Drinking water quality of various sources in Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat and Swat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan

Abstract The present study involves the chemical and bacteriological analysis of water from different sources i.e., bore, wells, bottle, and tap, from Peshawar, Mardan, Swat and Kohat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, Pakistan. From each district, 50 water samples (10 samples from each source), regardless of urban and rural status, were collected from these sources and analysed for sulphates, nitrates, nitrites, chlorides, total soluble solids and coliforms (E. coli). Results indicated that majority of the water sources had unacceptable E. coli count i.e.> 34 CFU/100mL. E. coli positive samples were high in Mardan District, followed by Kohat, Swat and Peshawar district. Besides this, the some water sources were also chemically contaminated by different inorganic fertilizers (nitrates/nitrites of sodium, potassium) but under safe levels whereas agricultural and industrial wastes (chloride and sulphate compounds) were in unsafe range. Among all districts, the water quality was found comparatively more deteriorated in Kohat and Mardan districts than Peshawar and Swat districts. Such chemically and bacteriologically unfit water sources for drinking and can cause human health problems.

Resumo O presente estudo envolve a análise química e bacteriológica de água de diferentes fontes, ou seja, furo, poços, garrafa e torneira, dos distritos de Peshawar, Mardan, Swat e Kohat da província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Paquistão. De cada distrito, 50 amostras de água (10 amostras de cada fonte), independentemente do status urbano e rural, foram coletadas dessas fontes e analisadas para sulfatos, nitratos, nitritos, cloretos, sólidos solúveis totais e coliformes (E. coli). Os resultados indicaram que a maioria das fontes de água tinha uma contagem inaceitável de E. coli, ou seja, > 34 UFC / 100 mL. As amostras positivas para E. coli foram elevadas no distrito de Mardan, seguido por Kohat, Swat e distrito de Peshawar. Além disso, algumas fontes de água também foram contaminadas quimicamente por diferentes fertilizantes inorgânicos (nitratos/nitritos de sódio, potássio), mas em níveis seguros, enquanto os resíduos agrícolas e industriais (compostos de cloreto e sulfato) estavam em níveis inseguros. Entre todos os distritos, a qualidade da água foi considerada comparativamente mais deteriorada nos distritos de Kohat e Mardan do que nos distritos de Peshawar e Swat. Essas fontes de água química e bacteriologicamente impróprias para beber podem causar problemas à saúde humana.

Drinking water quality of various sources in Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat and Swat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan / Qualidade de água potável de váris fontes dos distritos de Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat e Swat da província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

Abstract The present study involves the chemical and bacteriological analysis of water from different sources i.e., bore, wells, bottle, and tap, from Peshawar, Mardan, Swat and Kohat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, Pakistan. From each district, 50 water samples (10 samples from each source), regardless of urban and rural status, were collected from these sources and analysed for sulphates, nitrates, nitrites, chlorides, total soluble solids and coliforms (E. coli). Results indicated that majority of the water sources had unacceptable E. coli count i.e.> 34 CFU/100mL. E. coli positive samples were high in Mardan District, followed by Kohat, Swat and Peshawar district. Besides this, the some water sources were also chemically contaminated by different inorganic fertilizers (nitrates/nitrites of sodium, potassium) but under safe levels whereas agricultural and industrial wastes (chloride and sulphate compounds) were in unsafe range. Among all districts, the water quality was found comparatively more deteriorated in Kohat and Mardan districts than Peshawar and Swat districts. Such chemically and bacteriologically unfit water sources for drinking and can cause human health problems.

Resumo O presente estudo envolve a análise química e bacteriológica de água de diferentes fontes, ou seja, furo, poços, garrafa e torneira, dos distritos de Peshawar, Mardan, Swat e Kohat da província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Paquistão. De cada distrito, 50 amostras de água (10 amostras de cada fonte), independentemente do status urbano e rural, foram coletadas dessas fontes e analisadas para sulfatos, nitratos, nitritos, cloretos, sólidos solúveis totais e coliformes (E. coli). Os resultados indicaram que a maioria das fontes de água tinha uma contagem inaceitável de E. coli, ou seja, > 34 UFC / 100 mL. As amostras positivas para E. coli foram elevadas no distrito de Mardan, seguido por Kohat, Swat e distrito de Peshawar. Além disso, algumas fontes de água também foram contaminadas quimicamente por diferentes fertilizantes inorgânicos (nitratos/nitritos de sódio, potássio), mas em níveis seguros, enquanto os resíduos agrícolas e industriais (compostos de cloreto e sulfato) estavam em níveis inseguros. Entre todos os distritos, a qualidade da água foi considerada comparativamente mais deteriorada nos distritos de Kohat e Mardan do que nos distritos de Peshawar e Swat. Essas fontes de água química e bacteriologicamente impróprias para beber podem causar problemas à saúde humana.

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.

Mesenteric Cysts in Children: Review of 55 Cases in A Tertiary Hospital

Background: Mesenteric cysts are rare, benign, fluid-filled tumors that occur in the mesentery, a thin layer of tissue that supports the intestines. The management of mesenteric cysts in children typically involves surgical intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, the clinical presentation and management of mesenteric cysts in children. Material & Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Division of Pediatric Surgery, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dhaka from July 2016 to June 2022. A total of 18,326 patients admitted in the Division of Pediatric Surgery, hospital records of 55 patients diagnosed with mesenteric cysts were evaluated and included in this study. Results: The prevalence of mesenteric cyst in our study was almost 1 per 333 pediatric surgical admissions. In our study, the mean (± SD) age of the patients was 36.5±13.5 months ranged between 2 days to 12 years. Majority of the patients were male (58.2%). Of the total of 55 patients, 18 patients required emergency surgery and 37 underwent elective surgery. Abdominal pain was the main presenting symptom, present in 52.7% of the patients. Fifteen of the emergency surgery were done on preoperative diagnosis of appendicitis or perforated appendicitis with peritonitis. Majority of patients (76.4%) had multiple numbers of cysts. The cysts were located in the small bowel mesentery in 23 cases, the base of the mesentery having retroperitoneal extension in 18 cases, the transverse mesocolon in 14 cases. Complete cyst excision was done in majority of the patients (65.5%) and complete excision with intestinal resection was required in 19 (34.5%) patients. With a mean follow-up of 9 months, we encountered no recurrences. Some patients are still under follow-up. Conclusion: Mesenteric cysts are usually symptomatic and CT scan is the investigation of choice. Complete surgical excision is the optimal treatment. Prognosis is excellent after complete surgical excision; long-term follow-up is needed due to the possibility of recurrence, even in adulthood. Though mesenteric cysts are a rarity in children in the literature, but it is not so uncommon in our experience.

Adiposity Indices as Predictors for Metabolic Syndrome Among Bangladeshi Women: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is described by the clustering of several risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, insulin resistance, and high fasting plasma glucose. The prevalence of MS is increasing worldwide and previous studies have shown that MS and CVD are more common in women above 55 years of age in the post menopausal phase. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and adiposity indices as predictors and the related risk factors among Bangladeshi women. Material & Methods: This was a cross-sectional study and was conducted in the Outpatient departments of Bangladesh Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from May, 2022 to October, 2022. There was total 300 women (150 Premenopausal & 150 Postmenopausal) in our study. Fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, blood pressure and relevant adiposity indices (BMI, WC, WHR, WHtR &VAI) were determined using standard protocols. To analyze the correlation of WC,WHR, WHtR, BMI and VAI with MS Spearmann test was used. Results: Metabolic syndrome was presented in 61.58% respondents and it was more prevalent among postmenopausal (69.09 %) as compared to premenopausal (51.25 %) women. Prevalence of high blood pressure, elevated fasting blood glucose, and high triglyceride were significantly higher in postmenopausal women than premenopausal women. However, prevalence of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower in postmenopausal women than premenopausal women. Conclusion: In our study we found a high prevalence of MS in post-menopausal women which was significantly higher than pre-menopausal women. Low HDL cholesterol, elevated fasting blood glucose, and high blood pressures were the most frequent features in comparison to the others.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome among University Students in Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia

@#Introduction: Metabolic syndrome has become a worry for health of youth in Malaysia. This study aimed to look at the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, and to assess the risk factors of metabolic syndrome among Malaysian university students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 248 students aged 18-30 years using a random sampling method from two universities in Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia. Data on sociodemographic, dietary habits and lifestyle were collected by a pre-tested self-reported questionnaire. Biochemical measurements, blood pressure, and anthropometric measurements were measured by standard procedures. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to Harmonized Joint Interim Statement criteria. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS 23.0 version. Results: The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 12.5% and was more prevalent in male (17.5%). Indian (15.8%) was the most prevalent ethnic group, while Chinese (4.9%) had the least prevalence. 31.5% respondents had at least one metabolic component. Low HDL (42.7%) and large waist circumference (26.2%) were the most common components. Statistically significant (p<0.05) independent factors for developing metabolic syndrome were male, staying time more than six hours on computer/TV/mobile phone, in smokers, taking meals more than three times per day, and high consumption of soft drinks. Besides that, with high consumption of vegetables, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was significantly low (p<0.05). Conclusion: These study findings elicit the evidence of increasing tendency and warning on metabolic syndrome for Malaysian university students, and considerable association of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome to dietary habits and lifestyle.

Outcome Analysis of Colostomy Closure in Different Pediatric Surgical Conditions: A Pediatric Tertiary Care Hospital Study in Bangladesh

Background: A Colostomy is a revocable surgical procedure an incision in the anterior abdominal wall and suturing it into place in which a stoma is formed by drawing the healthy end of the large intestine or colon through. This opening, in conjunction with the attached stoma appliance, provides an alternative channel for feces to leave the body. Due to anatomical defects frequently referred for closure colostomy, colostomies are often used in cases of imperforate anus and other conditions. The neonatal & children who are unable to pass feces normally and safely. pediatrics colostomy. Some neonates require emergency surgery on their tummy in the first few months of life. It is most commonly due to being born prematurely and developing a bowel problem or a blockage of the bowel. As part of this surgery, the ends of the bowel may be brought to the skin surface to divert stool into a bag called a colostomy. Intended to be temporary with reversal, later on, the stoma allows time for the bowel to rest and recover. Aim of the study: To find out the outcome analysis of colostomy closure in different pediatric surgical conditions and were reviewed to look for complications following closure colostomy.Material & Methods:This prospective was conducted in the department of Pediatrics Surgery Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dhaka, and Lubana General Hospital & Cardiac Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2014 to June 2021. A total of 86 patients who underwent colostomy closure were enrolled in this prospective study as the study population. Data including age, gender, surgical conditions, complications of the patients and oral feeding, and bowel preparation were all collected from the patients’ parents or hospital admission files.Results:Out of 86 cases included the age range from 8 months-10 years. There were 37(43.0%) females and 49(57.0%) males and there were more difficulties with Anorectal malformation (43.02%) than with Hirschsprung disease (40.7%). There was no record of using Necrotizing Enterocolitis, in surgical patients. The risk of wound infection and leakage was greater than any other consequence in the patients. The illness known as colostomy was predominantly encountered in men. No morbidity was recorded in this study. Conclusions:Proper stoma care, the use of well-fitting colostomy bags, and early colostomy closure enhance the prognosis. Prior to surgery, encourage thorough mechanical bowel preparation and antibiotic use. The key to a successful colostomy closure for anti-surgical diseases is appropriate IV feeding after surgery.

Metabolites in Conocarpus erectus leaves attenuate α-amylase activity by modulating amino acid residues of α-amylase: an in vitro and docking study / Los metabolitos en las hojas de Conocarpus erectus atenúan la actividad de la α-amilasa al modular los residuos de aminoácidos de la α-amilasa: un estudio in vitro y de acoplamiento

The antioxidant activity and the inhibitory potential of α-amylase of lyophilized hydroethanolic extracts of Conocarpus erectus leaves obtained by ultrasonication were determined. The most potent extract was subjected to ultra-high performance liquid chromatography system equipped with mass spectrometer for metabolite identification. The identified metabolites were docked in α-glucosidase to assess their binding mode. The results revealed that 60% ethanolic extract exhibited highest ferric reducing antioxidant power (4.08 ± 0.187 mg TE/g DE) and α-amylase inhibition (IC50 58.20 ± 1.25 µg/mL. The metabolites like ellagic acid, 3-O-methyl ellagic acid, ferujol, 5, 2 ́-dihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethyl flavone and kaempferol glucoside were identified in the extract and subjected to molecular docking studies regarding α-amylase inhibition. The comparison of binding affinities revealed 3-O-methyl ellagic acid as most effective inhibitor of α-amylase with binding energy of -14.5911 kcal/mol comparable to that of acarbose (-15.7815 kcal/mol). The secondary metabolites identified in the study may be extended further for functional food development with antidiabetic properties.

Se determinó la actividad antioxidante y el potencial inhibidor de la α-amilasa de extractos hidroetanólicos liofilizados de hojas de Conocarpus erectus obtenidos por ultrasónicación. El extracto más potente se sometió a un sistema de cromatografía líquida de ultra alto rendimiento equipado con un espectrómetro de masas para la identificación de metabolitos. Los metabolitos identificados se acoplaron en α-glucosidasa para evaluar su modo de unión. Los resultados revelaron que el extracto etanólico al 60% exhibió el mayor poder antioxidante reductor férrico (4.08 ± 0.187 mg TE/g DE) e inhibición de la α-amilasa (IC50 58.20 ± 1.25 µg/mL. Los metabolitos como el ácido elágico, 3-O-metil elágico ácido, ferujol, 5, 2 ́-dihidroxi-6,7,8-trimetil flavona y kaempferol glucósido se identificaron en el extracto y se sometieron a estudios de acoplamiento molecular con respecto a la inhibición de la α-amilasa. La comparación de las afinidades de unión reveló 3-O-metil El ácido elágico como inhibidor más eficaz de la α-amilasa con una energía de unión de -14,5911 kcal/mol comparable a la de la acarbosa (-15,7815 kcal/mol). Los metabolitos secundarios identificados en el estudio pueden ampliarse aún más para el desarrollo funcional de alimentos con propiedades antidiabéticas.

Effect of Different Preparations of Fluoride Gel on Salivary pH of Albino Rats

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of different preparations of fluoride gels on the salivary pH of albino rats. Material and Methods: This experimental study consisted of 40 Albino rats randomly divided into four equal groups. Group A was the control group and received no intervention. Experimental group B received a topical application of 0.2% sodium fluoride gel. Experimental group C received topical application of stannous fluoride gel 0.4%. Experimental group D received topical application of APF gel (1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride gel). The different preparations of the gels were applied once daily for 4 minutes on the occlusal surface of the right maxillary molars for 14 days. Salivary pH values were recorded immediately after the application of gels with the help of pH paper on day 1 and day 14. Results: There was a significant difference in the pH level of groups B, C and D after 14 days of fluoride application (p < 0.05). The non-parametric Kruskal Wallis test was applied for the comparison between the groups. Conclusion: This study concluded that all the fluoride gels after administration caused the acidic pH of saliva with the most acidic effect produced by APF gel (AU).

Determination of Shear Bond Strength of Nanocomposite to Porcelain and Metal Alloy

Abstract Objective: To compare porcelain and metal repair done with both nanocomposite and conventional composite. Material and Methods: A total of 30 cylinders were fabricated from Porcelain (I), Porcelain fused to metal (II), and metal (III) substrate each. Control group (A) was bonded with conventional micro-hybrid composite and experimental group (B) was bonded with nanocomposite in a 2 mm thickness. All specimens were thermocycled and stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 7 days. A universal testing machine was used to measure the Shear bond strength (SBS). The difference between bond strengths of the groups was compared using an independent t-test. Results: In all three groups, the SBS was higher in the experimental group as compared to the control group. The use of nanocomposite of metal alloy presented maximum shear bond strength, followed by samples of porcelain fused to metal and finally porcelain, showing the lowest values of SBS. Conclusion: Porcelain and alloys bonded with nanocomposite exhibit enhanced adhesiveness as well as aesthetic and mechanical properties. This subsequently would translate into providing higher clinical serviceability and durability and hence a cost-effective and accessible repair option for human welfare (AU).

Cashmirins A and B, new antifungal and urease inhibitory prenylated coumarins from Sorbus cashmiriana

Abstract Cashmirins A (1) and B (2), new prenylated coumarins, have been isolated from the EtOAc- soluble fraction of the whole plant of Sorbus cashmiriana Hedlung, Monog. along with seselin (3), scopoletin (4), 3-hydroxyxanthyletin (5) and luteolin (6), reported for the first time from this species. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques including MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Both new compounds 1 and 2 were investigated for biological activities and showed significant antifungal and urease inhibitory activities. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited significant activity against Aspergillus flavus, Macrophomina phaseolina, Trichophyton simii, Trichophyton schoenleinii, and Pseudallescheria boydri. Both compounds also exhibited significant inhibitory activity against Jack bean urease with IC50 values of 28.2±0.12 µM and 30.3±0.18 µM, respectively compared to thiourea used as positive control.

Anti-Snake Venom Properties of Medicinal Plants: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Literature

Abstract Snakebite is one of the major health issues posing considerable morbidity and mortality. According to an estimate of World Health Organization (WHO) (World health organization, 2021) approximately 5 million people are bitten by several species of snakes resulting in up to 2.5 million envenomation cases annually. The mainstay of treatment for envenomation is intravenous administration of anti-snake venom. Although antivenom neutralizes the systemic effects but it does not relieve the symptoms such as venom-induced hemorrhage, necrosis and nephrotoxicity. Moreover, the use of antivenoms is associated with hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria, anaphylaxis, or serum sickness due to their heterologous property. Furthermore, stringent storage conditions and narrow specificity of antivenoms limit their use in both developed as well as developing countries. In this context, researchers have been searching for natural products and plant extracts to explore their antivenom activity along with anti-myotoxic, anti-hemorrhagic and anti-inflammatory properties. Plant remedies may prove to be an effective alternate for antivenom sera with less adverse events and better tolerability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review of medicinal plants possessing anti-snake venom activities against certain species of snakes. The current review highlights the investigated plants with their phytochemical analysis to integrate the available information for future research and development of antivenom sera.

Why the "sugars" in traditional Unani formulations are a pivotal component: A viewpoint perspective / 中西医结合学报

Traditional medicine systems around the globe, like Unani, Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, include a number of sugar-based formulations, which contain a large amount of saccharide-containing sweetener, such as honey, sucrose or jaggery. With pervasive lifestyle disorders throughout the world, there have been discussions to consider alternative sweetening agents. Here, from the perspective of Unani medicine, we discuss how the saccharide-based sweeteners may be an essential component of these traditional preparations, like electuaries, which may be deprived of their bioactivities without these saccharides. With contemporary researches, it is known that apart from their own therapeutic effects, saccharides also form deep eutectic solvents which help in enhancing the bioactivity of other ingredients present in crude drugs. In addition, they provide energy for fermentation which is essential for biotransformation of compounds. Interestingly, the sugars also increase the shelf-life of these compound drugs and act as natural preservatives. On the basis of this review, we strongly believe that saccharide-based sweeteners are an essential component of traditional medicines and not merely an excipient.

In vitro pharmacological attributes and metabolite's fingerprinting of Conocarpus lancifolius / Atributos farmacológicos in vitro y huellas dactilares de metabolitos de Conocarpus lancifolius

Search for safe antioxidants and novel nutraceuticals urged to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-acetylcholine esterase and anti-lipoxygenase activity of various leaf extracts of Conocarpus lancifolius. Extraction was optimized from freeze dried plant extracts quenched with liquid nitrogen using water, ethanol, methanol, hexane, ethyl acetate and chloroform. Maximum extract yield, total phenolic contents and total flavonoid contents were obtained in case of ethanolic extraction. The highest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazylradical scavenging in terms of IC50 value of 55.26 µg/mL was observed for ethanolic leaf extract. The acetylcholine esterase and lipoxygenase inhibitory activities (IC50) were also observed for ethanolic extract. These findings for ethanolic extract were statistically significant when compared with other extracts (ρ<0.05). The haemolytic % values indicated that all extracts were associated with very low or negligible toxicity. The epicatechin, isorhamnetin, rutin, scopoleptin, skimmianine, quercetin-3-O-α-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-O-ß-glucoside, cornoside, creatinine, choline, pyruvic acid, α-hydroxybutyric acid, phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin were identified as major functional metabolites in ethanolic leaf extract of C. lancifoliusby 1H-NMR. The identified metabolites were probably responsible for the pharmacological properties of C.lancifolius. The findings may be utilized as pharmacological leads for drug development and food fortification.

Se insta a la búsqueda de antioxidantes seguros y nuevos nutracéuticos para evaluar la actividad antioxidante, anti-acetilcolina esterasa y anti-lipoxigenasa de varios extractos de hojas de Conocarpus lancifolius. La extracción se optimizó a partir de extractos de plantas liofilizados enfriados con nitrógeno líquido usando agua, etanol, metanol, hexano, acetato de etilo y cloroformo. En el caso de extracción etanólica se obtuvo el rendimiento máximo de extracto, el contenido de fenoles totales y el contenido de flavonoides totales. La mayor eliminación de radicales 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazilo en términos de valor de CI50 de 55,26 µg/mL se observó para el extracto de hoja etanólico. También se observaron las actividades inhibidoras de la acetilcolina esterasa y lipoxigenasa (CI50) para el extracto etanólico. Estos hallazgos para el extracto etanólico fueron estadísticamente significativos en comparación con otros extractos (ρ<0.05). Los valores del % hemolítico indicaron que todos los extractos estaban asociados con una toxicidad muy baja o insignificante. Se identificaron la epicatequina, isorhamnetina, rutina, escopoleptina, skimmianina, quercetina-3-O-α-ramnosido, quercetina-3-O-ß-glucósido, cornosido, creatinina, colina, ácido pirúvico, ácido α-hidroxibutírico, filantrina e hipofillantina. como metabolitos funcionales principales en el extracto etanólico de hojas de C. lancifoliuspor 1H-NMR. Los metabolitos identificados probablemente fueron responsables de las propiedades farmacológicas de C. lancifolius. Los hallazgos pueden utilizarse como pistas farmacológicas para el desarrollo de fármacos y la fortificación de alimentos.

Evaluation of dyslipidemia in normal and underweight diabetics patient and its association with BMI and gender

Objectives: To assess the frequency of dyslipidemia in type II diabetes mellitus in normal and underweight patients. Material and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at Basic Health Unit, Manzabta District Okara. Total 218 type II diabetics having age 30-70 years either male or female, having BMI 15 to 24.99 were selected for this study. Five ml fasting blood sample was taken and sent to laboratory for lipid profile. Results: In present study total 218 type 2 diabetics were selected. Mean age of the patients was 48.33 ± 13.85 years, mean weight was 52.66 ± 8.63 Kg, mean height was 61.54 ± 2.46 inches and mean BMI was 22.73 ± 2.45. Out of 218 diabetics, dyslipidemia was noted in 152 (70%) patients.Total 163 (74.77%) patients were normal weight and 55 (25.23%) patients were under weight. Dyslipidemia was noted in 140 (85.9%) normal weight patients and 12 (21.8%) underweight patients. Significantly (P = 0.000) higher rate of dyslipidemia was noted in normal weight patients as compared to underweight patients. Conclusion: In present study, higher rate of dyslipidemia was noted in type II diabetics. There were not association of dyslipidemia with age and gender. But highly significant association of dyslipidemia with normal and underweight was noted.

Evaluation of breast cancer in women under 50 in a Mastology service in the Federal District, Brazil

Introduction: Breast cancer is a relevant public health issue, and its incidence has increased in patients aged less than 50 years. This population usually receives a late diagnosis, which contributes with the poor prognosis of the condition. Objective: To assess the percentage of patients diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50 and compare them with the group that was diagnosed after the age of 50. Results: The general mean age was 54 years; 75.68% of the patients were younger than 50 years, aged between 40 and 49 years. Among the ones who were younger than 50, 35.14% were in stage T4; 55.41% underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy; 16.22% presented distant metastasis; and 10.81%, locoregional metastasis. On the other hand, among those aged more than 50, 22.71% were in stage T4; 30.68% underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy; 11.36% presented distant metastasis; and 6.82%, locoregional metastasis. Conclusion: Breast cancer in women aged less than 50 years in a Mastology service in the Federal District has been a matter of concern, for presenting more advanced tumors at the time of diagnosis; screening is still debatable.

Clinical Applications of Dual-Energy CT

Dual-energy CT (DECT) provides insights into the material properties of tissues and can differentiate between tissues with similar attenuation on conventional single-energy imaging. In the conventional CT scanner, differences in the X-ray attenuation between adjacent structures are dependent on the atomic number of the materials involved, whereas in DECT, the difference in the attenuation is dependent on both the atomic number and electron density. The basic principle of DECT is to obtain two datasets with different X-ray energy levels from the same anatomic region and material decomposition based on attenuation differences at different energy levels. In this article, we discuss the clinical applications of DECT and its potential robust improvements in performance and postprocessing capabilities.

Clinical Applications of Dual-Energy CT

Dual-energy CT (DECT) provides insights into the material properties of tissues and can differentiate between tissues with similar attenuation on conventional single-energy imaging. In the conventional CT scanner, differences in the X-ray attenuation between adjacent structures are dependent on the atomic number of the materials involved, whereas in DECT, the difference in the attenuation is dependent on both the atomic number and electron density. The basic principle of DECT is to obtain two datasets with different X-ray energy levels from the same anatomic region and material decomposition based on attenuation differences at different energy levels. In this article, we discuss the clinical applications of DECT and its potential robust improvements in performance and postprocessing capabilities.

A study to assess knowledge and attitude of infertile Kashmiri couples

Background: Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive naturally after one year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. The chance to conceive depends on multiple factors like the length of sexual intercourse, frequency of coitus and age of couples. This could be due to male as well as female factors and deficiencies.Methods: This is a cross sectional observational study conducted on infertility patients. A fertility questionnaire was designed for both the partners with questions covering knowledge and attitude towards infertility.Results: A total 100 couples were selected in which prevalence of primary and secondary infertility was 72% and 28% respectively. The mean duration of infertility was 3 years. On scoring their level of knowledge, 52% had inadequate knowledge, 44% had moderate knowledge and 4% had adequate knowledge. There was no statistically significant difference in the knowledge in relation to their educational qualification and type of infertility among participants.Conclusions: Infertility is common problem affecting 10-15% of the population. The knowledge about infertility and its risk factors is generally limited among the participants, in spite of their educational status.

Genetic diversity among wild pomegranate (Punica granatum) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir region of Pakistan

BACKGROUND: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), one of the most important tropical fruits in Azad Jammu and Kashmir regions of Pakistan, is highly valued for its nutrition and medicinal purposes. Although pomegranate is native to this region, the genetic diversity among wild pomegranate accessions is currently unknown. Such information would be vital for germplasm conservation and breeding efforts. In the current study, genetic diversity among forty-eight wild pomegranate accessions collected from different agro-ecological zones of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was assessed using 41 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. RESULTS: The markers revealed 303 alleles averaging 7.39 alleles per marker. Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.12 (PGCT093B) to 0.88 (Pom006), with a mean of 0.54. The average genetic distance (GD) across all genotypes was 0.52, and was lowest between Chattar Class and Thorar genotypes (GD = 0.27), but highest between Khun Bandway and Akhor Ban (GD = 0.74). A neighbor-joining dendrogram separated the genotypes into three major clusters, with further sub-clustering within each cluster. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results presented here show significant genetic diversity among wild pomegranate accessions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir region of Pakistan. These accessions present a valuable genetic resource to breeding and cultivar improvement programs within the region.