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AKT2 is crucial for cancer cells' invasion, metastasis, and survival. It is a possible downstream gene target of cancer glycolysis-related microRNAs. The study investigated the role of miRNA-4716–3p, rs2304186, and the AKT2 gene in blood cancer pathogenesis. RT-qPCR was used to analyze AKT2 gene mRNA and miRNA-4716–3p expression in 200 blood cancer samples and 200 healthy controls. Furthermore, Tetra-ARMS PCR was used to examine the rs2304186 AKT2 SNP in 300 patients and 290 control samples. miRNA-4716–3p was shown to be significantly downregulated (p = 0.0294), whereas mRNA expression of the AKT2 gene was found to be significantly upregulated (p = 0.0034) in blood cancer patients compared to healthy individuals. miRNA-4716–3p downregulation (p = 0.0466) was more pronounced, while AKT2 upregulation was non-significant (p = 0.1661) in untreated patients compared to chemotherapy-treated patients. Blood cancer risk was significantly associated with the rs2304186 GT genotype (p = 0.0432), TT genotype (p = 0.0502), and mutant allele (T) frequency (p = 0.0008). Polymorphism rs2304186 was associated with an increased risk of blood cancer in dominant (p = 0.0011), recessive (p = 0.0502), and additive (p = 0.0008) genetic models. The results suggested that the rs2304186 and the deregulated expression of miRNA-4716–3p and AKT2 gene at the mRNA level may significantly increase the incidence of blood cancer, particularly in the Pakistani population. Therefore, these may function as suitable biomarkers for blood cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Additional, larger-scale investigations may be required to affirm these results.

Seed mycoflora poses significant challenges to rice production, leading to substantial economic losses. Fourteen samples of stored and freshly harvested seeds of five rice varieties were collected from the Agricultural farm of Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to study the morphology of the mycoflora associated with rice seeds and their impact on seed health and quality. Eight fungal species, including Fusarium pallidoroseum, Fusarium fujikuroi, Curvularia lunata, Helminthosporium oryzae, Trichoconis padwickii, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus sp., and Penicillium sp., were isolated, identified, and morphologically characterized based on colony growth, mycelial features, conidial structures, and spore measurements. The rice varieties, viz., Hema, Jyotirmayee, Swarna, Lalat, and Annapurna, were artificially inoculated with F. pallidoroseum, F. fujikuroi, T. padwickii, C. lunata, and H. oryzae. Seeds showed that the fungi had a variable effect on seed quality parameters like germination, seedling vigor index I and seedling vigor index II, speed of germination, and seed health. A maximum of 16.33% reduction of germination was observed by T. padwickii, followed by F. fujikuroi (14.80% in Hema). Seedling vigor (1754.81) incited by T. padwickii inoculation was recorded to be the lowest. Seed rot up to 15.8% was observed in the case of F. fujikuroi. The percentage of root discoloration reached 40.0% by F. pallidoroseum and T. padwickii. In Jyotirmayee, C. lunata caused an 18.88% germination reduction and the lowest seedling vigor (1866.03) by T. padwickii. T padwickii also caused the highest reduction of seedling dry weight (36.12%) in this variety. The result reveals the diversity and prevalence of fungal pathogens in rice seeds. Hence, this study underscores the importance of seed sterilization practices in reducing fungal contamination and the requirement of thorough seed examination to reduce the effects of seed mycoflora associated with rice seeds, which could affect rice production.

Teacher education curricula have been innovated in Pakistan. The curricula recommends constructivist practices for teacher educators. The current study examined the instructional practices of teacher educators in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The overall objective of the study was to find out whether teacher educators (TE) used constructivist or traditional instructional practices in the Departments of Education (DoE) and Regional Institutes of Teacher Education (RITEs). Classroom observation protocol was developed for investigating the practices of 31 teachers, they were randomly selected from 211 teacher educators from 09 DoE in universities and 20 RITEs. Analysis of the data showed that teacher educators used most of the time traditional classroom practices, they did not use proper methods which could enable the prospective teachers to create knowledge, they transmitted knowledge, most of the teachers did not use constructivist practices and they did not have full cognizant of constructivist practices. Teachers did not come to the class well prepared for teaching for following constructivist practices. The study recommends training on constructivist practices, provision of a separate cadre of teacher educators in RITEs, and training on the use of information technology, and the provision of internet in teacher education institutes.

Hypothetical proteins (HPs) are those whose sequence is present but nothing is known about their structural and functional annotations. Elucidation of structural and functional insights would be effective enough in perceiving the protein interactions and their involvement in various pathways and networks. Ananas comosus is considered as third most essential tropical fruit and is given more consideration from the commercial point of view; therefore, in this research, it is taken for analysis using different approaches of bioinformatics. On the basis of subcellular localization and secondary structure analysis, it was suggested that HP is the nuclear protein consisting of α helices and more abundant coils. Homology modeling has been done through Swiss Model to determine their template structure but template identity score is not enough which uncover the fact that the protein OAY63476.1 is unpredicted in-vitro. In order to predict the 3D structure of protein, Phyre 2 server is utilized. Results are validated by different strategies revealing the stability of the developed model. The quality factor of this protein is 45.28. Functional analysis and domain identification have been performed by using NCBI-CDD and Pfam which suggested that protein contains ring variant domain. Comparative genome analysis has been performed with other proteins of plants which demonstrate that the selected protein has the highest similarity. This study paves the way in order to determine the structural and functional annotations of other uncharacterized proteins and effective in exploring other novel proteins along with their functions in the same way as that of this research study.

Achromatopsia (ACHM) is a genetically heterogeneous visual disorder, also known as rod monochromatism, in which human get affected due to cone cells. Mutation in five genes viz. CNGA3, CNGB3, GNAT2, PDE6C, and PDE6H have been reported in ACHM. These genes encode essential constitutes of the cone-specific photo transduction cascade. Present study was focused on CNGB3 gene that accounts 40%-50% mutations of all ACHM cases. A new approach for analyzing drug-drug interactions based on modularity was adopted. This approach depends on the behavioral relationship of drugs against CNGB3 for ACHM, particularly the ADME and toxicity between drugs. Data of 2475 compounds were retrieved, out of which 185 were selected on the basis of Lipinski rule of five. In total, eight clusters were made for which the strongly interacted DDI networks were build based on their modularity values. Strong DDI and minimum toxic values indicates that 5 drugs are effective, but on the basis of docking only 2 drugs indicated no bumps, which shows that they are most appropriate for treating ACHM. Our findings revealed that drug-drug interactions disclose the intervention of drug nature and can also successfully diagnose new indications and more convincing drugs for other diseases as well. Keywords: Achromatopsia, CNGB3, In silico, Integrated drugs

Nanocomposites consisting of polyvinyl alcohol embedded with nanoparticles of Zn0.80Co0.1Ni0.1Fe2O4 and ZnFe2O4 were successfully synthesized by employing a facile two-steps process. The nanoparticles of Zn0.80Co0.1Ni0.1Fe2O4 and ZnFe2O4 were synthesized via a micro emulsion procedure and then embedded into a polyvinyl alcohol matrix by an ultrasound-assisted in-situ emulsion. The result showed that the prepared nanoparticles of Zn0.80Co0.1Ni0.1Fe2O4 & ZnFe2O4 diffuse homogeneously in a polyvinyl alcohol matrix, maintaining the particle shape and size of the Zn0.80Co0.1Ni0.1Fe2O4 nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscope images revealed that polyvinyl alcohol chains have encircled the Zn0.80Co0.1Ni0.1Fe2O4 & ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles. The interaction between the polyvinyl alcohol and the nanoparticles in the prepared nanocomposites was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy via the shifting of bands revealed from the Fourier-transform infrared spectra. Dielectric studies explained the decreasing trend by varying concentrations of nanoparticles with a constant polymer concentration. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss both revealed a decreasing trend by varying the concentration of the nanoparticles with a constant polymer concentration. This occurred due to the grain boundary effect which becomes dominant at low frequencies. The Transmission electron microscope images result shows that polycrystalline Zn0.80Co0.1Ni0.1Fe2O4 & ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles with an average size of 10–15 nm were incorporated with PVA to form nanocomposites. Keywords: Nanocomposites, Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Ultrasound-assisted, In-situ emulsions

In this paper, we propose a partial randomized response technique to collect reliable sensitive data for estimation of population proportion in ranked set sampling (RSS) scheme using auxiliary information. The idea is to increase confidence and (or) co-operation of the respondents by providing them the option of both 'direct' and 'randomized' response for the inquired sensitive question. This option is quite logical because perception of sensitive (insensitive) inquiry can vary among respondents. The properties of the proposed method are discussed and compared with existing randomized response techniques. Cost analysis is also carried out to prove supremacy of the suggested method. Finally, an application to clinical trial on AIDS is included.

This paper considers the concomitant-based rank set sampling (CRSS) for estimation of the sensitive proportion. It is shown that CRSS procedure provides an unbiased estimator of the population sensitive proportion, and it is always more precise than corresponding sample sensitive proportion (Warner SL (1965)) that based on simple random sampling (SRS) without increasing sampling cost. Additionally, a new estimator based on ratio method is introduced using CRSS protocol, preserving the respondent's confidentiality through a randomizing device. The numerical results of these estimators are obtained by using numerical integration technique. An application to real data is also given to support the methods.

RNA silencing is a novel gene regulatory mechanism that confines the transcript level by either preventing translation or by the initiation of particular RNA degradation. Small interfering RNAs are regularly represented as the exogenously made or viral inducers of RNAi. Such small RNAs have been used in biomedical research for particular repression of genes. A small hairpin RNA is an artificially synthesized RNA molecule with a hairpin or loop like structure, that is inserted into the designed siRNA to induce interference. In this research work, computational techniques are used to design the siRNA and shRNA against the P53 gene. Approximately four target sites are identified in the p53 gene to which the siRNA and shRNA can bind, for each target site the siRNAs and shRNAs are designed as complementary sequence of the target site. Furthermore, a small hairpin RNA is inserted as a loop in the designed siRNA molecules for better results. This computational analysis of siRNA and shRNA can be further used with the help of in-vitro exploratory techniques to check efficacy and adequacy. Keywords: Gene silencing, Interference, Motifs, P53, siRNA, shRNA

Osteoporosis occurs because of the Calcitonin-Related Polypeptide Alpha (CALCA) gene. At present, Caltrate600, Boniva and Alendronate are viewed as dynamic drugs to cure osteoporosis. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia occurs because of the ABL1 proto oncogene. Currently, Rituximab, Fludarabine and Cytarabine are utilized as monoclonal antibodies against this ailment. Drug repositioning is a new rising field of reusing previous drugs, safeguarding retired drugs and developing licenses to make lives easy. The main objective of this research was repositioning of Alendronate and Cytarabine in order to use them in other diseases, too. Interactions of each of these drugs with many off-target proteins were identified. Alendronate presented strong interactions with FPPS, Hydroxylapatite, PTPRS, PTPRE, PTN4 and GGPPS. Cytarabine demonstrated strong interactions with DNA and DPOLB. After screening a great number of drugs which are accustomed to cure mutations of those off-target genes and proteins, their ill effects were compared, and it is suggested that Alendronate and Cytarabine have less side effects than different other drugs utilized for the same interacting targets. Both Alendronate and Cytarabine can be repositioned to cure well known carcinomas and different diseases.

Hypothetical proteins (HPs) are the proteins whose presence has been anticipated, yet in vivo function has not been built up. Illustrating the structural and functional privileged insights of these HPs might likewise prompt a superior comprehension of the protein-protein associations or networks in diverse types of life. Bananas (Musa acuminata spp.), including sweet and cooking types, are giant perennial monocotyledonous herbs of the order Zingiberales, a sister grouped to the all-around considered Poales, which incorporate oats. Bananas are crucial for nourishment security in numerous tropical and subtropical nations and the most prominent organic product in industrialized nations. In the present study, the hypothetical protein of M. acuminata (Banana) was chosen for analysis and modeling by distinctive bioinformatics apparatuses and databases. As indicated by primary and secondary structure analysis, XP_009393594.1 is a stable hydrophobic protein containing a noteworthy extent of α-helices; Homology modeling was done utilizing SWISS-MODEL server where the templates identity with XP_009393594.1 protein was less which demonstrated novelty of our protein. Ab initio strategy was conducted to produce its 3D structure. A few evaluations of quality assessment and validation parameters determined the generated protein model as stable with genuinely great quality. Functional analysis was completed by ProtFun 2.2, and KEGG (KAAS), recommended that the hypothetical protein is a transcription factor with cytoplasmic domain as zinc finger. The protein was observed to be vital for translation process, involved in metabolism, signaling and cellular processes, genetic information processing and Zinc ion binding. It is suggested that further test approval would help to anticipate the structures and functions of other uncharacterized proteins of different plants and living being.

This study aimed at exploring students’ perceptions of virtual espirit de corps, teamwork and team trust in distance learning environment based on team structure, team leadership, team situation monitoring, team mutual support and team communication. Descriptive survey design was used for research methodology. A self-constructed 5 point likert scale questionnaire containing 30 statements was administered to 100 randomly selected graduate level students enrolled in distance education. Results revealed that espirit de corps, team work and team trust need to be addressed rigorously if highly motivated team members are to be produced through distance education. Teachers may introduce online discussion forums, reflective videos and reflective blogs to enhance team work. In addition to this, teachers may serve as team leads and provide a base for espirit de corps.

Reflective practice and action research have captured the attention and imagination of educational community in the recent times. Both are considered to be inevitable and critical dimensions of professional development of teachers. Similarly, distance education is gaining popularity day by day, thus increasing the sense of responsibility for teachers as well as students enrolled. Educational institutions are dedicated to cater to diverse need of enrolled students by providing high quality education through emerging technologies. This article explores the critical part action research can play in enhancing reflective practices of teachers which may lead to their ultimate professional development. The article challenges the perceptions of distance education teachers about reflective practice and action research. It takes into account holistic view of both constructs as considering them inseparable elements for improving distance education teaching learning environment. This research suggests that distance education teachers are well aware of the importance of both, but process and practical implementation of action research as effective tool for reflective practice is need of the day. This target may only be achieved through administrative support, on-line sessions, monetary and non-monetary incentives for teachers and personal commitment. Practical implementation of conduction of action research in the domain of distance education may go a long way in improving the whole instructional environment.

This study introduces a new qualitative randomized response technique for gathering trust-worthy sensitive data using a perfect (imperfect) ranked set sampling design. This model takes into account the sizes (weights) of various balls on the randomizing device to choose one of the two questions (out of which one is sensitive); so the respondent feels, liberty in choosing balls. In this way, the likelihood of an honest response increases. It is established that the procedure is easy to apply and the estimate under the proposed model is more precise than the original Warner's randomized response model. In addition, an application to real medical data is considered. Finally, a cost analysis of the proposed model is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deficiency in soils limit plant growth. Consequently, chemical fertilizers are applied to fulfill crop nutrient demands. However, low nutrient utilization can make these fertilizers unprofitable for low-income smallholding farmers. Therefore, we studied the influence of Bradyrhizobium sp. and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (Pseudomonas) on N and P utilization by mungbean crop from fertilized nutrient-deficient soil. We inoculated novel Bradyrhizobium sp. TAL-377 and Pseudomonas sp. 54RB strains alone or their combination with seeds of mungbean varieties (C-MUNG, NM-06, and NM-11). A basal dose of chemical fertilizers was applied at the rate of 60 kg N and 90 kg P ha−1 in the form of urea and single super phosphate in all plots before crop sowing. All inocula increased soil mineral N and P compared to control (P < 0.05). Co-inoculation increased mineral N by 30%, 18%, and 18% than Bradyrhizobium sp. alone and increase in P was 22, 29 and 43% than Pseudomonas sp. in C-MUNG, NM-06, and NM-11, respectively. This resulted in 35%, 45%, and 36% higher shoot N uptakes than Bradyrhizobium sp., and 46%, 84%, and 62% higher shoot P uptake than Pseudomonas sp. in the varieties. Similarly, root nodulation, mungbean grains, and biological yields were higher in co-inoculation treatments than single strain (p <.05). Hence, co-inoculation of Bradyrhizobium sp. and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (Pseudomonas sp.) is a vital strategy to increase mungbean growth, yield, N and P utilization from chemical fertilizers applied in nutrient-deficient soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a partial randomized response technique to collect reliable sensitive data for estimation of population proportion in ranked set sampling (RSS) scheme using auxiliary information. The idea is to increase confidence and (or) co-operation of the respondents by providing them the option of both 'direct' and 'randomized' response for the inquired sensitive question. This option is quite logical because perception of sensitive (insensitive) inquiry can vary among respondents. The properties of the proposed method are discussed and compared with existing randomized response techniques. Cost analysis is also carried out to prove supremacy of the suggested method. Finally, an application to clinical trial on AIDS is included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the concomitant based double ranked set sampling (CDRSS) for estimating the population proportion and compares with existing concomitant based ranked set sampling (CRSS) and simple random sampling (SRS) schemes. Moreover, taking into account information on a single concomitant variable, we also develop ratio-and exponential-type estimators, along with their biases and mean square errors (MSEs) up to first order of approximation, for precisely estimating the population proportion using CRSS and CDRSS schemes. The advantages of the ratio-and exponential-type estimators over SRS estimator are investigated in terms of the relative precision. A real data application is also given to support the theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the concomitant-based rank set sampling (CRSS) for estimation of the sensitive proportion. It is shown that CRSS procedure provides an unbiased estimator of the population sensitive proportion, and it is always more precise than corresponding sample sensitive proportion (Warner SL (1965)) that based on simple random sampling (SRS) without increasing sampling cost. Additionally, a new estimator based on ratio method is introduced using CRSS protocol, preserving the respondent's confidentiality through a randomizing device. The numerical results of these estimators are obtained by using numerical integration technique. An application to real data is also given to support the methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) is one of the typhoidal Salmonellae that causes typhoid fever. We report the first case of an XDR S. Typhi in a suspected case of Endocarditis with Aortic Valve Replacement and deranged INR. The identification was carried out by an automated system. The antibiogram was performed according to CLSI recommendations. The XDR S. Typhi isolates were found resistant to Azithromycin. Although XDR S. Typhi has been reported in our country and elsewhere, however, till to date no complete resistant isolate of S. Typhi to Azithromycin has been reported in Pakistan. The patient had a smooth recovery on intravenous meropenem. The case highlights the importance of the acquisition of resistance to the last line antibiotics in S. Typhi in our country and is of concern to infectious disease specialists to ensure infection control to avoid its spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cost-effective and efficient sampling methods are of main concern in many social, biological and environmental studies. In this article, an efficient sampling scheme, named manipulation-based ranked set sampling (MBRSS) scheme is introduced with its properties for estimating population mean and median. The MBRSS is a mixture of simple random sampling (SRS), ranked set sampling (RSS) and median ranked set sampling (MRSS) schemes and is applicable in the situation when ordinary RSS cannot be conducted. It is shown that the proposed scheme provides unbiased mean estimator provided underlying distribution is symmetric. For asymmetric distributions, a weighted mean is proposed, where optimal weights are computed using Shannon's entropy. Monte Carlo simulation is used to ascertain effectiveness of the proposed mean and median estimators in the presence of outliers. We also compared the efficiency of MBRSS and truncation-based ranked set sampling (TBRSS) scheme with respect to SRS under the situation of perfect and imperfect ranking i.e error in rankings with respect to variable of interest. It is observed, on the basis of theoretical and numerical studies that MBRSS is more efficient than SRS. Further, a real data set is used to illustrate the proposed MBRSS scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine correlation between blood levels of high sensitivity c-reactive protein (Hs CRP) and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) on coronary angiography measured through Gensini scoring system. Study type, settings and duration: The descriptive case study was conducted at Rawalpindi institute of cardiology. The duration of study was six month. Patients and Methods: Adult patients of both genders between age 25 to 60 years visiting to outpatient department of the institute and registered for coronary angiogram were included. From each of the enrolled patient about 5cc venos blood sample was collected and Hs-CRP was performed. Severity was measured through Gensini score after coronary angiography. Angiographic Gensini scores were correlated with Hs-CRP using Pearson's correlation (2-tailed). Value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Total 87 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled among them 81.6% (n=71) were males and 18.4% (n=16) were females. The correlation coefficient was found to be 0.043, implying that there is negligible relationship between Hs-CRP and Gensini scores at p= 0.696. Conclusion: There is no significant correlation between Hs-CRP and severity of CAD measured through Gensini scores on coronary angiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Perinatal asphyxia is one of the most common causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality in most countries of the world. The objective of my study was to assess the correlation of clinical findings of perinatal asphyxia with cranial sonography in full term babies. Study Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Children's Hospital Multan. Period: January 2016 to October 2016. Material and Methods: 100 full term babies having history of delayed cry were scanned within three days of birth in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Children's Hospital Multan. Clinically findings including full term babies, birth weight, grunting, cyanosis history of mode delivery, resuscitation history, delayed cry and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) grades were taken from baby's hospital file record and standard images including coronal and sagittal plans were taken by Ultrasound machine probe of frequency 3-5 MHz. Findings were recorded on data collection sheets and spread on EXEL sheets. Correlation was found by using SPSS software. Result: Out of 100 neonates 63 were male and 37 were female with birth weight (2.4-3.6) having mean ± SD 3.08 ± 0.53. HIE grades (mild, moderate and severe) were found in 12, 83, 5 babies respectively and ultrasound grades 0 (normal/ mild echogenic), grade 1 (moderate echogenic) and grade 2 (severe/generalized echogenic) were found in 32, 52, 16 neonates respectively with r= 0.37 and P-value < 0.05 showing moderate positive correlation. Conclusion: Cranial ultrasound is a good screening tool to evaluate asphyxiated neonatal brain. It has a moderate positive correlation with clinical findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a double robust truncation based ranked set sampling (DRTBRSS) for estimating population mean and median. It provides unbiased estimator of population mean under symmetric population and its efficiency dominates the efficiency of conventional estimators based on ranked set sampling (RSS), truncation based rank set sampling (TBRSS) and simple random sampling (SRS). Monte Carlo simulation, based on perfect ranking and ranking based on auxiliary variable, is used under symmetric and asymmetric distributions to evaluate effectiveness of the proposed sampling method. Further, a real data set is used to illustrate the proposed sampling design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective was to determine accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of ureteric calculi confirmed on non-contrast Computed Tomography among patients with acute ureteric colic. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Emergency Department of Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Period: 11-07-2012 to 10-01-2013. Materials and Methods: 100 consecutive patients presenting with acute severe ureteric colic and fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled for the study from the emergency department of Nishtar Hospital Multan. Ultrasonography was done in all patients and USG findings were recorded for the presence or absence of hyperechoic shadows in the ureteric. All the patients underwent CT scan to confirm or refute the findings of Ultrasonography. Result: Mean age of the patients was 37.85 + 12.60 years. Males were 53 (53%) while females were 47 (47%). Mean duration of pain before presentation was 14.81 + 6.20 hours. Mean severity of pain on visual analogue scale was 9.40 + 0.8. Overall 79 patients were diagnosed as having ureteric calculi. Ultrasonography detected the ureteric stone in 75 patients and was all found to have stone on CT scan and represented true positives. Among 25 patients in whom ultrasound did not demonstrate any stone, 4 were found to have ureteric stone on CT scan thus representing false negative whereas 21 (84%) were confirmed on CT scan not to have any stone, thus representing True negatives. The sensitivity of USG for detection of ureteric stone was found to be 94.9%, the specificity was 100%, and positive predictive value was 100% while negative predictive value was 84%. There was no significant effect of age or gender on the accuracy of ultrasound. Conclusion: Ultrasonography is a readily available, non-invasive and reliable investigation in patients presenting with acute flank pain to diagnose ureteric stones with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity approaching 95%. Thus it is recommended that it should be used routinely for the evaluation of patients presenting with acute flank pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender, being a substantial dynamic in establishing the philosophy of language use, language ideology and difference in the process of language preference, is an irrefutable and prospective disposition of a given socio-linguistic fiber. Present study aims at investigating and analyzing the discernible socio-linguistic phenomenon of language preferences exhibited by varied gender categories in Pakistan. It is directed towards analyzing how gender along with other social factors plays its role in determining linguistic attitudes in social mosaic of Pakistan. Over two hundred people were chosen through convenient sampling technique from different cities of Pakistan in order to explore their opinion regarding given issue. Results of the study reveal that women tend to associate themselves with emblematic capital, English, for their societal standing and repute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aging is a complex biological process characterized by the gradual decline of cellular functions, increased susceptibility to diseases, and impaired stress responses. Hypoxia, defined as reduced oxygen availability, is a critical factor that influences aging through molecular pathways involving hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs), oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetic modifications. This review explores the interconnected roles of hypoxia in aging, highlighting how hypoxic conditions exacerbate cellular damage, promote senescence, and contribute to age‐related pathologies, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, metabolic dysfunctions, and pulmonary conditions. By examining the molecular mechanisms linking hypoxia to aging, we identify key pathways that serve as potential therapeutic targets. Emerging interventions such as HIF modulators, antioxidants, senolytics, and lifestyle modifications hold promise in mitigating the adverse effects of hypoxia on aging tissues. However, challenges such as the heterogeneity of aging, lack of reliable biomarkers, and safety concerns regarding hypoxia‐targeted therapies remain. This review emphasizes the need for personalized approaches and advanced technologies to develop effective antiaging interventions. By integrating current knowledge, this review provides a comprehensive framework that underscores the importance of targeting hypoxia‐induced pathways to enhance healthy aging and reduce the burden of age‐related diseases.

IntroductionThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has posed extraordinary challenges to global health systems and economies. The virus’s rapid evolution has resulted in several variants of concern (VOCs), including the highly transmissible Omicron variant, characterized by extensive mutations. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity, population differentiation, and evolutionary dynamics of the Omicron VOC during the fifth wave of COVID-19 in Pakistan.MethodsA total of 954 Omicron genomes sequenced during the fifth wave of COVID-19 in Pakistan were analyzed. A Bayesian framework was employed for phylogenetic reconstructions, molecular dating, and population dynamics analysis.ResultsUsing a population genomics approach, we analyzed Pakistani Omicron samples, revealing low within-population genetic diversity and significant structural variation in the spike (S) protein. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Omicron variant in Pakistan originated from two distinct lineages, BA.1 and BA.2, which were introduced from South Africa, Thailand, Spain, and Belgium. Omicron-specific mutations, including those in the receptor-binding domain, were identified. The estimated molecular evolutionary rate was 2.562E-3 mutations per site per year (95% HPD interval: 8.8067E-4 to 4.1462E-3). Bayesian skyline plot analysis indicated a significant population expansion at the end of 2021, coinciding with the global Omicron outbreak. Comparative analysis with other VOCs showed Omicron as a highly divergent, monophyletic group, suggesting a unique evolutionary pathway.ConclusionsThis study provides a comprehensive overview of Omicron’s genetic diversity, genomic epidemiology, and evolutionary dynamics in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for global collaboration in monitoring variants and enhancing pandemic preparedness.

Aeshna mixta (Latreille 1805) is added to the Anisoptera fauna of Pakistan by reporting it from district Neelum of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Geopolitically the study area lies in an area facing uncertain ground conditions since inception of Pakistan. It is a hard to reach valley between India and Pakistan, very close to the line of control. Out of twenty sampling sites, specimens of Aeshna mixta were found from fifteen localities of the district. With the addition of this taxon, Anisoptera fauna of Pakistan now count 74 species. The area under district Neelum represents many lush green valleys with lots of natural water bodies that support a broad complex of Odonata. More surveys in the area are suggested to unveil more important records from the area.

Objective: To investigate if neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) predicts in-hospital adverse events and mortality, and shortterm (30-day) mortality in ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients thrombolysed with streptokinase (SK)., Study Design: An observational study., Place and Duration of Study: Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, from June 2014 till January 2015., Methodology: The STEMI patients, thrombolysed with SK had blood samples at admission, analysed for complete blood counts and NLR calculated. They were grouped into two, low and high NLR, taking 4.50 as cut-off. Chi square test was used to compare rate of adverse events and death in hospital stay. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare median NLR between patients died and discharged alive. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate predictive ability of NLR for 30-day mortality., Results: Atotal of 145 (45.3%) patients had complications; 49 (15.3%) died in hospital, and 13 (4.06%) died in 30 days. Patients in high NLR group had higher rate of complications (63.5% vs. 25.5%, p <0.0001) and death (19.2% vs. 11.1%, p=0.046) in hospital than those in low NLR group. Cardiogenic shock (27.5% vs.11.1%, p <0.0001), heart failure (19.2% vs. 7.2%, p=0.002), arrhythmias (18% vs. 6.5%, p <0.0001), reinfarct/angina (9.6% vs.2% p=0.004) occurred more in high NLR group. Median NLR in patients died was higher than those discharged alive (7.46 vs. 4.70, p <0.0001). Regression analysis showed NLR an independent predictor of mortality (OR 1.131 at 95% CI, p = 0.029). Age, serum creatinine, Killip class were other predictors (p=0.002 and p=0.02, respectively). ROC curve showed AUC 0.908 (p <0.0001)., Conclusion: Ahigh NLR predicted increased in hospital complication rate, and in-hospital as well as 30-day mortality in STEMI patients thrombolysed with streptokinase.

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of chest X-Ray in tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration among group of children in southern Punjab., Methods: The Cross sectional/comparative diagnostic procedural study was conducted in the Department of Radiology, Nishtar Medical College and Children Hospital Complex. Multan from January 2009-January 2011. Chest CT was performed in 45 consecutive children with suspected foreign body aspiration, and plain chest X-ray was evaluated at the same time. Multi-planar reformatted imaging with virtual bronchoscopy was carried out after Multidetector CT examination. Findings on plain X-Ray and CT scan chest were noted in each patient., Results: All 42 (100%) patients with tracheobronchial foreign bodies were identified by chest CT. Three patients avoided unnecessary operations due to negative CT scan for foreign body with alternate diagnosis. Right main stem bronchus was the most common location of foreign body 20 (47.6%) and air trapping was the most common associated finding (28.5%). Sixteen of the 45 (35.5%) patients had no abnormalities on plain X-Ray. The difference between Multi-detector CT and plain X-Ray results was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV). negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of chest X-Ray in this study were 66.6%, 50%, 89.6%, 18.7% and 64.4% respectively., Conclusion: Chest X-Ray is not specific for diagnosis of foreign body aspiration and a normal chest X-Ray does not always rule out the diagnosis of foreign body aspiration in patients with a history suggestive of foreign body aspiration and positive physical examination.

Objective: To determine the frequency of risk factors in male patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome., Study Design: Observational study., Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology and National Institute of Heart Diseases, Rawalpindi, from October 2007 to September 2008., Methodology: Male patients with acute coronary syndrome were included in this study. Patients having angioplasty (PCI), coronary artery bypass surgery, chronic liver and kidney diseases were excluded. Presence of diabetes, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, physical activity, stress, a family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and medication was documented. Blood pressure, ECG, cardiac enzymes, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile and echocardiography were done within 24 hours of admission. Body mass index and waist circumference were measured. Data was analysed using SPSS-15., Results: A total of 135 male patients of ACS were studied having mean age of 54.26±11.60 years. Maximum number of patients aged between 51 to 60 years, (n = 41, 31.9%). STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) was diagnosed in 96 (71.1%) patients, non-STEMI in 12 (8.9%) while 27 (20%) patients were having unstable angina. Smoking was documented in 60 (44%) patients, hypertension in 50 (37%), diabetes in 34 (25.2%) and a family history of premature CAD was recorded in 24 (17.8%) patients. Fifty one (37.8%) patients were overweight (BMI = 25-29.9) while 22 (16.3%) were obese (BMI ³ 30). Waist circumference > 90 cm was found in 86 (63.6%) subjects. Sixty four (47.4%) patients were active physically. Psychosocial stress was documented in 33 (23.75). Hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia were the most frequent combinations, observed in 24 (17.9%) subjects., Conclusion: Dyslipidemia, smoking, hypertension and diabetes were most frequent risk factors. Public awareness to control risk factors can reduce the prevalence of CAD.