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Heparin, a naturally occurring polysaccharide, has fascinated researchers and clinicians for nearly a century due to its versatile biological properties and has been used for various therapeutic purposes. Discovered in the early 20th century, heparin has been a key therapeutic anticoagulant ever since, and its use is now implemented as a life-saving pharmacological intervention in the management of thrombotic disorders and beyond. In addition to its known anticoagulant properties, heparin has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-tumorigenic activities, which may lead to its widespread use in the future as an essential drug against infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and in various medical treatments. Furthermore, recent advancements in nanotechnology, including nano-drug delivery systems and nanomaterials, have significantly enhanced the intrinsic biofunctionalities of heparin. These breakthroughs have paved the way for innovative applications in medicine and therapy, expanding the potential of heparin research. Therefore, this review aims to provide a creation profile of heparin, space for its utilities in therapeutic complications, and future characteristics such as bioengineering and nanotechnology. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities in realizing the full potential of heparin to improve patient outcomes and elevate therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been little research on domestic violence (DV) within ethnic minority communities in high-income countries. This study reports on the findings of a meta-ethnography that examined the barriers and facilitators of help-seeking behaviors in South Asian women living in high-income countries who have experienced DV to inform practice, understand the limits of the evidence, and identify research gaps. Qualitative studies were identified which were available in English by electronic databases. After an initial search, 2,465 articles were reviewed by title and abstract and 135 articles were reviewed for full text. Thirty-five papers were included for this review and were synthesized using meta-ethnography. Key findings included barriers and facilitators of help-seeking behaviors: (1) Socio-cultural norms to prohibit help-seeking behaviors, (2) Fear of negative consequences, (3) Negative aspects of immigration status, (4) Insufficient support from statutory, and voluntary agencies, (5) Safety strategies and facilitators for surviving. Although this review investigated the perceptions of two different populations (survivors and service providers) both groups had similar views about the barriers and facilitators of help-seeking behaviors. It is crucial for the government and non-government organizations to understand the barriers for women who are DV survivors to seek help from their organizations and also from South Asian ethnicities. The awareness and understanding of these barriers and facilitators may help support the development of interventions to encourage effective help-seeking amongst South Asian women affected by DV. Suggestions for research, practice, and policies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background-COVID-19 is a newly emerged virus that leads to severe consequences; hence a collaborative approach to COVID-19-positive pregnant women is required. Identifying clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women is important as early as possible to decrease it and lower mortality and morbidity associated with it. We have evaluated maternal parameters associated with COVID-19 pregnancy and their clinical outcomes. Obstetric outcomes were compared with the severity of the disease. Material and methods- The study was a single-centred analysis of 71 pregnant women prospectively from April 2021-July 2021. All pregnant patients admitted to our hospital as COVID suspects were recruited. Data collected includes age, parity, gestational age, mode of delivery, comorbidity, haematological parameters, and complications during antenatal periods. Results- Out of 71 cases, the majority, 59(83.1%) cases were symptomatic and 12(16.9%) cases were asymptomatic. According to SPO2 level out of 71 cases, 19(26.8%) cases had severe disease, 36(50.7%) had moderate, 10(14.1%) had mild disease and 6(8.5%) had normal. Maternal mortality was observed 29(40.8%). The mortality rate was higher among 14(48.3%) severe cases and 11(37.9) moderate cases. Serum ferritin was significantly associated with the maternal outcome severity. Conclusion- Mortality was higher in patients with lower levels of spo2, accounting for 48.3%. In these pregnant women, we found a more elevated serum ferritin level, denoting a positive correlation of these biochemical markers with the severity of COVID-19, resulting in adverse maternal outcomes. As limited studies were found on the correlation between biochemical markers and the negative effects in COVID-19 pregnant females, this study can help advance the research further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple factors influence chemical process design and technology selection, including technical, economic, environmental, and safety considerations. Traditionally, a techno-economic analysis has been used to select a base case design, while safety and environmental impact have been subsequently assessed. This may leave out designs that exhibit better environmental and safety performance than the selected base case at a very early stage of design, where abundant opportunities for incorporating these objectives are present. Furthermore, although safety is an integral part of the overall sustainability of a chemical plant, historically it has been addressed separately from sustainability. Thus, there is a growing awareness for simultaneous consideration of these objectives during the conceptual process design phase of a project in order to select the most sustainable process route. The key to an effective sustainability assessment method for selecting the most sustainable process route involves the parsimonious selection of adequate metrics which define the sustainability profile of the process and an integrated multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework. In this context, this work investigates gaps in conceptual process design and existing sustainability assessment methods through a review of existing environmental impact and safety assessment methodologies/tools. A possible workflow that incorporates both safety and environmental impact in a holistic multi-criterion decision-making framework (MCDM) has been proposed to select the most sustainable process route. The use of this framework is illustrated through a simple case study involving assessing solvent alternatives for palm oil recovery to highlight the scope and significance of the proposed framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compound, (E)-5-(4-((thiophen-2-ylmethylene)amino)phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol (3) was synthesized via condensation reaction of 5-(4-aminophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol with thiophene-2-carbaldehyde in ethanol. For the synthesis and structural confirmation the FT-IR, 1H, 13C-NMR, UV–visible spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry were carried out. The long-term stability of the probe (3) was validated by the experimental as well as theoretical studies. The sensing behaviour of the compound 3 was monitored with various metal ions (Ca2+, Cr3+, Fe3+, Co2+, Mg2+, Na+, Ni2+, K+) using UV- Vis. and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques by various methods (effect of pH and density functional theory) which showing the most potent sensing behaviour with iron. Job's plot analysis confirmed the binding stoichiometry ratio 1:1 of Fe3+ ion and compound 3. The limit of detection (LOD), the limit of quantification (LOQ), and association constant (Ka) were calculated as 0.113 µM, 0.375 µM, and 5.226 × 105 respectively. The sensing behavior was further confirmed through spectroscopic techniques (FT-IR and 1H-NMR) and DFT calculations. The intercalative mode of binding of oxadiazole derivative 3 with Ct-DNA was supported through UV–Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity, cyclic voltammetry, and circular dichroism measurements. The binding constant, Gibb's free energy, and stern–volmer constant were find out as 1.24 × 105, -29.057 kJ/mol, and 1.82 × 105 respectively. The cleavage activity of pBR322 plasmid DNA was also observed at 3 × 10–5 M concentration of compound 3. The computational binding score through molecular docking study was obtained as -7.4 kcal/mol. Additionally, the antifungal activity for compound 3 was also screened using broth dilution and disc diffusion method against C. albicans strain. The synthesized compound 3 showed good potential scavenging antioxidant activity against DPPH and H2O2 free radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple pregnancies are associated with an increased risk of obstetric complications as well as perinatal morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries. The present study aims to identify socio-demographic, obstetric, and maternal complications associated with any adverse perinatal outcome in singleton and twin deliveries in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at the R. D. Gardi Medical College in Ujjain between September 1, 2021 and December 31, 2022.. Methods: This comparative prospective study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, R. D. Gardi Medical College in Ujjain between September 1, 2021 and December 31, 2022. Consecutive sampling was done till the sample size of 142 was reached for both twin and singleton pregnancies. It included all women admitted in antenatal ward and labor room with clinical or ultrasound diagnosis of twin pregnancy after 28 weeks of gestation. Results: The incidence of twins in this study was 1.85%. Mean maternal age was 24.08±2.73 years for twin pregnancies and 24.08±3.56 for singleton pregnancies. Twins were seen more in multigravida as compared to primigravida. Preterm labor (40%), anemia (26.5%) and hypertensive disorders (14.3%) and PPH (6%) were the most common complication in twin pregnancies. Significantly higher rate of LSCS were seen in twin pregnancies (30.6%) as compared to singletons 17%. There was higher incidence of moderate to severe asphyxia, IUGR and higher rate of NICU admissions in twins as compared to singletons. Conclusions: Early diagnosis, good antenatal care with early recognition of complications and their timely referral and management at a tertiary care with level 3 neonatal care can help reduce maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Prompt ANC care and timely intervention is required to avoid these complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyse Non-Stress Test as a Predictor for High-Risk Pregnancy-In Background of Fetal Color Doppler in Umbilical and Middle Cerebral Artery by means of categorization intofour groups and comparing the prediction of perinatal outcome in high -risk pregnancies. Material and Method: This was a Prospective Observational study conducted on all 'High Risk Pregnancies' in Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ruxmaniben Deepchand Gardi Medical College, Ujjainfrom Oct 2020 to Nov 2021. A total of 182 antenatal women with 'High Risk'patients were recruited. They were examined clinically, and Doppler velocimetry andnon-stress test were performed. The main vessels studied by Doppler were umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery, to study and analyse the indices. The results of Non-Stress testwere interpreted as Reactive and Non-Reactive. Based on the results of Doppler and Non-Stress, the 182 cases were categorized into four groups and interpretation of results was done. Fetal outcome was considered on the basis of. APGAR score and NICU admissions Results: Among the182 cases of high-risk pregnancies, those with a normal Doppler study and a reactive non-stress test had good perinatal outcome. When both were abnormal, there was a higher percentage of adverse out-come as compared to that of either Doppler or NST alone being abnormal or non-reactive. It was observed in this study that Abnornal Doppler study with Reactive non-stress test had relatively bad perinatal outcome as compared to Normal Doppler study with non reactive non stress test. In this study sensitivity and specificity of Doppler was 71% and 73% while that of NST was 69% and 54% respectively for NICU admissions. Conclusion: Color Doppler is comparatively a better in predicting adverse perinatal outcome. However, when both test are abnormal perinatal outcome is definitely poor.NST can be used as an alternative in absence of colour doppler at rural PHCs and CHCs to identify adverse perinatal outcome and timely referral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study attempted to determine the 24-h blood pressure variability (BPV) and nocturnal dipping, through designated temporal windows in diabetic and hypothyroid patients. BPV profiles were examined in the cohorts of 26 diabetics and 27 hypothyroid patients on their prescribed medications. Fifty-seven (57) healthy normotensive subjects were treated as controls. We recorded blood pressure (BP)parameters in each subject over at least two to three consecutive days, using an ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM). We analyzed the data employing A&D software, Cosinor rhythmometry, and SPSS software. Most of the patients displayed a statistically significant circadian rhythm with prominent periodsat 24 h and/or 12 h. The hourly-averaged data in patients exceeded the normal range of BP during the early morning and late afternoon. BP parameters in studied patients were significantly higher than in the controls. The results depicted significant and independent effects of "temporal window" and "disease" on the nocturnal BP profile. Higher BPV and bouts of nocturnal hypotension in diabetic and hypothyroid patients indicate poor BP management. The diagnosis of BP and efficacy of treatment in diabetic and hypothyroid patients could be detected proficiently by ambulatory BP monitoring. Temporal window analysis could be beneficial for tracing nocturnal dipping precisely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Synthesis, experimental spectral characterization of synthesized compounds. • Evaluation of antibacterial activity, DNA binding, antioxidant and drug likeness studies of 5e and 5f. • The molecular modelling study also carried out of lead compounds. 1,3,4-Oxadiazole derivatives containing pyrazole moiety 5a–5l and amine substituted oxadiazole derivatives 5m-5p were synthesized and also characterized by spectroscopic methods such as FT-IR, 1H, 13C NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Compounds 5a–5p were tested for their in vitro antibacterial activity against gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli) bacterial strains using the agar well disc diffusion method in contrast to the drug ciprofloxacin (CIP). The most active analogs 5e and 5f were thought to be investigated for their ability to interact with CT-DNA by using absorption titration, emission titration, circular dichroism, competitive binding with EtBr, and cyclic voltammetry and the results demonstrated that the compounds bind with CT-DNA through intercalation mode. The binding constant (K b) for 5e and 5f were found to be 1.07 × 105 and 1.30 × 105, respectively. Further from fluorescence spectra, linear Stern–Volmer constant (K f) for 5e and 5f were found to be 1.84 × 105, 4.3 × 105 respectively. Schrödinger Release 2022–4 was used to investigate the best hits of pyrazole derivatives through in silico molecular modelling by DNA gyrase (PDB ID: 2XCT). Additionally, pharmacokinetic properties of all the derivatives were also calculated by using Swiss ADME software. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBangladesh is making strides in supporting mental health needs by incorporating occupational therapy into rehabilitation care. Despite challenges like social stigma and limited resources, a shift toward a socio-humanistic approach is underway. Occupational therapy practitioners have set up a mental health day treatment service to help individuals transition from hospitals to the community, focusing on daily living skills and meaningful activities. Integrating mental health day treatment service with government psychiatric hospitals and improving rehabilitation and home care follow-up can significantly enhance support for people with mental health needs in low-resource settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the dissolution of Soviet Union, the US and its Western allies have dominated the global affairs through numerous political and economic organizations. In the same token China and Russia have established close ties after the termination of Cold War to attain regional security so that to minimize the US penetration in the Central Asian region. In this article, the area of Central Asia has been taken as a case study to demonstrate the China-Russia partnership through a multilateral organization; specifically the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This article discusses the theoretical underpinnings of the Soft Balancing in the SCO. It further elaborates the Sino-Russian cooperation through SCO in terms of balancing the US preponderance. This paper evaluates historical competition among Great Powers in Central Asian region, and further elaborates on the formation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization1. While this article argues that the main focus of SCO was strengthening regional security issues, fight against terrorism, ethnic separatism and religious extremism. However it also aimed to counter the US influence in the region through multilateral organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value and antioxidant properties of aqueous extracts of some Bangladesh vegetables using fruits of ash gourd, bitter gourd, brinjal, okra, ridge gourd, snake gourd, and leaves of Indian spinach, kangkong, and stem amaranth. Proximate composition showed that the dried extracts were composed mainly of crude protein (14.6%–46.7%) and non‐fibre carbohydrates (26.4%–53.5%). With the exception of stem amaranth, all the extracts had >40% DPPH radical scavenging ability at 0.5 mg/ml. In contrast metal chelation was lower, except in Indian spinach with ~46%. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was highest for the kangkong (10.9 mM Fe3+ reduced), which is similar to the 9.9 mM for butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). All the extracts suppressed linoleic acid oxidation better than BHT within the first 5 days of the incubation period. We conclude that the Indian spinach, kangkong, and okra could be considered as the most promising sources of antioxidant compounds. Practical applications: Vegetables are commonly consumed as part of a regular diet but the high water and fiber contents usually mean that large quantities are required to provide long‐term health benefits. Therefore, in this work, aqueous extracts of nine Bangladesh vegetables were prepared to provide a more concentrated form of nutrients and bioactive compounds. The extracts had strong nutritional value based on the high contents of crude protein, potassium, iron, and non‐fibre carbohydrates. The high content of polyphenolic compounds in the extracts can also provide health benefits, which was demonstrated through strong free radical scavenging, metal chelation, ferric iron reduction, and inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation. These vegetable extracts have the potential to be used as sources of bioactive compounds to prevent or treat non‐communicable diseases that are associated with high oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangladesh is a country with a population of 160 million with a gross national income per capita of US$1580.00. The major health problems in Bangladesh include acute respiratory infection, pneumonia, dengue fever, malaria and water-borne diseases. The health care system in Bangladesh is divided into primary secondary and tertiary levels, with each level having their own breakdown of available hospital beds and other treatment facilities. Thalassemia is a major health problem in Bangladesh. There are two types of thalassemia in Bangladesh: β-thalassemia (β-thal) and Hb E (HBB: c.79G>A)/β-thal, with the prevalence rate of β-thal trait being 4.1% and Hb E trait 6.1%. This study discusses spectrum types of thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies in Bangladesh and the types of carrier detection. The distribution of common mutations of thalassemia are also discussed and the distribution frequencies of genotypes and alleles of β-thal and Hb E patients are also compared. Additionally, we also conducted a study of the spectrum of thalassemia using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of the tribal populations and analyzed the findings in our discussion. The results of these studies show that the phenotypic and genotypic presentation in Bangladesh is highly diverse. To properly understand this, we have to conduct an epidemiological survey of the population. Furthermore, there also has to be improvement on the awareness of thalassemia among the population to properly equip themselves to survive this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban greening in Dhaka, Bangladesh is fraught with injustice for slum dwellers. Access to the commons for the enactment of gardening, farming and foraging by the urban poor, many recent internal migrants from rural areas, is contested by wealthier citizens, developers and political elites. Through qualitative research with households within the informal settlement of Korail in Dhaka's urban core, and a range of stakeholders in governmental and non-governmental organizations, this study critiques competing policy visions that involve urban greening and urban green infrastructure. Repurposing the conceptual lense of 'mobility justice' to analyse environmental and ecological issues in the global South, the findings highlight the importance of mobility concerns to just futures for urban planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has estimated the missing values of minimum temperature, maximum temperature and rainfall records of longer lengths, respectively, from 1994 to 1996 in Hatiya and 2000–2003 in Sandwip islands of the Bay of Bengal with harmonic regression analysis to realize the past climate. The work has provided past climate of records, which have justified with the mean absolute error, root mean squared error and skill score respectively 1.50, 2.00 and 0.84 for minimum temperature, 1.66, 2.10 and 0.48 for maximum temperature, and 8.60, 14.69 and –0.43 for rainfall for the stations with known records. The mean of the two estimations varies respectively for temperature and rainfall from –0.69 to 0.64°C and –0.36 to 4.79 mm, where one estimation is done with the proposed harmonic analysis and another estimation has been done with inverse-distance-weighting technique for the stations with missing records. The study is advantageous because it uses data from its own station on the island rather than data from neighbouring stations on the continent. It has avoided the probability of mixing up the continental climate with the climate of the island and vice versa. Hence, the estimations provided are spatially unbiased and meaningful past climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shanghai Cooperation Organization became a permanent international organization when a new member Uzbekistan joined it in 2001. This group has eight permanent members; China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and India. In the initial years the raison d'être of the group was to resolve border issues between China and the Central Asian Republics, which emerged after the disintegration of USSR. All the border issues were settled among these states, and thus the scope of the organization has shifted towards security collaboration such as non-traditional security challenges, i.e. terrorism, extremism, separatism, organized crimes and narcotic control. It is indeed pertinent to mention here that the leadership of China and Russia were keen in maintaining the internal security as the most imperative challenge. In this connection emphasis was to address the threat of the so- called 'three evils: terrorism, extremism and separatism. This article will analyze the role of SCO in Afghanistan imbroglio since the formation of this organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has been a source of enmity between Pakistan and India since 1947. Though the incident of 9/11 pushed Kashmir issue to backburner, the year 2016 proved as a turning point for the youth of Kashmir when martyrdom of Burhan Wani imparted a new dimension to freedom struggle and gave birth to a novel identity and philosophy of 'wanism'. This article aims to review human rights violations in J&K and Pakistan's dilemma of Kashmir policy in the post 2016 era. The study highlights trouble spots while analyzing policies of PML-N and PTI governments towards Kashmir conflict. It also sheds light on Prime Minister Modi's coercive Kashmir policy and the response of key world countries about human rights violations in J&K, followed by conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The prevalence of childhood asthma is increasing globally. Asthma is one of the main causes of hospitalization and frequent emergency department visits of children. The parents having awareness about asthma can comply with the treatment, avoidance from triggers and subsequently, they can control asthma symptoms in their children. Study Design: Cross- sectional analytical study. Setting: The Children's Hospital and the Institute of Child Health, Lahore and Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore in collaboration with University of Health Sciences Lahore. The Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore is a tertiary care and an academic hospital as it is attached with Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Medical and Dental College (Shaikh Zayed Hospital updates). The Children's Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore provides services of tertiary health care as well as allied facilities. Period: 12 months from 01-08-2013 to 01-07-2014. Methods: To assess the knowledge of parents of asthmatic children about the disease and to determine any association between asthma knowledge and the level of asthma control in their children. Subjects were parents with their asthmatic children ages between 4 to 12 years attending two exclusive pediatric hospitals at Lahore. A tool was constructed to assess parent's knowledge about asthma, and a pre-validated asthma control tool was administered to determine asthma symptoms control in children. Data was represented in the form of figures, tables and chi square test was used to determine the association of knowledge about asthma, demographic information, and environmental information with different group of asthma control. Results: One hundred and ninety-six parents with their asthmatic children participated in this study. There was no association between asthma knowledge and the level of asthma control. There were 108 parents who had adequate knowledge about asthma, out of them only 45 (41.7%) children had asthma control. There were 88 parents who had inadequate knowledge about asthma. Out of them 36 (40.9%) children were with asthma control (p=.915). Conclusions: The findings of the study concluded that more than 50% (108/196) of the parents/guardians have adequate knowledge about asthma and there was no association found between asthma knowledge and the level of asthma control. However, we need to empower Pakistani community via a national asthma awareness program, smoking cessation campaign and also empower the health care team with up-to-date knowledge about asthma management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycoplasma bovis is an important respiratory pathogen of cattle. In this study, the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of M. bovis were evaluated from two Cohorts of feedlot cattle spanning an 8-year period. In the first study conducted in 2008–2009, nasopharyngeal swabs from cattle sampled at feedlot entry and after 60 days on feed were collected (Cohort 1). In a second study conducted in 2015–2016, nasopharyngeal and trans-tracheal samples were collected from cattle diagnosed with bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and matching healthy controls (Cohort 2). For Cohort 1, the prevalence of M. bovis was lower in cattle at entry compared to when the same individuals were sampled ≥60 days later (P < 0.05). For Cohort 2, the prevalence of M. bovis was greater in both nasopharyngeal and tracheal samples from cattle diagnosed with BRD, compared to controls (P < 0.05). In both Cohorts, almost all isolates were resistant to tilmicosin. Compared to M. bovis from Cohort 1, isolates of Cohort 2 exhibited increased resistance to clindamycin, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, tylosin, and tulathromycin, with the latter showing resistance levels >90 %. These data suggest that antimicrobials used to prevent and treat BRD selected for resistance in M. bovis over the 8-year period. For macrolides, cross-resistance occurred and M. bovis can retain resistance even when antimicrobial selection pressure is removed. Within 9 years of commercial availability of tulathromycin, the majority of M. bovis displayed resistance. Therefore, longitudinal evaluation of resistance in respiratory pathogens is important to ensure efficacious treatment of BRD. • M. bovis prevalence was greater after feedlot placement and in cattle with bovine respiratory disease. • Over an 8-year period, M. bovis resistance to clindamycin, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, tylosin, and tulathromycin increased. • After 9 years of commercial availability of tulathromycin, the majority of M. bovis displayed resistance. • M. bovis may retain tilmicosin resistance long-term, without selection pressure from use of this antimicrobial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Metabolic syndrome continues to rise in both adolescents and adults. • Using chronic oral CORT we show age- and sex-dependent effects on weight gain. • However, we show a dissociation in weight gain and adiposity in adolescent males. • Across groups we show changes in hepatic genes important in lipid regulation. • CORT leads to metabolic issues in males and females and is modulated by development. Adolescence is a period of development in which shifts in responses to glucocorticoids is well-documented. Obesity and metabolic syndrome are substantial health issues whose rates continue to rise in both adult and adolescent populations. Though many interacting factors contribute to these dysfunctions, how these shifts in glucocorticoid responses may be related remain unknown. Using a model of oral corticosterone (CORT) exposure in male and female mice, we demonstrate differential responses during adolescence (30–58 days of age) or adulthood (70–98 day of age) in endpoints relevant to metabolic function. Our data indicate that CORT resulted in significant weight gain in adult- and adolescent-exposed females and adult-exposed males, but not adolescent-exposed males. Despite this difference, all animals treated with high levels of CORT showed significant increases in white adipose tissue, indicating a dissociation between weight gain and adiposity in adolescent-treated males. Similarly, all experimental groups showed significant increases in plasma insulin, leptin, and triglyceride levels, further suggesting potential disconnects between overt weight gain, and underlying metabolic dysregulation. Finally, we found age- and dose-dependent changes in the expression of hepatic genes important in glucocorticoid receptor and lipid regulation, which showed different patterns in males and females. Thus, altered transcriptional pathways in the liver might be contributing differentially to the similar metabolic phenotype observed among these experimental groups. We also show that despite little CORT-induced changes in the hypothalamic levels of orexin-A and NPY, we found that food and fluid intake were elevated in adolescent-treated males and females. These data indicate chronic exposure to elevated glucocorticoid levels results in metabolic dysfunction in both males and females, which can be further modulated by developmental stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After 9/11, Pakistan became a contested zone between the Islamists and new-Islamic insurgent groups for the implementation of Shariah laws. Both groups, despite adherence to two extreme conflicting viewpoints over the issue, developed working relationship owing to the commonality of their purpose against the state and secular parties. This paper attempts to explore and analyse the development of militancy in Swat during MMA government (2002-2007), in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), by keeping in view the MMA's long-term political agenda, the state geo-strategic rhetoric and the structural deficiencies (in the context of centre-province relationship) in the Federation of Pakistan. Despite the state institutions involvement in the promotion of militancy in Swat whether for short or long-term strategic objectives, the MMA's political ineptness or craftiness, whether intentional or unintentional, could not be discounted, in the whole tragedy, which had been staged in the picturesque valley of Swat, during 2007-2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research paper mainly deals with last decade of British rule in India with special focus on the politics of the Punjab and Landed Aristocracy as a contributory factor in partition of India. The impression that economically powerful class attain political power in every society or region so having these powers the landed aristocracy of cross communal Unionist Party (which kept three major communities united for decades in Punjab) through allegiance to All India Muslim League, has been a contributory factor in partition of India, is the major argument of this research. Had landed aristocracy of the Punjab which assumed power and became ruler in Pakistan after independence played any intentional or unintentional role or contribution in partition of India? Landed aristocracy's role, Sikandar-Jinnah Pact of 1937, Lahore Resolution of 1940, inclination of landed aristocracy towards All India Muslim League, thirst for power, self-interest, mass pressure or economic opportunities, mutual cooperation with British ruler, political engineering by the British rulers, communal divide in the Punjab, decline of Unionist Party, Hindu, Muslim, Sikhs relationship, 1946 elections, partition of Punjab and India are main subjects of the paper. Partition of India is much debated subject but almost historians have written in broader context of overall India and the Punjab. This analytical study is important and original contribution because in this paper landed aristocracy of the Punjab has been explored as major or minor contributory factor in partition of India which earlier has not been studied by the historians specifically. This paper highlights this unique subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women have always remained a marginalized segment of the society for they have been considered an insignificant entity that cannot outperform men in social, political and educational spheres. The developing countries on the world map are still struggling with the status of women and the case of Pakistan is no different. After the creation of Pakistan a few initiatives for the emancipation of women were launched by the progressive writers group and some by women from the elite class of Pakistan. Strenuous efforts are underway in the country for mainstreaming the women and the province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa(KP) is playing the role positively. The movement which worked for the uplift of women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa then known as North West Frontier Province was initiated by Khudai Khidmatgars back in 1930's. Till date different initiatives have been taken for the betterment of women in the province such as the establishment of women universities, Commission on the Status of Women etc. The research is qualitative and is based on primary and secondary sources wherein attempt have been made to highlight the initiatives taken in social, educational and political sphere with the conclusion that the progress has been made which is slow but steady. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel is an alternative, renewable, biodegradable and environmentally friendly fuel for transportation, with properties like petroleum-derived diesel, and can be used directly in a compression ignition engine without any modifications. The world's fossil fuel and crude oil reserves are going to dry up in the next few decades, but, contrariwise, an attractive, high quality, readily available and economically extractable oil from microalgae is a substitute feedstock to produce alternative biodiesel fuel for the transportation sector in the future. Microalgae have a higher biomass productivity (tons/hectare/year) and lipid yield (kg/kg of algal biomass) as compared to vegetable oil crops. To overcome the problem of energy deficiency in developing countries, like Pakistan, and boost their economic growth, alternative fuels are proving very important for environment-friendly and sustainable development, especially in the last few decades. Different research studies on microalgae cultivation, characterization of microalgae oil (lipids), and evaluations of its socio-economic feasibility to produce renewable biodiesel have been conducted in the past in Pakistan for its future prospects. This review paper includes the overall summary and compilation of the microalgae research conducted in Pakistan on biodiesel production and includes the algal biodiesel production cost analysis. The studies showed promising results for harnessing microalgae and using its lipids to produce biodiesel with favourable properties that were comparable to the conventional diesel in Pakistan. The information related to the microalgae research will help stakeholders and governmental organisations working in the renewable energy sector to consider its cultivation on a large scale, using waste water as a feedstock to produce biodiesel to meet the target set by the Government of Pakistan of using 10% blended biodiesel by the year 2025 in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescence is associated with the maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the major neuroendocrine axis mediating the hormonal stress response. Adolescence is also a period in development marked by a variety of stress-related vulnerabilities, including psychological and physiological dysfunctions. Many of these vulnerabilities are accompanied by a disrupted HPA axis. In adult mice, a model of disrupted HPA function has been developed using oral chronic corticosterone administration via the drinking water, which results in various physiological and neurobehavioral abnormalities, including changes in stress reactivity and anxiety-like behaviors. In an effort to further complement and extend this model, we tested the impact of HPA disruption in adolescent mice. We also examined whether this disruption led to different outcomes depending on whether the treatment happened during adolescence or adulthood. In the current set of experiments, we exposed adult (70 days of age) or adolescent (30 days of age) male C57BL/6N mice to 4 weeks of either 0 or 25 μg/ml oral corticosterone via their drinking water. We measured body weight during treatment and plasma corticosterone levels and activation of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), as indexed by FOS immunohistochemistry, before and after a 30 min session of restraint stress. Our data indicate that adolescent animals exposed to chronic corticosterone showed weight loss during treatment, an effect not observed in adults. Further, we found stress failed to elevate plasma corticosterone levels in treated mice, regardless of whether exposure occurred in adulthood or adolescence. Despite this reduced hormonal responsiveness, we found significant neural activation in the PVN of both adult- and adolescent-treated mice, indicating a dissociation between stress-induced peripheral and central stress responses following chronic corticosterone exposure. Moreover, stress-induced neural activation in the PVN was unaffected by chronic corticosterone treatment in adult animals, but led to a hyper-responsive PVN in the corticosterone-treated adolescent animals, suggesting an age-specific effect of corticosterone treatment on later PVN stress reactivity. Together, these experiments highlight the influence of developmental stage on somatic and neuroendocrine outcomes following chronic HPA disruption by noninvasive, oral corticosterone treatment. Given the substantial vulnerabilities to HPA dysfunctions during adolescence this model may prove useful in better understanding these vulnerabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistani politics is full of political rhetoric. Attractive slogans are used by leaders of political parties to inspire and set the mood of public about a particular issue. Even parliament is neglected by politicians. This political immaturity led the nation towards street politics and polarization in the society. Due to elements of intolerance in politics, leadership could not find consensus and viable solutions. The paper analyzes political rhetoric; slogan politics and role of parliament in Pakistan especially focusing on the first one year of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz's (PML-N) current government. In this context, political parties and their leaders' popular statements particularly in print media containing rhetoric and slogans to resolve two important issues i.e. electoral reforms and energy crisis has been examined. Political parties' initiatives in the form of calling attention notices, questions, resolutions, bills, motions and point of orders in the parliament have also been assessed followed by recommendations. The paper highlights that politicians generally use rhetoric and slogan politics instead of using parliament to satisfy the public on various issues. The paper recommends that political parties should enhance intellectual depth of party members and leaders so that they can effectively use the forum of parliament for resolving issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chromium (Cr) used in leather processing has well-known negative impacts on the environment, as the disposing of tannery effluent contains a significant amount of Cr. Alongside this, the tanning industry also generates a large amount of solid keratinous waste during the unhairing process, which also burdens to the environment. There is an urgency to recover this Cr from tannery wastewater and manage yielded solid waste by adopting an affordable and ecologically beneficial alternative. Previous studies attempted to develop bio-adsorbent from other types of bio-waste, and could not show the circular way of the reusing process of recovered Cr. Also, there needs to be more studies on bio-adsorbent preparation from tannery solid waste. This study developed a novel biodegradable film as a bio-adsorbent from keratinous waste and examined its suitability to recover Cr from tannery wastewater. The recovered Cr has been reused in the tanning process. The removal of Cr from synthetic and actual tanning effluent was optimized using a multivariate approach using Central Composite Design under Response Surface Methodology, with a removal efficiency of 91.247% and 86.972%, respectively. A desorption investigation was performed, and the analysis showed that the films could be reused, and Cr can be recovered at a pH of around 10.5. Recovered Cr from wastewater was also utilized as basic Cr sulfate in tanning. Several experimental analyses of the obtained leather demonstrated good hydrothermal stability, Cr content, and physical properties with the negligible difference compared to conventionally processed leather. Experiment on the biosorption technique was also conducted to further understand the interaction and industrial feasibility of the technology. Overall, the findings encourage the 'use of solid waste for treatment of liquid waste', a circular economy approach that would contribute to cleaner leather production. [Display omitted] • A circular economy model is proposed to treat tannery effluent using tannery solid waste. • Biodegradable keratin film from tannery solid waste as adsorbent was developed. • Cr removal efficiency was optimized using Central Composite Design. • Experimental analyses confirmed good hydrothermal stability of re-tanned leather. • Fixed column removal was conducted to understand the interaction and industrial feasibility of the technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally and presents a significant challenge due to its rising incidence and fatality rates. Factors such as cultural, socioeconomic, and educational barriers contribute to inadequate awareness and access to healthcare services, often leading to delayed diagnoses and poor patient outcomes. Furthermore, fostering a collaborative approach among healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders is crucial in addressing this critical women's health issue, reducing mortality rates, alleviating, and the overall burden of breast cancer. The main goal of this review is to explore various techniques of machine learning algorithms to examine high accuracy and early detection of breast cancer for the safe health of women. Significance statement: Comparative analysis of machine learning approaches for breast cancer predictionEnhancing awareness and reducing the gap between patients and doctorsIdentification of testing issues related to breast cancer prediction modelsComparison of support vector machine with other machine learning techniquesUtilizing machine learning techniques to improve prediction accuracyPotential of integrating machine learning models into clinical decision support systemAnalysis of different feature selection algorithms and their effectiveness [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural co-occurrence of aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in liquorice roots obtained from different herbal outlets of Karachi, Pakistan, was evaluated. A total of 60 samples were obtained during 2019‒2021 and analysed using HPLC with fluorescence detection. The method was validated according to the European Union (EU) regulation. The incidence of AFs was 52 in all tested samples (87%), with a contamination range of 1.2‒6.4 µg kg−1 and an average of 2.1 ± 0.3 µg kg−1. In all samples, the AFs contamination was below the maximum limit (ML) of 10 µg kg−1 for total AFs as set by the EU. The OTA contamination in all samples ranged 1.5‒60.3 µg kg−1, with a mean of 18.9 ± 0.8 µg kg−1. In 36 samples (60%) the OTA contamination was below the ML of 20 µg kg−1 as set by the EU. These results led to the recommendation to test liquorice root on mycotoxins, as it comes to food quality standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure has been linked to the worsening of ongoing lung diseases. However, whether SHS exposure affects the manifestation and natural history of imminent pediatric muco-obstructive airway diseases such as cystic fibrosis remains unclear. To address these questions, we exposed Scnn1b transgenic (Scnn1b-Tg+) mice to SHS from postnatal day (PND) 3-21 and lung phenotypes were examined at PND22. Although a majority of filtered air (FA)-exposed Scnn1b-Tg+ (FA-Tg+) mice successfully cleared spontaneous bacterial infections by PND22, the SHS-exposed Scnn1b-Tg+ (SHS-Tg+) mice failed to resolve these infections. This defect was associated with suppressed antibacterial defenses, i.e., phagocyte recruitment, IgA secretion, and Muc5b expression. Whereas the FA-Tg+ mice exhibited marked mucus obstruction and Th2 responses, SHS-Tg+ mice displayed a dramatic suppression of these responses. Mechanistically, downregulated expression of IL-33, a stimulator of type II innate lymphoid cells, in lung epithelial cells was associated with suppression of neutrophil recruitment, IgA secretions, Th2 responses, and delayed bacterial clearance in SHS-Tg+ mice. Cessation of SHS exposure for 21 d restored previously suppressed responses, including phagocyte recruitment, IgA secretion, and mucous cell metaplasia. However, in contrast with FA-Tg+ mice, the SHS-Tg+ mice had pronounced epithelial necrosis, alveolar space consolidation, and lymphoid hyperplasia; indicating lagged unfavorable effects of early postnatal SHS exposure in later life. Collectively, our data show that early postnatal SHS exposure reversibly suppresses IL-33 levels in airspaces which, in turn, results in reduced neutrophil recruitment and diminished Th2 response. Our data indicate that household smoking may predispose neonates with muco-obstructive lung disease to bacterial exacerbations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan are the focus of world attention once again after the incident of 9/11. FATA has remained in international focus since the turbulent Cold War era due to its geostrategic position and the mode of the tribal society. Rival forces have competed to extend their spheres of influence in the region. Though FATA has remained at the cross-roads of civilization yet it has assumed much more importance after 9/11 due to the rise of militancy there. The situation in FATA is extremely volatile nowadays. It has dangerous repercussions not only for the tribal region but also for the country even for the region and the world at large. However, one should not surprise for such type of situation in FATA because since ancient times it has always been of critical importance to South Asian and Central Asian states and empires due to its geographical and strategic alignment on the northwest and the character of its inhabitants as well. Yet the understanding of the tribal region, unfortunately, is driven by a lack of awareness of the broader history and deeper cultural knowledge that have shaped this region. In the present context of militant and extremist activities in the tribal region of FATA, besides many other factors, Afghan factor plays an important role in the rise of militancy in the tribal areas. The rise of militancy in FATA is the outcome of the Afghan wars with Soviet Union in the twentieth century and with the United States of America in the twenty first century, and Pak-Afghan relationship plays an important role as well. What is happening in Afghanistan directly affects the Pashtun belt particularly the tribal region of Pakistan. Here an attempt has been made to analyse the role of Afghan factor in the present militant and extremist activities in FATA. In order to argue its case, this paper relies upon published primary and secondary sources as well as the researcher's first hand knowledge by discussion of the topic with many experts on the subject of FATA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymyxa graminis, a root endoparasite of several cereal species, is considered to be non-pathogenic but serves as a vector of various plant viruses belonging to the genera Bymovirus, Furovirus, and Pecluvirus. Specifically, it reduces barley productivity by transmitting the Barley Yellow Mosaic Virus (BaYMV). To date, due to its obligate biotrophic property, no artificial culturing of P. graminis was reported and its quantification was also technically challenging. Here, we developed a novel and simple method to infect P. graminis within sterile barley roots in contamination free by preparing nearly pure zoospore inoculum. Such artificial maintenance of P. graminis was verified based on the presence of various developmental stages in infected barley roots under microscope. In addition, the population of resting spores in host tissue was determined by establishing standard curve between manually counted number of spores and C values of 18S rDNA amplification using quantitative real-time PCR. Furthermore, it was validated that standard curve generated was also applicable to estimate the abundance of P. graminis in soil environments. In conclusion, the present study would help to generate a system to investigate the etiological causes as well as management of plant diseases caused by P. graminis and BaYMV in tissue and soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ensure dependable and sustainable supply of electricity, a modern power grid is necessary which will be smarter. On this ground, United States and some developed countries in Europe, Asia, and Australia have carried out some significant activities to formulate and promote a pathway for the evolution of the next generation intelligent grid. Implementation of Smart Grid can be a better tool to develop greener digital Bangladesh. This new technology ensures effective control of electric supply and demand using information technology, and assures the potential use of eco-friendly power generation. The objective of this paper is to present a roadmap that could be used as guidance for the development of smart grid architecture based on functions and technological challenges for this south Asian nation. This paper contains a discussion on the functions of smart grid from perspective of the country. The key technological challenges to implement this new intelligent grid have been outlined and their potential remedies are proposed. The paper also illustrates the ongoing initiative taken up by Bangladesh government towards smarter grid. The most challenging part is to run this new technology in a profitable manner and to ensure this, some pilot projects are needed to be demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mulberry tree is an important crop for silkworm farming and for the health care industry. In Asia, the annual productivity of mulberry fruits is greatly reduced due to popcorn disease mainly caused byCiboria shiraiana, a sclerotia-forming fungal pathogen. To date, the development of efficient biocontrol agents (BCAs) against this disease has been hampered by the recalcitrance ofC. shiraianatoin vitroculturing methods. Here, we established alternativein vitroantifungal assays that directly monitored the effects of BCAs on the growth ofC. shiraianaapothecia and further reported thatBacillus thuringiensisC25 suppressed popcorn disease in field conditions. Initially, from mulberry drupelets showing the popcorn disease symptoms, we confirmed the infection ofC. shiraianaand observed its morphology in asexual stage. Then, apothecia ofC. shiraianawere induced from the sclerotia collected from the disease-infested orchard. Two bacterial isolates,Enterobactersp. C5 andB. thuringiensisC25, strongly suppressed the elongation and fresh weight accumulation of apothecia stalks, the width of hymenium, and ascus and ascospore formation ofC. shiraiana. In addition, both bacterial isolates degraded the ultrastructure of hymenium cells inC. shiraianaapothecia. Ultimately, treatment of mulberry trees withB. thuringiensisC25 mitigated the incidence of popcorn mulberry disease under field conditions. In conclusion,B. thuringiensisC25 is the first reported BCA shown to efficiently control mulberry popcorn disease. Our results also support thatB. thuringiensisexerts diverse biocontrol roles in addition to insecticidal behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Afghanistan is the next down neighbor on the north west of Pakistan and both the countries are of immense geo-strategic and geo political importance for each other. Both the countries have certain degree commonality when it comes to culture, religion, history and ethnicity. But the conflicting position on Durand line, rise of militancy in the region and frequent blame games have turned them into rivals rather than friends. Since the Soviet occupation, Afghanistan posed a serious threat to Pakistan and the level of threat increased manifolds after US attacked Afghanistan for wiping the Taliban regime. The post 9/11 military action of the NATO forces put immense international pressure and compelled Pakistan to become the front line state in fighting the 'War on Terror'. Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) that became the sanctuary of militants owing to the porous Pak-Afghan border borne the brunt of the militancy along with the settled districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa. The staggering death rates due to militancy in the regions are hard to fathom in addition to social and economic damages particularly when it comes to FATA and KP. The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan at the end of year 2014 occurred without the complete defeat of Afghan Taliban and this encouraged Pakistani Taliban that in similar manner they can challenge the writ of Pakistani Government. In the current scenario Pakistan has to effectively deal with the local militants and has to wisely counter the blame game emanating from the Afghan Government for the stability in FATA and KP. If Afghanistan after the US withdrawal like Iraq became the battle ground of proxy wars it will have serious security threats for Pakistan and the major effects will be seen in FATA and KP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Schiff bases known as privileged ligands in organic chemistry are formed by the condensation of a primary amine with a carbonyl group of aldehyde/ketone. Due to their chelating properties and ability to coordinate with a wide range of transition metal ions of various oxidation states, they are considered a significant family of organic compounds. Because of their wide uses in inorganic, bioinorganic, analytical, material science, and pharmaceutical chemistry, Schiff bases and their metal complexes have sparked a lot of interest. The review starts with an overview of Schiff bases and their metal complexes. It highlights the biological activities given by Schiff base ligands and metal complexes (antimicrobial activities and anticancer activities). The use of metallodrugs has proven to be a successful method in anticancer and antimicrobial treatment, and it has the potential to be utilized to treat multidrug-resistant illnesses. Because anticancer and antimicrobial targets are different, Schiff bases can be structurally changed to generate the desired molecule, targeting a specific disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To determine the causes of maxillofacial injuries in patients reporting at Dental outpatient department of Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad. METHODOLOGY: This descriptive study was carried out from January 2014 to December 2015, at the outpatient department of Oral Surgery. Data relating to 136 patients of maxillofacial trauma was collected. The causes of trauma were asked from the patients and attendants. The diagnosis of the maxillofacial trauma was done on the basis of history, clinical findings and with the help of appropriate radiographs. All the relevant information was recorded in structured Proforma. RESULTS: Most prevalent age of trauma was 21-30 years, male (n= 104, 76%) outnumbered the female (n=32, 24%) with ratio of 3:1.The commonest cause of maxillofacial fractures was found to be Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) in 59(43.4%) cases, followed by assault 44(32.4%), fall injuries 12(8.8%), sports injuries 11(8%) and gun shot and others in 10(7.4%). CONCLUSION: Road Traffic Accidents, in this part of the country, are the most common cause of maxillofacial fractures. Vehicle's poor condition, heavy traffic load and poor condition of roads are major contributing factors. There is a clear need of continues awareness of road user about the traffic rules, road safety and compulsory seat belt for four wheel vehicle passengers and helmet legislation for front as well as back seat motorcycle passengers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactions of silver(I) nitrate with 1,3-imidazolidine-2-thiones (LI-NH, LI-NMe), 1,3-imidazoline-2-thiones (LII-NH, LII-NMe), and that of silver(I) acetate with thiazolidine-2-thione (LIII-NH), or benz-imidazoline-2-thione (LIV-NH) and triphenylphosphine (PPh3) as co-ligand (1:2:2 molar ratios) in acetonitrile, acetonitrile-methanol, or acetonitrile-acetone mixtures have yielded mono- and dinuclear complexes of stoichiometry: [Ag2{µ-(LI-NH- S)}2(LI-NH- S)2(PPh3)2](NO3)2 ·2CH3OH ( 1), [Ag(LI-NMe- S)2(PPh3)](NO3) ( 2), [Ag2{µ-(LII-NH- S)}2(LII-NH- S)2(PPh3)2](NO3)2 ·2CH3OH ( 3), [Ag(LII-NMe- S)2(PPh3)](NO3) ( 4), [Ag(LIII-NH- S)(LIII-N- S)(PPh3)2] ( 5), and [Ag(LIV-NH- S)2(PPh3)2](OAc) ·H2O ( 6). In complex 5, one thio ligand is anionic (LIII-N-), whereas all other complexes have neutral thio ligands bonded to AgI ion. The complexes were characterized using elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray crystallography. It is interesting to note that LI-NH and LII-NH ligands formed dinuclear complexes 1 and 3 with four-coordination around each metal center, whereas the presence of a methyl group at one nitrogen atom (i.e. LI-NMe and LII-NMe) yielded mononuclear complexes 2 and 4 with three-coordination around each metal center. The ligands LIII-NH and LIV-NH behaved differently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequency of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is increasing day by day worldwide. The CVD may take shape of an epidemic in near future. The contemporary methods for blood pressure (BP) management seem to be inadequate. Lack of information on the underlying mechanism of BP variability could be the prime reason for the failure in curbing this important health issue. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more advanced research on BP and its management. The temporal aspect of BP is emerging as a critical factor in dedicated clinics for hypertension management. The scientists in the West have recognized this aptly and have involved in translating the chronobiological principles in the process of optimization of therapy. The temporal dimensions of BP and its management are least explored in Indian clinics. The entire domain is a grey area in research, and therefore, deserves attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We studied a nitritation–anammox moving bed biofilm reactor at low temperatures. [•] Shifts from 19 to 13°C reduced nitrogen removal, at 10°C removal was unstable. [•] Anammox bacteria (at least two taxa of Brocadia sp.) dominated the biofilm biomass. [•] Aerobic ammonia oxidizing bacteria were fewer, located at the biofilm-water interface. [•] Nitrite oxidizing bacteria were low in abundance, but had some activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The scarcely known chemistry of silver(I) halides with a series of heterocyclic thiones in acetonitrile (or methanol–acetonitrile) is described. Silver(I) chloride with a series of imidazolidine-2-thiones [C3H5NS(N–R)] in the presence of one equivalent of PPh3 with respect to the thione ligand has yielded chloro-bridged dinuclear complexes, [Ag2(μ-Cl)2(κ1-S-C3H5NS(N–R))2(PPh3)2] (1, R = H; 2, R = Me; 3, R = Et), and in the presence of two equivalents of PPh3, it has yielded mononuclear complexes, [Ag(κ1-Cl)(κ1-S-C3H5NS(N–R))(PPh3)2] (4, R = Me; 5, R = Et). The n-propyl-imidazolidine-2-thione with silver(I) chloride formed only a mononuclear complex, [Ag(κ1-Cl)(κ1-S-C3H5NS(N–Pr n ))(PPh3)2] (6), in the presence of one or two equivalents of PPh3. In contrast, silver(I) bromide with C3H5NS(N–R) in the presence of one or two equivalents of PPh3 with respect to the thione ligand has yielded bromide-bridged dinuclear complexes, [Ag2(μ-Br)2(κ1-S-C3H5NS(N–R))2(PPh3)2] (7, R = Me; 8, R = Et; 9, R = Pr n ). The related thio-ligands, namely, 1-methyl-imidazoline-2-thione and thiazolidine-2-thione with silver(I) bromide in the presence of one or two equivalents of PPh3 have formed bromide bridged dimeric [Ag2(μ-Br)2(κ1-S-C3H3NS(N–Me))2(PPh3)2] (10) or mononuclear Ag(κ1-Br)(κ1-S-C3H5NS2)(PPh3)2] (11) complexes respectively. The 2,4-dithiouracil (C4H4N2S2) with silver(I) chloride/bromide and PPh3 has yielded hetero-bridged dinuclear complexes, [Ag2(μ-S,S-C4H3N2S2)(μ-X)(PPh3)4] (X = Cl, 12; Br, 13) involving rupture of Ag–X bonds directly with a thio-ligand, a rare case of such rupture in metal-heterocyclic thione chemistry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The chemical reactivity of copper(I) chloride/copper(I) bromide, [CuI(NCCH3)4](BF4), and copper(II) nitrate towards a series of heterocyclic-2-thiones under aerobic conditions is described. Thiazolidine-2-thione (NC3H5S2) in CH3CN in the presence of copper(I) chloride/bromide and [CuI(NCCH3)4](BF4) was transformed into 3-(2-thiazolin-2-yl)thiazolidine-2-thione (C3H4S2N-C3H4SN) through C-S bond cleavage and the formation of a C-N bond between two heterocyclic rings. This new thio ligand (C3H4S2N-C3H4SN) chelates to CuI through N,S-donor atoms, and the third site is occupied by the halogen atoms (Cl, Br), which leads to the formation of three-coordinate CuI complexes, [CuIX(κ2- N, S-C3H4S2N-C3H4SN)] [X = Cl ( 1), Br ( 2)], and a four-coordinate N,S-chelated complex, [CuI(κ2- N, S-C3H4S2N-C3H4SN)2](BF4) ( 3), is obtained in the presence of BF4-. In each case, the formation of CuSO4 ·5H2O was also observed. Upon reaction of 1-methylimidazoline-2-thione (N2C4H6S) with [CuI(NCCH3)4](BF4) or copper(II) nitrate in CH3CN or CH3CN/MeOH, respectively, the thio ligand is converted into 1,1′-dimethyl-2,2′-diimidazolyl sulfide (N2C4H5)2S (a thioether), which prefers to bind to CuII (in situ formed) to yield six-coordinate N,N-chelated octahedral complexes, namely, {CuII[κ2- N, N-(N2C4H5)2S]2(κ1-OH2)2}X2 [X = BF4 ( 6), NO3 ( 7)], with water in the axial positions. The transformation of the thio ligand into 1,1′-dimethyl-2,2′-diimidazolyl sulfide is also observed in its copper(I) chloride reaction in acetonitrile, which yields an N,N-chelated chloro-bridged dimer, {CuII2[κ2- N, N-(N2C4H5)2S]2(μ-Cl)2Cl2} ( 5). Reaction of copper(I) iodide with thiazolidine-2-thione and 1-methylimidazolidine-2-thione (N2C4H8S) in acetonitrile yields an iodo-bridged dimer, [Cu2(κ1- S-NC3H5S2)4(μ-I)2] ( 4), and a novel polymer, [Cu4(μ3-I)2(μ-I)2(μ- S-N2C4H8S)2(κ1- S-N2C4H8S)] n ( 8), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and they include: coronary heart disease,cerebrovascular disease ,peripheral arterial disease,rheumatic heart disease,congenital heart disease,deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism etc.CVDs are the number one cause of death globally: more people die annually from CVDs than from any other cause. An estimated 17.3 million people died from CVDs in 2008, representing 30% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, an estimated 7.3 million were due to coronary heart disease and 6.2 million were due to stroke.Low- and middle-income countries are disproportionally affected: over 80% of CVD deaths take place in low- and middle-income countries and occur almost equally in men and women. By 2030, almost 25 million people will die from CVDs, mainly from heart disease and stroke. These are projected to remain the single leading cause of death. Most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by addressing risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and obesity, physical inactivity, raised blood pressure, diabetes and raised lipids.7.5 million deaths each year, or 13% of all deaths can be attributed to raised blood pressure. This includes 51% of deaths due to strokes and 45% of deaths due to coronary heart disease. Prescriptions of Cardiac specialist and general physician of various renowned hospitals & medical college of Bangladesh were screened. About 1000 prescriptions were selected from randomly viewed 1200 prescriptions of National Heart Foundation & Dhaka Medical College Hospital outdoor. Finally, 700 prescriptions were selected for survey with proper supporting of patient. All of them were completely cardiac disease content which was prescribed by 99% specialist and 1% general physician. This Survey was carried out at the outdoor of National Heart Foundation & Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from Jan'12 to August'12. Out of the total patients with a male, female ratio was 57.14: 42.86 respectively, all patients were over 30 years and approximately 64.285 % the patients were the demographically urban area whereas 35.714% patients came from rural area. The percentage of prescribed Betaadrenoceptor blocker, Organic nitrates, Anticoagulant, anti-platelet and thrombolytic drug, Calcium channel blocker, Diuretics, Renin-angiotensin system drugs, Lipid lowering drugs, Miscellaneous drugs were respectively 25.00%, 19.57%,22.00%,8.42%,10.42%,10.40% and 2.85% respectively. This data may be guidelines for optimizing rational use of cardiovascular drugs and also a new statistical approach for effective cardiovascular disease management in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel, simple and economic reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method has been developed for the estimation of Vildagliptin in bulk and tablet dosage form with greater precision and accuracy. Separation was achieved on C18 column (250X4.6mm i.d.,5μm) in isocratic mode using Buffer :Acetonitrile in the ratio of 50:50(v/v) as mobile phase, pumped in to the column at flow rate of 1.0 mL min-1 and the detection of eluent from the column was carried out using variable wavelength UV detector at 220 nm. The total run time was 10 min and the column was maintained at 300 C. The retention time of Vildagliptin was 5.017 min. The standard curves were linear over the concentration range of 10-60 μg mL-1 with R2 9996 and the LOD and LOQ values for Vildagliptin were 0.025 μg mL-1 and 0.054 μg mL-1 respectively. The percentage recovery was found to be 98.11 to 101.16, the % RSD of intra-day and inter day precision was found to be 0.68 and 0.61 respectively. The percentage amount of a marketed tablet formulation of Vildagliptin was found to be 99.46 %. The method was validated as per ICH guidelines. Validation studies demonstrated that the proposed RP-HPLC method is simple, specific, rapid, reliable and reproducible. Hence the proposed method can be applied for the routine quality control analysis of Vildagliptin in bulk and tablet dosage forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The binding of triprolidine hydrochloride, an H1-receptor antagonist, to bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied by equilibrium dialysis (ED) method at various temperatures. Scatchard method of analysis showed that the binding of triprolidine hydrochloride has two sets of association constants: the high affinity association constant (k1) with low capacity (n1) and low affinity association constant (k2) with high capacity (n2). With the increase in temperature from 10 to 25°C the value of high affinity association constant increased and again this value decreased at 30°C. Binding data suggested the presence of three high affinity binding sites with kj value of 2.9×106 M-1 and ten low affinity binding sites with k2 value of 3.9×105 M-1 at pH 7.4 and 25°C. Site-specific probe displacement data suggested that triprolidine hydrochloride binds to site II, the benzodiazepine site, with a higher affinity, while to site I the warfarin site, with relatively lower affinity. The binding process involved in the triprolidine hydrochloride-BSA interaction could not be concluded from the binding parameters obtained from the experiment because of the non-linear relationship between temperature and association constants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article seeks to highlight the Pakistani Pashtuns' perceptions on the endgame in Afghanistan embedded in the shared ethnic identity with special focus on the regional scenario and the US Af-Pak policy and its features contributing to the formation of the Pashtun perceptions. The Pashtun perceptions are highly polarized with regard to the future political order in Afghanistan. Besides, the Pakistani Pashtuns' support to their co-ethnics in Afghanistan in the context of Taliban insurgency is considered to be linked with the support of Pakistani Security apparatus. Therefore the Pakistani Pashtun factor in the endgame of Afghanistan is less relevant as an independent variable but more vital in bringing an end or accelerating the pace of insurgency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemistry of thio-ligands based on heterocyclic-2-thiones, namely, pyridine-2-thione (SNCH), imidazolidine-2-thione (SNCH), imidazoline-2-thione (SNCH), 1-methyl-imidazoline-2-thione (SNCH) and thiazolidine-2-thione (SNCH) with coinage and some other metals are described. The synthesis, solvent effect, isolation of new products after C-S rupture and crystal structure are also discussed. For example, copper(I) bromide with 1-methyl-imidazoline-2-thione (SNCH) in acetonitrile formed Cu $^{\textrm{I}}$ trinuclear complex, {Cu $_{3}({\kappa}^{1}$-Br)( μ-SNCH)}·CHCN. This reaction in the presence of chloroform involved C-S bond rupture, oxidation of sulphur to sulphate and bromination of ring and formed a tetranuclear cluster, Cu $_{4}(\kappa^{1}$-N-(NCHBr)( μ-O)( μ-Br)] (NCHBr = 2-bromo-1-methyl-imidazole). The reaction of copper(I) chloride with 1-methyl-imidazoline-2-thione (SNCH) in acetonitrile also involved C-S rup ture and formed a chloro-bridged dinuclear complex [Cu{ κ-N,N-(NCH)S}( μ-Cl)Cl] {(NCH)S = 1, 1-dimethyl-2,2-di-imidazolyl sulphide}. Significantly copper(I) bonded to more polarisable iodide ion (Cu-I) does not involve C-S rupture and in this case it formed Cu $^{\textrm{I}}$ polynuclear complex, {Cu( μ-I)( μ-SNCH)}. Both copper(I) chloride and copper(I) bromide with 1-methyl-imidazoline-2-thione in dimethyl sulphoxide involved C-S rupture and oxidation of sulphur to sulphate and formed a sulphate chelated Cu $^{\textrm{II}}$ complex, [Cu $^{\textrm{II}}${ κ-N,N-(NCH)S}( η-O,OSO $_{2})(\kappa^{1}$-OH)]. Imidazolidine-2-thione (SNCH) with copper(I) chloride/bromide in dimethyl sulphoxide gave a sulphate bridged polynuclear complex, [Cu $^{\textrm{II}}${ κ-N,N-(NCH)S}( μ-O,OSO $_{2})(\kappa ^{1}$-OH)] {(NCH)S = 2,2-thio-di-2-imidazoline}. Other metals such as silver, zinc, cadmium and mercury formed monomers or dimers. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the arsenic (As) remediation potential of barnyard grass ( Echinochloa crus-galli L. Beauv. var. formosensis Ohwi), with a special focus on the behavior of As in the soil in comparison with rice ( Oryza sativa L. cv. Nipponbare). For both plants, very little growth inhibition was observed in the As-contaminated soil. The amount of As in the soil was reduced by the plant's uptake and the level of As in the soil water from the rice-growing pots was remarkably lower than that in the plant-free soil water. In the soil with the barnyard grass, the amount of As in the soil water was higher than that in the plant-free soil water, but the amount of As in the soil and the amount of As that was adsorbed on the soil solid were reduced by the plant's uptake. At the highest As level in the soil (100 mg kg), 249.60 and 101.26 µg As pot were taken up by the rice shoot and barnyard grass shoot, respectively, and total amounts of 1468.65 and 1060.57 µg As pot were taken up by the barnyard grass and rice seedlings, respectively. At the same As level in the soil, the As concentrations were 14.99 and 37.76 µg g in the shoot of barnyard grass and rice, respectively, and 486.61 and 339.32 µg g in the root of barnyard grass and rice, respectively. Barnyard grass took up more As than rice, but the As concentration in the shoot of barnyard grass was lower than that in the shoot of rice. A considerable amount of As was taken up by both barnyard grass and rice, suggesting that the plant species have the potential to remediate As-contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]