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Introduction: Breast-cancer-related morbidity and mortality can be reduced by following worldwide-accepted screening guidelines and by appropriate education and training of health professionals on risk identification and screening. The study aimed to determine the significance of educational sessions in improving health professionals' knowledge about breast cancer, particularly screening modalities that can benefit the patients. Method and Materials: An interventional study was conducted among 260 health professionals, including medical students, nurses, and allied health professionals. The intervention was an educational session on breast cancer risks and screening guidelines. Health professionals' knowledge about breast cancer risk, presentation, and screening were tested by a structured questionnaire before and after the educational session. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 26. Chi-square was used to identify differences in pre and post-test. P value was considered significant at

The application of lipid coated nanoparticles has been expanding in nanoscience over the past few years. Lipid corona formation is one of the novel ways for the lipid conjugation around the nanoparticles. Although several properties of nanoparticles and lipids are well reported in literature in last few years, the dependency of lipid corona formation on metallic core and surface ligands is poorly understood. The aggregation, surface oxidation and metal ions dissolution of nanoparticles limit their usefulness in various applications. Besides all the reported methods to overcome all of these limitations, lipid corona could be an alternative, feasible, and more efficient method. In the current manuscript, we investigate the interaction of aromatic amino acids (tyrosine and tryptophan) functionalized silver nanoparticles (Ag-Tyr and Ag-Trp NPs) with different surface charged and phase states lipid vesicles and compare them with the reported amino acid functionalized gold nanoparticles (Au-AA NPs). The effectiveness of different zwitterionic and positively charged lipid coated Ag-Tyr and Ag-Trp NPs to prevent the aggregation and Ag+ ion dissolution of Ag NPs against different external stimuli (acidic pH, high NaCl concentration, and freeze-thaw cycles) are investigated. Our results reveal that surface ligands around the NPs play crucial role for lipid corona formation irrespective of the metallic core of NPs. Although all the lipid coated Ag NPs exhibit greater stability against external stimuli than native Ag NPs, zwitterionic lipid coated Ag NPs is better choice than positively charged lipid coated Ag NPs. This study on lipid corona and its stability will help the nanoresearcher to choose the suitable lipid for lipid corona formation.

Abstract Background Migraine is a typical cripple issue of the brain identified with cerebral pain which is an indication of numerous health conditions. About 18% of women (27 million) and 6% of men (10 million) are afflicted by migraine in the United States. Based on a case-control study, to explore the different risk factors, causing migraine in females and examine the association between risk factors and migraine. Methods A sample of 1055 individuals were selected in different areas of Lahore from September 2019 to March 2020. The information was obtained by using the direct interview method and questionnaire method. Descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis were carried out in data analysis. Results Among 1055 individuals 740 cases and 315 controls were included. In a binary logistic regression model, physical activities, stress, summer season, menstruation and morning were the risk factors that cause migraine and these were found to be positively significant with the odds ratios and 95% confidence interval of odds ratios (1.399; 1.122–1.746), (1.510; 1.187–1.922), (1.595; 1.374–1.851), (1.513; 1.247–1.836) and (1.309; 1.028–1.665) respectively. Nausea, isolation and back head pain were caused by migraine and these were found positively significant with the odds ratios and 95% confidence interval of odds ratios(1.290; 1.122–1.484), (1.882; 1.617–2.190) and (1.285; 1.123–1.471) respectively. Conclusions Stress, physical Activities and Menstruation increase the risk of migraine but weight loss, Breakfast, lunch, thirst, injury and Second trimester during pregnancy reduce the risk of migraine.

Background: For an adolescent the requirement of sleep does not decline though the opportunity to sleep is limited on account of lifestyle predilections, academic schedules, and compelling changes in the biological processes. Sleep affects physical growth, performance and emotional thinking in addition to influencing the cognitive functioning and attention span. Objective: The primary purpose of this study was to know the effects of late sleeping habits on academic performance in school girls aged 10-13 years and to identify the factors leading to late sleeping habits in school girls aged 10-13 years. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted on 355 girls studying in girls only schools. Multistage sampling technique was used. Sleep and academic performance questionnaire was administered after taking written informed consents from principals, students and their parents/guardians. Chi square test was applied for finding association between sleep habits and academic performance. P value less than 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: No significant association was found between late sleeping habit and academic performance since majority of the students i.e. 267 (75%) students slept before 11pm, the time which demarcates the late sleeping time with normal time. Significant association was found between habit of book reading before bed time and above average academic performance. Around 43% students drink milk before sleeping and majority watch television before sleeping. Likewise students who wake up fresh in the morning and do breakfast have above average academic performances. Conclusion: Study findings conclude that majority of the girl students in the age group of 10-13 years sleep at an appropriate time and satisfy the day’s requirement of 9 hours sleep. Therefore it does not affect their academic performance as majority of the students in the survey secured good grades. Key Words: Late Sleeping Habit, Academic Performance, Sleep Behavior, Bedroom Environment

Cancer is a severe disease that results in death in all countries of the world. A nano-based drug delivery approach is the best alternative, directly targeting cancer tumor cells with improved drug cellular uptake. Different types of nanoparticle-based drug carriers are advanced for the treatment of cancer, and to increase the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of cancer therapy, many substances have been looked into as drug carriers. Lipid-based nanoparticles (LBNPs) have significantly attracted interest recently. These natural biomolecules that alternate to other polymers are frequently recycled in medicine due to their amphipathic properties. Lipid nanoparticles typically provide a variety of benefits, including biocompatibility and biodegradability. This review covers different classes of LBNPs, including their characterization and different synthesis technologies. This review discusses the most significant advancements in lipid nanoparticle technology and their use in medicine administration. Moreover, the review also emphasized the applications of lipid nanoparticles that are used in different cancer treatment types.

Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) are devices that transform analog signals into digital signals and are used in various applications such as audio recording, data acquisition, and measurement systems [1]. Prior to the development of actual chip, there is a need for prototyping, testing and verifying the performance of ADCs in different scenarios. Analog macros cannot be tested on an FPGA. In order to ensure the macros function properly, the emulation of the ADC is done first. This is a digital module and can be designed in System Verilog. This paper demonstrates the design of the module on FPGA for Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) emulation. The emulation is done specific to the ADC macro which has programmable resolutions of 12/10/8/6 bit.

Modification of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their incoporation in polymer matrix have attracted much attention of researchers. As maximum dispersion of CNTs could enhance the properties of matrix dynamically, researchers are trying to find new methodologies to obtain this target. However, maximum dispersion remains a great challenge and under the stage of progress. Here, we claimed the synthesis of composites with a highly uniform dispersion of the filler that results significantly improved electrical features. In this regard, composites of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) were fabricated by using pristine and zwitterionic surfactant (ZIS) modified CNTs (ZIS-CNTs). Characterization was done by using ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. UV–Vis and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the synthesis of ZIS-CNTs and composites. UV–Vis spectra showed an increase in wavelength with the decrease in optical band gap for CNTs-based (CNTs/PMMA) and ZIS-CNTs-based (ZIS-CNTs/PMMA) composites. SEM and XRD studies confirmed a significant homogenoeus and uniform dispersion of CNTs in ZIS-CNTs/PMMA composites. An increase in conductivity of PMMA from 10−9 to 10−2 and 10−1 S/cm was observed on addition of less than 1% (mass fraction) of CNTs without and with modification by ZIS, respectively. Low values of percolation threshold at 0.5% and 0.005% for CNTs/PMMA and ZIS-CNTs/PMMA composites were obtained, respectively. TGA analysis showed a slow rate of decomposition for composites than that for pure PMMA. Around 600 °C, 3% CNTs/PMMA and 7% ZIS-CNTs/PMMA composites were left in the end, which depicts the increase in thermal stability of PMMA. This work depicts a better dispersion of CNTs in PMMA matrix via slight modification in synthesis as well as by using ZIS as surfactant.

Objective: To compare the effects of muscle energy techniques, facet joint mobilisation and conventional physical therapy on pain, disability, cervical lordosis and range of motion in patients with chronic neck pain. Method: The parallel-design randomised controlled trial was conducted at the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department of the Heavy Industries Taxila Hospital, Taxila Cantt, Pakistan, from December 2020 to May 2021, and comprised patients of either gender aged 35-50 years who had chronic neck pain, recurrent neck pain, and cervical spine curve. The participants were randomised into muscle energy techniques group A, facet joint mobilisation group B and conventional physical therapy group C. The outcome measures were cervical lordosis, pain intensity, neck disability index and cervical range of motions. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Results: Of the 115 patients initially assessed, 105(91.3%) were included; 67(63.8%) females and 38(36.2%) males. There were 35(33.3%) subjects in group A with mean age 40.09± 4.29 years, 35(33.3%) in group B with mean age 40.14±4.57 years and 35(33.3%) in group C with men age 39.26±5.19 years. There were no significant differences among the groups at baseline in terms of mean age, weight, height, body mass index, neck disability index, cervical lordosis and range of motion (p>0.05). Of the total, 6(5.7%) were lost to follow-up and the study was completed by 99(94.3%) subjects. Outcome variables in group A were superior to those in groups B and C with respect to flexion, rotation and side-bending (p0.05). Conclusion: Muscle energy techniques and facet joint mobilisation showed significant improvement in neck pain, disability and cervical range of motions compared to conventional physical therapy. Muscle energy techniques and facet joint mobilisation produced similar outcomes with respect to pain intensity and functional disability. Clinical Trial Number: The study was prospectively registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05040477). Key Words: Cervical lordosis, Facet joint, Mobilisation, Muscle energy techniques, Neck pain.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the important and strategic cereal crop for the majority of world’s populations. It is significant staple food of about two billion people. In next few years, world demand for wheat is expected to be 40 percent higher than that of its level today. Keeping in view the importance of the crop research work was conducted in the laboratory of Plant Breeding and Molecular Genetics, University of Poonch Rawalakot, AJK, Pakistan. The aim of the research was to find out the genetic diversity of different wheat lines. In the experiment, 50 different lines of wheat species (Triticum aestivum L.) was used to detect genetic diversity by utilizing Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis and biochemical analysis. On the basis of biochemical analysis lines 3111 and 3123 was diverse among 50 lines for antioxidant activity by using DPPH radical and 3135 and 3139 for phenolic contents and for flavonoid 3148 and 3107 was found more promising. Molecular characterization by SDS PAGE showed diversity in three wheat lines 3136, 3138 and 3110. These wheat lines could be our potential lines for future wheat improvement program as they were also promising regarding to the high yields.

Maize has widely been studied as a model of plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Here, the genome sequences of 9P. The strains, together with 26 other sequenced Maize were comparatively studied. Phylogenetic analysis of the concatenated 244 single-copy core genes suggests that the 9P. The strains and 5 other Paenibacillus spp., isolated from diverse geographic regions and ecological niches, formed a closely related clade (here it is called Poly-clade). Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) reveals local diversification of the 14 Poly-clade genomes. SNPs were not evenly distributed throughout the 14 genomes and the regions with high SNP density contain the genes related to secondary metabolism, including genes coding for polyketide. Recombination played an important role in the genetic diversity of this clade, although the rate of recombination was clearly lower than mutation. The distinction among people and different creatures can be gotten by relative examinations. This study reveals that both maize and its closely related species have plant growth promoting traits and they have great potential uses in agriculture and horticulture as PGPR.

Abstract Widespread use of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in pharmaceutical and cosmetics demand for its toxicological assessment. The current study describes the influence of exposure to kumquat, Fortunella margarita (FM) synthesized AgNPs in albino rats. Animals (n=60) were randomly distributed into four groups. Group, I served as control while groups II-IV were exposed to FM-AgNPs by the single intraperitoneal dose of 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Animals were sacrificed at two-week intervals up to 5 weeks. Hematology, tissue (liver and spleen) oxidative stress biomarkers (SOD, CAT, and MDA), and histopathological examination were performed. Significant elevation in hemoglobin (Hb), Erythrocyte count (RBC), hematocrits (HCT), and hematological indices and depletion in total leukocytes count (TLC) was recorded at different time points. Similarly, a significant increase in SOD, CAT, and MDA activity was observed in both liver and spleen. But changes (p ≤ 0.005) in the spleen was recorded more consistently. Exposures to the high dose of FM-AgNPs lead to significant alterations in microanatomy of the liver and spleen. In liver vacuolization, enucleation, necrosis, congestion, and reduction in the size of cell, nucleus, portal vein, and elevation in cell density per unit area were recorded. In the spleen, except for enlargement in splenic sinuses, no other alterations could be recorded. It is concluded that FM-AgNPs leaves time and dose-dependent toxicity in rats but variations are more evident at high doses.

Genome-wide association study (GWAS) has become a widely accepted strategy for decoding genotype phenotype associations in many species thanks to advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. Maize is an ideal crop for GWAS and significant progress has been made in the last decade. This review summarizes current GWAS efforts in maize functional genomics research and discusses future prospects in the omics era. The general goal of GWAS is to link genotypic variations to corresponding differences in phenotype using the most appropriate statistical model in a given population. The current review also presents perspectives for optimizing GWAS design and analysis. GWAS analysis of data from RNA, protein, and metabolite-based omics studies is discussed, along with new models and new population designs that will identify causes of phenotypic variation that have been hidden to date. The detailed that low temperature in maize seedlings altogether restricts germination and seedlings' development and destabilizes the cancer prevention agent safeguard component. Cold pressure adversely influences root morphology, photosystem II (PS II) effectiveness, chlorophyll substance, and leaf region. A short scene of low temperature stress (for example, under 10 °C for 7 days) during the V6–V9 maize development stages can fundamentally defer the anthesis commencement. Among the morphological reactions by focused on maize plants, low temperature stress causes strange tuft development in maize, along these lines influencing the fertilization and grain filling measures. Hence, problematic temperatures can cause a genuine yield decrease if happening at basic conceptive stages, as plants allocate over half of their photosynthesis to foster grains during this stage until physiological development. Low temperature stress fundamentally diminishes the plant stature and absolute yield biomass of maize. Leaf improvement turns out to be delayed in chilly focused on plants because of a drawn-out cell cycle and diminished pace of mitosis. The joint and continuous efforts of the whole community will enhance our understanding of maize quantitative traits and boost crop molecular breeding designs.

CRISPR/Cas is a genome editing technique, permits accurate improvement of fiscally significant yield species by transgenic and non-transgenic strategies. We have reviewed CRISPR/Cas9 with or without DNA solution design in both maize as samples to redesign tolerance against dry season obstruction, improving seed’s oil contents production, and a gift of herbicide strength. Fundamentally, by exploiting the technologies of CRISPR/Cas9, development with late advances in plant tissue culture can be brought directly into monetarily significant genotypes. The various crop species are major agricultural products and play an indispensable role in sustaining human life. Over a long period, breeders strove to increase crop yield and improve quality through traditional breeding strategies. Today, many breeders have achieved remarkable results using modern molecular technologies. Recently, a new gene-editing system named the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats CRISPR/Cas9 technology has also improved crop quality. It has become the most popular tool for crop improvement due to its versatility. It has accelerated crop breeding progress by its precision in specific gene editing. This review summarizes the current application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in crop quality improvement. It includes the modulation in appearance, palatability, nutritional components, and other preferred traits of various crops. Assortment created through such CRISPR/Cas9 engaged advanced raising procedures can be muddled from the regularly happening assortment and appropriately should be quickly open for commercialization.

This study was conducted to examine the influence of varying levels of corn steep liquor (CSL) on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, milk composition and blood biochemistry in early lactating nili-ravi buffaloes. Twenty five early lactating buffaloes were divided into five groups, 5 animals in each group, using Randomized Complete Block Design. The animals were divided into different blocks to account for the variation in their age, parity and physiological stage. Five isonitogenous (17% CP) and isocaloric (2.82 Mcal/kg) diets were formulated. The control diet (C) had 0% CSL and in CSL20, CSL40, CSL60 and CSL80 diets, 20, 40, 60 and 80% urea on nitrogen equivalent was replaced by CSL, respectively. Animals were fed twice daily at ad libitum. The daily feed offered and refusals were recorded to calculate dry matter intake (DMI). The sample of feed offered and refusal were used to determine dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). The DM, CP, NDF and ADF intake by buffaloes fed all diets remained unchanged (P>0.05). The DM and NDF digestibility were higher (P<.05) in animals fed diets containing CSL than those fed C diet. However, CP and ADF digestibility remained unaltered (P>0.05) across all diets. Plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) was lowest in buffaloes fed CSL80, CSL60 and CSL40 diets and was highest in buffaloes fed C diet. Nitrogen balance remained significant (P<0.05) higher in buffaloes fed CSL diets as compared to those fed C diet. However, there had been a non-significant difference in nitrogen balance in animals fed CSL20, CSL40 and CSL60 diets. Nitrogen intake, fecal nitrogen and urinary nitrogen values remained unchanged across all diets. The triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and their ratio remained unchanged (P>0.05) across all diets. Milk production, its fat, protein, true protein, non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and solid not fat values remained unaltered across all diets. The 4% fat corrected milk and lactose were higher (P<.05) in milk of buffaloes fed CSL40, CSL60 and CSL80 diets than those fed CSL20 and C diets. In conclusion, buffaloes fed diets containing CSL ate more DMI, had higher digestibility, better nitrogen balance, produced more milk and lower PUN than those fed C diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic variants in ionotropic glutamate receptors have been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, the authors report heterozygous de novo mutations in the GRIA2 gene in 28 individuals with intellectual disability and neurodevelopmental abnormalities associated with reduced Ca2+ transport and AMPAR currents.”

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were extracted from the whole cell of the causative organism (Pasteurella multocida) and quantified by using the semi-carbazide method. This quantified antigen was then inoculated subcutaneously into rabbits to stimulate antibody production. The maximum antibody titre was determined by applying indirect ELISA, and was found to have been achieved at one week post inoculation in all groups. It was concluded that with an increase in the dose of LPS antigen, the antibody titre increased and the combination of LPS of P. multocida with yeast produced more immunity when compared to LPS alone in rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a disease arising from DNA alterations that dysregulate gene structure and function. These deregulated genes can also play a role in tumor invasion and metastasis or resistance to treatment. In this study, we determined the gene expression during transcription of PTGS2 (Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2), MAGE-A3 (Melanoma-associated antigen 3), CALR (Calreticulin), KRT19 (Cytokeratin 19), and TMPRSS4 (Transmembrane protease, serine 4) in HCT116 colon cancer cell line and PC3 prostate cancer cell line. After RNA isolation and cDNA conversion, DNA amplification was performed with Real-Time PCR. We determined the altered transcriptional expression level of those genes. In HCT116 colon cancer cell line, expression of the TMPRSS4 gene, MAGEA3 gene and KRT19 gene was found as increased and expression of the CALR gene and the PTGS2 gene was found as decreased. Especially a 93.70-fold increase in expression of the KRT19 gene was found in HCT116 colon cancer cell line. In PC3 prostate cancer cell lines, TMPRS4 gene expression and MAGEA3 gene expression were found as increased. But there was 50 fold decrease in PTGS2 gene expression.

The article analyzes the conduct of the privately contracted military firm (PCMF). Its operation is not restricted to the standard conduct upheld by military personnel. The international and domestic law are found not capable to regulate PCMF conduct as they fail to provide an adequate definition or jurisdictional mechanism for its misconduct. The author suggests the need for such law to address the gap that allows the PCMF to escape liability.

This paper aims to explore educated people's perception regarding different social, legal and institutional causes of long persistence of crime against women in Pakistan. It further intends to explore the association between the perceptions regarding patriarchy (defined as domination of men over women in all aspects of life) with perceptions regarding other identified causes of crime against women in Pakistan. The research is based on data collected through a questionnaire based survey. The collected data was statistically analyzed and the results were shown in the form of tables. The causes of persisting crime against women explored in this research for investigating the patterns of perceptions among educated people include patriarchy (male domination), anti women social practices, women's segregation in home, unfavourable attitude of police towards women victims, practice of not reporting the crime committed against women to police, insufficient laws, marginal number of women in parliament, and lack of education and awareness among women. Majority of the respondents agree that these all factors are responsible for long persistence of crime against women in Pakistan. It was found that educated people's perception regarding patriarchy (as a source of crime against women) is significantly associated with their perception regarding all other reasons of the crime against women identified here.

Aim: Adherence and colonization of candida on denture soft liners is the most important contributing factor in development of denture stomatitis. This invitro study is undertaken to investigate whether the incorporation of tea tree oil into denture soft liners would inhibit the growth of candida albicans. Materials and Methods: Each 10 specimen disks incorporated with tea tree oil into soft liners (St) and without tea tree oil (S) were prepared. Both the tea tree oil daily. These disks were inoculated with candida albicans suspension for assessment of fungal growth and were rinsed with sterile water to remove loosely attached surface organisms. The attached yeasts were measured by inoculating them on saboraud’s agar. Treated and control disks were stored in distilled water for 1, 30, 60 days and washed daily with wet cotton. Data between treated and control disks were compared by applying t-test. Results: The mean colony forming units (CFU) per mm2 for specimens without tea tree oil after water storage and wash with wet cotton for 1, 30 and 60 days was 7.1 × 106 , 6.5 × 106 , 6.8 × 106 , respectively and for specimens with tea tree oil CFU decreased significantly to 2.1 × 106 , 2.8 × 106 , 3.1 × 106 after 1, 30 and 60 days. Treated disks were effective in controlling the growth of C.albicans for two months following water storage. Conclusion: Addition of tea tree oil to denture soft liner significantly reduced growth of C.albicans suggesting a new form of intra oral effective antifungal management for denture stomatitis.

MCrAlYHf bond coats are employed in jet and aircraft engines, stationary gas turbines, and power plants, which require strong resistance to oxidation at high temperatures. This study investigated the oxidation behavior of a free-standing CoNiCrAlYHf coating with varying surface roughness. The surface roughness was analyzed using a contact profilometer and SEM. Oxidation tests were conducted in an air furnace at 1050 °C to examine the oxidation kinetics. X-ray diffraction, focused ion beam, scanning electron microscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy were employed to characterize the surface oxides. The results show that the sample with Ra = 0.130 µm demonstrates better oxidation resistance compared to Ra = 7.572 µm and other surfaces with higher roughness in this study. Reducing surface roughness led to a decrease in the thickness of oxide scales, while the smoothest surface exhibited increased growth of internal HfO 2 . The β-phase on the surface with Ra = 130 µm demonstrated faster growth of Al 2 O 3 compared to the γ-phase. An empirical model was suggested to explain the impact of surface roughness on oxidation behavior based on the correlation between the surface roughness level and oxidation rates.

Introduction: Breast-cancer-related morbidity and mortality can be reduced by following worldwide-accepted screening guidelines and by appropriate education and training of health professionals on risk identification and screening. The study aimed to determine the significance of educational sessions in improving health professionals' knowledge about breast cancer, particularly screening modalities that can benefit the patients., Method and Materials: An interventional study was conducted among 260 health professionals, including medical students, nurses, and allied health professionals. The intervention was an educational session on breast cancer risks and screening guidelines. Health professionals' knowledge about breast cancer risk, presentation, and screening were tested by a structured questionnaire before and after the educational session. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 26. Chi-square was used to identify differences in pre and post-test. P value was considered significant at <0.05., Results: There is a significant difference between pre-session and post-session responses in all areas of knowledge about breast cancer, with much improved outcomes after the educational session., Conclusion: Health professionals lack knowledge about breast cancer risk factors, screening tools, presentation, and management. Regular education sessions improve these knowledge gaps and help early detection and treatment of women at risk of breast cancer., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2022 Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.)

The energy storage capacity of batteries and supercapacitors has seen rising demand and problems as large-scale energy storage systems and electric gadgets have become more widely adopted. With the development of nano-scale materials, the electrodes of these devices have changed dramatically. Heterostructure materials have gained increased interest as next-generation materials due to their unique interfaces, resilient structures and synergistic effects, providing the capacity to improve energy/power outputs and battery longevity. This review focuses on the role of MgO in heterostructured magnetic and energy storage devices and their applications and synthetic strategies. The role of metal oxides in manufacturing heterostructures has received much attention, especially MgO. Heterostructures have stronger interactions between tightly packed interfaces and perform better than single structures. Due to their typical physical and chemical properties, MgO heterostructures have made a breakthrough in energy storage. In perpendicularly magnetized heterostructures, the MgO's thickness significantly affects the magnetic properties, which is good news for the next generation of high-speed magnetic storage devices.

Introduction: Kisspeptin is involved in the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal-axis' seasonal regulation in rodents and sheep. Studies of kisspeptin signaling in regulating the transition between breeding and nonbreeding seasons have focused on kisspeptin expression, myelin basic protein (MBP) expression around kisspeptin-ir cells, and quantifying the synaptic connections between kisspeptin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in various animal models; however, the role of kisspeptin in regulating the seasonal breeding of primates has not been explored yet., Objective: This study investigated changes in kisspeptin signaling during breeding and a non-breeding season in a non-human primate model, the rhesus monkey., Methods: Three adult male monkeys (n = 3) from the breeding season and two monkeys (n = 2) from the non-breeding season were used in this study. After measuring the testicular volume and collecting a single blood sample, all animals were humanely euthanized under controlled conditions, and their hypothalami were collected and processed. Two 20 µm thick hypothalamic sections (mediobasal hypothalamus) from each animal were processed for kisspeptin-MBP and kisspeptin-GnRH immunohistochemistry (IHC). One section from each animal was used as a primary antibody omitted control to check the nonspecific binding in each IHC., Results: Compared to the non-breeding season, plasma testosterone levels and testicular volumes were significantly higher in monkeys during the breeding season. Furthermore, compared to the non-breeding season, increased kisspeptin expression and a higher number of synaptic contacts between kisspeptin fibers and GnRH cell bodies were observed in the arcuate nucleus of the breeding season monkeys. In contrast, enlarged kisspeptin soma and higher MBP expression were observed in non-breeding monkeys., Conclusion: Our results indicated enhanced kisspeptin signaling in primate hypothalamus during the breeding season. These findings support the idea that kisspeptin acts as a mediator for the seasonal regulation of the reproductive axis in higher primates.

Background: Numerous reports show that herbal medicines can be utilized in the treatment of different liver disorders. In this study, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities of individual as well as combined 80% ethanolic extracts of Artemisia absinthium leaves and Citrus paradisi peels were investigated., Methods and Results: Values of total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), DPPH-radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were measured to explore the antioxidant capacity. To assess antibacterial activity, four bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, and Klebsiella pneumoniae) were used. Anticancer activity was assessed on Huh-7 (liver cancer) and Vero (non-cancerous) cell lines. FRAP activity of combined plants extract was higher as compared to their individual effect; the trend did not hold in the case of DPPH-radical scavenging activity. Antibacterial activity of combined extracts by disk diffusion method was observed only against E.coli. MTT results indicated that both plants had a cytotoxic effect on Huh-7 cell line but did not show any effect on Vero cell line. Our data showed a strong negative correlation between the amount of TPC, TFC, & DPPH radicals-scavenging activity and viability of Huh-7 cell line.However, no effect was shown on the non-cancerous cell line., Conclusion: The ethanolic extracts of Artemisia absinthium leaves and Citrus paradisi peels can be used against liver cancer because of their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

To prepare glutaraldehyde-based cross-linked medium molecular weight chitosan nanoparticles encapsulated with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), to overcome dosing frequency as well as reducing acute oral toxicity and poor bioavailability of the drug. Medium molecular weight chitosan nanoparticles (MMWCH-NPs) were prepared by reverse micelles method based on glutaraldehyde (GA) cross-linking and optimized by the process as well as formulation variables like a various drug to polymer ratio, cross-linker volumes, varying stirring speeds (rpm), different time of rotation/stirring, respectively and their effects on the mean particles size distribution and entrapment efficiency %EE and %LC of NPs. Characterization of formulations was done by FTIR studies, TEM, PXRD, TGA, Stability, and dissolution drug release studies were performed by dialysis bag technique at both pH (1.2 & 7.4) and acute oral toxicity studies in albino rabbits. The formulated nanoparticles showed a smooth morphology with smaller particle size distribution (230-550 nm), zeta potential (-15 to -18 mV) required to achieve enhanced permeation and retention effect (EPR), entrapment efficiency (%EE 12-59%). These NPs exhibited a controlled drug release profile with 84.36% of the drug over a period of 24 h. Drug release data were fitted to different kinetic models which predominantly followed Fickian diffusion mechanism ( R 2 = 0.972-0.976, N  = 0.326-0.256). The optimized formulation (5-FU6) was observed under DSC/TGA, TEM. PXRD curves, FTIR, which confirmed thermal stability, structural integrity, amorphous state, compatibility between drug and polymer of optimized (5-FU6) as well as reduced acute oral toxicity in albino rabbits. Cross-linked medium molecular weight chitosan nanoparticles are nontoxic, well-tolerated therefore could be the future candidate for therapeutic effects as novel drug delivery carrier for anticancer drug(s).

The present study aimed to formulate 5-fluorouracil loaded cross linked chitosan nanoparticles based on chemical cross-linking of low molecular weight chitosan with glutaraldehyde by reverse micelles technique as 5-FU is less hydrophobic, relatively potent, has a shorter half-life, is rapidly metabolized, less tolerated, and has low oral bioavailability; therefore, we aimed to formulate potential nanocarriers of 5-FU for efficient drug delivery to specific targeted areas of action, reduce oral toxicity, improve tolerability and therapeutic outcomes of 5-FU, in a restricted fashion to enhance the bioavailability of 5-FU. Nanoparticles were formulated by the reverse micelle method based on the chemical cross-linking of glutaraldehyde (25% aqueous solution) into a w/o emulsion in different ratios. LMWCH-NPs were characterized for post-formulation parameters by mean particle size, zeta potential, %age yield, loading/entrapment efficiency, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), DSC/TGA, TEM, PXRD, drug release at pH 1.2, and pH 7.4. 5-FU loaded NPs showed a size range (198 nm-200 nm) and zeta potential (-39mV to -41mV), which ensured mechanical stability and increased retention time in blood vessels by the sustained release properties of biodegradable nanocarrier drug delivery systems. % age yield showed the range 92% to 96% while % LC ranged 2.0% to 3.4% and %EE ranged 40% to 43%. The TEM images showed spherical nanoparticles. FTIR revealed the compatibility between the drug and the cross-linked polymer. DSC/TGA ensured the thermal stability of the drug, while the solid-state stability of the drug-loaded cross-linked chitosan nanoparticles was evaluated by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis. Drug release studies were performed using the dialysis bag technique at both pH (1.2 and 7.4) to mimic the gastrointestinal tract. Highly stable NPs displayed targeted release in phosphate buffer pH 7.4 at 37°C. Fickian diffusion was the predominant release with an R 2 value of 0.9975-0.9973-and an N value 0.45-0.53. Prepared nanoparticles are inert, biodegradable, and biocompatible drug delivery systems for sustained release of 5-FU with maximum therapeutic efficacy and bioavailability., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2021.)

Mental health is the most neglected health sector in Pakistan, and the majority of citizens have limited or no access to primary and secondary psychiatric services. The incidence of schizophrenia (SCZ) has increased at an alarming rate in Pakistan, relative to that of other psychiatric disorders. While numerous studies have investigated SCZ, few have addressed the issue about the Pakistani population. In the present review, the researchers discuss current data integral to the prevalence, pathophysiology, and molecular genetics of SCZ; treatment approaches to the disease; and patient responses to drugs prescribed for SCZ in Pakistan. Most Pakistani patients exhibit poor responses to antipsychotic drugs. Based on our review, the researchers hypothesize that genetic dissimilarities between Pakistani and Western populations contribute to such poor responses. Consequently, an understanding of such genetic differences and the provision of personalized treatment may simultaneously aid in improving SCZ treatment in Pakistan., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Mushrooms have been accepted as nutraceutical foods because of their high nutritional and functional values. They have also gained interest due to their medicinal properties, economic importance, and organoleptic merit. In this study, wild Ganoderma lucidum and four commercial mushrooms, that is, Pleurotus ostreatus, Volvariella volvacea, Hericium erinaceus, and Lentinus edodes from Pakistan were screened for their biological activities such as anticancer, antityrosinase, anti-α-glucosidase, and antithrombotic activities from their methanol, ethanol, and water extracts. Enzyme inhibition assay showed that selected mushrooms are potent inhibitors with %age inhibition ranging from 19.00% to 80.91%, and 32.85% to 83.38% for tyrosinase and α-glucosidase, respectively. The best tyrosinase inhibition was shown by P. ostreatus whereas L. edodes was found best as α-glucosidase inhibitor. These mushrooms were tested against cancer cell lines including HT-29 colon and H-1299 lungs carcinoma cell lines. G. lucidum showed 29% and 24% viability of cells against HT-29 and H-1299 cell lines, respectively. This antiproliferative effect was in dose-dependent manner, and the maximum inhibition was observed at 200 μg/ml. Mushrooms extracts were also found effective against clot lysis. The percentage of clot lysis was in the range of 27%-29%. The research would provide knowledge to the people of Pakistan about the importance of locally available commercial mushrooms and wild mushrooms for health improvement and prevention against different kinds of diseases.

Tinnitus is thought to be caused by damage to the auditory and nonauditory system due to exposure to loud noise, aging, or other etiologies. However, at present, the exact neurophysiological basis of chronic tinnitus remains unknown. To explore whether the function of the limbic system is disturbed in tinnitus, the hippocampus was selected, which plays a vital role in learning and memory. The hippocampal function was examined with a learning and memory procedure. For this purpose, sodium salicylate (NaSal) was used to create a rat animal model of tinnitus, evaluated with prepulse inhibition behavior (PPI). The acquisition and retrieval abilities of spatial memory were measured using the Morris water maze (MWM) in NaSal-treated and control animals, followed by observation of c-Fos and delta-FosB protein expression in the hippocampal field by immunohistochemistry. To further identify the neural substrate for memory change in tinnitus, neurogenesis in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus (DG) was compared between the NaSal group and the control group. The results showed that acquisition and retrieval of spatial memory were impaired by NaSal treatment. The expression of c-Fos and delta-FosB protein was also inhibited in NaSal-treated animals. Simultaneously, neurogenesis in the DG was also impaired in tinnitus animals. In general, our data suggest that the hippocampal system (limbic system) may play a key role in tinnitus pathology.

The present study aimed to assess and compare the ability to remediate synthetic textile and industrial wastewaters by Fenton treatment, a biological system and sequential treatments using Aspergillus niger ( A. niger ). All studied treatments were found to be effective in decolorization of the effluents under study. Fenton treatment followed by A. niger showed excellent potential for the maximum decolorization of the synthetic and industrial effluents under study. The effectiveness of sequential treatment was evaluated by water quality parameters such as total organic carbon (TOC), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) before and after each treatment. The results indicated that A. niger is an effective candidate for detoxification of textile wastewaters., Competing Interests: All authors declare no conflict of interest.

Single-nitrogen containing saturated cyclic amines are an important part of both natural and synthetic bioactive compounds. A number of methodologies have been developed for the synthesis of aziridines, azetidines, pyrrolidines, piperidines, azepanes and azocanes. This review highlights some facile and green synthetic routes for the synthesis of unsubstituted, multisubstituted and highly functionalized saturated cyclic amines including one-pot, microwave assisted, metal-free, solvent-free and in aqueous media.

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have enormous potential as novel cell-based therapies, but their effectiveness depends on stem cell differentiation and specific signaling regulators, which remain poorly understood. In this study, a kisspeptin peptide (KP-10) was used at different dosages to determine whether rhesus macaque-derived tau GFP-Lyon ES cells underwent kisspeptin-specific neuronal differentiation. It was found that KP-10 exhibited an anti-proliferative effect on the cells and led to morphological changes and cellular differentiation consistent with neuronal stem cell (NSC) development. The cells differentiated into Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) neuronal-like cell types in response to the KP-10 treatment. There has been a previously observed connection between kisspeptin signaling, GnRH neurons and their dysfunction found in congenital disorders like idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH). Although therapeutics are a still a far-off goal, the formation and development of GnRH-positive neuronal-like cells following the application of KP-10 to Lyon NSC cells opens the door for future NSC-based therapies to treat specific reproductive disorders., (Copyright © 2017 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Amounts of DNA damage and homocysteine (Hcy) in heart patients blood may have strong function in the causation of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The main objective of this work was to know experimentally the role of total oxidants (produced by Reactive Oxygen species (ROS), clinical biochemical indices, their oxidized products and total antioxidant status (TAS) among such patients to find the association of homocysteine, total oxidation status (TOS) and oxidative DNA damage with other clinical parameters in sixty positive CVD patients compared with those of 60 normal subjects. As compared to healthy individuals, CVD patients had significantly higher concentrations of homocysteine (p<0.0001), total oxidants stress (TOS) (p<0.0001), serum total lipids (p<0.04), malondialdehyde (MDA) (p<0.001), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (p<0.0001), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p<0.01), than those of healthy individuals. Plasma Hcy content, TOS and amount of DNA were positively and significantly associated with cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, urea, and albumin (p values<0.01). TOS, Hcy and oxidative DNA damage were negatively correlated with HDL-c, TAS and proteins. It is suggested that these parameters have pivotal role in diagnostic process of determining severity in CAD patients. Oxidized products of macromolecules in blood of CVD patients impart major functions in causing CVD disease.

Alpha amylase family is generally defined as a group of enzymes that can hydrolyse and transglycosylase α-(1, 4) or α-(1, 6) glycosidic bonds along with the preservation of anomeric configuration. For the comparative analysis of alpha amylase family, nucleotide sequences of seven thermo stable organisms of Kingdom Archea i.e. Pyrococcus furiosus (100-105°C), Kingdom Prokaryotes i.e. Bacillus licheniformis (90-95°C), Geobacillus stearothermophilus (75°C), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (72°C), Bacillus subtilis (70°C) and Bacillus KSM K38 (55°C) and Eukaryotes i.e. Aspergillus oryzae (60°C) were selected from NCBI. Primary structure composition analysis and Conserved sequence analysis were conducted through Bio Edit tools. Results from BioEdit shown only three conserved regions of base pairs and least similarity in MSA of the above mentioned alpha amylases. In Mega 5.1 Phylogeny of thermo stable alpha amylases of Kingdom Archea, Prokaryotes and Eukaryote was handled by Neighbor-Joining (NJ) algorithm. Mega 5.1 phylogenetic results suggested that alpha amylases of thermo stable organisms i.e. Pyrococcus furiosus (100-105°C), Bacillus licheniformis (90-95°C), Geobacillus stearothermophilus (75°C) and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (72°C) are more distantly related as compared to less thermo stable organisms. By keeping in mind the characteristics of most thermo stable alpha amylases novel and improved features can be introduced in less thermo stable alpha amylases so that they become more thermo tolerant and productive for industry.

This paper outlines the establishment of a new and stable cell line, designated GBM-HSF, from a malignant glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) removed from a 65-year-old Chinese woman. This cell line has been grown for 1 year without disruption and has been passaged over 50 times. The cells were adherently cultured in RPMI-1640 media with 10% fetal bovine serum supplementation. Cells displayed spindle and polygonal morphology, and displayed multi-layered growth without evidence of contact inhibition. The cell line had a high growth rate with a doubling time of 51 h. The cells were able to grow without adhering to the culture plates, and 4.5% of the total cells formed colonies in soft agar. The cell line has also been found to form tumors in nude mice and to be of a highly invasive nature. The cells were also partially characterized with RT-PCR. The RT-PCR revealed that Nestin, β-tubulin III, Map2, Klf4, Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, and CD26 were positively transcribed, whereas GFAP, Rex1, and CD133 were negatively transcribed in this cell line. These results suggest that the GBM-HSF cell line will provide a good model to study the properties of cancer stem cells and metastasis. It will also facilitate more detailed molecular and cellular studies of GBM cell division and pathology.

In agriculture high urease activity during urea fertilization causes substantial environmental and economical problems by releasing abnormally large amount of ammonia into the atmosphere which leads to plant damage as well as ammonia toxicity. All over the world, urea is the most widely applied nitrogen fertilizer. Due to the action of enzyme urease; urea nitrogen is lost as volatile ammonia. For efficient use of nitrogen fertilizer, urease inhibitor along with the urea fertilizer is one of the best promising strategies. Urease inhibitors also provide an insight in understanding the mechanism of enzyme catalyzed reaction, the role of various amino acids in catalytic activity present at the active site of enzyme and the importance of nickel to this metallo enzyme. By keeping it in view, the present study was designed to dock three urease inhibitors namely Hydroquinone (HQ), Phenyl Phosphorodiamate (PPD) and N-(n-butyl) Phosphorothiocic triamide (NBPT) against Hydroquinone glucosyltransferase using molecular docking approach. The 3D structure of Hydroquinone glucosyltransferase was predicted using homology modeling approach and quality of the structure was assured using Ramachandran plot. This study revealed important interactions among the urease inhibitors and Hydroquinone glucosyltransferase. Thus, it can be inferred that these inhibitors may serve as future anti toxic constituent against plant toxins.

A recently established link between formaldehyde, a methanol metabolite, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology has provided a new impetus to investigate the chronic effects of methanol exposure. This paper expands this investigation to the non-human primate, rhesus macaque, through the chronic feeding of young male monkeys with 3% methanol ad libitum. Variable Spatial Delay Response Tasks of the monkeys found that the methanol feeding led to persistent memory decline in the monkeys that lasted 6 months beyond the feeding regimen. This change coincided with increases in tau protein phosphorylation at residues T181 and S396 in cerebrospinal fluid during feeding as well as with increases in tau phosphorylated aggregates and amyloid plaques in four brain regions postmortem: the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and the hippocampus. Tau phosphorylation in cerebrospinal fluid was found to be dependent on methanol feeding status, but phosphorylation changes in the brain were found to be persistent 6 months after the methanol feeding stopped. This suggested the methanol feeding caused long-lasting and persistent pathological changes that were related to AD development in the monkey. Most notably, the presence of amyloid plaque formations in the monkeys highlighted a marked difference in animal systems used in AD investigations, suggesting that the innate defenses in mice against methanol toxicity may have limited previous investigations into AD pathology. Nonetheless, these findings support a growing body of evidence that links methanol and its metabolite formaldehyde to AD pathology.

The rhesus monkey embryonic stem cell line R366.4 has been identified to differentiate into a number of cell types. However, it has not been well characterized for its response to drugs affecting reproductive endocrinology. Kisspeptins (KPs) are ligands for the GPR-54, which is known to modulate reproductive function. The current study was designed to determine the effect of the KP-10 peptide on R366.4 cells and to investigate the role of KP-GPR54 in the cell proliferation process. Four different doses (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 nM) of KP-10 and control were selected to evaluate cell growth parameters and cellular morphological changes over a 72 hr period. The cells were treated with kisspeptin-10 during the early rosette stage. Proliferation rates, analyzed by flow cytometry and cell count methods, were found to be decreased after treatment. Moreover, the number of rosettes was found to decrease following KP-10 treatments. Morphological changes consisting of neuronal projections were also witnessed. This suggested that KP-10 had an antiproliferative effect on R366.4 cells leading to a differentiation state and morphological changes consistent with neuronal stem cell development. The R366.4 stem cell line differentiates based on kisspeptin signaling and may be used to investigate reproductive cell endocrinology in vitro.

Association between the reward caused by consuming drugs and the context in which they are consumed is essential in the formation of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). Glucocorticoid receptor (GRs) activation in different regions of the brain affects reward-based reinforcement and memory processing. A wide array of studies have demonstrated that blockage of GRs in some brain areas can have an effect on reward-related memory; however, to date there have been no systematic studies about the involvement of glucocorticoids (GCs) in morphine-related reward memory. Here, we used the GR antagonist RU38486 to investigate how GRs blockage affects the sensitization and CPP behavior during different phases of reward memory included acquisition, retrieval and reconsolidation. Interestingly, our results showed RU38486 has the ability to impair the acquisition, retrieval and reconsolidation of reward-based memory in CPP and sensitization behavior. But RU38486 by itself cannot induce CPP or conditioned place aversion (CPA) behavior. Our data provide a much more complete picture of the potential effects that glucocorticoids have on the reward memory of different phases and inhibit the sensitization behavior.

Previous studies have shown that olfactory impairment by disrupting the olfactory epithelium prior to morphine administration attenuated the development addiction-related behaviors. However, it is unclear whether olfactory impairment will affect the expression of already established addiction-related behaviors. To address this issue, mice were conditioned with morphine to induce behavioral sensitization and condition placed preference (CPP). After an abstinence period, the animals were subjected to either an intranasal ZnSO(4) effusion (ZnE) or sham treatment with saline. Behavioral sensitization and CPP reinstatement were evaluated 24h later, as well as the expression of c-Fos protein, a marker of activated neural sites, in brain regions of interest. It was found that ZnE treatment attenuated morphine-induced behavioral sensitization and reinstatement of CPP. Compared to the saline-treated ones, the ZnE-treated animals showed reduced c-Fos expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) associated with behavioral sensitization, and in the NAc, cingulate cortex, dentate gyrus, amygdala, lateral hypothalamus and ventral tegmental area associated with CPP reinstatement. Together, these results demonstrated that acute olfactory impairment could attenuate already established addiction-related behaviors and expression of c-Fos in drug addiction related brain regions, perhaps by affecting the coordination between reward and motivational systems in the brain., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)