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Several studies have demonstrated global climate change, which has happened worldwide; it significantly impacts terrestrial ecosystems. Studying vegetation phenology can provide insight into the impact of climate changes on ecosystems. Alashan Plateau Semi-Desert is located between the Tibetan Plateau and the Gobi Desert and has an arid continental climate. This area consists of highlands, and the sensitivity of natural vegetation to temperature and climate change is very high. This study aims to identify climate trends in forest cover indices using weather (meteorological) data from 1982 to 2019 across the Alashan Plateau Semi-Desert. Based on this, 13 variables that affect climate change were selected, and the possible effect of climate factors on vegetation indices was predicted using MATLAB. The results showed that over the past 38 years, three forest cover indices, LAI, FAPAR, and NDVI, decreased by about 6-10, 6-7, and 19-20 percent correspondingly, and it can be assumed that this decline is due to climate change. In general, it can be said that climate changeshave adverse effects in hot and dry regions and highlands. With the current climate change trends, such as increasing temperature and decreasing rainfall, reducing the dynamics of vegetation indices in these areas can be seen dramatically.

The present study was conducted to assess woody species diversity, composition and natural regeneration status of Jorgo Wato Natural Forest across different vegetation types and altitudinal gradients. A forest was stratified into three vegetation categories including Tree grass land (TGL), High forest (HF) and Dense wood land (DWL). The altitudinal gradients in each vegetation type were classified in to three ranges from the bottom to the top of the forest. A three parallel transect lines were laid down vertically in each vegetation type along altitudinal gradients. A total of 36 nested quadrats having 20 m x 20 m and 1 m x 1 m sub-plots were laid down following altitudinal gradients along the transect lines to collect vegetation data, parameters like diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree height (H) and counting seedlings. The finding of the present study identified a total of 39 woody species that belong to 35 genera and 30 families in the forest. The total number of woody species recorded from the three vegetation types (TGL, HF and DWL) was found to be 26, 26 and 21 in the respective order. The overall mean stem density/ha, species richness/plot, Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H') and evenness (J) were 1087.5 plants/ha, 8.09, 1.715 and 0.81, respectively.The lower diversity index value of woody species (1.715), show that the woody species diversity among vegetation types was not significantly different. The species richness, Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index and evenness significantly varied (p0.05) among vegetation type. Therefore, the best way and design to protect forest regarding natural vegetation categories need to be applied to enhance and expand the benefits of ecosystem services, mainly the potential of carbon storage in climate change mitigation.

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.

Background:The concept of assessing that, the knowledge and awareness of the subject of tooth morphology among the final year BDS students and house officers is helpful in their clinical practice. Methodology:The study was conducted among the final year BDS students and house officers. Data was collected by a predesigned proforma. The sample size calculated was 310 by keeping proportion 52% and confidence interval 95% and margin of error 5% in open epi. 3.01. Results:Results of the survey and feedback revealed that the technical difficulties had been faced during clinical practice in different fields of dentistry due to the lack of basic knowledge of the subject. Conclusion:Knowledge and awareness of the subject lays the foundation headed for a skillful dentist and an assertive clinician.

Objective: The objective of the study was to find the prevalence of risk of kyphotic posture in Laptop user usingAcademicians using the Occiput Wall Distance Test. Methodology: An observationalstudy was conducted. The simple random technique was used to select 100 participants. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic information of participants and Occiput Wall Distance was used to evaluate the severity of kyphoticKyphotic posture. Chi-square test was applied to analyzeanalyse the association between occiput wall test and age, gender, BMI and hours of laptop use. Results: The result showed the presence of kyphosis in academicians. Total laptop usersOut of were 100 participants in which 63 % of participants had mild kyphosis, 26 % of participants had moderate kyphosis and 11 % had severe kyphosis. There is wasno association betweenacademicians’ gender and hours of laptop use was found inOcciput Wall Distance testwhereas, there isa significant association was found between academicians’ age and BMIwith occiput wall distance test was observed. Background: There is a misconception about Kyphotic posture which concludes that it’sit’s probably being a gender biased phenomenon or depending depends upon the number of hours a person spendst on laptop, the greater the time, the more the chances of it. Whereas in actual, it is dependent upon the age and the actual BMI of an individual. Conclusion: The greater the age and BMI the greater the chances of Kyphotic posture, however one with growing age can certainly minimize the risk of Kyphotic posture by maintaining their BMI with the growing age as the old saying goes that obesity is the mother of all problems therefore one should definitely keep an eye on their BMI to overcome the risks of all the risks in life.

Introduction:The Rh blood group system is one of the most polymorphic and immunogenic blood group systems in humans. The expression of its antigens is complex, among that Rh-D antigen is the most important antigen because of its high immunogenicity. Molecular genetic of RHD gene revealed that weak D antigen is a Rh-D phenotype that possesses less numbers of D antigen epitopes on surface of red cells. These individuals usually labeled RhD -ve by conventional testing but when transfused to RhD –ve person, it can elicit antibody production. Variableincidence of weak D worldwide,lack of awareness, proper data & multi-ethnic population of our country propelled to analyze it. Material and Methods:A cross-sectional study conducted from August 2012 to August 2014. Around 48,228 healthy blood donors were tested for RhD factor. Commercially available monoclonal anti-D sera were used to detect Rh-D factor status. Individuals found negative with saline anti-D, were further investigated for weak D antigen by using indirect Coomb’s technique (IAT). Results:Among 48,228 healthy blood donors, 44853 (93%) were Rh-D factor positive while 3375 (7%) were Rh-D factor negative. Among these, 3375 Rh-D factor negative individuals 27 (0.8%) were found to be weak D positive. Conclusion: Although frequency of weak D does not came high among our donors but is still significant enough to advocate testing of weak D in routine for all Rh –ve donors & pregnant women in order to avoid consequences of anti-D allo-immunization which can lead to serious hemato-pathological problem.

Objective: To determine the effect of analgesia postoperatively when bupivacaine is used alone and in combination with tramadol as caudal block anesthesia in pediatric infra-umbilical surgeries Subject and Methods: A study conducted in Pediatric Surgery Department of Civil Hospital Karachi, Dow University of Health Sciences. This is a Randomized trial which includes a total of 60 children undergoing infra-umbilical surgeries. Patients got randomly allocated into 2 groups, 30 in (Bupivacaine-Tramadol) group A, which were given 0.5ml/kg 0.25% bupivacaine & 1mg/kg tramadol while 30 patients in group Bwho received 0.5ml/kg 0.25% bupivacaine as caudal block anesthesia respectively. Hemodynamic status was monitored. The end point of the study was onset of pain in patient if Baker-Wong FACES Pain Rating Scale Score >4. The time frame of our study was six months from 1st July – 31st December 2015. Results: The mean age was 4.66±1.79 years. Mean duration of postoperative analgesia was significantly prolonged in group A as compared to group B (p =0.0005). Conclusion: Tramadol when added with bupivacaine in caudal analgesic block has an additive and long-lasting effect and there was a decreased need to provide rescue analgesia after surgery

The purpose of this article writing was to go through the prominent changes and associated safety in diabetic patients during the Islamic month of fasting. Various researches have been conducted upon physiological changes in a diabetic patient during the period of Islamic fasting, but still there is no variation perceived pathologically influencing the body weight, blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin, fructose amine, Cpeptide, cholesterol or triglycerides ranges. In the suggestive portion of the following articles, the diabetic patients were advised to carry on with their regular routine. The pre-eminent point noted was that the patients adjusted their drug regimen especially by those with type I diabetes mellitus. Adjusting of drug regimen along with control over the diet and daily activities composed a Ramadan 3D Triangle through which a proper supervision and education came in to being concluding that few of the type I and most of the type II diabetes mellitus patients who wanted to fast could carefully manage it.

Vitamins are essential micronutrients required for normal growth and biochemical functions. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is a water-soluble vitamin present in dairy products, vegetables, wheat, egg yolk, and meat. A number of techniques have been used for the analysis of riboflavin alone and in mixtures including UV and visible spectrometry, mass spectrometry, fluorimetry, chromatography and electrochemical methods. This article presents a mini review of the analytical methods that are used for the determination of riboflavin (vitamin B2) in pharmaceutical products, food materials, and biological samples. These methods are based on spectral and electrochemical characteristics of riboflavin.

Background: The non-medical use of dependence-producing drugs is not a new phenomenon and is strongly related with the global health burden. This study was conducted to ascertain the usage of different types along with risk assessment and the need for intervention of substance/ drug use among the medical students across Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: This cross – sectional study was performed at four medical colleges (two public and two private) across Karachi, Pakistan from July 2018 to January 2019. A total of 445 participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were inducted in present chosen for this study. A self administered self-administered screening questionnaire designed by World Health Organization ASSIST (i.e. (Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test) for assessing various levels of substance abuse was used to collect the information, which was then noted and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Out of 445 respondents, 273 (61.3%) had never used any psychoactive substance, 97 (21.8%) had tried at least one, 34(7.6%) had used at least two, 23(5.2%) had tried three, while 18 (4%) had tried four or more psychoactive drugs in their life time. Nearly 26.3% respondents reported Tobacco consummation, was reportedly consumed by approximately 26.3% respondents, where in which 82% were found with at low risk/no intervention, 17.1% having moderate risk/brief intervention and 0.9% had high risk/intensive treatment category. Use of psychoactive drug was significantly higher among private medical college male students. Conclusion: As illustrated by this study, the wieldiest most commonly abused substance was tobacco-containing compounds followed by sedatives. The aforementioned trend occurrence was largeliest larcenist noted in private colleges where male students were remained as major contributors, mostly seen among male medical student belonging to the private sectors as compared to females and public sector colleges.

Background: Physical activity (PA) plays an important role in prevention of obesity in children and adolescents. Current evidence provides useful visions to better understand how they just rely on each other. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between obesity and PA in children. Material & Methods: This study was conducted on 100 children, fourth to eight class, and aged between 9- 14 years. Body Mass Index and PA were measured in 49 females and 51 males. Physical activity was measured using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children and for BMI, height was measured by inch tape and weight was measured by weight machine. Pearson’s correlation co-efficient was used to determine the correlation between PA and obesity. Results: This study showed that out of 100 participants only 12 were participated in low physical active. Mostly children 45 participate in low-moderate level of physical activity, 32 children participated in moderate, 11 were high-moderate and 0% participated in high level of physical activity on a weekly basis and BMI interpretation was only 9 were underweight, 53 were normal, 7 were overweight, 31 were obese. Results showed a moderate negative correlation between BMI and physical activity (r = -0.3325, P =0.3173). Conclusion: It has become a combined social responsibility of parents, caregivers, educators and health professionals to aware children about the negative effects of obesity and helps them in implementing strategies to prevent its development.

OBJECTIVE: To know the duration of analgesia of right-sided transversus abdominis plane block versus local anaesthetic infiltration around incision site after open appendicectomy. METHODS: A double blind, randomized controlled study conducted in the operation theatre of a private hospital, during 8 months period from January 2017 till August 2017. Patients aged 60 years, presented with American Society of Anaesthesiologist (ASA) I or II, who had to be planned open appendectomy were enrolled. Two groups were classified, Group T (transversus abdominis plane block) group, infiltrating anaesthetic drug in the skin 2” cephalad towards the iliac crest using a “double-pop” technique and Group I (surgical incision) group in which patients received infiltration into the surgical incision. Both groups were infiltrated with the 0.6ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine anesthesia, at their respected defined site. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients in group T was 27.32 +10.16 years while mean age in group I was 26.06 ±8.38 years (pvalue 0.683). There were 181 (61.1%) males and 115 (38.9%) females. Mean analgesia in group T was 106.66 ±2.91 minutes duration and that in group I was 38.88 ±2.85 minutes (p-value 0.001). CONCLUSION: Transverse abdominis plane block to be a patient friendly technique, rendering patients pain free for a longer period of time after open appendicectomy, as compared to the surgical incision infiltration block.

Shape, size, and structures are fundamental elements for species identification. While phenotypic variability among species of the same populations usually occurs. To understand this phenomenon modern techniques like geometric morphometrics were employed to distinguishbody shape differences. This study aimed to investigate the phenotypic variability of Glossogobius guiris with notes of physicochemical parameters in Lake Mainit, Caraga, Philippines. A total of 75 samples (35 males and 35 females) of the same size were collected and subjected to Symmetry and Asymmetry Geometric Data (SAGE) Software. Results showed that the physico-chemical parameters are within the standard levels suggested by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in the freshwater category. It implied that the condition of the water in the Lake was suitable for all aquatic life. On the other hand, Procrustes ANOVA indicated a significant difference (P

Flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.) are among the most significant pests of canola, causing damage during the early growth stages, particularly in the seedling or cotyledon stage. Chemical control, including seed disinfection and foliar spray, is considered one of the primary strategies for managing this pest. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of seed disinfection with imidacloprid (Gaucho(R)) on different canola cultivars and foliar spray with imidacloprid (Confidor(R)) and cypermethrin for controlling flea beetles. The experiment was conducted in a factorial arrangement as a randomized complete block design in a canola field in Behshahr, Mazandaran province. The treatments included seed disinfection with Gaoucho(R) at a rate of 14 g/kg of seeds for the cultivars Hyola 50, Delgan, and RGS, and the infection coefficient was determined for each treatment. The Henderson-Tilton equation was used to calculate the percentage of insecticide efficiency for imidacloprid and cypermethrin. The results showed that the highest efficiency, with an infection coefficient close to 10%, was observed in the seed-disinfected Delgan cultivar, followed by Hyola cultivars (13.21%) after one week. The evaluation of insecticide efficiency also revealed that cypermethrin had the highest efficiency at approximately 90% after seven and three days of spraying, while the lowest efficiency was observed for Confidor(R) at around 60% three days after spraying. Comparison of the infection coefficients of the sprayed treatments with seed disinfected Hyola cultivars after four weeks indicated that foliar spray with cypermethrin exhibited the best efficiency with an infection coefficient of 15.18%. Based on the results of this study, the Delgan cultivar with seed disinfection and cypermethrin as the most effective insecticide is recommended for controlling flea beetles in canola.

Arthropods importance can be assessed for beneficial use especially in reducing dependence on scarce animal protein source especially fishmeal in aquaculture nutrition. Biochemical composition of African giant millipede (Archispirostreptus gigas) was conducted according to standard methods for proximate, phytochemical, mineral content, fatty acid and amino acid profile. Nutritional content analysis of millipede revealed crude protein of 63.24±0.05%, ether extracts 11.70±0.09% and metabolisable energy (kcal/kg) 3711.22±6.75. Phytochemical composition for phytate, saponin and chitin was high in millipede. Micro mineral content (mg/kg) indicated presence of manganese 36.00, iron 219.50, copper 9.30, zinc 20.60 while macro mineral (%) showed phosphorus 0.036, calcium 0.022, magnesium 0.204, potassium 0.810 and sodium 0.072 to be present in appreciable quantity. The fatty acid profile indicated palmitic and oleic acid to be high with least presence of butyric acid. The essential amino acid revealed high lysine 6.18 (g/100g) content and least tryptophan 0.68 (g/100g); while the non-essential amino acid glutamic acid 11.05 (g/100g) was high and cystine 1.21 (g/100g) least in millipede. The composition of millipede meal revealed potential use in fish nutrition.

Background: Anemia does not only have a deleterious effect on the physical growth of children but also impairs mental development and slows down memory, cognitive functioning, and academic performance. The study aimed to assess the association between video gaming, iron deficiency anemia and school performance in children 5-16 years of age. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 306 children 5-16 years of age between grades 1 and 10 in various schools in Sikandarabad for one academic year. The iron deficiency, screen time along with past health records were noted. School assessments were analyzed for academic achievements, and class concentration and Intelligent Quotient (IQ) tests were done multiple times. Hemoglobin was checked to establish an association with learning difficulties. Multivariate logistic regression was done to see the association of electronic gaming with academic performance. p-value

Background: The oral cavity has four 3rd molars, commonly termed wisdom teeth. These molars may erupt in an appropriate anatomical place and become functional, or they may erupt partly or non-functionally, in which case they are known to as impacted. Therefore, the study aimed to measure the frequency of distal caries of 2nd molars in the presence of mesio-angular impacted 3rd molars and its association with the other type of impactions among patients. Methods: It was a retrospective cross-sectional study done at the Oral Medicine and Diagnosis Department of Ziauddin University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. The study comprised 201 radiographs of individuals aged 21 to 45 years, of both genders, who visited a dental OPD between 2017 and 2020 and had erupted 2nd molar teeth and impacted 3rd molar teeth in the same quadrant. Patients with inadequate diagnostic quality and distortion on their OPGs were excluded from the research. All collected data were analyzed using SPSS 25. Results: The frequency of distal caries of 2nd molars was observed to be 122 (60.7%). A total of 103 of the 201 subjects had mesio-angular impaction causing caries in the 2nd molars (84.4%). There was a statistically significant relationship between impaction type and distal caries of 2nd molars (p=0.001). The type of impaction also showed a significant association with gender (p=0.048). Conclusion: Higher frequency of distal caries of 2nd molars in the presence of mesio-angular impacted 3rd molars was observed. This was also significantly associated with the type of impaction (p

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological illness around the world characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain manifesting itself as seizures.

Background: The emergence of antibiotic resistance among pathogens causing urinary tract infections (UTI) has made treatment options limited. The use of fosfomycin along with other drug combination can significantly address this problem. Our study aimed to identify the rate of resistance among uropathogens and their susceptibility patterns to fosfomycin along with other antibacterial agents. Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at Jinnah Sindh Medical University in collaboration with Dr. Tahir Laboratory, Karachi. A total of 146 urine samples were included which were processed for antibacterial susceptibility testing by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and rate of resistance for antibacterial agents especially fosfomycin were recorded. The statistical analysis was performed by using Chi squared tests and p>0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study reported lowest rate of resistance for fosfomycin among Escherichia coli 3(5.3%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 7(14%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 9(22.5%) in comparison with ampicillin, which showed resistance in 43(76.8%), 41(82%) and 39(97.5%) cases of E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa respectively. The subgroup carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) producers were seen noticeably high in P. aeruginosa. Overall, the female to male ratio was 1.4:1 (87/59), showing female preponderance (p=0.02). A majority of patients belonged to adult age group (61.6%) followed by senior adults (23.2%, p=0.05). Conclusion: High levels of resistance to commonly used antibiotics were observed. The increasing rate of resistance among Enterobacteriaceae to cephalosporin and ampicillin is an alarming situation. In this context, fosfomycin is an interesting alternative option in treatment of complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Keywords: Antibiotic Resistance; Enterobacteriaceae; Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase; Fosfomycin; Urinary Tract Infection.

The global pandemic of Covid-19 has affected people of all age groups. Where the adults have shown specific signs and symptoms of the disease, the clinical spectrum and manifestations in Pediatric patients have not been clearly defined. An association between Covid-19 and Kawasaki disease was first speculated in United Kingdom in April 2020 when a child who previously tested positive for Covid-19 presented with features of Kawasaki disease. Following this, several other cases emerged linking a Kawasaki-like multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) with Covid-19. Since the exact pathophysiology is not known, children with MIS-C require aggressive treatment and close follow-up after discharge. The aim of this case series was to highlight this association with the help of four cases each of which showed symptoms of Kawasaki disease along with a history of Covid-19 infection. This will help in increasing awareness of the Pediatricians for early management to prevent morbidity and mortality. Keywords Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome; Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome; MIS-C; SARS-COV-2.

Background: Wilms tumour, also called nephroblastoma, is the most common renal malignancy in children, presenting, mostly as an abdominal mass. Chemotherapy and surgery are the mainstays of treatment depending upon the histopathology, risk group and stage of treatment. The aim of the study was to determine the treatment outcome of Wilms tumour in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Methods: A Prospective cohort study was carried out at the Department of Pediatric Oncology, CMH-Rawalpindi, Pakistan. A cohort of patients with Wilms tumour, less than 16 years was followed prospectively from January 2012-2019. Statistical data were analysed by Chi-squared test and p-value

Nigella sativa (N. sativa) is an annual flowering plant, which belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. Both the seeds and oil of N. sativa have been researched extensively in the past few years due to the variety of its chemical ingredients and biological properties. N. sativa seeds contain many components including Thymoquinone (TQ), di-thymoquinone, fixed oils, alkaloids, flavonoids, proteins, fatty acids, saponins, and alpha-hederin. TQ is the most pharmacologically active component among all the constituents. The important properties exhibited by TQ are anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, analgesic, anti-oxidant, anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic activities. Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the oral cavity, which has a multifactorial etiology. Areca nut consumption in the form of quid is considered as the most important factor in the development of the disease. It has a malignant transformation rate of 7-30%. A large number of researches have been conducted to investigate the outcome of using N. sativa and its active constituent TQ in various inflammatory conditions. This article is aimed at reviewing the literature available on various databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, and Online Journals) and to conclude if N. sativa can also be utilized as a potent anti-inflammatory agent for reducing the signs and symptoms of OSMF. Keywords: Nigella sativa; Oral Submucous Fibrosis; Inflammation.

Background: The rapid transmission of corona virus from symptomatic as well as non-symptomatic subjects has caused a serious health crisis globally. The Ministry of health, to curb this lethal pandemic, has imposed various standard operating procedures to minimize its spread. Amongst them, avoiding close contact with others limits the spread of Covid-19 and reduces the risk of infection. The study aimed to compare barriers and motivators of social distancing practices among undergraduate male and female students during Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College from November 2020 until December 2020. The undergraduate medical students (n=303) participated in the study. The questionnaires regarding barriers and motivators of social distancing were uploaded via Google forms to be filled by the participants. Chi squared test was applied for analysis among the variables and p value ≤0.05 was taken statistically significant. Results: The study showed social distancing motivators which included, social responsibility 174(57.5%), protecting sense for others in order to save them from getting sick 115(38%), and personal protection 126(41.5%). The current study reported that public lockdowns superimposed by the Government also accounted for social distancing 44(14.5%). Comparison of motivators of social distancing among gender was found to be statistically significant (p-value

Minimally invasive dentistry (MID) is an evidence based approach which mostly focuses on the repair and regeneration of dental tissues by dental materials. MID encompasses all dental specialities from minimally invasive approach to oral surgeries and impactions, minimally invasive restorative procedures, socket preservation techniques to minimally invasive cavity preparations to minimally invasive approach to caries control. There is a need to investigate the dental biomaterials proposed for MID in terms of their ease of use, bioactivity, biocompatibility, microleakage and longevity. An electronic search was performed in databases included PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO etc. with keywords: “dental biomaterials” and “minimally invasive dentistry”. Studies revealed that two commercially available products Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Biodentine are first-line dental biomaterials for minimally invasive dentistry. Biodentine, a novel biomimetic and bioactive by Septodont, fulfils the goals of minimally invasive dentistry due to its bioactivity and enhanced biomechanical properties. Material testing needed to market this material has been critically analysed in light of the current standards and guidelines with due emphasis given to the drawbacks of Biodentine and remedies proposed in the form of another bioactive material, which could revolutionize the world of minimally invasive dentistry as the ultimate replacement material for enamel, dentin, and cementum. Keywords: Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Biomimetic Materials; Dentistry.

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), a chronic debilitating condition distinguished by juxtaepithelial fibrosis or extensive fibrosis of submucosa and reduced vascularity, results in compromised blood supply causing tissue hypoxia. This brings about the transcription of a set of genes associated with angiogenesis, breakdown of iron/glucose, cell division and cell stability. Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α) is the main biomarker intervening in this reaction. The aim of research was to measure the salivary levels of HIF-1α in OSMF patients and healthy controls. Methods: This study included 60 participants (30 Oral submucous fibrosis cases and 30 healthy controls). The consecutive sampling technique was used for the recruitment of the study participants. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to evaluate HIF-1α levels in saliva. In order to determine data normality, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used. Independent t test was applied to compare salivary levels of HIF-1α between cases and controls and p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean salivary HIF-1α value for the oral submucous fibrosis group was 20.18±7.78, compared to healthy controls 13.62±8.86. A statistically significant difference was seen between levels of HIF-1α in the OSMF and control group (p=0.003). The mean mouth opening for cases was 22.94±9.51 mm and for controls 42.00±5.19 mm. There was no correlation among salivary levels of HIF-1α in both the case and control groups (-0.059, -0.030) respectively. Conclusion: Higher levels of HIF-1α were seen in the OSMF group in comparison to healthy individuals suggesting that HIF-1α may play a role in malignant transformation of OSMF. Keywords: Oral Submucous Fibrosis; Saliva; Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α.

Background: Acute appendicitis, when the appendiceal lumen is obstructed, leads to development of inflammation and eventually perforation. Pre-operative identification of ruptured appendix could help determine therapy, including consideration for a non-surgical approach towards management. Although, no doubt exists in the reliability of Computed tomography (CT) in detecting acute appendicitis (AA), however, its efficiency in discriminating the non perforated appendicitis from ruptured one still needs clarification. This study aimed to establish the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of CT scan in acute appendicitis in terms of the presence or absence of perforation. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiology, Dr. Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi, for 6 months. Patients (171) clinically suspected of appendicitis were included in this study. CT was performed with oral and intravenous contrast administration and findings were documented. The final diagnosis was based on post-appendectomy histopathological analysis. Results: In the current study, computed tomography used for the detection of perforated appendicitis had 79.07% sensitivity, 89.06% specificity, 70.8% positive predictive value and 92.7% negative predictive value along with 86.5% accuracy, respectively. The precision of CT in the detection of ruptured appendicitis was 90.9% for female cases and 83.8% for male cases. Similarly, with respect to age, furthermore, CT precision was 85.59% for ≤ 30 years of age and 88.68% for > 30 years of age (p=0.0005). Conclusion: The computed tomography (CT) scan is a non-invasive investigation with high precision and can be used confidently to select cases with non-perforated appendicitis for initial non-operative management. ​​Keywords: Perforated Appendicitis; Computed Tomography; Appendectomy.

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTI) considered, as the most frequently diagnosed infections constitute Escherichia coli (E. coli) as the most common etiological agents isolated from urinary cultures. Fosfomycin is becoming the best treatment option for UTI because of its rapid absorption, good concentration in urine. The present study aimed to determine and compare the susceptibility of Fosfomycin, presented as a favorable choice against E. coli producing extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) in urinary cultures of patients. Methods: This cross sectional study with non-probability consecutive sampling was held at Ziauddin University Hospital Microbiology Laboratory. A total of 222 urinary isolates of in and out patients yielding growth of ESBL positive E. coli were identified using standard microbiological technique. Susceptibility testing of antimicrobials was accomplished according to Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Detection of ESBL was done by double disk diffusion technique. Independent sample t-test was used to compare mean ages and Chi-squared test for the ESBL positivity in various age groups. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the patients was 56.68±21.18 years. There were 59(26.58%) male and 163(73.42%) female. The sensitivity of ESBL producing E. coli to Fosfomycin was 94.59 % (210/222) which was much higher as compared to other antimicrobials, Meropenem (89%), Amikacin (83%) and Nitrofurantoin (78%). There was no statistically significant variance among the age groups with respect to fosfomycin susceptibility (p=0.601). Conclusion: Fosfomycin have high antimicrobial activity against ESBL positive E. coli in urinary samples. It could be a good treatment choice for urinary tract infections. Keywords: Urinary Tract Infections; Fosfomycin; Escherichia coli; Beta-Lactamases.

Forests are the potential source for managing carbon sequestration and balancing universal carbon equilibrium between sources and sinks. In view of the importance of biomass, this study makes an attempt to estimate temporal and spatial carbon stock of Godebie National Park, Ethiopia, using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro radiometer (MODIS), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), enhanced vegetation index (EVI) and the field inventory data through geospatial techniques. A model was developed for establishing the relationship between forest carbon, EVI, and NDVI in the selected study site. The correlation value between estimated carbon stock with EVI were found as 0.69, while with NDVI, the values were obtained as 0.87 respectively. The regression model of measured biomass with NDVI and EVI was developed for the data obtained during the period 2020-2021. The R2 values obtained were 0.81 for the regression model between estimated carbon stock and EVI, and 0.77 for the regression model between NDVI and estimated carbon stock. The results indicate that the methodology adopted in this study can help in selecting best fit model for analyzing relationship between carbon stock and NDVI/EVI and for estimating biomass and carbon stock using allometric equation at various spatial scales. The produced output map and allometric equation revealed carbon stock distribution of 5.88 t/ha up to 900 t/ha, with an average value of 406.67. Generally, the approaches used on this study can be used by the forest planners, policy makers, and government officials for conservation and protection of the forest ecosystem.

Cancer is commonly acknowledged to be among the leading causes of death, and mathematical modeling has the potential to dramatically improve experimental cancer research. To investigate the impact of quiescent cells, we present a 3-C tumor growth model that extends the conventional Gompertz model. We used the Monte Carlo sampling technique, namely the Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS), to determine the most critical parameters in the model dynamics. Our findings suggest that radiation therapy can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the volume of quiescent cells and the radiation sensitivity coefficient. Furthermore, in some situations, quiescent cells might transform into dividing cells, which can have a significant impact on tumor progression.

Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) are utilized to partially replace Portland cement in order to enhance both the fresh and hardened properties of concrete. Commonly used SCMs in chloride-exposed environments include C fly ash, F fly ash, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS), and silica fume. SCMs contribute to improved concrete durability, degradation resistance through various mechanisms, and strength development. This study will assess different SCMs using the Pozzolanic Reactivity test and select one for chemical activation. Chemical activation involves applying various chemical agents—such as Ferric Chloride, Potassium Hydroxide, and Sodium Silicate—to alter the physical and chemical properties of SCMs. The performance of the chemically activated SCM in fresh and hardened concrete will be evaluated and compared with standard concrete properties.

Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara, reported 1,253 TB cases in 2023, making it a significant contributor to the region's TB burden. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify TB cases and describe the factors influencing TB spread in the Oesapa Community Health Center work area. A total of 150 samples were selected using simple random sampling, and the Spearman rank test was used for analysis. The results showed no significant relationships between gender, age, education, occupation, knowledge, residential density, and availability of information with positive TB MRT results. However, significant relationships were found between positive TB MRT results and phlegm removal behavior, smoking behavior, exercise habits, cough symptoms, shortness of breath, weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, and night sweats without physical activity.These findings highlight the importance of behavioral factors in TB transmission. The study concludes that community socialization is crucial to promote better health care and encourage a clean and healthy lifestyle to prevent TB transmission. The results of this study can inform the development of effective TB prevention and control strategies in Kupang City and similar settings. By addressing the identified factors, health authorities can reduce the spread of TB and improve public health outcomes.

Comprehending the damage initiation and propagation mechanisms in sandwich materials is crucial for optimizing their design. We employ a passive approach based on three-point bending tests on prismatic sandwich beam specimens with polyurethane foam cores. During these tests, the acoustic emission (AE) signals generated by the materials under mechanical loading are recorded. AE is defined as the release of energy in the form of transient elastic waves accompanying a dissipative process in the material. These signals are then analyzed based on parameters such as amplitude, energy and number of events to study the influence of support span length and core thickness. Classification of the acoustic signatures allows identification of the different damage modes (core shear, delamination, indentation, etc.). This acoustic activity is correlated with the deformation phases (load-displacement curve) and the damage modes observed in real-time. This correlation enables evaluation of the collected signals and improves understanding of the damage mechanisms in sandwich materials.

The proliferation of cloud computing has led to the adoption of multi-cloud architectures by organizations seeking to optimize performance, reduce costs, and mitigate vendor lock-in risks. However, building scalable and secure data ecosystems across multiple cloud platforms presents significant challenges. This research paper explores the key considerations, best practices, and emerging technologies for developing robust multi-cloud data ecosystems. We analyze the architectural patterns, data governance strategies, and security measures essential for maintaining data integrity, availability, and confidentiality in distributed environments. Through a comprehensive literature review, case studies, and experimental evaluations, we propose a novel framework for designing and implementing scalable and secure multi-cloud data ecosystems. Our findings provide valuable insights for organizations navigating the complexities of multi-cloud data management and offer a roadmap for future research in this rapidly evolving field.

Background Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women, especially post-menopausal women due to decreased estrogen levels. Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS) is a common postoperative complication in women undergoing breast cancer treatment, particularly following axillary surgery. Characterized by visible or palpable cord-like subcutaneous tissue, AWS often causes pain and restricted shoulder mobility. Case presentation: This case report describes a 62-year-old woman who developed AWS within 20 days post-surgery, presenting with pain and reduced shoulder range of motion (ROM). During physical examination, string-like cords were observed extending from the armpit to the inner arm. Interventions A comprehensive rehabilitation strategy was implemented, including MLD, stretching, conservative exercises, and home-based interventions. MLD sessions focused on reducing lymphatic congestion and promoting fluid drainage. Stretching and conservative exercises targeted the pectoralis major and minor, biceps brachi, latissimus dorsi, and rotator cuff muscles. Home-based interventions included self-massage and low-intensity exercises. Outcome The patient experienced immediate symptom relief post-MLD session, with pain reduction from 9/10 to 0/10, increased shoulder abduction from 1100 to 1700, and improved shoulder flexion from 1200 to 1800. Muscular strength improved, and the Breast cancer-specific Quality (EORTC QLQ BR-23) score increased from 50 to 90. Conclusion This case demonstrates the efficacy of combining MLD, stretching, conservative exercises, and home-based interventions in managing AWS. The approach led to significant pain reduction and improved arm functionality. Although the results are promising, further research with a larger sample size is necessary to validate these findings and explore the long-term effects. This holistic approach should be considered for clinical practice in managing AWS, emphasizing patient education and self-management for sustained benefits.