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Introduction: Heat stress proteins also known as shock proteins are the molecular chaperones due to various stimuli response to heat and ischemic injury to the cells. They are important in folding and degradation of other proteins involved in genesis of cardiovascular pathologies. Objectives: The main aim is to upgrade the role of oxidative markers and these stress proteins not only in development but also in evolution related to heart disease. Material and methods: Subjects were selected as diagnosed myocardial infarction in Faisalabad institute of cardiology, Faisalabad Division, Punjab. All subjects were further categorized as risk group and non-risk group on the basis of their risk factors history using ACC/AHC 2017 guided criteria for detection of myocardial infarction included chest pain, ECG finding and cardiac enzymes. Results: Data clearly depicts the demographical and hematological profile i-e complete blood picture of patients with diagnosed myocardial infraction and control subject. Hemoglobin as a highly advanced allosteric protein present in the form of HbA with two α and two β chains while globin chains are synthesized in erythrocytes cytosol. Conclusion: Despite of increasing evidence from the recent data, it is recommended that functions of these heat shock proteins related to guard cells against programmed apoptosis from stressful aspects e.g. infection, mechanical stress, oxidized low density lipoprotein and oxidants are also known as stress proteins. Keywords: Stress Proteins, Atherosclerosis, Apoptosis, Myocardial Infarction, Oxidative Markers

Purpose The study aims to investigate the impact of financial inclusion (FI) on environmental quality and the mediating role of industrialization (IZ). In addition, these relationships among the counties with different levels of income and carbon emissions were also analyzed. Design/methodology/approach This paper used the International Monetary Fund database for indicators of FI. The environmental indicators were obtained from the World Bank database for a panel of worldwide countries from 2004 to 2019. Separate indices of environmental sustainability (ES) and environmental degradation (ED) were created by using principal component analysis . The generalized method of moments regression was applied to examine the relationship between variables. Findings The study found full mediation of IZ between FI and ES, whereas partial mediation between FI and environmental degradation. The results were found robust against alternative measures of carbon emissions. Furthermore, the study also bifurcated the sample according to the level of income and carbon emission. It was found that FI plays a positive role in the betterment of environmental quality for high-income countries, while a negative role in upper-middle-income, lower-middle-income and low-income countries. Besides, FI has a negative role in the ES of the countries having higher or lower carbon emission levels. Originality/value Empirically this study contributes by creating two different novel measures of ES and environmental degradation, in contrast to other studies that solely relied on carbon emission. Contrary to previous studies, this study suggests that FI is not solely responsible for environmental damages, and IZ is the key channel by which FI shifts its impact on ES. Moreover, for environmental degradation, there are some other channels involved that need to be investigated further. This study has also noted that the relationship between FI and ES is context-dependent. Theoretically, this paper contributes to the literature by using ecological modernization theory in the nexus of FI, IZ and environmental quality.

PurposeAsia is the largest and most densely inhabited region in the world. Despite exhibiting an extremely expeditious economic growth, the majority of the world population categorized as poor resides in Asia, with more than a billion people financially excluded. This study aims to assess how social sustainability (SS) may increase financial inclusion (FI) and maintain financial stability (FS) in Asia.Design/methodology/approachEstablished on the stakeholder theory, the study analyzed the association among SS, FI and FS in Asia, employing a generalized method of moment’s estimation. The mediation of FI was also investigated in the relationship between SS and FS. Moreover, this study has analyzed the alternative proxies for the variables of interest to ensure dynamic results.FindingsThe findings point toward a positive association among SS, FI and FS. Furthermore, FI is observed to be undertaking a partial mediating role between SS and FS.Practical implicationsThis study emphasizes that both SS and FI have individual parts in the amelioration of FS in Asia, whereas previous studies implied that FI is a mere tool for stimulating SS. Hence, Asian policymakers must keep these outcomes in mind due to their simultaneous contribution to FS.Originality/valueThe relationship between SS, FI and FS has received little attention in the literature. No previous study has deduced that increasing SS may instigate an increase in FI and FS. Additionally, quite contrary to previous studies that relied on narrow indicators, this study develops a broad measurement of SS by considering a wide range of crucial indicators for a sustainable society.

This study investigates the role of governance quality in maintaining financial stability and enhancing financial inclusion in Asian countries using the stakeholder theory. Composite variables were constructed for the governance quality, financial stability, and financial inclusion dimensions using principal component analysis (PCA). The impact of governance quality on financial stability and financial inclusion was analyzed using dynamic system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimations. Additionally, using Baron and Kenny's approach, the mediating role of financial inclusion in the relationship between governance quality and financial stability was examined. The results obtained were robust to various standardization techniques. This study's findings suggest that governance quality negatively affects financial inclusion but has a positive influence on financial stability. Furthermore, financial inclusion positively affects financial stability in Asia. Finally, based on the results, we conclude that financial inclusion mediates the relationship between governance quality and financial stability.

Objective: To assess the level of awareness and adherence to lifestyle modifications in hypertensive patients. Method: The descriptive study was conducted from January to June 2019 at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan, and comprised adult patients of either gender with hypertension history of at least 1 year. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire to evaluate the subjects’ awareness and adherence to lifestyle modifications for the control of hypertension. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Results: Of the 294 patients, 160(54.4%) were women. The overall mean age was 53.3±12.1 years and mean body mass index was 27.1±5.9kg/m2, and mean duration of hypertension was 8.2±7.1 years. There were 122(41.5%) obese and 97(33%) overweight patients. Overall, 201(68.4%) patients had co-morbidities and 40(13.6%) were smokers. Of the total, 205(69.7%) knew the importance of exercise, but 104(35.4%) were doing it; 270(91.8%) were aware of restriction of sodium diet, but 244(83%) were adhering to it; 222(75.5%) knew the importance of dietary approaches to stop hypertension, but 185(62.9%) were adhering to it; and 247(84%) were aware that regular blood pressure measurement and follow-ups were important, but 150(51%) were adhering to it. Conclusion: The level of awareness regarding lifestyle modifications was found to be high in hypertensive patients, but the status of adherence was not up to the mark. Key Words: Awareness, Adherence, Diet, Exercise, Hypertension.

Encryption, which is essential for the protection of sensitive information can also transform any malicious content to illegible form, which can then reside in any network, undetected. Encryption of malicious payload is used by malware authors to mask their code, however, the objective of hiding the malicious code can be further improved by techniques of re-randomization. The concept of re-randomization using asymmetric cryptography has been emerged as a new area of interest for malware designers. Re-randomizing is a technique which can prevent detection of source path of a malware and makes it indistinguishable. This article extends the idea of using asymmetric cryptography for re-randomization and has proposed a novel scheme using Pailliar’s asymmetric cryptosystem. Moreover, this research work illustrates the limitations of RSA for malware re-randomization. A comprehensive performance analysis of the re-randomization techniques for various malware payloads is also presented, which can be used for the detection of re-randomized malware effectively.

Glanders is highly contagious and zoonotic bacterial disease of equines caused by Burkholderia mallei. Since many decades, glanders is endemic in eastern parts (Punjab) of Pakistan and has no information of disease in the north-western region (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – KPK). Therefore, present study was aimed to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors in two draft equine populated districts (Charsada and Peshawar) of KPK. A total of 393 equine samples originating from different localities of study area were investigated for anti-B. mallei antibodies (glanders) using indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ID Vet, Grabels France). The overall seroprevalence was found to be 3.1% (95% CI: 1.6-5.3) which remained insignificantly (χ2 0.421, P=0.516) between the two districts. In Charsada, prevalence estimates varied significantly (χ2 11.986, P=0.017) among 5 localities and found insignificant (χ2 1.287, P=0.732) in different sampling areas of Peshawar district. Donkeys were more seropositive (4.1%; 4/195) than horses (2.1%; 8/194) which did not differ statistically (χ2 1.397, P=0.237) and all mules were tested negative. Prevalence slight increased with age of animals (>10 years) and with poor body conditions. Donkeys were more test positive (OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 0.61-6.94) than horses and similarly animals managed on communal feeding (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 0.23-14.5) and water troughs (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 0.21-13.04) had more chances of contracting glanders. Multivariable model indicated donkeys (OR: 4.58, 95% CI: 1.0, 20.9) and equines above 10 years of age (OR: 3.10, 95% CI: 0.7-13.3) were more likely to test positive for glanders. In conclusion, present study provides prevalence estimates of equine glanders in KPK regions, which appears to be an area of endemicity. Future large-scale investigations are seriously warranted in other equine populated districts before implementing an effective control plan for glanders

PurposeMotivated by lack of empirical research on sukuk (Islamic bonds) defaults and factors influencing the credit risk in sukuk industry, the study investigates the impact of corporate governance (CG) practices and corporate social sustainability (CS) disclosures on default risk of Islamic bonds in an emerging market.Design/methodology/approachIn the Malaysian context the authors use generalized method of moments (GMM) to examine the mitigating effect of CG structure and CS disclosures on distance to default (DD) of sukuk issuers.FindingsThe results show that although both CG and CS have a significant and positive relationship with distance to default, the contribution of CS to augment DD is higher. Moreover, different CG variables have a varied relationship with distance to default, while the association is positive for all three pillars of CS, videlicet economic, social and environmental sustainability.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study hold important implications for issuers, subscribers and regulators in the sukuk industry.Originality/valueLimited research investigates the relationship between CG, CS and default risk of Islamic bonds. In light of this, the study attempts to fill the theoretical void in literature by examining the relationship among the underlying variables.

Dry fruits and nuts are nutritious foods with several health-promoting properties. However, they are prone to contamination with aflatoxins at all stages of production and storage. The present study aimed to determine the natural occurrence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), aflatoxin G2 (AFG2), and total aflatoxins (AFT) in dates, pistachios, and walnuts collected from four districts of South Punjab (Pakistan), and to assess the associated health risks as estimated by dietary exposure and the Margin of Exposure (MoE) determinations. The contents of AFB1 and AFT in these food products were monitored during storage under three different conditions (open-air, hermetically closed jars, and refrigeration at 4 °C) to determine the most efficient conditions in preventing aflatoxin accumulation. HPLC-fluorescence analysis of 60 samples of these products for aflatoxin contamination showed that 52 (86.7%) samples were contaminated at different levels, with a maximum of 24.2 ng/g. The overall (all samples) mean concentrations of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, and AFT were 3.39 ± 2.96, 1.39 ± 1.68, 1.63 ± 1.48. 1.12 ± 1.23, and 7.54 ± 6.68, respectively. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and MoE of aflatoxins through the consumption of the products ranged from 0.06 ng/kg bw/day to 2.0 ng/kg bw/day and from 84.84 to 2857.13, respectively, indicating that consumers are at high health risk. Significant differences were recorded between aflatoxin levels in the samples stored under different storage conditions, with storage under refrigeration (4 °C) being the most effective in controlling aflatoxin accumulation, although storage in closed jars was also efficient and offers a more flexible alternative to retailers. The findings of the study urge official authorities of Pakistan to implement appropriate regulatory and control measures and surveillance program to alleviate the potential public health risks associated with the consumption of dry fruits and nuts in the scope of their increased consumption.

Purpose This paper aims to identify some important misconceptions about Islamic banks, which impact investor’s portfolio in term of threats, challenges and opportunities. This paper is trying to attempt to present five different layers of misconceptions regarding investor portfolio. Design/methodology/approach This paper distributed 132 questionnaires among investors of Islamic financial institutions and multiple regression of least significant difference (LSD) method implied for data analysis. Findings The results of this paper show that two variables, such as opportunity and challenge, out of three are positively significant and the remaining one variable, threat, is insignificant regarding investor portfolio. Originality/value This paper is the first ever attempt in its nature to identify the different misconceptions about Islamic banking system and its impact on investor portfolio.

Bakgrunn: Pankreaskreftceller skiller ut peptider som kan endre energimetabolismen i muskelceller. Foreløpig er det gjort få studier som har undersøkt hvordan pankreaskreft påvirker humane muskelceller. I denne oppgaven ble det undersøkt kommunikasjon mellom pankreaskreftcellelinjen (PANC-1) og muskelceller. Dette ble gjennomført ved å behandle humane skjelettmuskelceller med kondisjonert medie fra PANC-1 og primære pankreasceller (hPEC). Metode: Genekspresjon av utvalgte gener i hPEC, PANC-1 og muskelceller ble undersøkt ved å benytte kvantitativ polymerasekjedereaksjon. Resterende forsøk ble gjennomført på muskelceller kondisjonert med medium fra hPEC (CM hPEC) og PANC-1 (CM PANC-1): Subtratoksidasjonsmetoden ble brukt til å undersøke glukose- og oljesyremetabolisme ved å benytte henholdsvis D[14C(U)]glukose og [1- 14C]oljesyre. Fosforylering av AKT og AS160 ble undersøkt vha Western immunoblotting. D[14C(U)]glukose ble benyttet for å måle effekten av glykogensyntesen. Resultater: Genuttryk av interleukin-6 (IL-6) og activin var signifikant lavere i PANC-1 enn i hPEC når resultatene var korrigert for RPLP0, et referansegen. Behandling med antimycin A og rotenon, og oligomycin førte til signifikant reduksjon av total opptak av 14C-glukose i CM CM PANC-1 sammenlignet med CM hPEC. FCCP førte til signifikant reduksjon i oksidasjon av 14C-oljesyre i CM PANC-1 sammenlignet med CM hPEC. Insulineffekten på pAS160/total AS160 i CM PANC-1 var signifikant lavere enn i basal medium og CM hPEC. Samtidig så vi en tendens til redusert insulineffekt i CM PANC-1 sammenlignet med CM hPEC. Genekspresjon av IL-6 og metabolske kjernereseptorer viste noe tendens til redusert genuttrykk i CM PANC-1 enn i CM hPEC. UQCRB var signifikant lavere i CM PANC-1 sammenlignet med CM hPEC. Konklusjon: Endringene i både de metabolske parametrene, protein uttrykk og genekspresjon vist i denne oppgaven, kan tyde på at det er en kommunikasjon mellom muskelceller og pankreaskreftceller. Videre studier er nødvendige for å kartlegge konsekvensene av denne kommunikasjonen.

The present paper accommodates the spillover impact of market volatility index of S & P 500 (VIX) and China exchange-traded fund’s volatility (VXFXI) on the emerging equity (KSE-100 index) and foreign exchange markets of Pakistan. In this context, we use a vector autoregressive (VAR) model and impulse response functions (IRF) to explore link among VIX indices and financial markets of Pakistan for the differential time periods. The study concludes that a rise in both VIX and VXFXI results in price falls of KSE-100 index and deteriorates exchange rate market. This implies that VIX act as ‘fear gauge’ on both stock and exchange rate markets in Pakistan. These outcomes provide an imperative implication on the pattern of currency and stock sensitivities against global volatility. This reveals that adverse movements in global volatility in the USA and Chinese financial market have a significant impact and a rise in VIX causes an outflow of investment from financial markets of Pakistan. Moreover, our results may guide local and global investors to anticipate the potential direction of stock and exchange rate markets based on market volatility index.

Mari Gas Field; discovered in 1957, is one of the oldest and mature fields of Pakistan and currently the highest gas producing field of the country. Mari Field has vital role in ensuring the food security of Pakistan as it is meeting gas needs of 87% of Fertilizer Industry. Field has been developed in multiple phases with 97 producing wells and complex gas gathering network of 284 km. In recent past few years, the country's supply and demand gap for gas is on widening trend. In order to support national energy needs, MPCL management decided to take initiative of executing gas incremental and optimization drive for playing its part in meeting the crucial energy demand of country. Furtermore, it was also matter of great importance to sustain the enhanced production plateau and meeting production & revenue targets.Multidisciplinary teams were formed for evaluation of complete system from Reservoir to delivery end. Integrated approach was adopted for assessment of system at existing state of production and targeted production rate as de-coupled models would have not served the purpose well in this particular case. This study covers the integration of sub-surface and surface facilities; linking reservoir simulator at IPR Level, through in-house simulation model developed in commercial simulator. Keeping in view the target of study i.e. incremental and sustained production, reservoir rates were constrained and hence semi-implicit approach was used instead of fully implicit modeling which saved a lot of computation time and avoided complexities. Coupled model was simulated for predicting futuristic behavior of system at enhanced production which identified bottlenecks and integrity problems in existing system and also proposed the solutions through series of sensitivities analysis. This exercise triggered the proactive approach for solving system issues and kicked-off proper surveillance of system which are mandatory to sustain the desired production plateau and ensure the mechanical integrity of system. This study further emphasized that evaluation of complete system through integrated modeling can save compression cost at by de-bottlenecking the existing infrastructure.At present, the field is producing at 20% incremental volume over and above of initial base volume and future plans have also been formulated to sustain the production plateau as per reservoir simulator.

Background: Allopurinol is commonly used as antihypertensive medicine. Fenofibrate, a fibric acid derivative, is widely used in hyperlipidemia treatment. Fenofibrate reduce serum uric acid levels effectively. Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fenofibrate in patients with hyperuricemia. Study Design: Interventional Study Place and Duration: The study was performed in the Out Patient Department of Nephrology Unit of Nishter Hospital, Multan for the period of six months from January 2017 to July 2017. Materials and methods: Sixty hyperuricemic patients with serum uric acid levels of desil- lary or higher of 7.0 mg were enrolled and assigned to receive 300 mg allofurinol or 200 mg fenofibrate for 12 weeks. The efficacy of the drug was measured in percentage of patients successfully controlling serum uric acid levels of less than 6 mg P. Dl at 90 days. The efficacy of the drug was also checked by measuring the percentage of serum uric acid levels changes at day 1 to 90 days. Safety was checked by observing side effects (AE) and laboratory investigations. Findings: The percentage comparison of cases in which uric acid level in serum was lower than 6.5 mg at 90th day in both groups was statically significant (P = 0.14). However, the percentage difference in uric acid level between 0 and 90 days was significantly highly among the two groups (p = 0.001). Although the proportion of individuals experiencing any side effects was greater in the fenofibrate group, the side effects that caused the allopurinol group to discontinue treatment were found to be higher. Conclusion: Fenofibrate 200 mg is an effective antihypertensive agent once a day. Key words: Uric acid, Fenofibrate, hyperuricemia.

Objective: To determine the factors associated with quitting suckling Breast feeding in children. Methodology: A cross-sectional study. Children up to the age of two were included. Information entered into a pre-designed proforma. Place and Duration: The study was carried out in the Gynecology and Pediatric Department Of services Hospital, Lahore for the period of one year from July 2016 to July 2017. Findings: A total of 543 children were included. Maternal factors were 43% insufficient milk secretion and 43% insufficient rest for the first six weeks after birth. In children, diet and nutrition with a 41% formula is 36%. There is not enough milk in the first days after birth and 62% are starved after breastfeeding and 62% are widespread legends. Conclusions: Maternal and child factors and myths responsible for cessation of male nutrition, inadequate secretion of cigarettes, problems with mothers, maternal stress, infant feeding with bottle feeding and first mothers. These misconceptions should be addressed during prenatal visits. Key words: Maternal factor, Breastfeeding, myths, infant factor.

SUMMARYThis study describes the first large-scale serosurvey on West Nile virus (WNV) conducted in the equine population in Pakistan. Sera were collected from 449 equids from two provinces of Pakistan during 2012–2013. Equine serum samples were screened using a commercial ELISA kit detecting antibodies against WNV and related flaviviruses. ELISA-positive samples were further investigated using virus-specific microneutralization tests (MNTs) to identify infections with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), WNV and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). Anti-WNV antibodies were detected in 292 samples by ELISA (seroprevalence 65·0%) and WNV infections were confirmed in 249 animals by MNT. However, there was no animal found infected by JEV or TBEV. The detection of WNV-seropositive equines in Pakistan strongly suggests a widespread circulation of WNV in Pakistan.

The jejunum is the longest part of the small intestine and its lumen is mainly involved in the absorption of the nutrients. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of metronidazole, ceftriaxoine sodium and their combination on the stenotic index of the end to end jujunal anastomotic site. To accomplish this, 20 healthy stray dogs were subjected to end to end jejunal ansastmosis. Dogs in Group A (control) underwent jejunal anstomosis with no antibiotic prophylaxis, while those in Group B received surgery and metronidazole alone at 50 mg/kg, those in Group C received ceftriaxone sodium intravenously at 30 mg/kg body weight prior to surgery and dogs in Group D were given metronidazole in combination with ceftriaxone sodium at 50 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg, respectively, 2 h before surgical intervention. No significant difference (p > 0.05) in the stenotic index was observed at 14 days after jejunal anastomosis. These findings indicate that prophylactic administration of metronidazole and ceftriaxone sodium alone or in combination had no significant effect on the stenotic index of the jejunum.

Intestinal resections are most commonly performed in dogs and currently it is involved with extensive use of different antibiotics before surgical intervention. Metronidazole and cephalosporins are considered as best choice for prophylactic use in gastrointestinal operations. Therefore, the study is established to reveal the comparative effect of metronidazole, ceftriaxoine sodium and their combination on the tensile strength of jejunual anastomotic site. A total of twenty healthy stray dogs were included in this study. These dogs were randomly divided into four groups, which underwent end to end jejunal ansastmosis. The dogs in Group I (control) were operated for jejunal anstomosis without any antibiotic prophylaxis. The metronidazole alone was administered intravenously to dogs in Group II at the dose rate of 50mg/kg while the dogs in Group III were administered with intravenous ceftriaxone sodium at the dose rate of 30mg/Kg body weight two hours prior to surgery. The dogs in Group IV were given metronidazole in combination with ceftriaxone sodium by intravenous route at the dose rate of 50mg/Kg and 30mg/kg respectively two hours before surgical intervention. A significant difference was noted in the tensile strength between the four studied groups (P < 0.05). The study concluded that the combination of ceftriaxone sodium with metronidazole was found to enhance the gain in tensile strength significantly i.e. 47.50 %.

Vibration tests are designed and executed for verifying the qualification of aerospace hardware. To accomplish this, a test fixture is required, to transmit mechanical energy from the shaker to the test specimen. This paper presents the experimental testing and finite element model correlation of an available vibration test fixture. The objective was to design an optimized fixture in which the first natural frequency was out of the test frequency range (5–2000 Hz). Many iterations of the test were performed, but the results are presented for only the few that contributed to the optimized design of the vibration test fixture. The final optimized design is presented and discussed.

An unusual case of traumatic carditis in a Tedday goat is described. No significant other accompanying abnormalities were observed at necropsy except the presence of 4.5 mm long sharp quilt needle, which was extending from the left ventricle to right atrium.

The study aims to test the semi strong form of market efficiency by analyzing the reaction of Pakistani stock market to natural disaster and terrorism effects. This study is unique and special in its nature as this is the first kind of study on natural disasters and terrorism effects on stock market of Pakistan. This paper is based on event study, taking the data of KSE-100 index on daily basis from 2005 to 2010 comprising of two natural disasters and five major terrorist attacks in the country, and their impact on the Karachi Stock Exchange. Calculations were based on before and after the event, then by calculating the cumulative average returns and abnormal returns, results were calculated. The article shows that the market is efficient in the context of terrorist attacks, while in case of natural disaster market is inefficient.