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Medical and dental professionals should continue to adhere to preventive measures after COVID-19 vaccination due to their increased risk of exposure to the virus, particularly as new variants emerge that may heighten their risk perception and susceptibility. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects of COVID-19 vaccination on complacency to adherence to COVID-19 preventive behavioral measures and mental health among medical and dental professionals. In this cross-sectional study 410 medical and dental professionals were recruited from different medical and dental hospitals in Islamabad, Pakistan. The data was collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire comprising of three sections (socio-demographic, information of preventive behaviors performance against COVID-19 after vaccination, mental health status). A chi-square test and ordinal logistic regression were used for analysis. Post COVID-19 vaccination there was decrease in the frequency of use of hand washing, sanitizers (70.2%), and social distancing (60.5%), however greeting with a handshake (58.8%) and use of public transport (45.9%) seen upward trend among participants. Only face mask usage post-vaccination was statistically significant (p

BackgroundMental and psychological health issues are on the rise globally. People with disabilities are at greater risk of poor psychological quality of life especially after covid-19 pandemic. Along with other factors physical activity (PA) may have a significant effect on mental health. This study aims to analyze the difference of PA participation and sitting time among people with and without disabilities and their association with psychological quality of life.MethodsA standard questionnaire was used to collect the data from disabled and non-disabled participants above 15 years of age. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed to yield statistical results.ResultsTotal study sample consisted of 359 participants (67.7% without disability and 32.3% with disability). Participants without disabilities reported a significantly better psychological quality of life (QOL) (Mean score = 68) as compared to the ones with disabilities (Mean score = 61), (p < 0.01). There was significant difference between the sitting time of two groups with longer sitting time among people with disabilities (6.1 h/day) as compared to non-disabled (5.3 h). Optimum level of PA was strongly associated with better psychological quality of life among individuals without disabilities (p = 0.00). Younger age (p = 0.00) and being single (p = 0.01) were significant predictors of poor psychological health among non-disables. Increase in sedentary sitting time was significantly associated with poor psychological quality of life among both groups.ConclusionsTailored health policies to encourage PA and reduce sitting hours should be formulated to improve psychological health with special focus on individuals with disabilities. Future studies with large sample size are recommended to validate the current results and further explore the difference in association of PA and psychological wellbeing in people with and without disabilities.

Background: Overweight and obesity (OO) are significant public health issues, and many elements, including genetics, epigenetics, sedentary lifestyle, comorbid conditions, psychological and environmental pressures, have been linked to OO. More than 2 billion people are presently impacted by the global obesity epidemic, which is still advancing relentlessly. It is a significant public health concern and a major contributor to healthcare costs, because it increases the chance of developing conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Using the ranges of 18.5–25 for normality, 25–30 for overweight, and 30 for obesity, BMI (in kg/m2) is used to identify obesity. Vitamin deficiency is one of the causative factors associated with the increasing trend of obesity. Altered vitamin B12 status is a multifactorial trait; changes in B12 status are produced by several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in various genes that interact with the environment. They also support coordinated efforts to alter the built environment that is causing the obesity pandemic. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the TCN-2 (776C>G) gene alteration and vitamin B12 levels with respect to different body mass index, as well as associating BMI with other biochemical parameters. Methods: 250 individuals were involved in the study; among them, 100 were in the healthy weight range category (BMI: 18.5 to 2), 100 were overweight (BMI: 25.0 to 2), and 50 were obese (BMI: >30 kg/m2). Participants visited during the screening program were subjected to blood pressure measurement, and further peripheral blood samples were drawn from all the participants in plain as well as in EDTA vials for biochemical (lipid profile and vitamin B12 level) analysis and single nucleotide polymorphism studies. Extracted DNA from whole blood collected in EDTA vials using kit protocol was used for genotyping by PCR-RFLP. Results: The levels of systolic (p < 0.0001) and diastolic blood pressures (p < 0.0001), HDL (p < 0.0001), LDL (p = 0.04), TG (p < 0.0001), cholesterol (p < 0.0001), and VLDL (p < 0.0001) showed significant differences between healthy controls, overweight, and obese groups. The healthy control TCN-2 (776C>G) genotypes were compared with those of overweight and obese participants, and compared to the healthy controls it was observed that overweight (p = 0.01) and obese (p = 0.002) subjects had significant differences in TCN-2 (776C>G) genotypes. For genotypes CG and GG, the odds ratio was 1.61 (0.87–2.95; p = 0.12), and 3.81 (1.47–9.88; p = 0.005) for overweight participants, respectively, and obese participants’ calculated odds ratios were 2.49 (1.16–5.36; p = 0.01) and 5.79 (1.93–17.35; p = 0.001), respectively. The relative risk for genotypes CG and GG, was 1.25 (0.93–1.68; p = 0.12), 2.17 (1.12–4.17; p = 0.02) for overweight participants, while the obese participants’ calculated relative risks were 1.31 (1.03–1.68; p = 0.01) and 2.02 (1.12–3.65; p = 0.001), respectively. Vitamin B12 levels were analyzed, and it was observed that a significant difference existed among overweight (305.5 pmol/L, p < 0.0001) and obese patients (229 pmol/L, p < 0.0001), respectively, as compared to healthy controls (385.5 pmol/L). Correlation analysis showed a significant association of vitamin B12 level with TG, cholesterol and VLDL; it showed a negative correlation, suggesting that decreases in B12 levels may impact the lipid profile. Conclusion: The study concluded that a predisposition to the GG genotype of TCN-2 gene polymorphism (776C>G) may increase susceptibility to obesity and the related complications, and higher odds and relative risk for the GG genotype may increase the risk of having obesity and further related complications. Lower vitamin B12 levels were linked with obesity and overweight, and impaired lipid parameters suggested that lower vitamin B12 may impact the altered lipid profile.

Introduction: Yerba mate tea, a concoction made from the leaf extracts of the tree Ilex paraguariensis, is a broadly consumed non alcoholic beverage in Latin America which is gaining rapid introduction into the world market. Aim: To explore the influence of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) powder and beverage on induced hypercholesterolemic rats. Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out for a duration of one year from February 2020 to January 2021 at University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia, on 48 male Albino rats divided into six subgroups; Control (-) group: group fed a basal diet. Rats in the other five groups fed on basal diet containing 2% cholesterol + 0.25% bile salts for two weeks to induce hypercholesterolemia. Then those rats were subdivided into: control (+) group: group that remained hypercholesterolemic. Yerba Mate Powdered (YMP) 15% group: fed on hypercholesterolemic diet + YMP15%; YMP 10% Group: fed on hypercholesterolemic diet + YMP10%; Yerba Mate Beverage (YMB) 15% group: fed on a hypercholesterolemic diet + YMB 15%; and YMB 10% group: fed on a hypercholesterolemic diet + YMB 10%. Results: It was found that, with increasing the amount of Yerba Mate powder or beverage, the total cholesterol, triglycerides, Low Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (LDL-C), Aspartate Transaminase (ALT), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), urea nitrogen and glucose levels decreased significantly (p

The biological samples used in forensics can contain DNA which is highly fragmented as a consequence of exposure to any of the numerous degrading factors. Analysis of the sequence or size of the products of Polymerase chain reaction is at present responsible for the analysis of remains of humans in forensics. Despite the effectiveness of protocols based on PCR, there are certain limitations that are presented by the low numbers of copies of the template and the variations that are imposed by the decaying process to the template. The primary aim of this research is to explore the significance of autosomal SNPs in forensic science through the identification of humans at a crime scene. This study provides an exploration of the applicability of autosomal SNPs for the identification of humans at crime scene. This would fill the gap present in the current literature regarding the significance of autosomal SNPs in the identification of humans during crime scene investigation. It will also enable the identification of the criminals involved in several types of the crimes ranging from general theft to rape and sexual assault, murder, and robberies. It will also allow the identification of dead bodies in cases where it is difficult to identify the dead person due to unrecognizable condition of the body. This study will facilitate the improvement of the investigation of crime scene investigators. It will provide a significant way for the incorporation of recent techniques of the molecular genetics into forensics. Reduction in the workload of the crime scene investigators would also occur through the implementation of outcomes of this study into the field of forensic science. There are several studies which have demonstrated the applicability of SNPs in forensic investigations for identifying the humans at crime scene. Several effective and efficient technological systems have been developed by the researchers which are capable of performing analysis of biological samples containing degraded DNA because SNPs can be obtained from these samples. Physical characteristics of the individuals can be predicted through the analysis of SNPs. This can provide significant information about the color of eye, hair and skin of the individuals involved in crime.

Diabetes is emerging as an epidemic and is becoming a public health concern worldwide. Diabetic nephropathy is one of the serious complications of diabetes, and about 40% of individuals with diabetes develop diabetic nephropathy. The consistent feature of diabetes and its associated nephropathy is hyperglycemia, and in some cases, hyperamylinemia. Currently, the treatment includes the use of medication for blood pressure control, sugar control, and cholesterol control, and in the later stage requires dialysis and kidney transplantation, making the management of this complication very difficult. Bioactive compounds, herbal medicines, and extracts are extensively used in the treatment and prevention of several diseases, and some are reported to be efficacious in diabetes too. Therefore, in this study, we tried to identify the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals used in in silico docking and molecular dynamic simulation studies using a library of 5284 phytochemicals against the two potential targets of type 2 diabetes-associated nephropathy. We identified two phytochemicals (i.e., gentisic acid and michelalbine) that target human amylin peptide and dipeptidyl peptidase-4, respectively, with good binding affinity. These phytochemicals can be further evaluated using in vitro and in vivo studies for their anti-hyperglycemia and anti-hyperamylinemia effects.

This article is based on ‘use of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) in human identification, from skin to genes’. DNA has been used as a vital element in the identification of the individuals on the basis of the human genes. The study is based on secondary data analysis. The sources were analyzed critically, and information relevant to the research was extracted. Many different kinds of libraries, journals and articles were reviewed in order to gain extensive insight about the proposed study. Some of the databases include Google scholar, sage publications and other relevant websites. Today, the accuracy of DNA tests requires a commitment to quality scientific excellence, since the results may be crucial for resolving cases of child custody, inheritance, assaults, identification of biological remains or finding the missing link in searching the lineage of an adopted.

Objective To ascertain association of raised BMI with Testosterone levels among infertile males. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted from April 2010 to March 2011. Sample size was 300 males (147 infertile and 153 healthy fertile control subjects) aged 30 and 60 years, selected from the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC), Aziz Medical Center and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi. All the subjects were grouped to BMI criteria (Ascian pacific region for WHO). They were selected by purposive sampling after a detailed medical history and physical examination. Semen analysis was done and blood samples were collected for serum Testosterone levels. Data was analyzed via SPSS 16.0 by using Analysis of Variances (ANOVA) and independent t test to compare the means and to observe sensitivity of tests and to evaluate the significant association with in the group. Results A significant negative correlation existed between Testosterone and BMI .Raised BMI appear to have an association with male infertility with the reduction in Testosterone levels. Conclusion Obesity is confirmed as risk factor for male infertility in local population.

Background: Lead is a poisonous metal and is widely used in daily life. Increased use of lead in industry, and its excessive inhalation and ingestion can adversely affect the major biological functions in human body. This study was conducted to determine the serum lead levels and its toxic effects on hematological indices. Material & Methods: This descriptive study was carried out in 70 male car painters working in Lahore. Blood lead concentrations was determined by atomic absorption spectrometer. Serum lead levels were observed and hematological changes were also checked. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 20. Results: The 70 car painters were divided on basis of exposure into two groups; one with 10 years. The age range from 25 to 45 years with a mean of 30.41±4.99. The serum lead levels ranged from 10.40μg/dL to 24.40μg/dL with mean 15.34±3.44. The difference in means of the two groups was statistically insignificant (p=0.25). RBC count ranged from 4.07x106/μL to 5.85x106/μL with mean 5.00±0.36. The difference in means of two groups was statistically insignificant (p=0.13). Hb of car painters ranged from 9.0 g/dL to 17.40 g/dL with mean 14.34±1.13. The difference in means of the two groups was statistically insignificant (p value 0.18). HCT ranged from 36.1% to 48.40% with a mean of 41.74±2.38. The difference in means of the two groups was statistically significant (p=0.003). MCV ranged from 78.4fL to 97.40fL with a mean of 84.72±4.10 (p=0.51). MCH ranged from 18.0 to 33.70 with a mean of 28.90±2.18. The difference of means in two groups was statis¬tically insignificant (p value 0.86). MCHC of the subjects ranged from 19.7 to 36.7 with a mean of 33.56±2.09. The difference in means of MCHC in two groups was statistically insignificant (p=0.32). The mean values of Red Blood Cell count among the two groups was 4.951 and 5.082 respectively but were statistically insignificant with a p value of 0.139. Conclusion: Serum lead levels were below the safety limits in all the subjects. The duration of exposure had no effects on call the hematological indices except hematocrit.

In this study, perception and preferences of the medical students™ studying at Dow International Medical Collegehave been described about the use of different teaching aids. Methods: Cross sectional survey was conducted on a stratified random sample of 200 undergraduate medicalstudentsduring the month of October 2010at Dow International Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan. Results: 80% of the students responded to the questions asked. Over all 40% of the students chose PowerPointpresentations as a reliable mode of teaching and favoured it as interesting and interactive teaching aid overProblem Based Learning (28.8%), Audio visual Aid (18.6%) and White Board (12%). They believe thatPowerPoint provides a better learning experience as compared to other teaching tools. Projectors as a teachingtool was rejected by the students. Conclusion: This article serves as a source of valuable information for the faculty members. Students havechosen PowerPoint presentations as the best teaching aid and have preferred the integration of different teachingtools for better understanding. Teachers will be able to use this information to develops better understandingabout the subject matter among students by considering their learning style preferences. It will also facilitatethem in developing interest and active participation of students in the classroom.

Background: High blood pressure is an under-diagnosed condition and it damages the body with no or only mild symptoms. In Pakistan 19% people of age 15 or above suffer from high blood pressure. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of high blood pressure among apparently healthy population. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study, conducted from May 2009 to September 2009, at Dow University of Health Sciences, Ojha Campus, Karachi. With convenient sampling technique, the total study population was 124 with male to female ratio of 1.2:1. The employees of the University, both faculty and supporting staff, who were not known cases of high blood pressure, and who consented to participate, were included in the study. Results: The hypertensives found were 11(9%) and 8(6.5%) were in the pre-hypertension category. There was no difference of normal BP among faculty and supporting staff (84.8% and 84.2% respectively). Four (3.2%) study subjects were going for regular walk, and they were normotensive. The smokers were 15(12%), and all the 5 smokers among 15 of more than 10 years’ duration were having high BP. Conclusion: A substantial number of study population did not have idea of having high BP, a vast majority was having sedentary life-style. There is need to promote awareness regarding hypertension and its risk factors and a healthy lifestyle.

Introduction: Yerba mate tea, a concoction made from the leaf extracts of the tree Ilex paraguariensis, is a broadly consumed non alcoholic beverage in Latin America which is gaining rapid introduction into the world market. Aim: To explore the influence of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) powder and beverage on induced hypercholesterolemic rats. Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out for a duration of one year from February 2020 to January 2021 at University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia, on 48 male Albino rats divided into six subgroups; Control (-) group: group fed a basal diet. Rats in the other five groups fed on basal diet containing 2% cholesterol + 0.25% bile salts for two weeks to induce hypercholesterolemia. Then those rats were subdivided into: control (+) group: group that remained hypercholesterolemic. Yerba Mate Powdered (YMP) 15% group: fed on hypercholesterolemic diet + YMP15%; YMP 10% Group: fed on hypercholesterolemic diet + YMP10%; Yerba Mate Beverage (YMB) 15% group: fed on a hypercholesterolemic diet + YMB 15%; and YMB 10% group: fed on a hypercholesterolemic diet + YMB 10%. Results: It was found that, with increasing the amount of Yerba Mate powder or beverage, the total cholesterol, triglycerides, Low Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (LDL-C), Aspartate Transaminase (ALT), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), urea nitrogen and glucose levels decreased significantly (p<0.05) and the best result belonged to the group of rats that fed on Yerba Mate 15% powder. Conclusion: It can be concluded that, supplementation with high percentage of Yerba Mate powder (15%) exerts a positive impact on the lipid profile and other biochemical parameters in hypercholesterolemic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]