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BACKGROUND: Sea buckthorn (SBT) (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), a shrub rich with a huge variety of vitamins, antioxidants and other biologically active constituents with pharmacological and cosmaceutical applications. OBJECTIVE: The current review aims to compile the recent reported data on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, biological activities and cosmaceutical uses of SBT plant from different regions of the world. METHODS: A wide-ranging inquiry on SBT was done electronically on the basis of articles and abstracts published in peer-reviewed journals, issued in conference proceedings, government reports, books, Master’s and Ph.D. theses, etc. The research was carried out in different international scientific databases like Academic Search, Biological Abstracts, BIOSIS, BioOne Previews, CabDirect, Cochrane Library, Pubmed/Medline, GeoRef, Google Scholar, JSTOR, Journal Citation Reports, Mendeley, Publons, Researchgate, Scopus, SciELO, Springer Link, Science Direct, Web of Science, Taylor and Francis with particular keywords. RESULTS: A total of 185 published papers were assessed through the search approach and 162 papers were included published on SBT. It was evident from the literature search that the uses of SBT as traditional medicine so far against nearly 50 health related complications in more than 18 regions of the world are still a common practice where the decoction of leaves and juice/paste from berries/fruits of SBT were the common administration modes. Data on the phytochemical profile of SBT revealed more than 50 diverse reported groups of compounds with remarkable antioxidant activity against reactive oxygen species (ROS) using DPPH, FRAP and ABTS as common methods. Moreover to-date, the reported antimicrobial activity of SBT uncovered that the extracts from SBT were examined in contradiction of 32 strains of bacteria and 15 strains of fungus with significant inhibitory actions against the bacterial and fungal strains. The SBT extracts actions reported so far on different viral disease categories displayed active inhibition of the growth of nearly 15 different viral strains. The reported anticancer activity of compounds in SBT extracts to date evidenced remarkable results against more than 20 different cancer cell lines/types. Moreover, SBT oil containing fatty acids, tocopherols and carotenoids is effectively used with cosmetic applications for skin care. CONCLUSIONS: Conclusively, SBT is rich with several remarkable phytochemicals that may have diverse biological actions and for that reason reassure the use of decoctions and/or infusions of SBT as folk traditional medicine around the world. Conversely, it is essential to explore the molecular mechanisms of compounds responsible for biological activities of SBT and to advance in the research of clinical uses and development of SBT based therapeutic and cosmetic products.

Objective: To study the frequency, clinical presentation, management and outcome of degloving soft-tissue injuries. Study Design: Case series. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Surgery, Federal General Hospital, Islamabad Pakistan, from Jan 2018 to Dec 2019. Methodology: This study included 28 consecutive patients with degloving injuries. Patients with degloving injuries of the soft tissue were included. Initial assessments of all patients were done according to advanced trauma life support. Regular clinical examination for abnormalities such as excessive local pain that was out of line with the intensity of the trauma, extensive ecchymosis or hematomas, and especially, local and regional hypermobility of the skin, capillary refill and perfusion of the area. Results: Out of 28 patients, there were 25 males (9.28%) and three females (10.72%). The mean age was 33.07±9.04 years with a range of 6-50 years. The thigh was the most frequently involved area by degloving injury (25.00%). The back was involved in 17.85% of patients. Leg (10.71%) and foot (10.71%) were involved in 21.42% of patients. From the management point of view, 42.85% of patients had some form of debridement and healing by secondary intention, 17.85% patients were managed conservatively, and 10.71 % of the patients' primary closure was successful. Conclusion: Degloving soft-tissue injury is debilitating and, if not taken care may lead to ischemia necrosis, infection and septicemia of the tissues, which needs extensive debridement, prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, which result in disability and protracted course of rehabilitation.

Italian is the most commonly used language in the repertory of Western classical vocal music. Italian vocal music spreads globally and is a compulsory genre of music for classical vocal studies all around the globe including in Malaysia. This study investigates the effective lyric diction of Italian, including surveying the musical effects caused by the language and its authentic phonetics, in an attempt to discover ways for singers to communicate the language effectively in singing. A detailed analysis of the opera aria Crude furie by composer George Fredrich Handel will be carried out to apply those ideas into practice. Keywords: lyric diction, Italian diction, vocal arts, opera eISSN: 2398-4287© 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7iSI9.3932

Syzygium cumini L. seeds have been documented in traditional medicine in Pakistan. The current research was aimed to assess the physicochemical characteristics, polyphenols and antioxidants of S. cumini seed. The physical characteristics such as the color of S. cumini seed were white to pink, the shapes resembled to oblong and coarse texture. The length, width and weight of fresh S. cumini seed were found to be (18.20±0.81mm, 11.05±0.41mm and 1.80±0.16g), respectively while the color of dried S. cumini seeds were light brown to brown,rhombus in shape with loutish texture. The average length, width and weight of dried S. cumini seeds were 16.47±0.45; 10.14±0.25 mm and 0.75±0.12 g respectively. S. cumini seeds powder were evaluated for their chemical composition e.g. carbohydrate, protein, fat, crude fiber, moisture content and ash (77.27±2.50, 3.62±0.30, 6.25±0.55, 10.30±1.20 and 1.55±0.11 g/100g), respectively. Quantitative analysis of total phenolic content was performed it was found that the methanolic and water extract had 52±1.65 and 40±1.25 mg GAE/g content. Free radical scavenging activity was also evaluated to estimate the antioxidant property of extract. Among tested extracts maximum % inhibition 96.61±1.90% was found in methanol extract and 69.30±1.56% in water extract, while BHT has % inhibition 50.70±1.32% at concentration 100 μg/ml. Similarly in reducing power activity assay the maximum absorbance 1.4704±0.05 was shown by methanol extract and 1.2075±0.03 in water extract of S. cumini seed powder respectively which was compared with BHT (0.9207±0.02). Therefore, it was concluded that these Syzygium Cumini L. seeds traditional medicinal plants provide a good source of nutrients, namely protein, fiber and natural antioxidants.

Objective: To find the frequency of backache in our pregnant women and factors increasing the risk of low backache in pregnancy. Study Design: Prospective longitudinal study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Avicenna Medical College, Lahore Pakistan, from Jan 2018 to Dec 2019. Methodology: We included 247 consecutive women between 18 and 45 years of age and between 16 and 35 weeks of a single pregnancy. These were evaluated for low backache. Women with comorbid conditions and multiple fetuses who needed elective caesarian sections were excluded. Results: Mean age of the pregnant women in our study was 27 ± 3.7 years, with an age range of 18 to 45 years. 197 (80.1%) complained about low back pain during their pregnancy, and 75 (30.3%) had a previous history of back pain when not pregnant. Back pain was present in 47 (19.02%) 6 months postpartum. The risk factors present were higher weight gain in 75 (30 %), age >35 years in 62 (25 %), low haemoglobin 38 (15%) and poor socio-economic condition 25 (10.1%). Conclusion: Low back pain is common in pregnancy and is a less addressed issue of pregnant women. Many factors responsible for low backache in pregnant women were identified. Analgesics and increased physical activity are the main treatment and prevention options.

Background and Objective: The essential goal of any medical school is to train medical graduates to work as independent clinicians. Inadequately prepared doctors put the well-being of patients at a great risk. The objective of the study was to evaluate the preparedness for independent clinical practice of house officers who graduated from medical schools with the traditional discipline-based curriculum, from both public and private sectors, and with high and low merit.Methods: A quantitative correlational study was conducted by using an already validated questionnaire. A total of 241 house officers who graduated from public and private sector medical schools from Lahore, Pakistan, with high and relatively low merit, were selected. The data from the filled responses were analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25.Results: Out of the 241 respondents, 152 (55.3%) were female and 89 (32.4%) were male. The mean age of the respondents was 24.19 ± 0.91 years. The difference in mean score between the public and private sectors was significant in the subscales of clinical skills, procedural skills, and patient management.Analysis of free-text responses showed a deficiency in procedural skills, communication skills, time management, and management of acutely ill patients in the emergency department in both classes of medical schools. Many graduates suggested early clinical exposure with hands-on training and the addition of modules of ethics and medical laws in the curriculum.Conclusion: The medical graduates lack pertinent training in professionalism, ethics, medical laws, and communication skills which may hamper their appropriate preparedness before dealing directly with the high turnover of patients during house jobs.

Edible cutlery is an excellent concept to reduce the use of plastic cutlery and to save human health from the harmful effects of plastic utensils. Surveys revealed that only a negligible portion of the total plastic waste is recycled. The rest is added to the environment and contribute to pollution. Each year tonnes of plastic cutleries are dumped in the oceans and other water bodies which is affecting the life in water. Humans eat food in plastic utensils and pollute environment by burning too. The unsafe high levels of the plastic waste are not good for both environment and living organisms, either humans or animals. To cut down the usage of plastic products to the safe levels, some safe alternatives are needed. Edible cutlery can serve as a sustainable alternative to the plastic cutlery because it’s biodegradable and edible. Edible cutlery is made of safe-to-eat ingredients like wheat, rice and sorghum. Edible cutlery may be vegan-friendly with natural spices and flavors. It requires no additives or preservatives. Environmental pollution in Pakistan can be controlled significantly by promoting the use of edible cutlery like the other countries. Edible cutlery is the best solution to spread awareness regarding environmental issues due to plastic use. This review entailed the benefits of edible cutlery usage for the betterment of human health

The huge mainstream of plants, especially agricultural raw materials possesses extractable oils that may have some commercial value. Poppy seeds have high nutritional value and are used as a source of food and cooking oil. Its oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is well known that polyunsaturated fatty acids not only provide basic nutrients for the body, but their absorption into the body are very important for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and many inflammatory diseases. In this study, poppy seed oil was extracted with a yield of 32.50 ± 1.80% and free radical scavenging activity was evaluated by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Antioxidant activity was found to be in the range of 22.28±1.40-58.32±3.40% at concentrations of 20-100 µl. It was concluded in this study that poppy seeds were found as an effective source of natural antioxidants and can be used to substitute synthetic antioxidants

In recent years, the proliferation of digital communication has made it easier for individuals to transmit audio messages in a variety of contexts. While this has facilitated many positive aspects of communication, it has also created new challenges for detecting suspicious activity that may pose a threat to security or privacy[1]. In response to these challenges, researchers have proposed various approaches to detect suspicious audio messages using machine learning techniques. This paper presents a novel approach to detecting suspicious audio messages that combine acoustic features and statistical models. We use machine learning algorithms to identify anomalies in audio messages that may indicate suspicious activity. The system analyzes various characteristics of the audio messages, including speech patterns, voice quality, background noise, and other acoustic features. We evaluate our approach on a dataset of real-world audio messages[2] and achieve promising results in terms of accuracy and efficiency. Our system can be used in a variety of applications, such as law enforcement, national security, and corporate communication monitoring. Our work contributes to the development of effective and reliable tools for detecting suspicious audio messages in today's digital age. By leveraging machine learning and acoustic analysis, our approach offers a valuable tool for ensuring security and privacy in audio communication.

This research is carried out to explore the effect of machining (WEDM) parameters on the corners cutting in D2 tool steel including the determination of optimum input values such as pulse on time, pulse off time, discharge gap, wire speed, and wire tension, for excellent machining performance. In the present study Taguchi technique, which uses L16 orthogonal array is utilized for the design of experiments and optimization, signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, and main effects plots, analysis is used to identify significant factors and their optimal values according to its level to obtain superior machining characteristics. Five process control parameters, namely, pulse on, pulse off time, discharge gap, wire feed, and wire tension are analyzed for four response parameters viz kerf width, corner error of top and bottom side of the machined profile, and surface roughness. Regression models are developed for all the WEDM responses, and main effects plots and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are used to analyze the notable factors influencing the kerf width, corner error top and bottom sides, and surface roughness. Pulse-on and pulse-off time, discharge gap, and wire speed have been identified as the most influential factors for kerf width, corner error, and surface roughness. It is observed that the predicted values of all the performance measures from regression models are within 95% confidence intervals compared to experimental results of all the response variables, so the predicted regression equations of all response values are useful to estimate the machining performance of WEDM processes. The WEDM machined surface of selected workpieces is analyzed with the help of an optical microscope, and scanning electron microscope (SEM), coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), elemental composition, resolidified region, micro-cracks, craters, heat-affected zone, and white layer, are observed on the machined surface at different magnification.

Urease enzyme is an infectious factor that provokes the growth and colonization of virulence pathogenic bacteria in humans. To overcome the deleterious effects of bacterial infections, inhibition of urease enzyme is one of the promising approaches. The current study is designed to synthesize new 1,2-benzothiazine- N -arylacetamide derivatives 5 ( a-n ) that can effectively provide a new drug candidate to avoid bacterial infections by urease inhibition. After structural elucidation by FT-IR, proton and carbon-13 NMR and mass spectroscopy, the synthesized compounds 5 ( a-n ) were investigated to evaluate their inhibitory potential against urease enzyme. In vitro analysis against positive control of thiourea indicated that all the synthesized compounds have strong inhibitory strengths as compared to the reference drug. Compound 5k , being the most potent inhibitor, strongly inhibited the urease enzymes and revealed an IC 50 value of 9.8 ± 0.023 µM when compared with the IC 50 of thiourea (22.3 ± 0.031 µM)—a far more robust inhibitory potential. Docking studies of 5k within the urease active site revealed various significant interactions such as H-bond, π-alkyl with amino acid residues like Val744, Lys716, Ala16, Glu7452, Ala37 and Asp730.

Redacted protocol for supplementary files

Supplementary Figure 4 shows pharmacokinetic parameters for guadecitabine and decitabine in the dose escalation phase

Purpose:Preclinical data indicate that DNA methyltransferase inhibition will circumvent cisplatin resistance in various cancers.Patient and Methods:SPIRE comprised a dose-escalation phase for incurable metastatic solid cancers, followed by a randomized dose expansion phase for neoadjuvant treatment of T2–4a N0 M0 bladder urothelial carcinoma. The primary objective was a recommended phase II dose (RP2D) for guadecitabine combined with gemcitabine and cisplatin. Treatment comprised 21-day gemcitabine and cisplatin cycles (cisplatin 70 mg/m2, i.v., day 8 and gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2, i.v., days 8 + 15). Guadecitabine was injected subcutaneously on days 1–5, within escalation phase cohorts, and to half of 20 patients in the expansion phase. Registration ID: ISRCTN 16332228.Results:Within the escalation phase, dose-limiting toxicities related predominantly to myelosuppression requiring G-CSF prophylaxis from cohort 2 (guadecitabine 20 mg/m2, days 1–5). The most common grade ≥3 adverse events in 17 patients in the dose-escalation phase were neutropenia (76.5%), thrombocytopenia (64.7%), leukopenia (29.4%), and anemia (29.4%). Addition of guadecitabine to gemcitabine and cisplatin in the expansion phase resulted in similar rates of severe hematologic adverse events, similar cisplatin dose intensity, but modestly reduced gemcitabine dose intensity. Radical treatment options after chemotherapy were not compromised. Pharmacodynamics evaluations indicated guadecitabine maximal target effect at the point of cisplatin administration. Pharmacokinetics were consistent with prior data. No treatment-related deaths occurred.Conclusions:The guadecitabine RP2D was 20 mg/m2, days 1–5, in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin and required GCSF prophylaxis. Gene promoter methylation pharmacodynamics are optimal with this schedule. Addition of guadecitabine to gemcitabine and cisplatin was tolerable, despite some additional myelosuppression, and warrants further investigation to assess efficacy.

Supplementary Data from Pharmacodynamic and Clinical Results from a Phase I/II Study of the HSP90 Inhibitor Onalespib in Combination with Abiraterone Acetate in Prostate Cancer

Purpose:Onalespib is a potent, fragment-derived second-generation HSP90 inhibitor with preclinical activity in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CPRC) models. This phase I/II trial evaluated onalespib in combination with abiraterone acetate (AA) and either prednisone or prednisolone (P) in men with CRPC progressing on AA/P.Patients and Methods:Patients with progressing CRPC were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 2 regimens of onalespib combined with AA/P. Onalespib was administered as intravenous infusion starting at 220 mg/m2 once weekly for 3 of 4 weeks (regimen 1); or at 120 mg/m2 on day 1 and day 2 weekly for 3 of 4 weeks (regimen 2). Primary endpoints were response rate and safety. Secondary endpoints included evaluation of androgen receptor (AR) depletion in circulating tumor cells (CTC) and in fresh tumor tissue biopsies.Results:Forty-eight patients were treated with onalespib in combination with AA/P. The most common ≥grade 3 toxicities related to onalespib included diarrhea (21%) and fatigue (13%). Diarrhea was dose limiting at 260 and 160 mg/m2 for regimens 1 and 2, respectively. Transient decreases in CTC counts and AR expression in CTC were observed in both regimens. HSP72 was significantly upregulated following onalespib treatment, but only a modest decrease in AR and GR was shown in paired pre- and posttreatment tumor biopsy samples. No patients showed an objective or PSA response.Conclusions:Onalespib in combination with AA/P showed mild evidence of some biological effect; however, this effect did not translate into clinical activity, hence further exploration of this combination was not justified.

Supplementary Tables and Methods

Supplementary Figure 1 shows a schematic of the treatment cycle

Supplementary Figure 2 shows CONSORT diagrams for both phases of the trial

Supplementary Figure 3 shows promotor methylation status for the indicated genes in cfDNA

Introduction – Tobacco control laws are one of the most effective means aimed to combat the widespread use of tobacco. Pakistan has come a long way in getting a grip on this pandemic, however much is yet to be done. With the poor implementation of laws, tobacco companies are able to capitalize on this to boost the sale of their products among the population. Methods – A cross-sectional study was done in which data regarding tobacco packaging was collected from various shops that deal with the sale of cigarettes. This data was then compiled and compared with tobacco control laws to determine the compliance of brands with local packaging laws. Results – A total of 100 brands were collected and analyzed, out of which 55 were local and 45 were manufactured internationally. From the entire sample, only 28% of the brands were following every protocol laid down by the Ministry of Health. Conclusion – This study was able to portray poor adherence to tobacco packaging laws of various tobacco companies operating in Pakistan. Majority of the brands were seen to be lacking in at least one component of the law, which shows poor implementation and enforcement of policies. There is a dire need for Pakistan to promote more effective means of tobacco control through the implementation of strict guidelines.

Background: Chlorination is commonly used to disinfect water as it efficiently kills the microbe by destroying its membrane enzyme. Although some gram positive bacteria that are antibiotic resistant also show resistance against chlorine. This resistance may be due to some unique protein or maybe confer by the antibiotic resistant genes. Aim: To analyze the relationship between antibiotic and chlorine resistance to verify the role of antibiotic resistant genes in chlorine resistance. Methodology: VAN-A and TET-O genes were amplified from a chlorinated water sample and computation analysis was carried out to analyze these proteins. Docking was performed to quantify binding affinity between resistant genes and hypochlorite ligand. Results: Low binding energy confirmed the incompetency of chlorine and antibiotics against resistant genes. Expression analysis of PET-28 GFP recombinant plasmid under antibiotic and chlorine stress indicated successful expression by J express. Conclusion: Computational study proves that antibiotic resistant gene has a role in conferring resistance against chlorine. Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, chlorine resistance, molecular modeling, recombinant plasmid, hypochlorite

The aim of the study is to anticipate the lead molecule from the phytochemical constituents of “Glycyrrhiza uralensis” which acts on PPAR γ receptor and causes cell proliferation and inhibits cell migration in cancer disease. PyRx virtual screening (Auto docking Vina) software and Schrodinger Maestro version 11.5 were used to screen the compounds anticancer activity. Python Molecular Viewer 1.5.6 (PMV 1.5.6) was used for semi flexible docking between the chemical compounds and PPAR γ protein receptor. Schrodinger Maestro version 11.5 was used to study the molecular dynamic simulation studies. Discovery Studio 2017 R2 Client software was used for visualizing the interactions respectively. Protein receptors and chemical constituents of G. Uralensis were retrieved from Protein Data Bank (PDB) and Pubchem databases respectively. A total of 136 chemical constituents of G. Uralensis were collected from various literature databases and 67 compounds were selected for virtual screening after ADME simulations along with standard drugs. Finally, 16 compounds were taken for molecular docking process from virtual screening. Through molecular docking studies, it was identified that 12 compounds had exhibited highest binding energy than the standard compounds. We also noticed that these 12 compounds had exhibited good pIC50 values also. Molecular dynamic simulation studies also support the data obtained from the molecular dynamic studies. Successful repositioning of the analyzed compounds on to the proposed binding site confirms the drug target ability of PPAR γ. Based on the free binding energy and pIC50 values, we propose 2 compounds (Uralenin, Glabrol) as small medicinal lead compounds for further development as potent anticancer drug candidate which act by inhibiting the PPAR γ protein receptor.

After a short span of achieving statehood on basis of religious identity, the Bengali Muslims redefined their identity and once again demanded a separate state on basis of linguistic identity. Hobsbawm believe that identity formation in terms of nationhood is a result of deliberate ideological engineering. Economic factors serve as tangible signposts to cultural subjugation. Though many historians owe the Bengali nationalism and claims of statehood to linguistic and cultural difference that proved detrimental for state and nation making in pre 1971 Pakistan, the prime argument of this paper is that nationalist discourse is a discursive formation and a sort of language game rooted in material socio economic phenomenon of inequality and disparity. The concept of inequality and disparity essentially employ that a binary exists, and a group is feeling excluded, marginalized and at disadvantageous position in respect to some other group. The feeling of victimhood is at base of the nationalist movements and (re)definition of identity. Employing the concept of Subaltern Realism given by Mohammed Ayoob and the toolkit of Foucauldian Discourse Analysis, and taking discourse as a combination of material and discursive formations, influencing human subjectivities and conditions of existence; the paper will examine the material economic conditions of existence in pre 1971 Pakistani federation and discursive responses as claims of self-determination and separatist nationalism. One of the key findings of paper is that ethnic Bengali nationalism was a derivative phenomenon of economic exclusion and uneven development.

Rise of China, its bend towards Russia, its increasing sphere of influence in Asia and Africa has posed perplexing questions like will the four decades of cooperation between USA and China end in great War; will the drive to maintain/attain hegemony be the guiding principle for USA and China; and what will be the impact of strife on states like Pakistan, recipients of both USA and China. The international politics pundits, well versed in Machiavellian-Hobbesian Realist discourses, predicts a coming war with continued pattern of hegemonic contention, competition, and shift in hegemony. But Realism is not a unified paradigm and variants of Realist discourse(s), advocate divergent courses of statecraft, depending on state status in global order. The paper aims to analyse the prospective Sino-US relation with the lens of Symbiotic Realism given by Nayef Al Rodhan believing in sustainable multi-sum security principle, co-existence, and mutual dependence between great powers.

Water is a vital resource for 1.9 billion, 24.89 Percent of the total world population residing in the South Asian states and the geopolitics of the region primarily is hydro-politics. The water geography of the region comprises river basins like the Indus, Ganges, Meghna, and Brahmaputra, acting as capillaries responsible for the flow of life in this gigantic region. Allocation of water resources is an external as well internal policy challenge for South Asian states. Taking a view of the water geography of the region and treaties governing trans boundary water flow, the paper aims to address the question of whether the water problem can be dealt only with the traditional security paradigm, focusing on water conflict through the state-centric lens; or the issue can be reflected with the prism of unconventional security paradigms as waters are integral to economic, food, environmental and human security. Human security combined with Liberal-Functionalist approaches may transform the crisis into a prospective scenario of peace and cooperation in the region

Antioxidative properties of plants may be associated with oxidative stress defence in different human diseases. Oxidative stress and free radicals can be neutralized by antioxidants which are of great significance in preventing the expansion of these diseases. Many studies have investigated the toxic effect of synthetic antioxidants, thus to avoid these toxic effects new antioxidants of natural origin have been deliberated in recent years. Mint (Mentha longifolia) is extensively used as medicine, spice, food and flavouring. In the current work, an aqueous extract of mint leaves was determined using the DPPH assay and reducing power activity. Strapping and sound antioxidant effects were observed in 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl radicals at concentrations of 0.1-0.5 mg/ml, ranging from 20.32 ± 0.35 % to 65.75 ± 1.5 %, while standard antioxidant BHT possess % Inhibition (DPPH) 30.41 ± 0.65 % to 83.50 ± 2.3 % at same concentration. A similar effect was found in the reducing power assay, which exhibited absorbance of M. longifolia water extract ranging from 0.1501 ± 0.010 to 0.5845 ± 0.042 and BHT exhibited 0.3221 ± 0.026 to 0.8197 ± 0.124 at 700 nm. The conclusion recommends that M. longifolia has confirmed vital benefits due to high concentration of antioxidants and has vast impending for claim in the preparation of useful food entities.

Objective: To see the effect of exercise in preventing diastasis recti in pregnant women. Study Design: Prospective comparative study. Place and Duration of Study: Gynecology & Obstetrics, Avicenna Medical College, Lahore Pakistan, from Jan to Dec 2019. Methodology: This study included 93 pregnant women who were randomized in two groups, exercise group and non-exercise group. The measurement for diastasis recti abdomen was taken at 3 locations: at the umbilicus, 5 cm above the umbilicus, and 5 cm below the umbilicus. Measurement for diastasis recti were done at the time of inclusion in study and 6 weeks after the termination of pregnancy. Results: The mean age of the women in our study was 26.5 ± 0.62 years. The frequency of diastasis recti was far less in exercising pregnant women as compared to non-exercising pregnant ladies after 6-weeks postpartum period. No diastasis recti was present at the supra-umbilical level in 34 (36.55%) women of exercise-group as compared to 9 (9.67%) in non-exercise group. At supra umbilical level, there was no diastasis recti present in 43 (46.2%) women of exercise-group as compared to 7 (7.52%) women in non-exercising groups at 6-weeks postpartum period. Similarly, no diastasis recti were present in 43 (46.2%) women of exercise-group as compared to 8 (8.60%) women in non-exercising group at infra umbilical level at 6 weeks postpartum period. Result showed that there was statistically significant improvement in the diastasis recti abdominis in exercise-group (p=0.002). Conclusion: Abdominal exercises help in reducing diastasis recti in pregnant women significantly as compared..............................

Objective: Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) Vaccination is critical approach in restricting the COVID-19 epidemic in order to curb infections and diminishseverity of illnessparticularly among most vulnerable group such as pregnant women. Therefore, this study was intended to assess the attitude of women in pregnancy toward COVID-19 vaccination. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in the outpatient Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi by using non-probability convenient sampling technique. The duration of the study was about 6 months from October 2021 to March 2022. A total of 325 pregnant women having pregnancy of after 14 weeks and before 34 weeks, who were physically and mentally fit with no past history of acute or chronic systemic disorder were included in the study. For quantitative variables mean and standard deviation was recorded and for qualitative variables frequency and percentages were reported. Results: The study results showed thatthe mean age of the participants was 28.92 ± 5.18 years, mean parity was 2.61±1.80, and mean gravidity was 3.66±1.86. When asked about their intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, 167(51.4%) participants indicated fear of pregnancy complication while 158(48.6%) had no fear. 170(52.3%) participants showed fear of complication related to baby. About 65(20.0%) were concerned about safety of vaccine. Most of the participants 290(89.2%) agreed that isolation methods and social distancing are not enough. 235(72.3%) believed that COVID-19 vaccine can protect from the infection only 90(27.7%) participants did not believe on effectiveness of vaccine. Conclusion: This study concluded that despite the low educational level of pregnant women, most of the participants showed positive attitude and willing to be vaccinated. However, majority pregnant women had fear of detrimental effects for the fetus and mother that were two major concerns among pregnant women when considering COVID-19 vaccination

Urease enzyme is an infectious factor that provokes the growth and colonization of virulence pathogenic bacteria in human. To overcome the deleterious effects of bacterial infections, inhibition of urease enzyme is one of the promising approaches. The current study is designed to synthesize new 1,2-benzothiazine-N-arylacetamide derivatives 5(a-n) that can effectively provide a new drug candidate to avoid bacterial infections by urease inhibition. After structural elucidation by FT-IR, proton and carbon-13 NMR and mass spectroscopy, the synthesized compounds 5(a-n) were investigated to evaluate their inhibitory potential against urease enzyme. In vitro analysis against positive control of thiourea indicated that all the synthesized compounds have strong inhibitory strengths as compared to reference drug. Compound 5k being the most potent inhibitor, strongly inhibited the urease enzymes and revealed an IC50 value of 9.8 ± 0.023 µM when compared with the IC50 of thiourea (22.3 ± 0.031 µM), that is far more robust inhibitory potential. Docking studies of 5k within the urease active site revealed various significant interactions such as H-bond, π-alkyl with amino acid residues like Val744, Lys716, Ala16, Glu7452, Ala37 and Asp730.

Background: Dengue fever is the world’s fastest spreading mosquito borne viral infection. It is prevalent throughout both subtropical and tropical region if the world. The severe form of dengue fever with bleeding manifestations called as dengue hemorrhagic fever. Some of the Dengue fever patients developed capillary leak during critical period of illness. This study aims at determining the frequency of capillary leak syndrome in hospitalized dengue fever patients of tertiary care hospital. Patients and Methods: The study was conducted over a period of one month from 1st October to 30th October 2019 at department of Medicine Federal Government Polyclinic Post Graduate Medical Institute, Islamabad. This cross sectional study comprising 200 consecutive hospitalized (≥14 years of both gender) dengue fever patients. Results: Capillary leak syndrome found in 75 patients of Dengue fever. All of them were Primary Dengue Patients. Both ascites and effusion was present in 31 patients. Ascites only found in 25 patients, Pleural effusion bilateral in 7, Right sided pleural effusion in 11 and Left sided in 1 patient. None of the patient had pericardial effusion. Conclusion: It is concluded that capillary leak syndrome is common in primary dengue fever patients and its early diagnosis helps us in better management during critical phase of illness with better outcome. Key Words: Dengue Fever, Capillary Leak Syndrome, Dengue Shock

Abstract Background: COVID-19 has effected General Surgical Elective list and most of the surgical procedures are postpone. Inguinal hernia surgery can be performed under local anesthesia on day care basis in selected group of patients taking all necessary precautions for COVID-19. Patients & Methods: This prospective study was conducted at department of General Surgery Federal Hospital, Islamabad for a period of three months from 15th March 2020 to 15th June 2020. All patients were included in the study through purposive sampling and preference was given to patients elder than 50 years of age. This study included 59 adult patients with inguinal hernia who under mesh repair under local anaesthesia on day care basis. Results: A total of 59 patients were included in the study. All patients were male. The age range was from 37 to 82 years (SD=± 10.23). 30 (50.84%) patient had inguinal hernia on left side while 26 (44.06%) had hernia on right side. Mean Operative time was 35 min. Pain was chief complaint postoperatively 30 (50.8%) patients had moderate pain while 6 (10.1%) patients had severe pain in first 24 hours after surgery. Fever was present in 15 (25.42%) patients in first 24 hours. All patients were negative for COVID -19 preoperatively and after 2 weeks none of the patients develop any symptoms of COVID-19. 3 (5.08%) patients needed readmission within 24 hours for pain and some haemorrhage. There was no mortality in our study Conclusions: Inguinal Hernia Surgery under local anaesthesia on day care basis in a very good practice at this time of global pandemic of COVID-19. This is a safe and reliable strategy. Key words: Inguinal Hernia, COVID-19, Local Anaesthesia

The USA acclaims to be a multicultural land of opportunity assimilating migrant settlers since its inception,but another facet of the USA is a culture of white racial supremacy, and orthodox beliefs regarding blacks, women, religiousand ideological others. The policy of constructing the ideological other, i.e., communism, was the highlight of cold warpolitics. The end of the cold war brought a shift in US policy and led to the rise of right-wing nationalist groups. The Trumpvictory was the triumph of these groups leading to an exponential rise in incidents of domestic terrorism during the TrumpEra. The paper employing Realist IR theory analyzes the Right-wing terrorist ideology through secondary data. One outcomeof the study is that the ideology of populism employing violence is causing civil unrest and is a stigma for USA soft image,and the rise of domestic terrorism is associated with the wave of global religious revivalism.

The poetic approach to constructing social reality is a significant source of reflection on the livedexperience of voiceless ordinary men and women. Poetic expression becomes a source of power andresistance expressed through language. Social reality expressed in poetry constructs a vision of historybeyond time. The civilizational heritage of Multan dates back to the time of Rag Ved. The City's richesattracted many conquerors, subdued but never defeated. As Poet himself is the product of land andculture, Riffat Abbas's poetry expresses all the imprints that land has carved on his Cognition. His poetryrepresents the phenomena of continuity and preservation of cultural heritage in the face of all historicalupheavals. The paper aims to analyze the social reality constructed in Riffat Abbas's poetry opting forthe method of discourse analysis given by Mitchel Foucault to study the progressive trends on socialattributes, societal relations, and socio-political system.

State is considered to be the custodian of rights of vulnerable segments like women. Neo liberal ideology advocates women's participation in the economic arena, yet it resists state role in the economic sphere for protection of the "second" gender. State role for protection of women is equally intolerable for the custodians of tradition. Ideology of state feminism believes that interest articulation for the protection of women must be done on the system/state level. The paper aims to reflect on the state's role in eliminating the prevalent gender lag in the context of cultural and economic lag between regions and classes? The qualitative methodology of "gap analysis" is employed. The study is based on data analysis of Pakistan's performance on Sustainable Development Goals and Global Gender Gap index2021. The core finding of the study is that though the equality/equity between genders is still an imagined reality yet state initiatives are the first steps from baseline.

Fusarium graminearum fungus cause significant loss in maize (Zea mays L.) and other cereal crops all over the world. The usage of chemical agents cause severe environmental problems. Bacillus species and other plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR) play key role in biopesticide development. A wide range of environmentally safe antimicrobial agents are already being manufactured. The current investigation was focused on exploring the antifungal activity of Bacillus thuringiensis lipopeptide surfactin against fungal phytopathogen Fusarium graminearum. B. thuringensis was isolated from the rhizosphere of maize crop and cultivated to produce lipopeptides. Surfactin was identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) from the extract at 210 nm, retention time 3-5 minutes and the obtained peaks area was 3.990. The growth of F. graminearum was successfully inhibited by surfactin at different concentrations. Among these, 80 % concentration showed the highest zone of inhibition in comparison to 60 %, 40 % and 20 % concentrations (p < 0.005), respectively. The current study concludes B. thuringensis lipopeptide surfactin has a high potential to inhibit the growth of F. graminearum.

OBJECTIVE: Thrombocytopenia is a common hematological abnormality and is defined as platelet count less than 100×109/L. The present study aims to determine the prevalence of thrombocytopenia among neonates. METHODOLOGY: The study was conducted at Rehman Medical Institute (RMI) Peshawar from 1st February till 31st March 2021. A total of 100 neonates with the age ≤28 days were randomly selected. RESULTS: Male to female ratio was 61:39 in this study. Among all the 100 neonates, 76% have platelets count above the normal value while 24% have thrombocytopenia. 52% of the neonates aged up to 3 days while 36% of the neonates aged 4-14 days and 12% neonates aged above 14 days. Thrombocytopenia was present in 11 % of neonates aged 72 hours or less whereas it was 13% in neonates aged more than 72 hours of life. CONCLUSION: The study concludes high prevalence of thrombocytopenia among neonates, which may be attributed to parent’s lack of awareness and poor lifestyle.

Eurocentric imperialism incorporated the non-European geographical region in the economic and political milieu of Europe and made the world a global whole. To Mitchel Foucault, the process started with endo-colonization of European people and advent of rational governance exercises experimented first in European states and later exported to non-western regions. The study aims to analyze the different outcomes of European governmentality in European core and non-European periphery and changing subjectivities and cognitions in non-European world with ruptures accompanied by European modernity. The theoretical frame and conceptual toolkit of Archaeology/Genealogy, Governmentality, Power/knowledge etc. are borrowed from Michel Foucault the postmodern historian of ideas. For analytical purpose, the concept of Archeological historicity is linked with World System approach as employed by Lenin and Immanuel Wallerstein. The analytical scheme is to describe events in longue durée from sixteenth century; record shifts in the core Europe, and parallel shifts in peripheral colonial/postcolonial world, to understand the material and discursive conditions of existence. The finding of research is that events and processes lead to different outcomes in core and periphery. A two-level comparison is made: the comparison of European Core with two peripheral regions, i.e., British India and British Nigeria and comparison of two peripheral regions incorporated in the world system as reservoirs of raw material and market