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Objective: The current study aimed to observe hypertension educational intervention's effect on general physicians (GPs) to improve blood pressure control and patient outcomes indirectly. Methods: This randomized control trial includes 42 GPs divided into 2 groups. GPs in group 1 receive face-to-face education with structured educational material on hypertension management strategies by a senior cardiologist. GPs in group 2 receive the print version of education material. The data was collected from six major cities in Pakistan. GPs with at least three years of experience in the broad primary care disciplines, with ages above 18 years, were included in the study. Results: A total of 42 physicians (21 from each group) completed questionnaires, while out of 420 hypertension patients, 105 newly diagnosed and already diagnosed patients enrolled under physicians of both groups. The educational material did just as well at informing clinicians as the face-to-face group intervention did and both the interventions had a significant effect on knowledge and BP control. Conclusion: After the 3-month follow-up, both interventions, including face-to-face and educational approaches, demonstrated significant effectiveness in improving knowledge and blood pressure control. Innovation: The study shows that hypertension educational intervention's effect on general physicians indirectly improves blood pressure control and patient outcomes. And emphasize for developing a hypertension educational program targeted at general physicians.

Conjugation with glucose (G) and fructose (F) via the Maillard reaction under the wet-heating condition is a natural and non-toxic method of improving the technological functions of 7S/11S proteins in different kinds of gels. It may be used as an affordable supply of emulsifiers and an excellent encapsulating matrix for gels. This study aimed to create a glucose/fructose-conjugated 7S/11S soy protein via the Maillard reaction. The conjugation was confirmed by determining the SDS-PAGE profile and circular dichroism spectra. In addition, these conjugates were comprehensively characterized in terms of grafting degree, browning degree, sulfhydryl content, surface hydrophobicity (H0), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) through various reaction times (0, 24, 48, and 72 h) to evaluate their ability to be used in food gels. The functional characteristics of the 7S/11S isolate–G/F conjugate formed at 70 °C, with a high degree of glycosylation and browning, were superior to those obtained at other reaction times. The SDS-PAGE profile indicated that the conjugation between the 7S and 11S proteins and carbohydrate sources of G and F through the Maillard reaction occurred. Secondary structural results revealed that covalent interactions with G and F affected the secondary structural components of 7S/11S proteins, leading to increased random coils. When exposed to moist heating conditions, G and F have significant potential for protein alteration through the Maillard reaction. The results of this study may provide new insights into protein modification and establish the theoretical basis for the therapeutic application of both G and F conjugation with soy proteins in different food matrixes and gels.

Background: To date, no optimal way of organizing and delivering care to hypertensive patients at the primary carer level has been identified, due to which a significant number of patients fail to meet the treatment goals. The current study aims to observe hypertension educational intervention's effect on general physicians (GPs) to indirectly improve blood pressure control and patient outcomes. Methodology: In this randomized control trial, GPs will be divided into 2 groups and both groups will be asked to fill hypertension awareness questionnaire at baseline and, after randomization. GPs of the group I will receive (1 day) face-to-face education with structured educational material on hypertension management strategies. GPs of group II will receive the print version of educational material (structured educational material) on strategies of structured hypertension management. Both groups of GPs will recruit 10 (5 newly diagnosed + 5 already diagnosed patients) from the study site. The patient will be asked to fill hypertension awareness questionnaire at baseline and share a 12-hour blood pressure measurement. GPs and patients will be reassessed after 3 months of intervention. Discussion: The purpose of designing this study is to observe the effect of hypertension educational intervention for general physicians to improve blood pressure control and patient outcomes indirectly. Results of this study may provide a basis for developing a hypertension educational program targeted at general physicians. Trial registration: The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05038774.

Stem cell, a wonder cell, acts as a basic unit for an individual development in early prenatal life, and repairs and regenerates the tissue and/ organ in post-natal life. The stem cell research although conducted extensively is still in its infancy for standardized therapeutics. Among various stem cells types, multi-potential mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) is mainly evaluated for therapeutic applications. These cells have been isolated from almost all the body organs/ tissues and fetal membranes and are culture expanded for higher concentrations. Like human, MSCs harvested from veterinary species are characterized on the basis of International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT). Extensive literature on their therapeutic applications in musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal systems evidences their potential utility under clinical settings. Currently, limited understanding in their hysiological mechanisms and availability of limited non-uniform in vivo studies restrict their definitive therapeutic applications. Lack of regulatory set up in India makes MSCs research in veterinary medicine a more complicated field. This review details the current status and possible ways to improve MSCs therapeutic applications in veterinary medicine, in general and in Indian system, in particular.

The study was aimed to record the ocular ultrasonographic changes in the confirmed clinical cases of MCF. The cases were confirmed using hemi-nested polymerase chain reaction assay. Ocular ultrasonography was performed using a 10–18 MHz linear transducer (My Lab 40 Vet). Clinical signs observed were corneal oedema, lacrimation, photophobia, corneal oedema and hyperaemia of conjunctiva. In two animals, mild corneal oedema was observed while in four animals each, moderate and severe corneal oedema was recorded. In all the animals, corneal oedema initially appeared at the limbus with subsequent involvement of the entire cornea with varying degree of severity. Hemi-nested polymerase chain reaction was used for confirming the diagnosis. Ocular ultrasonographic examination revealed significant increase in the thickness of the cornea, iris and ciliary body. Anterior uveitis, characterized by thickened iris, exhibiting crust and trough formation covering the major part of the anterior surface of the lens was recorded in nine animals. There was no recovery in any of the case and the animals died within one month of the diagnosis of the MCF. Significant ultrasonographic changes were evident in eyes of animals affected with the malignant catarrhal fever. Ultrasonography may therefore be used for monitoring the ocular changes especially in the anterior segment of the opaque eyes.

Fermentation of available sugars in milk by yogurt starter culture initially and later by Saccharomyces boulardii (Probiotic yeast) improves the bioavailability of nutrients and produces bioactive substances and volatile compounds that enhance consumer acceptability. The combination of S. boulardii, a unique species of probiotic yeast, and inulin, an exopolysaccharide used as a prebiotic, showed remarkable probiotic and hydrocolloid properties in dairy products. The present study was designed to study the effect of fermentation and storage on antioxidant and volatile capacities of probiotic and synbiotic yogurt by incorporation of S. boulardii and inulin at 1%, 1.5%, and 2% (w/v), compared with the probiotic and control plain yogurt. All samples were stored at 4 °C, and during these four weeks, they were analyzed in terms of their antioxidant and volatile compounds. The synbiotic yogurt samples having inulin and S. boulardii displayed significantly higher DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical activity values and more values of TPC (total phenol contents) than control plain yogurt. A total of 16 volatile compounds were identified in S5-syn2 and S4-syn1.5, while S3-syn1 and S2-P had 14, compared with the control S1-C plain yogurt samples, which had only 6. The number of volatile compounds increased with the increasing concentration of inulin throughout the storage period. Therefore, this novel synbiotic yogurt with higher antioxidant and volatile compounds, even with chilling storage conditions, will be a good choice for consumer acceptability.

This article presents a broadband optical nano-antenna, which covers a broader range of optical communication wavelengths (666 to 6000 nm), used in nano-photonic applications. The proposed design is modeled and analyzed to obtain a satisfactory gain of up to 11.4 dBi for a single element-based antenna. The unique feature of the proposed antenna is the hybrid plasmonic waveguide-based feed, which receives the optical signal from the planar waveguide and redirects the signal out of the plane. The proposed antenna provides highly directional radiation properties, which makes it a suitable candidate for inter- and intra-chip optical communications and sensing applications. Moreover, an extension of the work is performed for an array configuration of the order 2 × 1 and 64 × 1, to increase the gain and directionality. Therefore, this shows that it can be equally useful for optical energy harvesting applications with a significant gain up to 26.8 dBi.

Aims: Current study was aimed to produce nitrogen fixing Azotobacter sp. (SR-4) and phosphorus solubilizers Aspergillus niger (A. niger) and to evaluate their efficiency as biofertilizers for agricultural practices. Methods: Two biofertilizer including nitrogen fixing and phosphorus solubilizing were grown. The nitrogen fixing efficiency of Azotobacter (SR-4) was determined by Kjeldahl method. Similarly, Vanadomoybdate method was used to measure the soluble phosphorus while Heinonen method was used to analyze concentration of phytase and phosphatase in the cultures. Furthermore, both biofertilizers were tested in a field trail on Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd) and Abelmoschus esculentus (okra). Results: The Azotobacter (SR-4) strain was found efficient nitrogen fixer as 35.08 mg of nitrogen per gram of carbon was produced after 72 h of fermentation. Similarly, A. niger strain excrete extracellular phosphate solubilizing enzymes such as phytase (133UI in 48 h of fermentation) and phosphatase (170UI in 48 h of fermentation) which can solubilize the rock phosphate and make it available to plants. In field trials on selected plants (L. siceraria and A. esculentus), both biofertilizers showed significant increase in plant height, leaf length/width, fruit size and number of fruits per plant when compared with controls/untreated plants. Furthermore, plants co-inoculated with both the N fixing Azotobacter and phosphorus solubilizing A. niger have enhanced performance than those treated with each biofertilizer alone. Conclusion: The inoculation of seeds with A. niger and Azotobacter may replace costly and environment toxic chemical fertilizers with environment friendly and cost effective biofertilizers. Keywords: Biofertilizers, Azotobacter, A. niger, Bottle gourd and okra

In the plant turnaround, the operating assets and machinery of the organization shut down for overhauling and some capital work. This activity is very expensive and the time allocated is very low. Therefore, a good management system is required for planning all the activities of the plant turnaround maintenance. As the number of people involved in the maintenance, process is high, so teamwork is required to carry the work of plant turnaround maintenance. The alignment of team with the goals and objectives of plant turnaround maintenance has been one of the concerns for the academics and researchers. In spite of the positive impact of the team alignment on the performance of the company, only some of the organizations consider themselves having high performance due to team alignment. The previous research finding suggests that the best turnaround methodology & tools do not guarantee turnaround success as due to many reasons. So therefore, the current study attempts to use mediating approach of alignment in Plant turnaround maintenance. The survey questionnaires distributed among the technological advance and capital-intensive organisations in Malaysia covering Oil & Gas, Petrochemical Plants, Cement Plants, Palm Oils and Power Plants with a 31 companies yielding a 31% response rate. The study found that there is a positive influence for team alignment mediating the relationship between Plant Turnaround Maintenance Planning and Performance.

This study was designed to compare the subject knowledge of B.Ed graduates of formal and non-formal teacher education systems. The population of the study included all teachers from Girls High and Higher Secondary Schools both from private and public sectors from the district of Peshawar. Out of the total population, twenty schools were randomly selected from which 60 teachers from formal and 60 from non-formal system (6 teachers from each school) were randomly selected. A test was prepared and personally distributed among 120 teachers. The data were organized and analyzed through descriptive analysis. It was found that B.Ed. graduates from formal system had more subject knowledge as compared to B.Ed. graduates from non-formal teacher education system. It is recommended that the graduates as well as the teacher educators need to update their knowledge and work for continuous professional development.

Saccharomyces boulardii is a unique species of yeast previously characterized as a probiotic strain (CNCM I-745) among a few probiotic yeasts reported to date. Inulin is one of the most common prebiotics that exhibit twisted hydrocolloidal properties in dairy products. The present study was designed to develop a synbiotic yogurt by incorporation of S. boulardii and inulin at 1%, 1.5%, and 2% (w/v), comparing with the probiotic and control plain yogurts. Microrheological, microstructural, microbiological, sensory properties, and volatile compounds of the yogurt samples were evaluated. Microrheological analysis showed that addition of inulin to yogurt slightly reduced the values of G′ and G″, while solid−liquid balance (SLB) values confirmed more solid properties of the synbiotic yogurt (0.582~0.595) than the plain yogurt (0.503~0.518). A total of 18 volatile compounds were identified in the synbiotic yogurt, while only five and six compounds were identified in plain and probiotic yogurts, respectively. Physiochemical parameters such as pH, acidity, and protein content were in the normal range (as with the control), while fat content in the synbiotic yogurt decreased significantly. Addition of 1% inulin not only reduced syneresis but also maintained viability of S. boulardii after 28 days of storage. Microstructural and microrheological studies confirmed the dense, compressed, homogeneous structure of the synbiotic yogurt. Thus, addition of inulin improved the textural and sensory properties of the synbiotic yogurt, as well as survival of S. boulardii with viable count above 6.0 log CFU/g in yogurt, as generally required for probiotics. Therefore, novel synbiotic yogurt with desirable quality was developed as an effective carrier for delivery of the probiotic yeast exerting its beneficial health effects.

Pectus Excavatum is a congenital developmental deformity of the anterior chest wall, characterized by the dorsal deviation of the caudal sternum and associated costal cartilages or a ventral to dorsal narrowing of the entire thorax in which several ribs and the sternum grow abnormally. It has been reported in dogs, kittens, lambs and calves. Burmese kittens and Brachycephalic dogs are more predisposed. Common clinical signs include increased inspiratory effort, inspiratory stridor, moist rales, dyspnea and exercise intolerance. Cardiac murmurs associated with concurrent cardiac defects or compression of the heart and kinking of the great vessels are common. Increased pressure in utero, rickets and increased traction on the sternum due to abnormalities of the diaphragm have been postulated as specific mechanisms. Pectus Excavatum is initially suspected from visual examination of the anterior chest. The radiographic confirmation of Pectus Excavatum is based on the thoracic shape and radiographic changes. Cardiac malposition is usually seen, with the heart shifted to the left of midline and sometimes cranially. More objective parameters have also been suggested including the Fronto-sagittal index (FSI) and vertebral index. More recently the “Haller index” has been used based on CT scan measurements. An index over 3.25 is often defined as severe. Patients with mild disease (flat chest) may become normal without surgical intervention. However, animals with moderate or severe disease need surgical intervention. Severity of this condition is repaired in animal by surgical removal of the affected portion of the sternum and replacement with a graft and also by using a cast with sutures around the sternum.

The present study was conducted with the aim to isolate, characterize, and identify the promising zinc-solubilizing rhizobacteria found naturally in the rhizosphere of canola (Brassica napus L.) plants. The study investigated the roles of these strains in nutrient acquisition and assimilation of extracellular molecules such as hormones and secondary metabolites. Ten isolated promising zincsolubilizing strains (CLS1, CLS2, CLS3, CLS6, CLS8, CLS9, CLS11, CLS12, CLS13, and CLS15) were selected and characterized biochemically. Almost all the tested strains were Gram-positive, could fix nitrogen, and were positive for indole acetic acid, HCN, exopolysaccharides, and siderophore production. These effective zinc-solubilizing strains were identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Based on the amount of solubilized zinc and halo zone diameter, four potent strains (CLS1, CLS2, CLS3, and CLS9) were selected for pot and field evaluation. Among all the identified bacterial genera isolated from the rhizosphere of the same host plant at different sampling sites, Priestia aryabhattai was found most abundant and found at all three sampling sites. The strains Priestia megaterium, Staphylococcus succinus, and Bacillus cereus were found at two different sites. Bacillus subtilis was found at only one site. These strains have a number of plant growth-stimulating characteristics as well as the ability to colonize plant roots successfully. The results indicated that inoculation of all these four zinc-solubilizing tested strains enhanced the plant growth, oil contents, and yield attributes of canola as compared to non-inoculated control with fertilizer levels. Staphylococcus succinus (CLS1) was first reported as a zinc solubilizer and associated with canola. Priestia aryabhattai (CLS2) and Priestia megaterium (CLS9) were found to be the best strains, with the most pronounced beneficial effect on canola growth and yield traits in both pot and field conditions. The sitespecific dominance of these strains observed in this study may contribute toward decision-making for the development of specific inocula for canola. Therefore, identification of these strains could help in providing adequate amount of soluble zinc along with enhanced plant growth, yield, and oil content of canola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the performance of genetic algorithms (GAs) in complex optimization settings, this work offered two novel real-coded crossover operators: one based on the Gumbel distribution (GX) and the other on the Rayleigh distribution (RX). These innovative operators, when combined with three different mutation techniques, created a significant improvement in GA methodology. Our meticulous simulations showed that the GX operator significantly outperformed RX and other traditional operators, demonstrating its superior capacity to address complex optimization problems. The GX operator's unusual robustness was further validated through detailed performance analysis utilizing the VlseKriterijuska Optimizacija I Komoromisno Resenje (VIKOR) multi-criteria decision-making technique, setting a new standard in crossover operator design and significantly improving the state of the art in GAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy found in females all over the world and the second leading cause of cancer death in European countries. The purpose of this study was to find out the pattern of disease presentation in our region where a proper tumour registry system is lacking. Methods: This descriptive study was carried out in the Department of Surgery, Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad, from July 2021 to June 2022. All female patients with biopsy-proven breast cancer were included in the study: benign lumps, refused to enrol, and those who were lost to follow-up were excluded. Results: A total of 87 patients with carcinoma breast were included: 92 % (n=80) had invasive ductal carcinoma. Axillary lymph nodes were involved in 88.5% (n=77), 75.8% of the tumours, (n=66), were Grade 2, 34.5% (n=30) were in the 40-49 years age group, and 30 % (n=27) of the disease was categorized as Stage III or IV. In 55 % (n=48), the tumour was on the right side and in 39% (n=34), the upper outer quadrant was involved. Most of the patients, 90.8% (n=79), were married and had used contraceptive measures. Only 19.5% of patients (n=17), had a history of nipple discharge and 56% (n=49) had a positive family history: 71% (n=62) had nipple retraction, and 54% (n=47), proved to be ER PR positive. Conclusion: Our patients presented late: axilla was commonly involved and a third had advanced disease. Screening and community awareness programs may help in early detection. Hormone use for contraception needs to be weighed carefully. Better data collection may help in designing screening and care programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the frequency of hand-foot syndrome and associated factors among patients receiving Capecitabine for the management of cancer in a tertiary care setting. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Oncology Department Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan from Dec 2020 to May 2021. Methodology: One hundred patients with malignant conditions taking Capecitabine for more than two weeks were included in the study. A detailed relevant dermatological examination was carried out on all the patients to diagnose hand-foot syndrome based on the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 4.0 Grading of Hand-Foot Syndrome. Results: Out of 100 cancer patients using Capecitabine for more than two weeks included in the study. Sixty-eight showed the presence of hand-foot syndrome, while 32 did not show any features of hand-foot syndrome. Combination treatment was statistically significantly associated with hand-foot syndrome among the patients included in our study (p-value<0.001). Conclusion: Hand-foot syndrome was a common side effect seen in patients managed with Capecitabine for their cancerous condition. Patients using other chemotherapeutic agents along with Capecitabine were more at risk of having hand-foot syndrome than those taking Capecitabine alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Appendectomy for acute appendicitis is the most commonly performed operation in the world. Negative appendectomies are no longer considered acceptable due to increased morbidity and mortality and increased hospital costs and may be avoided by using pre-operative radiological imaging or diagnostic laparoscopy. Aim and objectives: To determine the frequency of histologically confirmed appendicitis on the basis of clinical suspicion and to determine the rate of negative appendectomies. Place and duration of study: Department of Surgery, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad from July 2020 to January 2021. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 245 presenting with features suggestive of acute appendicitis through non-probability consecutive sampling. Data was collected on a structured proforma and analyzed using SPSS 20. Results: Histologically 149(61%) patients had acute appendicitis while 96(39%) patients did not have appendicitis. Conclusion: Our study concludes that the frequency of histologically confirmed appendicitis was 61%, among patients subjected to appendectomy on the basis of clinical suspicion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast abscess is localized collection of purulent material within breast, which can be a complication of mastitis. Breast abscesses most commonly affect women between 18 to 50 years. Drainage of pus is generally considered as the mostly effective procedure in the management of breast abscess. Aim and Objectives: To determine the outcome of incision and drainage versus needle aspiration with antibiotics coverage in breast abscess. Place and duration of study: Department of General Surgery, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad from November 2020 to May 2021. Material and Methods: This randomized control trial was carried out on 60-patients (30 in each group). Breast abscess was confirmed on ultrasound. Patients of group-A underwent incision and drainage while group-B patients had aspiration with antibiotic coverage. Results: In group-A (incision and drainage) 1(3%) women had recurrence and mean time of wound healing was 7.63±1.033 where as in group-B (Aspiration with antibiotic coverage) 3(10%) women had recurrence and mean time of wound healing was 15.10±2.107. Conclusion: Incision and drainage is better than needle aspiration done with antibiotics coverage in the treatment of breast abscess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Appendectomy for acute appendicitis is the most commonly performed operation in the world. Negative appendectomies are no longer considered acceptable due to increased morbidity and mortality and increased hospital costs and may be avoided by using pre-operative radiological imaging or diagnostic laparoscopy. Aim and objectives: To determine the frequency of histologically confirmed appendicitis on the basis of clinical suspicion and to determine the rate of negative appendectomies. Place and duration of study: Department of Surgery, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbott abad from July 2020 to January 2021. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 245 presenting with features suggestive of acute appendicitis through non-probability consecutive sampling. Data was collected on a structured proforma and analyzed using SPSS 20. Results: Histologically 149(61%) patients had acute appendicitis while 96(39%) patients did not have appendicitis. Conclusion: Our study concludes that the frequency of histologically confirmed appendicitis was 61%, among patients subjected to appendectomy on the basis of clinical suspicion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]