed shelf life assessment of Syzygium cumini extract through chromatographic and biological activity analyses

Background: Regulatory guidelines recommend shelf life of herbal products to be established throughsystematic stability studies.Objective: The study was designed to establish shelf life of Syzygium cumini extract through acceleratedand long-term stability testing as per WHO guidelines.Material and methods: The extract was stored under accelerated (40_x005F_x005F_x0001_C/75 %RH) and long-term (25_x005F_x005F_x0001_C/60%RH) stability conditions for 6 and 30 months, respectively. Samples were withdrawn at periodic intervals and analysed through two validated HPLC-UV methods (I and II) for fingerprint and quantitativeanalysis of markers. Antidiabetic activity of control and stability samples was evaluated by a-glucosidaseinhibitory model.Results: Method I generated a well resolved fingerprint of the control sample that was found to containgallic acid (GA, 1.45 % w/w) and ellagic acid (EA, 3.97 % w/w). The content of GA did not change underboth the stability conditions, but that of EA varied insignificantly (3.97e4.77 % w/w) under long-termconditions up to 24 months and subsequently decrease to 3.15 % w/w after 30 months. There was novisible change in LC-UV fingerprint of any stability sample with respect to control. a-Glucosidaseinhibitory activity of all stability samples also remained unaltered as compared to control sample (IC501.48 mg/mL). GA and EA did not elicit any activity at the concentrations present in the extract.Conclusion: Phytochemical composition and antidiabetic efficacy of S. cumini extract remain unchangedduring its storage under both accelerated and long-term stability conditions, which suggest its shelf lifeto be 30 months. Also, GA and EA are not appropriate anti-diabetic markers

Effectiveness and use of prophylactic antibiotics in elective and emergency caesarean section at tertiary care hospital

Background: Post-operative infections in obstetrics and gynecological settings have been higher compared to other specialties. Women undergoing caesarean section have 5 to 20-fold greater risk for infection compared with vaginal delivery. Many studies reported antimicrobial prophylaxis prevent post-operative infections. Hence this study concentrates the evaluation of the prescribing antimicrobial use and to assess the frequency of post-operative morbidity related to infection in subjects undergoing caesarean section. The aim of the study was to analysis the effectiveness, prophylactic antibiotics (amoxicillin versus ceftriaxone) and to evaluate the post-operative (caesarean) infections in patients undergoing lower segment caesarean section (elective and emergency).Methods: This is a prospective observational study which assessed the effectiveness and use of prophylactic antibiotics in patients undergoing cesarean section at department of obstetrics and gynecology. The study was conducted over a period of one year.Results: The corresponding mean age of all the study population in amoxicillin group (n=113) was 56.5±28.5 and in ceftriaxone group (n=97) was 48.5±26.5 respectively. The participant who underwent previous cesarean section in amoxicillin group is 65.48% similarly in ceftriaxone group is 47.42%. The patients with fetal distress in ceftriaxone group are 14.77% and in amoxicillin group is 8.92%. Failed induction in amoxicillin group is 9.82% and in ceftriaxone group is 6.81%. The number of days in hospital stay in amoxicillin group is 42.42% and in ceftriaxone group is 45.94%. The post-operative complications in amoxicillin group reported, with Febrile Illness are 40% and wound Infection is 60%.Conclusions: Administration of pre-operative antibiotics significantly reduce post-operative infections. Use of ceftriaxone as a prophylactic antibiotic in patients undergoing lower segment caesarean section (elective and emergency) is more effective than Amoxicillin in preventing post-operative infections.

Food Safety Knowledge and Practices among Food Handlers in Food Street Lahore

Background: Food safety can be defined as the confidence degree that the food will not cause any harm or sickness to the consumer when it is prepared, served and consumed based on its intended use. A secure food is a food that is physically, chemically and biologically ready to be consumed when it is prepared according to its main purpose and does not loses its nutritional value. Aim of Study: The purpose of this study to assess the knowledge and practices regarding food safety among the food handlers. Method: A descriptive cross sectional survey based study was conducted in Food Street, ShahiQilaha, Lahore. Convenience sampling technique was used to collect the data from respondents. Closed ended questionnaire was used. Data was gathered from food handlers working in Food Street, Shahi Qilaha, Lahore. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data and descriptive statistics applied. Result: In our study, almost all of the food-handlers were aware of the critical role of general sanitary practices in the work place, such as using gloves (88.0%). On disease transmission, 56.0% of the food- handlers had knew that Salmonella is a food borne pathogens and 74.0% were known that hepatitis A is a food borne pathogen, 44.0% respondents knew about the AIDS transmitted by food. Only 56.0% participants knew the temperature of 65° should keep for ready food and this knowledge with their experience. Conclusion: In generally the food handlers have satisfactory knowledge in the areas of food safety, personal hygiene and sanitation procedures. But they do not use strict hygienic practices during processing and handling food products. The most important issues are the lack of knowledge regarding refrigeration temperatures, lack of knowledge concerning cross-contamination and its control.

A study to correlate various facial landmarks with intercanine distance

Ideal interaction of dental and facial beauty proportions highly influences a harmonious facial appearance. Racial anatomical variations have been significantly noted and using these norms during prosthodontic rehabilitation will be greatly helpful in successful treatment outcome. Aim: The present study aims to correlate various facial landmarks (interpupillary distance [IPD], intercanthal width, bizygomatic width [BZW], and interalar width) with intercanine distance (ICaD) in Indian young adults to determine the mesiodistal width of the maxillary anterior teeth in edentulous patients. Setting and Design: This is an observational cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in 500 individuals ranging in age from 18 to 28 years. IPD, intercanthal width, BZW, and interalar width were measured with a digital caliper (accuracy - 0.01 mm). A “T-” shaped flat metal plate called “canine tip marker” was made to mark the tips of the maxillary canines, which were further measured with the digital caliper. The data were summarized in table form and were statistically analyzed. Statistical Analysis Used: Student's t-test and ANOVA test were used. Results: A significant correlation (P < 0.001) was found between these landmarks with ICaD, in which interalar width shows highest degree of correlation (r = 0.639). ANOVA test showed that maximum number of individuals had < 5% variability range between actual values and calculated values of ICaD for all extraoral facial landmarks except intercanthal width. Conclusion: Combination of various facial and oral factors should be considered while selecting artificial teeth. Regression equations obtained can be well used during teeth selection to achieve a significant result.

Association of clinical parameters and interferon alpha/beta receptor subunit 2 in HCV patients resistant to interferon therapy

Background: Interferon therapy is an expensive treatment for hepatitis C virus [HCV] which may results in undesirable side effects. About 50% of chronic HCV patients do not respond to interferon [IFN] therapy for unknown reasons. It is important to determine the association of clinical parameters with IFNAR-2 in HCV patients, resistant to IFN therapy

Methods: HCV genotype 3 patients were included in study [n=20, between 30-60 age group] and categorized into two groups, the experimental group including patients responding to interferon treatment and the control group consisting of interferon resistant patients. Blood samples and Liver biopsy specimens were collected from all HCV patients. Clinical parameters included in the study were [i] pre-biopsy tests [platelet count, bleeding time, prothrombin time] [ii] HCV viral genotype 3 [iii] HCV-RNA and [iv] liver functions [ALT, ALP, and bilirubin]. Molecular investigations were carried out by using PCR and gel electrophoresis to identify IFNAR-2 in all HCV genotype 3 patients

Results: Experimental results from clinical testing of non-responder [resistant] group, showed significantly increased ALT level [64.13+/-17.48 U/L] as compared to responder group [46+/-6.3 U/L]. Hemoglobin [Hb] level was also found significantly increased in non-responder group [12.9+/-1.8 g/dL] in comparison with responder group [10.3+/-0.48 g/dL]. Further molecular testing revealed that all interferon resistant patients showed the presence of IFNAR-2

Conclusion: Experimental observations revealed that non-responder HCV genotype 3 patients showed elevated ALT and Hb levels and presence of IFNAR-2 protein. Therefore, experimental results of this study signify the importance of monitoring clinical parameters in parallel with IFN therapy in non-responder HCV patients

in silico primary and secondary structure prediction of human interferon alpha receptor 2 protein

Background: Structural analysis of human interferon alpha receptor 2 [IFNAR-2] protein is important to determine its structure and function because that information is needed to understand the role and mechanism of IFNAR-2 protein in human immune system. Therefore, this study was conducted to find out composition of amino acids contributing in primary and secondary structure of IFNAR-2 protein

Methods: Protein sequences of human IFNAR-2 were retrieved from The Universal Protein Resource [UniProt]'s and National Center for Biotechnology Information [NCBI]'s databases. The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool [BLAST] was used to search for every IFNAR-2 protein sequence in NCBI database. Human IFNAR-2 protein sequences were further refined according to set criteria for experimental analysis. All retrieved IFNAR-2 protein sequences were aligned by using computational tool Clustal Omega Consensus protein sequence was obtained from aligned protein dataset. Furthermore, consensus protein sequence of IFNAR-2 was subjected for secondary structure prediction analysis. Protein topology was predicted by using Expert Protein Analysis System [ExPASy] server and Transmembrane Helices; Hidden Markov Model

Results: Alignment data set revealed that IFNAR-2 protein consisted of 515 amino acids long chain, having total 37 identical positions with 6.446% identity. Protein topology analysis predicted that human IFNAR-2 protein consists of verities of secondary structures such as alpha-helix, turn and beta sheets. Alpha-helixes mainly form three topological domains [i] inner [1-6 amino acids], [ii] outer [7-29 amino acids] and [iii] trans-membrane domain [30-515 amino acids]

Conclusion: Human IFNAR-2 protein consists of 515 amino acids having hydrophobic, polar and aromatic characteristics. Alpha-helixes, turn, beta sheets and three topological domains constitute secondary structure and predicted topological domains contribute in the subcellular compartmentalization

Prevalence of myopia and binocular vision dysfunctions in microscopists / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

·AIM: To determine the refractive and binocular vision status in clinical microscopists. ·METHODS: It was an observational and cross sectional hospital based study. One hundred and three microscopists working at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital were recruited in the study. All subjects had a comprehensive eye examination including static retinoscopy, dynamic retinoscopy and orthoptic evaluation. Information about their visual symptoms associated with microscopy was also collected. ·RESULTS: The prevalence of refractive error in this group of microscopists was 69. 90% . Majority of the subjects were myopic (68. 93% of total subjects) with the mean myopic error of - 1. 58 ± 1. 89 D. Convergence insufficiency was found in 61. 20% of the study population. Prevalence of accommodative insufficiency and infacility were 41. 30% and 40. 06% respectively. Fusional vergence was also reduced in this study population. The outcomes of this study were expected to increase the awareness about the refractive and binocular vision anomalies among this population. · CONCLUSION: There was found to be increased prevalence of refractive error in clinical microscopists, especially myopia. Majority of them had vergence and accommodative anomalies. Most of the subjects reported asthenopic symptoms associated with their microscopy work, which may affect their work efficiency.

Effects of Anastrozole administration on serum Estrogen level of female rabbit

Objective: To assess the effects of anastrozole use as hormonal treatment of breast cancer on the serum estrogen level in an animal model

Study Design: Laboratory based randomized controlled trial

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Anatomy, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi in collaboration with National Institute of Health, Islamabad, 7 months from Jun 2012 to Nov 2012

Material and Methods: Thirty adult female rabbits [New Zealand] average weight 1.2 to 2 kg and age between 6 months to 2 years were selected. Ten were kept in control group A and 10 were kept in experimental groups B and C each. Group B was given anastrozole in the dose parallel to normal human dose and group C was given a dose 10 times higher than the normal dose for six months. After the completion of the study blood estrogen levels were taken to evaluate serum estrogen level of the groups. The results were compared among the groups for statistical significance by using SPSS version 21

Result: After maintaining a steady dose of anastrozole in both experimental groups for six months, blood samples were taken to calculate the mean serum level of estrogen in each group the normal level was 186.1 +/- 63.59 pmol/L in group A and 116.4 +/- 48.58 pmol/L and 108.2 +/- 20.40 pmol/L in experimental groups B and C respectively. The p-value was 0.008 which was statistically significant. The p-value between the control and experimental group C was 0.003 which is also highly significant. The comparison of the serum estrogen levels of both the experimental groups B and C was found to be statistically insignificant

Conclusion: Adminstration of normal dose of anastrazoledecreases serum estrogen levels. This decrease is significant statistically. Increasing the dose of anastrozole decreases the serum estrogen levels but this decrease is not significant statistically

experience with mesh versus darn repair in inguinal hernias

Background and Objective: The inguinal hernia accounts for 50 percent in old age males. A Lichtenstein type of operation has now become the method of choice in most developed countries but in the developing world traditional simple suture repair is still in common practice in resource limited hospitals due to the scarcity and expensive nature of the commercial prosthetic mesh. Our objective was to compare the rates of complications in Lichtenstein repair to tension free Darn repair

Methods: Ninety two male patients from 20-60 years of age reported for direct or indirect inguinal hernia with open Mesh/Lichtenstein or darn repair in emergency or electively from January 2014 to December 2015 were enrolled in this prospective randomized control trial [RCT]. The primary end point was to compare the surgical site infection, length of hospital stay and hernia recurrence with different techniques

Results: The hospital stay was higher in patients who had Lichtenstein repair, Superficial surgical site infections in cohort A [6.5%] and cohort B [4.36%] were noted. Complications of recurrence in Group-A were [1.5%] as compared to Group-B which had a recurrence of 6.52%

Conclusion: Lichtenstein is more promising in comparison to Darn repair in terms of recurrence in inguinal hernia

Oral hygiene: knowledge, attitude and practice among school children, Lahore

Background: Assessment of the oral health is very important to organize the community based programs which is a key of promoting the health system and this includes assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of oral hygiene. Different results of Researches have proved that Oral health practices are poor in Pakistan. Specially, majority of population are school going children, who is suffering from dental caries and periodontal diseases. So according to need of health development in Pakistan, Oral hygiene KAP Assessment is a basic step for policy evolution

Aim: To assess the Oral hygiene knowledge, attitude and practice among school children aged 12-14 years, students of class 6 to 7 group at Ali Raza Abad, Lahore

Method: A cross sectional community based survey was conducted at Ali Raza Abad, Lahore. Convenience sampling technique was used to collect the data from respondents. Study conducted in November-December 2015. Closed ended questionnaire was used. Data was gathered from school children aged 12-14 years, students of class 6 to 7 group living at community Ali Raza Abad Lahore. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data and descriptive statistics and chi- square was applied. Statistical difference present if p value is less than 0.05

Results: Out of total children, 64% children did not have knowledge about fluoride, statistical difference found between both genders with p value 0.007 which shows female students are more knowledgeable. 50% of children do not visit the dentists, 26% visited during pain. 67% said that regular visit to the dentists is necessary. Reason behind not visiting the dentists are high cost treatment 14%, no clinic nearby 28%, no time 58%. 98% children brush their teeth daily. It was seen that 54% subjects brush their teeth once a day. No statistical difference found between both genders related to oral hygiene attitude and practices

Conclusion: It is concluded that students have adequate knowledge about dental hygiene but they do not know the use of fluoride and its function. Female students are more knowledgeable as compared to the male students. Practices are not fair enough has mostly brushed less than two minutes. There is a great need of providing dental services in the schools located in the rural areas because majority did not visit the doctors due to time shortage