The first complete mitochondrial genomes of three dobsonfly species (Megaloptera: Corydalidae) from Pakistan with phylogenetic implications

ABSTRACT Megaloptera is a small holometabolous insect order that includes two genera and three species of Corydalidae in Pakistan. Here we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genomes of these three Pakistani corydalids: Nevromus intimus (McLachlan, 1869) (16,614 bp), Protohermes motuoensis Liu & Yang, 2006 (16,238 bp), and Protohermes walkeri Navás, 1929 (16,514 bp). It also represents the first set of complete mitogenomes sequenced for Neuropterida in Pakistan. The gene order was found to be similar to other published dobsonfly mitogenomes except the variable length of the non-coding region in each species. The phylogenetic analysis using 13 protein-coding genes by Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference yielded largely consistent topologies, in which the phylogenetic positions of the three species herein studied are recovered.

Awareness of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance amongst dental students / Conscientização sobre uso e resistência à antibióticos entre estudantes de odontologia

Objective: Antibiotic resistance is one of the most threatening public health problems of 20th century. Along with physicians, dental practitioners also routinely prescribe medications for oral and dental infections. However, previous studies have shown that dental surgeons often prescribe antibiotics where new evidence have suggested other treatment measures. Since students in their clinical year prescribe antibiotics under supervision, it is important to understand if they are aware of severity of antibiotic resistance and its impact. Hence, the study aimed to assess awareness of antibiotic use and resistance amongst dental students. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst 3rd and 4th year dental students of 4 colleges of Pakistan. A validated questionnaire was adopted from WHO and PHE (Public Health England). It included true or false and Likert scale questions relating to knowledge and attitude of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. Results:Out of 396 responses, majority students were not aware of the terms superbugs (69.7%) and AMR (79%). 89.6% thought that humans can become resistant to antibiotics. 88.6% agreed that antibiotic resistance is a major threat. 61.4% thought they couldn't do much to stop antibiotic resistance. 87.6% agreed that doctors should only prescribe antibiotics when needed. Conclusion: Overall dental students were aware of antibiotic use and importance of antibiotic resistance although their knowledge associated with antibiotic resistance was not satisfactory. It is vital that students must be taught about mechanism of antibiotic resistance and good prescription practices. (AU)

Objetivo: A resistência antibiótica é um dos problemas de saúde pública mais ameaçadores do século 20. Assim como os médicos, os profissionais de odontologia também prescrevem rotineiramente medicamentos para infecções bucais e dentárias. No entanto, estudos prévios apontam que cirurgiões-dentistas prescrevem antibióticos para casos nos quais, as mais recentes evidências, indicam outros tipos de intervenção. Considerando que os estudantes prescrevem antibióticos durante estágios clínicos, sob supervisão, torna-se pertinente averiguar se os mesmos estão cientes da severidade da resistência antibiótica e as suas implicações. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o grau de conscientização quanto ao uso e a resistancia antibiótica entre os estudantes de odontologia. Material e Métodos: Pesquisa transversal foi conduzida entre os estudantes do 3o e 4o ano em 4 universidades do Paquistão. Foram utilizados questionários validados pela Organização mundial de Saúde e Saúde pública da Inglaterra. Estes incluíram perguntas de verdadeiro ou falso e escala relacionadas ao conhecimento e aplicação de antibióticos e resistência à estes. Resultados: Dentre as 396 respostas, a maioria dos estudantes não conhecia o termo superbactéria (69.7%) e AMR (79%). 89,6% pensaram que humanos podem se tornar resistentes à antibióticos. 88,6% concordaram que a resistência à antibióticos é uma grande ameaça. 61,4% pensaram que eles não havia muito o que eles pudessem fazer para combater a resistência antibiótica. 87.,6% concordaram que médicos devem prescrever antibióticos apenas quando estritamente necessário. Conclusão: No geral, estudantes de Odontologia estão cientes do uso de antibióticos e a importância da resistência antimicrobiana embora o seu conhecimento a cerca do assunto não seja satisfatório. É vital que os estudantes sejam orientados sobre os mecanismos de resistência antibiótica e as práticas adequadas de prescrição desses medicamentos (AU)

Association of Carbonated Drinks intake with Dental Erosion among Dental Students: A Comparison between Day Scholars and Hostel Residents

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) contributessignificantly to the development of Heart failure in bothdeveloped and developing countries. Recognition of CAD inthese patients significantly alters the management strategy.This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of coronarydisease in the patient with Left Ventricular systolic dysfunctionof unknown causeMaterial and Methods: This prospective study enrolledall the consecutive patients with LV systolic dysfunction ofunknown cause and Status of coronary arteries of eligiblepatients was assessed with coronary angiogram.Results: A total of 145 patients were enrolled in this study.Mean age of the patients was 53.4±7.43 years. There were91(62.8%) males and 54(37.2%) females. Dyspnea on exertion(DOE) was presenting symptom in 71(51.7%), Angina onexertion (AOE) in 15(10.3%), DOE & AOE in 47(32%), andUnstable angina (UA) in 08(5.5%) of cases. Hypertensionwas the risk factor in 88(60.7%), diabetes in 35(24.13%),smoking in 60(41.4%) and dyslipidemia in 32(22.06%)cases. Echocardiography of study patients revealed, mild LVdysfunction (EF=40%-49%) in 57 (39.7%) patients, moderateLV dysfunction (EF=30%-39%) in 71 (49%) patients andsever LV dysfunction (EF<30%) in 17 (11.7%) patients.Conclusion: coronary artery disease contributes significantlyto development of LV systolic dysfunction of unknown causeand its presence significantly alters the management andprognosis in these patients.

Development and validation of an HPLC-UV method for accelerated stability study and pharmacokinetic analysis of venlafaxine

A reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography method has been developed and validated for accelerated stability study and determination of pharmacokinetic parameters of venlafaxine HCl. The chromatographic separation was carried out using ODS analytical column (250 × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 µm particle size). The mobile phase included acetonitrile, methanol and potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (30:30:40; pH 6.1) at a flow rate 1.5 mL min−1. UV-Visible detector was used at wavelength of 227 nm to monitor elutions. Retention time observed was 2.745 min. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, sensitivity and robustness. Accelerated stability study of venlafaxine HCl capsules was carried out at 40 and 50 ºC under 75% RH level. Suggested method was successfully applied for the pharmacokinetic analysis of venlafaxine hydrochloride tablets. Each of ten albino rabbits (≈ 1.2 kg each) was orally administered with 5 mg dose of venlafaxine HCl. The method was proved to be linear (R2 >0.998), accurate (98.25-99.27%), sensitive (LOD: 35ngmL−1; LOQ: 105 ng mL−1) and robust (RSD<1%). The drug showed stability at accelerated conditions of temperature and humidity. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of tested products were as follows: tmax was 2.5h, Cmax was 56.5 µg mL−1, t1/2 was 8.2 h, AUC0-36 was 845.9 µg h mL−1. The developed method is suitable to apply for quality control analysis and pharmacokinetic studies.

Immediate effects of clamping of the umbilical cord on the newborns

Background: The optimal timing of cord clamping has been a controversial issue for decades. Most practitioners in developing countries clamp and cut the cord immediately after birth and this takes place during the third stage of labour. World Health Organization advises late cord clamping, however there is a debate on the optimal time for cord clamping. Delayed umbilical cord clamping appears to be beneficial for term and preterm infants.Methods: This observational study was undertaken at Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India from June 2018 to January 2019.Results: Total 100 neonates were studied of which 48 were females (48%) and 52 were males (52%). 76 babies (76%) were 3 day old in this study and 24 babies were (24%) 4 day old during the study period. 92 babies (92%) didn't receive phototherapy in this study and 8 babies (8%) required phototherapy during the study period. No babies were polycythemic during this study period. Mean TB was 11.832 whereas mean DB was 0.5. Mean HCT was 56.332 and mean HB was 18.3002.Conclusions: Present study concluded that there are various advantages if authors practiced delayed cord clamping including higher levels of haemoglobin and haematocrit levels.

Clinical profile of dehydration fever in neonates in a tertiary care hospital

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the clinical profile of neonates admitted with dehydration fever and ascertain the maternal and neonatal factors affecting it.Methods: A observational descriptive study was conducted at Rajarajeswari Medical College and hospital, population included neonates who were admitted in NICU with dehydration fever.Results: The study were conducted among 50 neonates admitted with dehydration fever. Majority of neonates (72%) were diagnosed with dehydration fever on day 3 of life. 84 % neonates were born to primiparous mothers. In the study there was significant difference in mean birth weight, weight at admission and percentage of weight loss between birth weight and weight at admission with respect to symptoms on presentation. Mean % of weight loss was 12.06 when dehydration fever was presented with fever, 11.29 when dehydration fever presented with decreased urine output, 18.44 when presented with both fever and decreased urine output and 12.73 when presented with jaundice these values were statistically significant.Conclusions: Dehydration fever occurs most commonly on day 3 or after, effective measures should be initiated for early diagnosis and prevention of complications like effective breast-feeding counselling, proper techniques, good latching and supplementation of artificial feeds if required and monitoring of daily weight and daily urine output.

Effect of exogenous application of micronutrients on growth and productivity of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. ) crop / Efeito da aplicação exógena de micronutrientes no crescimento e produtividade da cultura de algodão (Gossypium hirsutum L. )

Micronutrients play a vital role in the growth and productivity of cotton crop. A study was carried out to access the exogenous application of micronutrients on growth and yield of cotton crop. The experiment was comprised of nine treatments as T0 (control), T1 (Fe chelated), T2 (B), T3 (Mo), T4 (CuSo4 + ZnSo4 + MnSo4), T5 (CuSo4 + ZnSo4 + MnSo4 + Fe chelated), T6 (CuSo4 + ZnSo4 + MnSo4 + B), T7 (CuSo4 + ZnSo4 + MnSo4 + Mo) and T8 (CuSo4 + ZnSo4 + MnSo4 + Fe chelated + B). Data on different growth attributes showed that there was significant positive increase with the application of micronutrients. Leaf area was increased after applying micronutrients at 99 days after sowing (DAS) and then a decreasing trend was observed. Chlorophyll contents were increased at 81 DAS and then decreased towards the final harvest. Similarly, different yield components showed that seed cotton yield were significantly increased with the application of Fe, B, Mo, Zn, Cu and Mn compared to control treatment. Earliness index, mean maturity date and production rate index were increased significantly after combined use of foliar spray of Zn, Cu, Mn and Mo.

Os micronutrientes desempenham um papel vital no crescimento e produtividade da cultura do algodão. Um estudo foi realizado para acessar a aplicação exógena de micronutrientes no crescimento e produção de cultura de algodão. O experimento foi composto de nove tratamentos como T0 (controle), T1 (Fe quelatado), T2 (B), T3 (Mo), T4 (CuSo4 + ZnSo4 + MnSo4), T5 (CuSo4 + ZnSo4 + MnSo4 + Fe quelatado) T6 (CuSo4 + ZnSo4 + MnSo4 + B), T7 (CuSo4 + ZnSo4 + MnSo4 + Mo) e T8 (CuSo4 + ZnSo4 + MnSo4 + Fe quelados + B). Dados sobre diferentes atributos de crescimento mostraram aumento significativo positivo com a aplicação de micronutrientes. A área foliar foi aumentada após aplicação de micronutrientes aos 99 dias após a semeadura (DAS), observando - se, então, uma tendência decrescente. Os teores de clorofila foram aumentados em 81 DAS e depois diminuíram para a colheita final. De forma semelhante, diferentes componentes de rendimento mostraram que o rendimento de algodão de sementes aumentou significativamente com a aplicação de Fe, B, Mo, Zn, Cu e Mn em comparação com o tratamento de controlo. O índice de precocidade, a data média de maturidade eo índice de taxa de produção aumentaram significativamente após o uso combinado de pulverização foliar de Zn, Cu, Mn e Mo.

Acute toxicity study of a polysaccharide based hydrogel from linseed for potential use in drug delivery system

ABSTRACT Linseed hydrogel (LSH) was evaluated by acute toxicity for its potential application in oral drug delivery design. White albino mice and rabbits were divided in four groups (I-IV) and different doses of LSH (1, 2 and 5 g/kg body weight) were given except to the control group (I) that was left untreated. Rabbits were monitored for eye irritation, acute dermal toxicity and primary dermal irritation, whereas, body weight, food and water consumption, hematology and clinical biochemistry, gross necropsy and histopathology of vital organs were scrutinized in mice. LSH was considered safe after eye irritation test as no adverse signs or symptoms were seen in the eye. In dermal toxicity and irritation study, skin of treated rabbits was found normal in color without any edema or erythema. After oral administration, there was no sign of any abnormalities in treated group animals (II-IV). The hematology and clinical biochemistry of treated group animals was comparable with the control group. Histopathology of vital organs has not shown any lesion or abnormalities. In the light of these outcomes, it can be concluded that LSH is not a hazardous biomaterial and could be incorporated as an excipient in oral and dermal preparations.

Appraisal of acute oral toxicity of glucuronoxylan hydrogel from Mimosa pudica seeds

Glucuronoxylan hydrogel (GXH) isolated from M. pudica seeds was assessed for acute toxicology in albino mice that were alienated into four groups. Three groups, i.e., II, III and IV received GXH at a dose of 1, 2 and 5 g/kg, respectively while group I was retained untreated and provided routine diet. After administering GXH, mice were examined for vomiting, diarrhea, allergy and tremors for 8 h. All animals were carefully observed for food and water consumption at 1, 2, 3, 7 and 14 day after administering GXH. At the end of studies, blood samples were drawn for investigation of hematological and biochemical parameters. All animals were sacrificed, relative body weight of vital organs was calculated and their histopathology was studied. It was concluded that there was insignificant difference in body weight, behavioral pattern, food and water intake among treated and control groups. Haematology and biochemistry of blood samples from all groups were found analogous. Histopathological evaluation of vital body organs exhibited no lesions in all groups. Ocular, cardiac and dermal safety of GXH was also established on albino rabbits.

Posttraumatic stress disorder: a serious post-earthquake complication / Transtorno do estresse pós-traumático: complicação séria pós-terremoto

Abstract Objectives Earthquakes are unpredictable and devastating natural disasters. They can cause massive destruction and loss of life and survivors may suffer psychological symptoms of severe intensity. Our goal in this article is to review studies published in the last 20 years to compile what is known about posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurring after earthquakes. The review also describes other psychiatric complications that can be associated with earthquakes, to provide readers with better overall understanding, and discusses several sociodemographic factors that can be associated with post-earthquake PTSD Method A search for literature was conducted on major databases such as MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO and in neurology and psychiatry journals, and many other medical journals. Terms used for electronic searches included, but were not limited to, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), posttraumatic symptoms, anxiety, depression, major depressive disorder, earthquake, and natural disaster. The relevant information was then utilized to determine the relationships between earthquakes and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Results It was found that PTSD is the most commonly occurring mental health condition among earthquake survivors. Major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, social phobia, and specific phobias were also listed. Conclusion The PTSD prevalence rate varied widely. It was dependent on multiple risk factors in target populations and also on the interval of time that had elapsed between the exposure to the deadly incident and measurement. Females seemed to be the most widely-affected group, while elderly people and young children exhibit considerable psychosocial impact.

Resumo Objetivos Terremotos são desastres naturais imprevisíveis e devastadores. Eles podem causar destruição em massa e morte, e os sobreviventes podem apresentar sintomas psicológicos severos. O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar estudos publicados nos últimos 20 anos pra compilar o conhecimento disponível acerca da ocorrência de transtorno do estresse pós-traumático (TEPT) após terremotos. A revisão também descreve outras complicações psiquiátricas que podem estar associadas a terremotos, oferecendo aos leitores um melhor entendimento geral sobre o assunto, e discute vários fatores sociodemográficos que podem estar associados com TEPT pós-terremoto. Métodos Foi realizada uma busca de literatura nas principais bases de dados, como MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE e PsycINFO, e também em revistas de neurologia e psiquiatria, e vários outros periódicos médicos. Os termos usados nas buscas eletrônicas incluíram, mas não se limitaram a, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), posttraumatic symptoms, anxiety, depression, major depressive disorder, earthquake e natural disaster. As informações relevantes foram então utilizadas para determinar as relações entre terremotos e sintomas de estresse pós-traumático. Resultados A revisão revelou que o TEPT é a condição de saúde mental mais comum em sobreviventes de terremoto. Depressão maior, transtorno de ansiedade generalizada, transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo, fobia social e fobias específicas foram outras condições encontrados. Conclusão A prevalência de TEPT variou bastante. O transtorno foi dependente de múltiplos fatores de risco em populações-alvo e também do intervalo de tempo decorrido entre a exposição ao incidente fatal e a avaliação. As mulheres pareceram ser o grupo mais amplamente afetado, ao passo que idosos e crianças demonstração considerável impacto psicossocial.

Some challenges in progressive control of livestock originated zoonotic diseases in Pakistan-a pilot survey

Objective: To document the recent livestock related practices and possible unhygienic ways of pathogen entry. Identification of the potential risk factors for the spread of infection is important to design an evidence-based disease control programme. Methods:Rapid assessment method was adopted and a purposive sample of 60 dairy farmers were interviewed. The following factors were noted for contributing in primary and secondary transmission of zoonotic infections: (i) persons who come in close contact with animals and their secretions, (ii) management strategies of farm animals (sheds and environment), (iii) management practices adopted at farms, (iv) small scale farmers and rural livestock production systems, (v) milk collection systems. Results:This research unveiled the certain routes of zoonotic disease transmission. Certain management practices, precautionary measures and strategies were the pivotal risk factors. Conclusions:The study emphasizes the need to educate the poor livestock keepers.

Thyroid hemiagenesis

Thyroid hemiagenesis is a rare developmental anomaly of the thyroid gland seldom diagnosed except by thyroid scan or during surgery. A high index of suspicion can lead to the diagnosis with little difficulty. We herein describe the case of a thirteen year old girl who presented with a right side neck swelling. Isotope thyroid scan demonstrated a localized right thyroid lobe nodule with no uptake in either the isthmus or the left lobe. A subtotal thyroidectomy was done for the right lobe goitre and histopathology revealed normal thyroid tissue with colloidal mirco-follicular cysts