Profiles of childhood trauma: epidemiological survey results of an educated young community cohort

Background: Childhood trauma is a major threat to the welfare and prosperity of any society. Young adult population is vulnerable due to increasing adverse childhood experiences and the likelihood of serious implications in educational performance and mental health. This survey was aimed to observe the proportion of various types of childhood traumas and their association with different socio-demographic characteristics among young university students of Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 young university students, during August-December 2023. Initially, cluster sampling was done deemed to the epidemiological survey. Afterwards, from the selected clusters, students from different universities were approached using non-probability convenient sampling technique. Self-reported data were collected through a questionnaire comprising of socio-demographic characteristics along with the types of traumas experienced during their childhood. SPSS Version 26.0 was used to analyse data. Results: Of the 300 university students with a mean age of 22.14±2 years, 55.3% were females. Overall, 63.6% of the participants experienced trauma before 18 years age. The most common trauma types reported were physical/verbal abuse (81%), unlawful touch/sexual abuse (45%), parents separated/divorced (31%) abandoned by parents (20%), lived with an alcoholic/drug addict (18%) or with a mentally ill adult (14%). There were no statistically significant findings between childhood trauma experience and socio-demographic traits. Conclusions: Various profiles of childhood trauma were found prevalent in young university level individuals. Current research does suggest a way forward to prevent this public health issue that can have detrimental consequences on an individual’s mental and physical health and stress reactivity.

Exploring the impact of early-term labor induction on cesarean section risk in gestational diabetes mellitus: insights from a tertiary care hospital study in Pakistan

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common endocrine disorder in pregnancy. It is associated with significant perinatal morbidity and mortality, therefore, an early-term delivery by routine induction of labor is proposed by some societies, to prevent/reduce these complications. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 1st January 2019 and 30th June 2020 at Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan to compare the pregnancy outcomes of patients with GDM when induced at 37, 38, and 39 weeks in comparison to women with GDM managed expectantly. The study included all women with singleton pregnancy and vertex presentation. Women induced after 41 weeks, previous cesarean delivery, placenta previa, major fetal anomalies, chronic maternal medical conditions that necessitate delivery, and those women presenting with spontaneous onset of labor were excluded. Data was analyzed in SPSS v.19. Results: A total of 293 women were included. The mean age of women was 27 years, and the mean BMI was 27.8 kg/m2. We found that women who were induced at earlier gestational weeks were managed with a combination of diet and pharmacological therapy in comparison to those induced at later gestational weeks and achieved glycemic control with diet and lifestyle modifications only. Around 77% of women required pharmacological therapy. The mode of delivery was not significantly different for women induced at different gestational weeks after 37 completed weeks. For neonatal outcomes, the birth weight was significantly greater for women induced at later gestational weeks. Conclusions: In women with gestational diabetes induced after 37 weeks at various gestational weeks, the mode of delivery is not significantly different.

Anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of a methanolic extract of Debregeasia salicifolia in Alloxan-induced diabetic albino mice

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM), an endocrine syndrome characterized by high blood glucose levels due to abrogated insulin activity. The existing treatments for DM have side effects and varying degrees of efficacy. Therefore, it is paramount that novel approaches be developed to enhance the management of DM. Therapeutic plants have been accredited as having comparatively high efficacy with fewer adverse effects. The current study aims to elucidate the phytochemical profile, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-diabetic effects of methanolic extract D. salicifolia (leaves) in Alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Alloxan was injected intraperitoneally (150 mg kg-1, b.w), to induced diabetes in mice. The mice were divided into three groups (n=10). Group 1 (normal control) received normal food and purified water, Group II (diabetic control) received regular feed and clean water and group III (diabetic treated) received a methanolic extract of the plant (300 mg kg-1) for 28 days with a typical diet and clean water throughout the experiment. Blood samples were collected to checked serum glucose and concentration of LDL, TC, TG. The extract demonstrated significant antihyperglycemic activity (P 0.05), whereas improvements in mice's body weight and lipid profiles were observed after treatment with the extract. This study establishes that the extract has high efficacy with comparatively less toxicity that can be used for DM management.

Resumo Diabetes mellitus (DM) é uma síndrome endócrina caracterizada por níveis elevados de glicose no sangue devido à atividade anulada da insulina. Os tratamentos existentes para o DM têm efeitos colaterais e vários graus de eficácia. Portanto, é fundamental que novas abordagens sejam desenvolvidas para aprimorar o manejo do DM. As plantas terapêuticas foram acreditadas como tendo eficácia comparativamente alta com menos efeitos adversos. O presente estudo visa elucidar o perfil fitoquímico, efeitos anti-hiperlipidêmicos e antidiabéticos do extrato metanólico de D. salicifolia (folhas) em camundongos diabéticos induzidos por aloxana. Alloxan foi injetado por via intraperitoneal (150 mg kg-1, b.w), para induzir diabetes em camundongos. Os camundongos foram divididos em três grupos (n = 10). Grupo 1 (controle normal) recebeu ração normal e água purificada, Grupo II (controle diabético) recebeu ração regular e água limpa, e o grupo III (tratamento diabético) recebeu extrato metanólico da planta (300 mg kg-1) por 28 dias com uma dieta típica e água limpa durante todo o experimento. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para verificar a glicose sérica e a concentração de LDL, TC, TG. O extrato demonstrou atividade anti-hiperglicêmica significativa (P 0,05), enquanto melhorias no peso corporal e no perfil lipídico dos camundongos foram observadas após o tratamento com o extrato. Este estudo estabelece que o extrato tem alta eficácia com comparativamente menos toxicidade e pode ser usado para o controle do DM.

Predisposition of sciatica in different socioeconomic classes: a brief clinical survey

Background: Sciatica became the accepted name for pain radiating from the lower back or buttock into the leg after being distinguished from arthritic hip pain in the 18th century. Several studies suggest strong connection of Socioeconomic status with sciatica. Accurate data on the incidence and prevalence of sciatica is still missing. The objective of this study was to observe a relationship of sciatica patients with their socioeconomic status. Methods: Sixty (60) diagnosed cases of sciatica selected randomly were interrogated and assessed according to the modified Kuppuswamy’s socioeconomic status (SES) scale. Results: It was found that 36.6% were belonging to upper-middle class of society, 35% from lower-middle class, 13.8% from upper-lower class, 8.6% from upper class and only 6.9% were belonging to lower socioeconomic class of society. Conclusions: The current study depicted that the sciatica is more common in middle socioeconomic class followed by upper and lower socioeconomic class respectively.

Borderline ovarian tumors: retrospective study and literature review

Background: Borderline Ovarian tumor are epithelial tumors, diagnosed in early stage with excellent prognosis. The risk of recurrence is matter of concern. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted at OBGYN department of Aga khan hospital Karachi from 2002 to 2018. Results: Seventy-three patients with BOT were enrolled with mean age of 40 years. Fertility sparing surgery (FSS) was performed in 35 (48%) while 38 (52%) underwent debulking surgery. Average pre-operative CA-125 IU level was 47 in FSS and 40 in debulking group. Laparotomy was the commonest surgery in both groups with 5 (14%) patients in FSS group having laparoscopy. In debulking group, 3 patients (8%) had residual disease. Majority of patients in both groups had stage 1 disease i.e., 34 (97%) and 34 (89%) respectively. Serous was the most common histological type in both groups while unilateral lesions were prevalent in the FSS group (83% vs. 68%). Recurrence was reported in 3(8.6%) patients in FSS, while 1 (2.6%) in debulking group. Mean time to recurrence was 57.13 months. Amongst the 4 recurrences, 3 patients had FSS and had unilateral tumor, ruptured capsule or surface disease. They had mucinous histology with negative cytology. One from debulking group had recurrence with bilateral tumor, serous histology and stage IIIC. Three patients (9%) conceived in FSS and had live births. The 5-year overall survival was 97.9%. Conclusions: BOT have a favorable prognosis. Recurrences occur late in the trajectory of disease and hence regular follow-ups are important. They are common in mucinous tumors with external capsular involvement.

Prospective Protective Effects of Arthrospira platensis Against Acetaminophen Induced Hepato-Renal Toxicity in Rats / Efectos Protectores Prospectivos de Arthrospira platnesis Contra la Toxicidad Hepatorrenal Inducida por Paracetamol en Ratas

SUMMARY: The toxic effects of acetaminophen appear primarily in the liver and kidney. The protective effect of blue green alga Arthrospira platensis on hepato-renal toxicity caused by acetaminophen was evaluated in male rats. The obtained results showed that subcutaneous injection of acetaminophen at a dose 120 &240 սl acetaminophen/kg by weight resulted in an observed elevation in the enzyme activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum total lipids, total cholesterol, creatinine, total bilirubin, urea, nitric oxide (NO), L- malondialdehyde (MDA) and interleukins (IL-2 &IL-6). However, there is a decrease in the serum total protein, albumin and loss in antioxidant enzyme activities in liver including; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GSH). This effect was found to be dose and time dependent. In spite of, pre- oral administration of Arthrospira platensis 1000 mg/kg .b. wt. prior acetaminophen injection succeeded to modulate the effect of the observed abnormalities caused by acetaminophen. Moreover, there were no remarkable changes in serum biomarkers of rats received Arthrospira platensis only at a dose of 1000 mg/kg by weight (group 2). The histopathological findings confirm the biochemical results that indicates the safety use of Arthrospira platensis at the selected dose in this study. Therefore, the present results clarified the protective effect of blue green alga Arthrospira platensis on oxidative stress, hepatic and nephrotoxicity induced by acetaminophen in male Wister rats.

Los efectos tóxicos del paracetamol aparecen principalmente en el hígado y el riñón. Se evaluó en ratas macho Wistar el efecto protector del alga verde azulada Arthrospira platensis sobre la toxicidad hepatorrenal causada por paracetamol. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que la inyección subcutánea de paracetamol a dosis de 120 y 240 µl de paracetamol/kg, resultó en una elevación en las actividades enzimáticas de la aspartato aminotransferasa (AST), alanina aminotransferasa (ALT) y fosfatasa alcalina (ALP), lípidos séricos totales, colesterol total, creatinina, bilirrubina total, urea, óxido nítrico (NO), L- malondialdehído (MDA) e interleucinas (IL-2 e IL-6). Sin embargo, hay una disminución en la proteína sérica total, albúmina y pérdida en las actividades de las enzimas antioxidantes en el hígado, incluyendo; superóxido dismutasa (SOD), catalasa (CAT) y glutatión reductasa (GSH). Se encontró que este efecto era dependiente de la dosis y el tiempo. A pesar de la administración preoral de Arthrospira platensis 1000 mg/kg, la inyección previa de acetaminofeno logró modular el efecto de las anormalidades observadas causadas por el acetaminofeno. Además, no hubo cambios notables en los biomarcadores séricos de ratas que recibieron Arthrospira platensis solo a una dosis de 1000 mg/kg (Grupo 2). Los hallazgos histopatológicos confirman los resultados bioquímicos que indican la seguridad del uso de Arthrospira platensis a la dosis seleccionada en este estudio. Por lo tanto, los presentes resultados aclararon el efecto protector del alga verde azulada Arthrospira platensis sobre el estrés oxidativo, la toxicidad hepática y la nefrotoxicidad inducida por paracetamol en ratas Wistar macho.

Frequencies, clinicopathological features, and risk factors of type I and type II endometrial cancer; a retrospective observational study at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan

Background: Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecological malignancy worldwide. The death rates for EC have increased by more than 100% over the past 2 decades. EC is subdivided into two types based on distinct histological and clinical features: type I and type II. Our study aims to determine the risk factors and clinicopathological features of both type I and type II EC and draw a comparison between the two types based on frequency, risk factors and clinicopathological features. Methods: It was a retrospective observational study including patients of a single tertiary care center. The study included Patients diagnosed, treated, and followed up for type I and type II endometrial cancer at the study center over the past 19 years from 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2018. All the patients with metastatic endometrial cancer were excluded from the study. SPSS version 26 was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 376 patients were included in this study. Among these 343 (91.7) patients had endometroid adenocarcinoma (Type I) and 32 (8.3) had serous and clear cell tumor (type II). Type I EC had a mean age of 57.56 (SD�.42) while patients with type II EC presented with a mean age of64.97 (SD�59). Hypertension and Diabetes were the most common comorbid in EC patients. HRT prior to EC was found to have an association with risk of EC. Compared to patients who were on HRT, patients who were not on HRT prior to diagnosis of EC had 80% less chance of developing endometrial cancer. (Confidence interval: 0.056-0.114, p=0.016). Conclusions: In summary our study demonstrates that both sub types of endometrial cancer have many risk factors that are similar to each other. Despite the difference between the population of both subgroups we were able to prove associations between risk factors and endometrial cancer. However further research is needed at provincial and national level with larger and relatively comparable sample sizes for both subgroups to recognize risk factors and numerically associate them to EC for Pakistani population.

Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Belt

Background:Emergency medical service has been a well-know n subject of discussion in India where the population is vast and the health care system is inadequate. Essential drugs are a category of drugs that are needed during the golden hour of saving a patient’s life. It becomes necessary that time, when a simple drug can save the life of a patient, a competent health care provider, is needed to administer the drug to the patient. In such a situation, any health care provider in the vicinity of the person who needs medical assistance must get an alert so that the health care provider can reach the site of the emergency and provide assistance. EMS belt is a system in which with the help of a mobile application, any person in case of a medical emergency can get service from a nearby health care provider within a few minutes. The concept is to raise an alarm alerting the nearby health care practitioners about the person in need of medical assistance. This concept is promising with the advantage that it doesn’t need any special manufacturing of the device. Conducting trials on this concept shall yield good observations and produce hopes for a cost-effective EMS system in India.

Population Dynamics of Intermediate-Host Snails in the White Nile River, Sudan: A Year-Round Observational Descriptive Study

We aimed to explore the population dynamics of snail in 3 sites of the White Nile in Sudan. More specifically, we aimed to investigate the annual patterns of snail populations that act as intermediate hosts of schistosomes and monthly snail infection rates and ecological characteristics presumably related to snail populations. We collected snails for 1 year monthly at 3 different shore sites in the vicinity of El Shajara along the White Nile river in Khartoum State, Sudan. In addition, we measured air and water temperatures, water turbidities, vegetation coverages, and water depths and current speeds. Most of the collected snails were Biomphalaria pfeifferi and Bulinus truncatus. The population densities of snails and their infection rates varied across survey sites. The collected snails liberated S. mansoni and S. haematobium cercariae as well as Amphistome and Echinostome cercariae. Infected snails were found during March-June. The ecological characteristics found to be associated with the absence of snails population were: high turbidity, deep water, low vegetation coverage (near absence of vegetation), high water temperature, and high current speed. To our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal study of the snail population and ecological characteristics in the main basin of the White Nile river.

Orthopaedic Practices and Surgeries during COVID-19 in Pakistan - A Survey Based Study

@#Introduction: The study aimed to target the current practices of the orthopaedic community in outpatient (OPD), emergency (ER) and surgical services (OT) during COVID19. Material and method: This study surveyed 303 orthopaedic surgeons from all over Pakistan. The survey had 30 questions targeting the setup of outpatient, emergency and operation services in orthopaedic departments of different hospitals in Pakistan. Result: A total of 302 surgeons were included from 53 cities all over Pakistan. Between 35-48% of the respondents reported lack of availability of standard operating procedures in OPD, ER and in OT. Majority of the respondents noted that their OPD and surgical practice had been affected to some degree and 69% of the surgeons were only doing trauma surgery. This trend was higher in younger consultants of less than 45 years of age (p<0.001). Almost two-third of the surgeons, mostly senior (p=0.03) were using surgical masks as the only protective measure during various practices of OPD, ER and OT, while most of the setups were not assessing patients even for signs and symptoms of COVID. Almost 89% of the orthopaedic community is facing definite to mild stress during this pandemic and this has significantly affected the senior surgeons (p=0.01). Conclusion: Our study highlighted that COVID-19 has resulted in marked changes to the practices of the majority of Pakistani orthopaedic surgeons. Despite a sharp upsurge in the number of cases and mortality due to COVID-19, guidelines were still lacking at most of the settings and a substantial percentage of the orthopaedic community were not following adequate safety measures while attending to patients.

Population Dynamics of Intermediate-Host Snails in the White Nile River, Sudan: A Year-Round Observational Descriptive Study

We aimed to explore the population dynamics of snail in 3 sites of the White Nile in Sudan. More specifically, we aimed to investigate the annual patterns of snail populations that act as intermediate hosts of schistosomes and monthly snail infection rates and ecological characteristics presumably related to snail populations. We collected snails for 1 year monthly at 3 different shore sites in the vicinity of El Shajara along the White Nile river in Khartoum State, Sudan. In addition, we measured air and water temperatures, water turbidities, vegetation coverages, and water depths and current speeds. Most of the collected snails were Biomphalaria pfeifferi and Bulinus truncatus. The population densities of snails and their infection rates varied across survey sites. The collected snails liberated S. mansoni and S. haematobium cercariae as well as Amphistome and Echinostome cercariae. Infected snails were found during March-June. The ecological characteristics found to be associated with the absence of snails population were: high turbidity, deep water, low vegetation coverage (near absence of vegetation), high water temperature, and high current speed. To our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal study of the snail population and ecological characteristics in the main basin of the White Nile river.

Could antiseptic gargling prevent COVID-19?

@#Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected more than 8 million people globally since its discovery in December 2019. For COVID-19 prevention, the World Health Organization recommended regular handwashing with soap, cough etiquette, mask wearing and social distancing. However, COVID-19 is rather difficult to contain because of its high transmissibility property. Gargling is effective for reducing infection in the respiratory tract. Most antiseptic gargles have antimicrobial properties against common respiratory pathogens. No published study on the effectiveness of antiseptic gargling among COVID-19 patients has been available to date. This article reviewed available literature on methods and solutions available for gargling and their effect on respiratory tract infections.

In vivo and in vitro Pharmacological Evaluation of Gymnosporia Royleana / Evaluación Farmacológica de Gymnosporia Royleana in vivo e in vitro

ABSTRACT Objective: Gymnosporia royleana (G royleana) Wall ex MA Lawson, locally known as (Sur Azghee), is traditionally used for the management of various diseases. In the current investigation, we made an effort to scientifically validate its traditional use in various pathological conditions, such as microbial infections and cancer, and to explore its additional pharmacological activities via random screening against locally accessible pharmacological methods, irrespective of its traditional uses like antidiabetic, haemagglutination and antioxidant assays. Methods: Extraction was carried out using a cold maceration methodology. Dilution method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing using different concentrations. Streptozocin (STZ) induced protocol was used to assess antidiabetic activity at a dose level of 200, 400 mg/ kg. Antioxidant activity, haemagglutination activity, and anticancer activities against HepG-2 and MCF-7 cell lines were determined as per established protocols. Similarly, the maximum amount of phenolic content (12.02 mg 100 g) was determined by using Folin Ciocalteu assay. Results: Promising antimicrobial activities in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were noted for crude extract (25-200 µg/mL), n-hexane (100-400 µg/mL), ethyl acetate (50-200 µg/mL) and aqueous (100-400 µg/mL). Antidiabetic potential was significant at a dose level of 200-400 mg/kg bodyweight by reducing the blood glucose level at days 10 and 15. The percentage of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) values increase by increasing the concentration of the plant extract (10-100 µg/mL). The methanol extract was found to possess high agglutination activity. Conclusion: It was concluded that this plant species possess significant antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer and haemagglutination activities, which could be attributed to the phenolic content of the extract.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Gymnosporia royleana (G royleana) Wall ex MA Lawson, localmente conocida como "Sur Azghee", se utiliza tradicionalmente para el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades. En la investigación presente, tratamos de validar científicamente su uso tradicional en varias condiciones, tales como las infecciones microbianas y el cáncer, así como explorar sus actividades farmacológicas adicionales mediante el tamizado aleatorio frente a los métodos farmacológicos localmente accesibles, independientemente de sus usos tradicionales como ensayos antidiabéticos, hemaglutinantes, y antioxidantes. Métodos: La extracción se realizó mediante una metodología de maceración en frío. Un método de dilución se utilizó para la prueba de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana utilizando diferentes concentraciones. Se utilizó el protocolo inducido por estreptozotocina (STZ) para evaluar la actividad antidiabética a un nivel de dosis de 200, 400 mg/kg. La actividad antioxidante, la actividad de hemaglutinación, y las actividades anticancerígenas contra las líneas celulares HepG-2 y MCF-7, se determinaron según los protocolos establecidos. De modo similar. la cantidad máxima de contenido fenólico (12.02 mg 100 g) se determinó mediante el uso del ensayo Folin-Ciocalteu. Resultados: Se observaron actividades antimicrobianas prometedoras en términos de la concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM) para el extracto crudo (25-200 μg/mL), el n-hexano (100-400 μg/mL), el acetato de etilo (50-200 μg/mL), y el extracto acuoso (100-400 μg/mL). El potencial antidiabético fue significativo a un nivel de dosis de 200-400 mg/kg de peso corporal mediante la reducción del nivel de glucosa en sangre a los 10 y 15 días. El porcentaje de los valores de 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidracilo (DPPH) se incrementa al aumentar la concentración del extracto de la planta (10-100 μg/mL). Se halló que el extracto de metanol posee una alta actividad de aglutinación. Conclusión: Se concluyó que esta especie de planta posee importantes actividades antimicrobianas, antidiabéticas, antioxidantes, anticancerígenas y hemaglutinantes, que podrían atribuirse al contenido fenólico del extracto.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Compounds Isolated from Gymnosporia Royleana (Celastraceae) / Actividades antibacterianas y antifúngicas de compuestos aislados de Gymnosporia Royleana (Celastraceae)

ABSTRACT Objective: In the present study, five new source compounds isolated from aerial parts of Gymnosporia royleana (G royleana) were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities. Methods: Extraction from plant material was carried out using cold maceration technique. Isolation of pure compounds was accomplished through repeated column chromatography of different fractions obtained from crude extract and using silica gel as stationary phase. Their structures were established via advanced spectroscopic techniques along with the spectral data previously reported for these compounds. Dilution method was used for the evaluation of antimicrobial potential of the compounds against various microbial strains. Results: Among the tested compounds, Gymnosporin B displayed moderate antimicrobial activity against Escherichia Coli (E coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S aureus), Candida albicans (C albicans) and Aspergillus flavus (A flavus) [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range; 32-64 μg/mL]. Similarly, Gymnosporin C also showed moderate activity against E coli and S aureus (MIC; 32 μg/mL each) as well as weak activity against C albicans and A flavus (MIC; 64 μg/mL each). However, Royaflavone showed moderate antibacterial activity against S aureus only (MIC; 32 μg/mL). Antimicrobial activity of the rest of the compounds was weak and negligible. Conclusion: The present study has provided fascinating results of antimicrobial activities of the isolated compounds. However, the broad antimicrobial spectrum of Gymnosporin B and Gymnosporin C demands for further exploration of these triterpenes, both on the basis of mechanism and quantitative structure-activity relationship.

RESUMEN Objetivo: En el presente estudio, cinco nuevos compuestos de origen aislados de partes aéreas de Gymnosporia royleana (G royleana) fueron tamizados en sus actividades antibacterianas y antifúngicas. Métodos: La extracción de material vegetal se realizó mediante la técnica de maceración en frío. El aislamiento de compuestos puros se logró a través de la cromatografía en columna repetida de diversas fracciones obtenidas del extracto crudo y usando gel de silicona como fase estacionaria. Sus estructuras fueron establecidas mediante técnicas espectroscópicas avanzadas junto con los datos espectrales previamente reportados para estos compuestos. El método de dilución fue usado para evaluar el potencial antimicrobiano de los compuestos contra diversas cepas microbianas. Resultados: Entre los compuestos sometidos a prueba, Gymnosporina B mostró una actividad antimicrobiana moderada contra Escherichia Coli (E coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S aureus), Candida Albicans (C albicans) y Aspergillus flavus (A flavus) [rango de concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM); 32 - 64 μg/mL]. De manera similar, Gymnosporina C también mostró actividad moderada contra E coli y S aureus (CIM; 32 μg/mL cada uno) así como débil actividad frente a C albicans y A flavus (CIM; 64 μg/mL cada uno). Sin embargo, Royaflavone mostró actividad antibacteriana moderada sólo frente a S aureus (CIM; 32 μg/mL). La actividad antimicrobiana del resto de los compuestos fue débil e insignificante. Conclusión: El presente estudio ha proporcionado resultados interesantes acerca de las actividades antimicrobianas de los compuestos aislados. Sin embargo, el amplio espectro antimicrobiano de la Gymnosporina B y la Gymnosporina C exige una mayor exploración de estos triterpenos, tanto sobre la base del mecanismo como a partir de la relación cuantitativa estructura-actividad.

In-vivo Assessment of Antipyretic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Gymnosporia Royleana Extract in Mice / Evaluación in vivo de las Actividades Antipiréticas y Antiinflamatorias del Extracto de Gymnosporia Royleana en Ratones

ABSTRACT Objective: Despite the presence of multitude of synthetic drugs against fever and inflammation, none has been proven entirely safe. In contrast, the accepted safety of plant derived natural products is inspiring the world. Based on this fact as well as in view of the diversified activities reported from the genus Gymnosporia, the present study was designed to evaluate the antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activity of Gymnosporia royleana (G royleana). Methods: The methanolic extract of the aerial parts of G royleana was screened for in-vivo antipyretic activity using the brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia mice model and for anti-inflammatory activity using the carrageenan-induced paw oedema and xylene-induced ear oedema mice model. Results: In the antipyretic assay, G royleana extract showed considerable antipyretic activity in a dose dependent fashion. Statistically significant antipyretic effects (p < 0.05) were observed at the end of the second hour of administration for all doses of extract and remained significant until the end of the experiment. The plant extract also displayed promising anti-inflammatory activity, in a dose dependent fashion, in both models of inflammation ie carrageenan- and xylene-induced oedema models, when compared to the controls. In the carrageenan-induced oedema model, significant effects (p < 0.01) were observed for 300 and 600 mg/kg doses after 60 minutes of xylene administration (ie 55.51% and 65.88% inhibition of oedema, respectively). Conclusion: The study provided evidence supporting the antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activity of the G royleana methanolic extract.

RESUMEN Objetivo: A pesar de la presencia de multitud de fármacos sintéticos en el arsenal contra la fiebre y la inflamación, ninguno ha dado pruebas de ser completamente seguro. En contraste con ello, la seguridad aceptada de los productos naturales derivados de las plantas inspira al mundo. Sobre la base de este hecho, así como en vista de las actividades diversificadas que se reportan con respecto al género Gymnosporia, el presente estudio se diseñó con el objeto de evaluar el potencial antipirético y antiinflamatorio de Gymnosporia royleana (G royleana). Métodos: El extracto de metanol de las partes aéreas de G royleana fue tamizado en busca de actividad antipirética in vivo, utilizando el modelo de pirexia inducida por levadura de cerveza en ratones, y de actividad antiinflamatoria utilizando modelos de ratones con oedema de las patas inducido mediante carragenina, y oedema de las orejas inducido mediante xileno. Resultados: En el ensayo antipirético, el extracto de G royleana mostró una actividad antipirética considerable en forma dependiente de la dosis. Se observó un efecto antipirético estadísticamente significativo (p < 0.05) en el transcurso de la segunda hora de administración para todas las dosis de extracto y se mantuvo significativo hasta el final del experimento. El extracto de la planta también mostró una actividad antiinflamatoria prometedora, de una manera dependiente de la dosis, en ambos modelos de inflamación, es decir, modelos de oedema inducido por carragenina y xileno, en comparación con el control. En el modelo de oedema inducido por carragenina, se observó un efecto significativo (p < 0.01) para dosis de 300 y 600 mg / kg después de 60 minutos de administración de xileno (es decir, 55.51% y 65.88% de inhibición del oedema, respectivamente). Conclusión: El estudio proporcionó pruebas suficientes sobre el potencial antipirético y antiinflamatorio del extracto de G royleana.

The effects of diet and temperature on enzymes, hormones, and fecundity of the African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822)

The aim of this study was to check the effect of multiple temperatures and various protein diet formulas on liverenzymes, gonadotropins, and growth hormone (GH) using African catfish Clarias gariepinus. C. gariepinus wasexposed to multiple temperatures (T24°C, T28°C, and T32°C) and various protein diet formulas: D1 (fishmeal-baseddiet), D2 (soymeal-based diet), and D3 (pea-meal based diet). Tilapia commercial feed (D4) was used as reference diet.A total of 720 individuals with an average weight (101–104 g) were stocked at a density of 20 individual fish per tankin 12 tanks of three replicates. Liver enzymes, gonadotropins, GH, and fish fecundity were measured after 16 weeks.The results revealed that liver enzyme like glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase was significantly (P < 0.05)lowered at T28°C: D2 diet, while glutamic pyruvic acid transaminase was lowered by T28°C: D4 diet. However,no effect was observed on creatinine (P > 0.05) at any experimental condition. Follicle-stimulating hormone andluteinizing hormone were significantly (P < 0.05) increased at T28°C: D1 diet and T32°C: D1 diet, respectively. GH wassignificantly (P < 0.05) increased by T28°C: D1. The relative weight of the ovary of C. gariepinus was significantly (P< 0.05) increase at T32°C: D1, while the testis relative weight was increased with T24°C: D3. The result from this studyrevealed that there is a direct relationship of temperature on fish fecundity, enzymes, and reproductive hormonesin C. gariepinus. The temperature of 28°C along with fishmeal or soy-meal positively improved the fecundity andhealth of fish.

An Investigation of the Prevalence and Causes of Malnutrition in Iran: a Review Article and Meta-analysis

Malnutrition is one of the most important health issues in developing countries, which might have adverse effects on the physical and intellectual health of children. The search process was started to find Persian and English articles published until September 2017 regarding the prevalence of malnutrition in children under the age of six in Iran using national and international databases including SID, Magiran, Irandoc, IranMedex, PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science. The data were analyzed using meta-analysis methods and the random effects model. The heterogeneity of studies was analyzed using the I² index. The data were analyzed using R and STATA software (ver. 11.2). Twenty seven articles conducted from 2002 to 2016 were collected to be included in the meta-analysis process. The total sample size was 161,941 patients in an age range of 0-6 years. The final estimate of the prevalence of different forms of malnutrition through meta-analysis of data extracted from studies in Iran was as follows: severe underweight (1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1–1), moderate underweight (6%; 95% CI, 5–7), mild underweight (25%; 95% CI, 21–28), severe short stature (3%; 95% CI, 2–3), moderate short stature (8%; 95% CI, 6–9), mild short stature (21%; 95% CI, 17–24), severe slimness (1%; 95% CI, 1–1), moderate slimness (5%; 95% CI, 4–5) and mild slimness (20%; 95% CI, 17–24). Considering that the prevalence of malnutrition is relatively high in Iran, health authorities should plan to improve the nutritional status of children.