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Objective: To study association between spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and clinical symptoms in liver cirrhosis. Study Design: cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital Kharian, from Jul 2019 to Apr 2020. Methodology: A total of 122 patients of liver cirrhosis (irrespective of aetiology), presented with various clinical symptoms such as fever, pain abdomen and hepatic encephalopathy were randomly selected. Patients between 18-80 years of age, were included in the study. Asymptomatic patients, with ascites other than liver cirrhosis were excluded. Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis was defined as positive ascitic fluid culture and/or ascitic polymorphonuclear leukocyte ≥250 cells/mm3 in ascitic fluid. Results: Of the 122 randomly selected patients, the mean age was 56.5 ± 20.2 years. Forty-Five (46.8%) were male and 67 (54.2%) patients were female. Chronic Hepatitis C was the commonest cause of liver cirrhosis (92%). The frequency of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was 37.7%. Majority, (83%) of the culture positive ascitic isolate was Gram negative bacilli and E.coli (72%) being the commonest organism isolated. Severe ascites, high International Normalized Ratio (INR), hepatic encephalopathy, fever, low ascetic fluid protein count, high serum bilirubin and creatinine were considered to be independent predictor of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis. Conclusion: Clinical symptoms of fever, hepatic encephalopathy, severe ascites, International Normalized ratio high and deranged renal profile was highly suggestive of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in cirrhotic patients.

Ninety days study was conducted in hapas installed in earthen ponds. Fish of an average initial weight (220g) were evenly distributed in triplicate groups within fifteen hapas. Five experimental diets labeled as T1 (25% CP and NRC recommended amino acid level) as control diet, T2 (with 2% low protein and 5% amino acid supplementation), T3 (with 2% low protein and 10% amino acid supplementation), T4 (with 4% low protein and 10% amino acid supplementation) and T5 (with 4% low protein and 20% amino acid supplementation) were prepared. Fish were fed with @3% of their body weight twice a day at 10.00 & 16:00 hour. Significantly higher percent weight gain (420.18 ± 66.84a) and specific growth rate (13499.33±1273.54a) along with improved feed conversion ratio (1.29 ± 0.09b) and hundred percent survivals were recorded during the trial. Furthermore proximate analysis of meat showed significant improvement in the crude protein level (81.77 ± 0.19a) served with diet containing 20% limiting amino acids mixture. Therefore, limiting amino acids can be a source of cost effective feed and use safely in L. rohita diet. Resumo O estudo de 90 dias foi realizado em hapas instalados em tanques de terra. Peixes com peso inicial médio (220 g) foram distribuídos uniformemente em grupos triplicados em 15 hapas. Cinco dietas experimentais rotuladas como T1 (25% de CP e NRC recomendado nível de aminoácidos) como dieta controle, T2 (com 2% de proteína baixa e 5% de suplementação de aminoácidos), T3 (com 2% de proteína baixa e 10% de suplementação de aminoácidos), T4 (com 4% de baixa proteína e 10% de suplementação de aminoácidos) e T5 (com 4% de baixa proteína e 20% de suplementação de aminoácidos) foram preparadas. Os peixes foram alimentados com 3% do seu peso corporal duas vezes por dia às 10h00 e 16h00. Ganho de peso significativamente maior (420,18 ± 66,84a) e taxa de crescimento específico (13499,33 ± 1273,54a) juntamente com taxa de conversão alimentar melhorada (1, 29 ± 0,09b) e sobrevivência de cem por cento foram registrados durante o ensaio. Além disso, a análise aproximada da carne mostrou melhora significativa no nível de proteína bruta (81,77 ± 0,19a) servida com dieta contendo 20% de mistura de aminoácidos limitantes. Portanto, a limitação de aminoácidos pode ser uma fonte de alimentação econômica e usada com segurança na dieta de L. rohita.

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of Silica gel on the growth and yield of Camelina sativa. A pot experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications at Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Agronomy, PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi. The experiment consisted of 4 levels (0.15 mg/g, 0.30 mg/g, 0.45 mg/g and 0.60 mg/g) of each mentioned nutrient along with control. The data were recorded and analyzed according to recommended procedure for following parameters viz., germination %, root and shoot length (cm), root and shoot biomass (g), relative water content of leaf and leaf membrane stability index. It was observed that 0.60 mg/g silica gel application increased the seed germination (80%), root length (6.67) cm, shoot length (35.33) cm, root biomass (1.7) g, shoot biomass (5.57) g, relative water content of leaf (0.69) and leaf membrane stability index (0.07). The study concluded that significant effect of silica gel application is crucial and important to improve vegetative attributes of false flax.

Objectives: To see the detrimental effects of arsenic kushta (kushta-e-Sammulfur) induced toxicity in wistar rats. Study Design: Experimental Study. Setting: Department of Morbid Anatomy and Histopathology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore. Period: 02nd June 2016 to 30th September 2016. Material & Methods: This experimental study was conducted on a total of 48 wistar rats, each weighing approximately, 200-300grams. These rats were then randomly divided into four groups each of them comprising of 12 rats. Group I was taken as a control group which was given flour pellets. Group II was given a single dose of 180 mg/kg of arsenic kushta for 2 weeks, whereas Groups III was given 150 mg/kg of arsenic kushta only for 12 weeks and Group IV was also given dose of 150 mg/kg of arsenic kushta along with 75mg of Bovine Serum Albumin for 12 weeks. Histopathological changes were then seen in the germinal epithelium, stages of spermatogenesis and insterstitium of testes of rats. Results: Changes in germinal epithelium, stages of spermatogenesis and interstitium were seen in all the above groups except group 1 which was the control group. Maximum changes were seen in groups C and D which were given high doses of arsenic kushta along with injection of bovine serum albumin. Conclusion: Arsenic kushta preparation of kushta-e-Summulfur causes testicular toxicity in wistar rats and have similar toxic effects in human beings.

Background Methylmalonic acidemia with homocystinuria is caused by a rare inborn error of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) metabolism. There are four complementation classes of cobalamin defects cblC, cblD, cblF, and cblJ that are responsible for combined methylmalonic acidemia and homocystinuria. Case presentation We report a case of a Pakistani family composed of six children diagnosed with methylmalonic acidemia and homocystinuria (MMA + HCU). Mutation analysis of siblings revealed a variable combination of c.394C>T mutation in the MMACHC gene and c.262_264del in CD320 gene. All siblings had variable age of onset, initial symptomatology, the severity of disease, and response to treatment. The maximum age of presentation was 6.5 years and the minimum age was at birth. The spectrum of symptoms ranged from a subtle learning disability to global developmental delay within the same family. None of them had a seizure disorder, megaloblastic anemia, visual disturbance, and vascular events.CD320 defect itself is very rare, and only 12 cases have been reported so far. We report six cases, four of them had homozygous MMACHC variant c.394C>T and the other two had heterozygous MMACHC mutations in c.394C>T and c.262_264del in CD 320 genes. To date, neither such case has been reported in the literature or this compound heterozygous mutation. Conclusion Our case report emphasizes that the diagnosis of inherited metabolic disorder in a child obviates the need to screen all siblings for the same disorder.

Objective: To find the probable role of Homocysteine as a prognostic indicator for women with Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension and comparison of Homocysteine Levels in Normal Versus pre-eclamptic women. Study Design: Cross Sectional Comparative study. Setting: Gynecology Unit of Lahore General Hospital, Lahore. Period: May 2017 to Oct 2017. Material & Methods: Thirty four consented pre-eclamptic pregnant women with age range 29 to 35 years were included in the study. 20 age matched pregnant women with no history of any clinical problem were taken as controls. A questionnaire based on age, obstetric details including detail of gravida, family history etc was filled by both subjects and controls. Anthropometric parameters were noted based on height and weight. Blood sample of both patients and controls was drawn for estimation of blood urea, serum creatinine, and homocysteine. Results: Mean age of women was 31 year with BMI 27.0 Kg/m2. Levels of serum homocysteine were significantly more women with pre-eclampsia in comparison with cases of controls. However the values of blood urea and serum creatinine were insignificantly high in pre-eclamptic women in comparison with their controls. Conclusion: Serum homocysteine as a biomarker may help to find out its additive importance in the prediction of pre-eclampsia and the severity of its related complications.

This study aimed to assess the impact of individual as well as combined application of Lysinibacillus macroides and Bacillus safensis in phytoremediation potential of Brassica napus grown in soil contaminated by industrial effluents. In response to five metals; copper, chromium, nickel, lead, and cadmium, results revealed that germination percentage, fresh and dry weights, and photosynthetic pigments of B. napus decreased under contaminated soil. On the other hand, electrolyte leakage due to cellular injury, metabolites (proline and glycine betaine), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase), accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and metals in plant's roots, shoots and leaves increased. Inoculation significantly reduced these effects as proved by the enhancement of germination percentage, fresh and dry biomass, and photosynthetic pigments. Simultaneously, the antioxidant enzymes, metabolites contents (proline and glycine betaine) and metal concentrations in plant's roots, shoots and leaves decreased. Combined application of both Bacilli strains was found more effective as compared to individual inoculation. It was concluded that metal resistant Bacillus species in combination had growth effects on B. napus and enhanced its phytoremediation efficiency in contaminated soil.Novelty statementBrassica napus; a hyper-accumulator of metals, loses phytoremediation potential with the passage of growth. Two Bacillus species (Lysinibacillus macroides and Bacillus safensis) having known bioremediation abilities were employed individually as well as in combination under metals contaminated soil to increase phytoremediation efficiency of B. napus. The metals containing soil used is a unique aspect in this study because selected soil, contaminated by industrial effluents, has not been evaluated or reported earlier. Combined application of Bacilli improved phytoremediation potential of B. napus more as compared to application of individual Bacillus strain which is yet another unique aspect of this investigation.

Mangrove species are growing in exposed areas which have heavy metal contamination. The safeguard the mangrove ecosystem, it is important to understand their antioxidant responses to heavy metal toxicity. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of multi-heavy metals i.e. (Pb, Cd, Cr and Hg) on two mangrove plants Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata of Indus delta via investigating their antioxidative defence mechanism of leaves and roots. In this regard mangrove seedlings of both species were treated with five different concentrations of four heavy metals and different time durations (15, 30, 45 and 60 days) for ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase in leaves and root tissues. The findings indicate that the heavy metals have significantly altered the antioxidant enzyme activities with respect of metals concentration and duration of exposure. With extended exposure higher antioxidant activities was observed in metal treated roots and leaves at higher concentrations. A pronounced stimulation (P

Introduction: Hepatic diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite overall advancements in health care, mortality due to hepatic diseases is constantly growing. More than 2 million people globally are estimated to die each year from liver diseases, and current treatment offers little for its management. Thus, it is essential to find more effective and less toxic pharmaceutical alternatives for the treatment of liver diseases. Aims & Objectives: Tamarix dioica, a shrub broadly used in herbal medicine for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. The current study was designed to analyze the hepatoprotective effect of T. dioica in BALB?cmice against CCl4-induced acute liver damage. Place and duration of study: The study was conducted in NIH, Islamabad, Pakistan, for six months in 2016-2017. Material & Methods: For in vivo evaluation, the animals (n= 42) were randomly divided into seven groups (n=6), three control (i.e. Group, I or normal control, group II or induction control received 0.9% normal saline orally, and Group III or positive control received silymarin 100 mg/kg per oral), and four treatment groups (i.e. IV, V,VI and VII were treated with oral T.dioica 200 mg/kg/day, 300mg/kg/day methanol extract, 200mg/kg/day and 300mg/kg/day of aqueous extracts respectively for six days, followed by intraperitoneal administration of CCl4 on the seventh day. The blood samples were collected for analysis of LFTs, and hepatic tissue was taken for histological analysis. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16, one-way ANOVA with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Results: CCl4 induction in Group 2 resulted in severe hepatic derangement manifested as highly elevated mean LFTs (ALT 7245.56, AST 3292.11, ALP 340.09 U/L, bilirubin 4.64 mg/dl) as compared to healthy controls (ALT 38.97, AST 50.20, ALP 57.17 U/L, bilirubin 1.25 mg/dl: (Group 1) levels p

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) is renowned for its excellent potential of converting unavailable forms of phosphorus (P) to a simpler available form in the soil. This P availability not only...

IncC from the low-copy number plasmid RK2, is a member of the ParA family of proteins required for partitioning DNA in many bacteria and plasmids. It is an ATPase that binds DNA and its ParB protein partner, KorB. Together, the proteins move replicated DNA to appropriate cellular positions, so that each daughter cell inherits a copy on cell division. IncC from RK2 is expressed in two forms. IncC2 is homologous to bacterial ParA proteins, while IncC1 has an N-terminal extension of 105 amino acids and is similar in length to ParA homologues in other plasmids. We have been examining the role of this extension, here called IncC NTD. We present its backbone NMR chemical shift assignments and show that it is entirely intrinsically disordered. The assignments were achieved using C-detected, CON-based spectra, complemented by HNN spectra to obtain connectivities from three adjacent amino acids. We also observed evidence of deamidation of the protein at a GNGG sequence, to give isoAsp, giving 2 sets of peaks for residues up to 5 amino acids on either side of the modification. We have assigned resonances from around the position of modification for this form of the protein.

Dithiocarbamate complexes [Cd(S2CNCy2)2(py)] (1), [In(S2CNCy2)3]·2py (2) and [Zn(S2CNCy2)2(py)] (3) were synthesized and toluene solution of (1) and (2) was used as dual source precursor for the synthesis of CdIn2S4 (CIS), while that of (1) and (3) was applied for the deposition of Cd7.23Zn2.77S10–ZnS composite (CZS-ZS) thin film photoan-odes by employing single step aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) technique. Deposition experiments were performed at 500°C under an inert ambient of argon gas. The structural properties of deposited films were evaluated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) exposed surface morphologies while UV-Visible spectrophotometry revealed that CIS is low band gap photoanode in comparison to CZS-ZS. The comparison of photoelectrochemical (PEC) responses measured in identical conditions in terms of linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) depicts photocurrent density of 4.4 mA /cm2 and 2.9 mA/cm2 at applied potential of 0.7 V under solar light intensity of 100 mW/cm2 for CIS and CZS-ZS respectively. Further, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) confirms that PEC properties of CIS are superior to CZS-ZS photoanode as the former offer less charge transfer resistance (Rct) 0.03 MΩ in comparison to CZS-ZS having Rct value of 0.06 MΩ.

Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) has been identified as a promising approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, development of DPP-IV inhibitors with new chemical scaffold is of utmost importance to medicinal chemistry. In the present study, we identified benzophenone thio- and semicarbazone scaffolds as novel DPP-IV inhibitors. For that purpose, benzophenone thio- and semicarbazone were synthesized through a 2-step reaction. These newly synthetic derivatives were characterized by different spectroscopic techniques, including HREI-MS and NMR. whereas stereochemistry of the iminic bond was predicted by NOESY experiments. Thio- and semicarbazones derivatives were evaluated for their DPP-IV inhibitory potential and found to exhibit a good to moderate enzyme inhibitory activity. Most active and non-cytotoxic derivatives were further evaluated for their DPP-IV inhibitory potential in

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. As current therapies toward CRC, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, pose limitations, such as multidrug resistance (MDR) as well as the intrinsic and potential cytotoxic effects, necessitating to find more effective treatment options with fewer side effects, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has an advantage in complementary therapies. In the present study, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiozol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT assays), trypan blue staining, colony formation, 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI) staining, cell cycle determination, and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining were used to examine the efficacy of Sanjie Yiliu Formula (SJYLF) against CRC proliferation and to investigate its underlying molecular mechanisms through protein expression of various proapoptotic factors by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) and Western blotting. This four-herb-TCM SJYLF can be suggested as one of the decoctions clinically effective in late-stage cancer treatment. Our results suggest that SJYLF robustly decreased the viability of only CRC cell lines (HCT-8, SW-480, HT-29, and DLD-1) and not the normal human kidney cells (HK-2). Moreover, SJYLF significantly suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis in HCT-8 and downregulated cyclin D1, CDK4, and BCL-2, while Bax expression was upregulated at both mRNA and protein expression levels.

Developing only Fe derived bifunctional overall water splitting electrocatalyst both for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) while performing at low onset overpotential and with high catalytic stability is a rare instance. We present here the first demonstration of unique iron-oxide nanobeads (FeOx-NBs) based electrocatalyst executing both OER and HER with high activity. Thin-film electrocatalytic FeOx-NBs assembly is surface grown via simple spray coating (SC). The unique SC/FeOx-NBs propels OER initiating water oxidation just at 1.49 VRHE (η = 260 mV) that is the lowest observable onset potential for OER on simple Fe-oxide based catalytic films reported so far. Catalyst also reveals decently high HER activity and competent overall water splitting performance in the FeOx-NBs two-electrode system as well. Catalyst also presents stable kinetics, with promising high electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of 1765 cm2, notable Tafel slopes of just 54 mV dec1− (OER) and 85 mV dec1− (HER), high exchange current density of 1.10 mA cm2− (OER), 0.58 mA cm2− (HER) and TOF of 74.29s1−@1.58VRHE, 262s1−@1.62VRHE (OER) and 82.5s1−@-0.45VRHE, 681s1−@-0.56VRHE (HER).

Industrial use of heavy metals and dyes critically depends on the effective handling of industrial effluents. Effective remediation of industrial effluents using various adsorbent materials has thus become critical. In this paper, we study two-dimensional MXenes as an adsorbent for removing Cr(VI) and methyl orange (MO) in waters. The physico-chemical performance of MXenes was studied using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer−Emmett−Teller, scanning electron microscopy, high resolution-transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. The adsorption system, including influence of contact time, pH of solutions, co-ions, and desorption experiments were performed for effective Cr(VI) and MO removal. The Cr(VI) and MO removal rate of the MXenes was very fast, and the kinetic system was driven by pseudo-second-order kinetics. The sorption isotherm closely well-tailored with the Langmuir isotherm, and the maximum removal efficiencies were 104 and 94.8 mg/g for Cr(VI) and MO, respectively. The MXenes was successfully regenerated by 0.1 M NaOH aqueous solution and can be repeatedly recycled. The uptake of Cr(VI) and MO by the MXenes was mainly due to chemical adsorption, namely electrostatic adsorption, complexation, surface interactions, and ion exchange mechanisms. This investigation demonstrates the selectivity and feasibility of the MXenes as a real adsorbent for eliminating Cr(VI) and MO from the aqueous environment.

This article presents the outcomes of higher-tier repeated-dose toxicity studies and developmental and reproductive toxicity (DART) studies using Wistar rats requested for methyl paraben and propyl paraben under the European Union chemicals legislation. All studies revealed no-observed adverse effects (NOAELs) at 1000 mg/kg body weight/day. These findings (absence of effects) were then used to interpolate the hazard profile for ethyl paraben, further considering available data for butyl paraben. The underlying read-across hypothesis (all shorter-chained linear n-alkyl parabens are a ‘category’ based on very high structural similarity and are transformed to a common compound) was confirmed by similarity calculations and comparative in vivo toxicokinetics screening studies for methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben and butyl paraben. All four parabens were rapidly taken up systemically following oral gavage administration to rats, metabolised to p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and rapidly eliminated (parabens within one hour; p-hydroxybenzoic acid within 4–8 h). Accordingly, for ethyl paraben, the NOAELs for repeated-dose toxicity and DART were interpolated to be 1000 mg/kg body weight/day. Finally, all evidence was evaluated to address concerns expressed in the literature that parabens might be endocrine disruptors. This evaluation showed that the higher-tier studies do not provide any indication for any endocrine disrupting property. This is the first time that a comprehensive dataset from higher-tier in vivo studies following internationally agreed test protocols has become available for shorter-chained linear n-alkyl parabens. Consistently, the dataset shows that these parabens are devoid of repeated-dose toxicity and do not possess any DART or endocrine disrupting properties.

In the present communication, indirect and direct fired single effect vapour absorption refrigeration systems are simulated using lithium bromide-water as the working fluids. First and second Law analyses have been carried out for different operating conditions. The evaporator temperature varies from 5 to 15 °C, while the condenser temperature from 25 to 35 °C in step of 5 °C. Both coefficient of performance (COP) and exergy COP are presented for different operating conditions. Peculiar results of exergy analysis have been found for the indirect and direct fired single effect vapour absorption refrigeration systems. Exergy COP of indirect fired system is around 90% higher, while the optimum generator temperature is 19% lower than the direct fired system. Additionally, effect of preheater is also analysed on the performance of the systems.

The injection moulding of metal powder is one of the newest processes for producing titanium components. In this research, challenges of fabrication titanium component by low- pressure powder injection moulding (LPIM) were studied. A hydride-dehydride titanium powder was kneaded with paraffin wax based binder system in 53 vol% powder loading. Powder-binder was injection moulded using low pressure injection moulding machine to prepare the green part. This process was followed by debinding and sintering. The injection results showed that feedstock with high powder loading was not appropriate for LPIM. The suitable parameters of solvent debinding were obtained from soaking the samples in n-hexane at 60 °C temperature. The open channels were observed in solvent debound components which can help remove the binder in subsequent stages. The hardness and density of the sintered part were 490 HV and 4.11 g/cm3, respectively. Coarse α plates and α/β colonies were observed in the microstructure.

Nano-scale powder of Magnesium (Mg) is found to play the dual role of catalyst and precursor with Boron-10 (10B) in the synthesis of Magnesium diboride nanoparticles (Mg10B2NPs) at 800 °C. Catalytically, Mg softens and melts enriched Boron at a relatively lower temperature than its actual boiling point. As a precursor, it reacts with enriched Boron and forms the Mg10B2 compound. The nano-size catalyst and precursors help to grow the as-formed Mg10B2 compound in the form of nanoparticles. The shape or morphology of the synthesized Mg10B2NPs is revealed via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy has been performed to spot the elemental composition, whereas, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are used to verify the composition and study the phase of the synthesized particles.

Antibiotic resistance in every corner of the planet is growing to dangerously high levels. New mechanisms of resistance are emerging and spreading globally which threatens our ability to treat common infectious diseases. Many scientists documented some plants having antimicrobial properties. Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ZO), the most recognised member of Zingiber, is one of them. This review aims to validate the antimicrobial activity of ginger. The information and data on ZO were collated from various resources like ethnobotanical textbooks, Pub Med, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Scopus. ZO has many medicinal, nutritional and ethnomedical values and is commonly used as a spice, flavouring agent and herbal remedy worldwide. In addition to giving ginger its pungent aroma, volatile oil gingerol and other pungent principles are the most medically potent since they inhibit the production of prostaglandin and leukotriene, which are chemicals that affect blood flow and inflammation. Traditionally, it has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries in Ayurvedic, Tibb-Unani, Chinese, Islamic, Africans, the Caribbean and many other medicinal systems to cure a variety of diseases like throat infections, asthma, inflammation, dyspepsia, loss of appetite, palpitation, constipation and indigestion, colds, arthritis, nausea, hypertension, migraines, and many more. It has a high proportion of α-Zingiberene, β-sesquiphellandrene, (E,E)- α-farnesene, geranial and ar-curcumene. The ZO extracts, essential oil and chemical constituents exhibited antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, immunomodulatory, and other beneficial activities. The research suggests that there are marked antimicrobial activities in the ginger that could be beneficial and applied in various research areas, such as the pharmaceutical and food industries. To understand the molecular mechanisms by which these effects are exerted, more research may be required.

Continuous inhalation of coal dust among coal workers leads to a variety of disorders. The present study aims to evaluate the potential oxidative stress associated with coal dust generated from coal mining activities among exposed workers through the antioxidant enzyme system, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH). In this study cohort, intensive coal mine workers were assessed for antioxidant variations. Blood samples were collected from dust-exposed workers (engaged in different activities at coal mines; n = 311) and residents of the same city (nonexposed, control group; n = 50). The workers' exposure to coal dust was categorized based on working area (administrative group, surface workers, underground workers), working hours (up to 8 h and more than 8 h), and time of service. The results showed significantly altered activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH among the whole exposed group and its categories compared to the control group. A significant difference was also observed between high- and low-exposure groups. Statistical analysis revealed a negative correlation between antioxidant activity (catalase and SOD) and coal dust levels. Besides, coal exposure was associated with the time of service, smoking status, and dietary habits. The findings of this study reveal higher oxidative stress among highly exposed coal mine workers (underground workers > surface workers > administrative group > nonexposed group), and longer working hours have more pronounced adverse effects on workers' health.

Objectives: This study was done to compare calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and chlorhexidine (CHX) in relieving interappointment pain, in addition to observe influence of gender and age. Study Design: Randomized Control trial. Setting: Department of Operative Dentistry, Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore. Period: 3rd October 2016 to 20th May 2017. Material & Methods: 100 subjects were divided into 2 groups of 50, group A (Ca(OH)2) and group B (CHX). Information was recorded regarding the gender, age, intracanal medicament used, VAS pain scores of preoperative pain, 24 hours, 48 hours and on the 4th day of placing medicament. Change in pain scores was assessed as the main outcome variable. Results: VAS score mean difference for both medicaments was significant for 24 hours, 48 hours and 4th day (p < 0.0005. CHX medicament decreased pain more as compared to Ca(OH)2. Age had no significant effect on VAS score decrease but females had significant decrease in pain (p=0.04). Conclusion: CHX decreased the mean interappointment pain score more as compared to Ca(OH)2.