Search

Abstract Background Mental health literacy (MHL) and help-seeking behaviors are pivotal in managing mental well-being, especially among Egyptian undergraduates. Despite the importance and prevalent psychological distress in this group, limited research has addressed MHL and associated behaviors in Egypt. This study aimed to assess the levels of MHL and help-seeking behavior among Egyptian university students. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted across ten Egyptian universities during the academic year 2022–2023. A convenience sample of 1740 students was obtained through online questionnaires distributed via social media platforms. The survey comprised demographic characteristics, the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS), and the General Help Seeking Behavior Questionnaire (GHSPQ). Results Among 1740 Egyptian undergraduates, medical students scored higher in recognizing disorders (p

Background: In India, trauma is the most common cause of death. The third most common cause of traumatic death is thoracic trauma. Thoracic trauma accounts for 10% of all trauma admissions, and the mortality rate is reported to range from 10% to 60%. Thoracic trauma patients are likely to be assessed and cared for consistently under a well-designed classification system. Aims: This study aims To investigate Chest Trauma Score (CTS)-based prognostic and predictive outcomes following chest trauma in the Indian subpopulation sustaining chest injuries. Setting and Design: This prospective observational study, Department of General Surgery, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah, was included a total of 50 individuals with thoracic trauma. Materials and Methods: When a patient is admitted to the emergency department or trauma unit, a complete clinical assessment, detailed history, vital signs, and all appropriate investigations - including chest radiographs, computed tomography, or high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest (if hemodynamics are stable on admission) - are performed. Age, pulmonary contusion (on HRCT chest), number of rib fractures, and presence of bilateral rib fracture were the four factors used to calculate the CTS. Statistical Analysis: Data were expressed as mean (standard deviation) and percentage (%). Chi-square, Student's t-test, and analysis of variance were used to compare measured variables. Results: The mean pulse rate (beats/min) and respiratory rate (/min) of patients were significantly higher, and systolic blood pressure (mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) were significantly lower in the nonsurvivor group compared with the survivor group. More than 5 rib fractures and intubation were significantly found more in nonsurvivor group. The mean Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was significantly decreased in nonsurvivor group (11.67 ± 1.37) as compared to survivor group (14.55 ± 1.13). Conclusion: Traffic accidents were more frequently (60%) responsible for chest trauma. The mean GCS was significantly associated with patient mortality.

Background: Both Viruses are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children and are considered an important cause of mortality worldwide. Objective: To estimate the rate of human bocavirus and rotavirus co-infection in children with acute gastroenteritis and determine any association with different risk factors. Patients and Methods: Stool samples were collected from one hundred children suffering from acute gastroenteritis at the Central Teaching Hospital of Pediatrics, Baghdad, Iraq, for the period from December 2021 to April 2022. Samples were stored at -20 °C until they were utilized by PCR and ELISA to identify the human bocavirus (HBoV) DNA and rotavirus antigen (RV-Ag), respectively. Results: This cross-sectional study showed that HBoV DNA was detected in 10 out of 100 samples (10%), while RV-Ag was detected in 22 out of 93 samples (23.66%), and the co-infection rate was 100% (All cases positive for HBoV were also positive for RV). None of the studied demographic data and risk factors showed a significant association with HBoV and/or rotavirus infection (P>0.05). Conclusion: Most NICU deaths resulted from prematurity and respiratory distress syndrome. Enhancing healthcare personnel skills, standardizing protocols, and evidence-based practices for preterm and respiratory distress syndrome management can help reduce neonatal mortality rates in Iraq.

Magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) have been intensively investigated because of their potential biomedical applications due to their high saturation magnetization. In this study, core–shell Fe3O4@C NPs (core = Fe3O4 NPs and shell = amorphous carbons, davg = 35.1 nm) were synthesized in an aqueous solution. Carbon coating terminated with hydrophilic –OH and –COOH groups imparted excellent biocompatibility and hydrophilicity to the NPs, making them suitable for biomedical applications. The Fe3O4@C NPs exhibited ideal relaxometric properties for T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents (i.e., high transverse and negligible longitudinal water proton spin relaxivities), making them exclusively induce only T2 relaxation. Their T2 MRI performance as contrast agents was confirmed in vivo by measuring T2 MR images in mice before and after intravenous injection.

A challenge to the orthopedic surgeons in veterinary and human fields is the treatment of delayed union, malunion and nonunion. Apart from renovation of arrangement and constant fixation, in many cases, adjunctive measures such as bone-grafting or the use of bone-graft substitutes, are of dominant significance. In general bone-graft materials comprise one or more components: an osteoconductive matrix, which acts as a scaffold to new bone growth; osteoinductive proteins, backing the mitogenesis of indistinguishable cells; and osteogenic cells, which can form bone in the proper environment. Our review focuses on the currently existing bone graft and graft substitutes for the novel therapeutic approaches in the clinical situation of orthopedic surgery. This review is based on an extensive literature search of different composite scaffolds developed as bone regenerative therapies. The settlement and drawbacks of different composite scaffold developed techniques, the properties of generally used ceramics and polymers, and the properties of presently investigated synthetic composite grafts. To follow, an exhaustive review of in vivo models is used to test composite scaffolds in segmental bone defects (SBDs) to serve as a guide to design suitable translational studies and to recognize the challenges that require to be overcome in scaffold design for successful transformation. This includes the formative of the anatomical position within the animals, selecting the accurate study period, and an overview of scaffold presentation evaluation.

X-ray computed tomography (CT) contrast agents offer extremely valuable tools and techniques in diagnostics via contrast enhancements. Heavy metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) can provide high contrast in CT images due to the high density of heavy metal atoms with high X-ray attenuation coefficients that exceed that of iodine (I), which is currently used in hydrophilic organic CT contrast agents. Nontoxicity and colloidal stability are vital characteristics in designing heavy metal-based NPs as CT contrast agents. In addition, a small particle size is desirable for in vivo renal excretion. In vitro phantom imaging studies have been performed to obtain X-ray attenuation efficiency, which is a critical parameter for CT contrast agents, and the imaging performance of CT contrast agents has been demonstrated via in vivo experiments. In this review, we focus on the in vitro and in vivo studies of various heavy metal-based NPs in pure metallic or chemical forms, including Au, Pt, Pd, Ag, Ce, Gd, Dy, Ho, Yb, Ta, W, and Bi, and provide an outlook on their use as high-performance CT contrast agents.

In recent decades, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have attracted considerable research interest as versatile substances for various biomedical applications, particularly as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Depending on their composition and particle size, most MNPs are either paramagnetic or superparamagnetic. The unique, advanced magnetic properties of MNPs, such as appreciable paramagnetic or strong superparamagnetic moments at room temperature, along with their large surface area, easy surface functionalization, and the ability to offer stronger contrast enhancements in MRI, make them superior to molecular MRI contrast agents. As a result, MNPs are promising candidates for various diagnostic and therapeutic applications. They can function as either positive (T1) or negative (T2) MRI contrast agents, producing brighter or darker MR images, respectively. In addition, they can function as dual-modal T1 and T2 MRI contrast agents, producing either brighter or darker MR images, depending on the operational mode. It is essential that the MNPs are grafted with hydrophilic and biocompatible ligands to maintain their nontoxicity and colloidal stability in aqueous media. The colloidal stability of MNPs is critical in order to achieve a high-performance MRI function. Most of the MNP-based MRI contrast agents reported in the literature are still in the developmental stage. With continuous progress being made in the detailed scientific research on them, their use in clinical settings may be realized in the future. In this study, we present an overview of the recent developments in the various types of MNP-based MRI contrast agents and their in vivo applications.

Ultrasmall platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NPs) grafted with three types of hydrophilic and biocompatible polymers, i.e., poly(acrylic acid), poly(acrylic acid-co-maleic acid), and poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic acid) were synthesized using a one-pot polyol method. Their physicochemical and X-ray attenuation properties were characterized. All polymer-coated Pt-NPs had an average particle diameter (davg) of 2.0 nm. Polymers grafted onto Pt-NP surfaces exhibited excellent colloidal stability (i.e., no precipitation after synthesis for >1.5 years) and low cellular toxicity. The X-ray attenuation power of the polymer-coated Pt-NPs in aqueous media was stronger than that of the commercial iodine contrast agent Ultravist at the same atomic concentration and considerably stronger at the same number density, confirming their potential as computed tomography contrast agents.

Background: pathophysiological changes such as low cardiac output (LCO) impact pharmacokinetics, but its extent may be different throughout pediatrics compared to adults. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling enables further exploration. Methods: A validated propofol model was used to simulate the impact of LCO on propofol clearance across age groups using the PBPK platform, Simcyp® (version 19). The hepatic and renal extraction ratio of propofol was then determined in all age groups. Subsequently, manual infusion dose explorations were conducted under LCO conditions, targeting a 3 µg/mL (80–125%) propofol concentration range. Results: Both hepatic and renal extraction ratios increased from neonates, infants, children to adolescents and adults. The relative change in clearance following CO reductions increased with age, with the least impact of LCO in neonates. The predicted concentration remained within the 3 µg/mL (80–125%) range under normal CO and LCO (up to 30%) conditions in all age groups. When CO was reduced by 40–50%, a dose reduction of 15% is warranted in neonates, infants and children, and 25% in adolescents and adults. Conclusions: PBPK-driven, the impact of reduced CO on propofol clearance is predicted to be age-dependent, and proportionally greater in adults. Consequently, age group-specific dose reductions for propofol are required in LCO conditions.

COVID-19 pandemic has been catastrophic for almost everything including the global economy. Among many sectors, the food and the agriculture sector was the worst hit following the immediate lockdown and market shutdowns. Though some stability was prevalent from supply side till date, however, the severe restrictions put in place to curb the spread of pandemic have endangered the supply of agricultural and food articles contemporaneously across borders and from field to fork. While the income decline due to price falland supplies chain disruptions due to pandemic have escalated the food shortages in several of developing and developed countries. Nevertheless the global demand for food items has remained more or less unchanged owing to their inelastic demand. Even within the global level, the scenario of food security and supply chain stability has been substantially deplorable for emerging and less developing countries due to their lack of insulation to the global shocks or pandemics. Notably, the technological backwardness, excessive know-how dependence and denied accessibility on several grounds lead to poverty and food hunger in these countries. At the policy level, a holistic approach specifically targeted towards the developing and less developed economies is highly warranted to ensure an appreciable progress towards the minimisation of sensitivity with regard to agriculture and food security. Apart from the measures to insulate them from global shocks, additional steps need to be taken to alleviate their technological backwardness and denied accessibility on certain socio-cultural norms.

The present study aims at exploring and analysing the contemporary Islamophobia and its historical perspective tracing down through to the eleventh century Crusades. It illustrates that Islamophobia or “fear of Islam” is not a new phenomenon; the prejudice and negative construction of Islam as an existential threat developed in the eleventh century in context of the Crusades.Islam/Muslims were diabolised in the popular consciousness, a propaganda pursued and deployed with great zeal by the ruling elite and clergy at particular moments. In this background, the paper discusses among other things the Western Europeans’ anti-Islam discourse formation, its influence on the contemporary Western policies and attitudes towards the Muslim world. However, unfortunately this legacy of bitterness is overlooked by most Europeans. Many Muslims see “Islamophobia”, “war on terror”, “colonialism”, “imperialism” and other Western policies and hegemony over the Muslim world as neo-Crusades. This paper argues that today Islamophobia serves the US and its allies politically, economically in the same way as the Crusades served the medieval Christian Europe against the Muslim world. Diabolising Muslims and Islam is central to the discourse. The paper advocates the intellectuals and academics to critically investigate and demystify the Western misconceptions and negative image of Islam/Muslims because Islamophobia is not only a threat to Muslims but also to the rule of law and democratic values the world over.

Hydrophilic and biocompatible PAA-coated ultrasmall Gd2O3 nanoparticles (davg = 1.7 nm) were synthesized and conjugated with tumor-targeting ligands, i.e., cyclic arginylglycylaspartic acid (cRGD) and/or folic acid (FA). FA-PAA-Gd2O3 and cRGD/FA-PAA-Gd2O3 nanoparticles were successfully applied in U87MG tumor-bearing mice for tumor imaging using T1 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). cRGD/FA-PAA-Gd2O3 nanoparticles with multiple tumor-targeting ligands exhibited higher contrasts at the tumor site than FA-PAA-Gd2O3 nanoparticles with mono tumor-targeting ligands. In addition, the cRGD/FA-PAA-Gd2O3 nanoparticles exhibited higher contrasts in all organs, especially the aorta, compared with those of the FA-PAA-Gd2O3 nanoparticles, because of the blood cell hitchhiking effect of cRGD in the cRGD/FA-PAA-Gd2O3 nanoparticles, which prolonged their circulation in the blood.

Water proton spin relaxivities, colloidal stability, and biocompatibility of nanoparticle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents depend on surface-coating ligands. In this study, hydrophilic and biocompatible polyethylenimines (PEIs) of different sizes (Mn = 1200 and 60,000 amu) were used as surface-coating ligands for ultrasmall holmium oxide (Ho2O3) nanoparticles. The synthesized PEI1200- and PEI60000-coated ultrasmall Ho2O3 nanoparticles, with an average particle diameter of 2.05 and 1.90 nm, respectively, demonstrated low cellular cytotoxicities, good colloidal stability, and appreciable transverse water proton spin relaxivities (r2) of 13.1 and 9.9 s−1mM−1, respectively, in a 3.0 T MR field with negligible longitudinal water proton spin relaxivities (r1) (i.e., 0.1 s−1mM−1) for both samples. Consequently, for both samples, the dose-dependent contrast changes in the longitudinal (R1) and transverse (R2) relaxation rate map images were negligible and appreciable, respectively, indicating their potential as efficient transverse T2 MRI contrast agents in vitro.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is highly pathogenic viral infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. Currently, COVID-19 has caused global health concern. It is assumed that COVID-19 has zoonotic origin based on the large number of infected people who were exposed to the wet market in Wuhan City, China. The phylogenetic analysis has revealed that SARS-CoV-2 has significant sequence similarity with severe acute respiratory syndrome-like (SARS-like) bat viruses, thus bats could be primary possible reservoir. The intermediate host and there subsequent transfer is not known yet, although human to human transfer is widely confirmed. The transmission of COVID-19 infection from one person to another resulted in the isolation of patients who were subsequently given a variety of treatments. To monitor the current outbreak, robust steps have been taken around the globe to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 infection particularly banning international and domestic flights, inducting lockdowns in vulnerable areas, social distancing etc. No clinically approved antiviral drug or vaccine against COVID-19 is reported yet. However, in clinical trials, few broad-spectrum antiviral drugs were evaluated against COVID-19 infection which resulted in clinical recovery. In this article emergence and pathogenicity of COVID-19 infection along with potential therapeutic strategies are analyzed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hypertension is a becoming a major threat to the world. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a key part in the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) which control blood pressure. Over expression of RAAS is related with vascular hypertension, ACE inhibition has turned into a noteworthy target for controlling hypertension. In the search of lead molecules from plant origin as a substitute for toxic synthetic drugs, 25 Indian medicinal plants and foods were screened for their ACE inhibitory activity. IC50 (50% inhibition of ACE) values of hydroalcoholic crude extracts and fraction were determined by a colorimetric method. Active fractions were further screened to determine the enzyme kinetics, mode, specificity and mechanism of inhibition. Standardization was done by determining total phenolics and flavonoids as gallic acid and quercetin equivalents/mg of extract respectively. Among 25 crude extracts, Cynara scolymus extract showed the best activity, IC50 value 356.62 μg/mL. ACE inhibition resulting from protein precipitation was highest in Coscinium fenestratum. Lineweaver-Burk plots revealed a competitive mode of inhibition for Punica granatum ethyl acetate fraction. Fractions of Cassia occidentalis, Cynara scolymus and Embelia ribes were found to be non-specific inhibitors of ACE. Embelia ribes, Cassia occidentalis and Coscinium fenestratum fractions inhibited the ACE by Zn2+ ion chelation. Research revealed the potential of tested plants fractions as ACE inhibitors along with their inhibition kinetics and mechanism of inhibition. These active plant fractions might find importance in the development of potential antihypertensive agents after further investigations using preclinical and clinical trials. Keywords: Angiotensin converting enzyme, Lineweaver-burk plots, Enzyme kinetics, Mode of inhibition

A reliable protocol was developed for in vitro micro propagation of Morus alba L.cv. Chinese white. Initially, friable callus was induced (242.8 and 128.5 mg) from in vivo leaf and nodal explants on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium amended with 4.0 μM/L of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 3.0 μM/L of Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) respectively within 3 weeks. Shoot regeneration (12.2 and 8.6) was obtained from leaf and node derived callus on 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) + Thidiazuron (TDZ) at 2.5 + 2.0 and 7.5 + 2.0 μM/L concentrations respectively, after 4 weeks of incubation. In vitro shoots were rooted (90 %) on half strength MS medium with 7.5 μM/L indole-3 butyric acid (IBA) and plantlets were hardened in plastic pots contained farmyard manure, sand and garden soil in 1:1:2 ratio. The genetic stability of plantlets were confirmed by start codon targeted (SCoT) and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) primers based molecular analysis. Keywords: Mulberry, Callus mediated regeneration, Acclimatization, Start Codon targeted and inter simple sequence repeats

Recent progress in functionalized lanthanide oxide (Ln2O3) nanoparticles for tumor targeting, medical imaging, and therapy is reviewed. Among the medical imaging techniques, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important noninvasive imaging tool for tumor diagnosis due to its high spatial resolution and excellent imaging contrast, especially when contrast agents are used. However, commercially available low-molecular-weight MRI contrast agents exhibit several shortcomings, such as nonspecificity for the tissue of interest and rapid excretion in vivo. Recently, nanoparticle-based MRI contrast agents have become a hot research topic in biomedical imaging due to their high performance, easy surface functionalization, and low toxicity. Among them, functionalized Ln2O3 nanoparticles are applicable as MRI contrast agents for tumor-targeting and nontumor-targeting imaging and image-guided tumor therapy. Primarily, Gd2O3 nanoparticles have been intensively investigated as tumor-targeting T1 MRI contrast agents. T2 MRI is also possible due to the appreciable paramagnetic moments of Ln2O3 nanoparticles (Ln = Dy, Ho, and Tb) at room temperature arising from the nonzero orbital motion of 4f electrons. In addition, Ln2O3 nanoparticles are eligible as X-ray computed tomography contrast agents because of their high X-ray attenuation power. Since nanoparticle toxicity is of great concern, recent toxicity studies on Ln2O3 nanoparticles are also discussed.

Surface-coating polymers contribute to nanoparticle-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents because they can affect the relaxometric properties of the nanoparticles. In this study, polyaspartic acid (PASA)-coated ultrasmall Gd2O3 nanoparticles with an average particle diameter of 2.0 nm were synthesized using the one-pot polyol method. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited r1 and r2 of 19.1 and = 53.7 s−1mM−1, respectively, (r1 and r2 are longitudinal and transverse water–proton spin relaxivities, respectively) at 3.0 T MR field, approximately 5 and 10 times higher than those of commercial Gd-chelate contrast agents, respectively. The T1 and T2 MR images could be obtained due to an appreciable r2/r1 ratio of 2.80, indicating their potential as a dual-modal T1 and T2 MRI contrast agent.

In this paper, we introduce new subclasses k−STs(p,β) and k−UKs(p,β) of analytic and univalent functions in the canonical domain associated with the Srivastava and Attiya operator. The radius problems of these subclasses regarding symmetrical points are investigated and compared with previous known results. Certain properties and conditions of these subclasses such as integral representation are also discussed in this work.

Polyacrylic acid (PAA)-coated lanthanide oxide (Ln2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) (Ln = Tb and Ho) with high colloidal stability and good biocompatibility were synthesized, characterized, and investigated as a new class of negative (T2) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents at high MR fields. Their r2 values were appreciable at a 3.0 T MR field and higher at a 9.4 T MR field, whereas their r1 values were negligible at all MR fields, indicating their exclusive induction of T2 relaxations with negligible induction of T1 relaxations. Their effectiveness as T2 MRI contrast agents at high MR fields was confirmed from strong negative contrast enhancements in in vivo T2 MR images at a 9.4 T MR field after intravenous administration into mice tails.

Ultrasmall nanoparticles are potential candidates for application as high-performance imaging agents. Herein, we present the synthesis and characterization of folic acid (FA)-conjugated polyacrylic acid (PAA)-coated MnO nanoparticles with an average particle diameter of 2.7 nm. FA conferred cancer-targeting ability, while PAA conferred good colloidal stability and low cellular cytotoxicity on the FA-PAA-coated MnO nanoparticles. Further, the nanoparticles exhibited a high relaxivity (r1) value of 9.3 s−1mM−1 (r2/r1 = 2.2). Their application potential as cancer-targeting T1 magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents was confirmed by their enhanced T1 contrast enhancements at the brain cancer (U87MG) site upon intravenous administration to mice tails.

The water proton spin relaxivity, colloidal stability, and biocompatibility of nanoparticle-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents depend on the surface-coating ligands. Here, poly(acrylic acid-co-maleic acid) (PAAMA) (Mw = ~3000 amu) is explored as a surface-coating ligand of ultrasmall gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) nanoparticles. Owing to the numerous carboxylic groups in PAAMA, which allow its strong conjugation with the nanoparticle surfaces and the attraction of abundant water molecules to the nanoparticles, the synthesized PAAMA-coated ultrasmall Gd2O3 nanoparticles (davg = 1.8 nm and aavg = 9.0 nm) exhibit excellent colloidal stability, extremely low cellular toxicity, and a high longitudinal water proton spin relaxivity (r1) of 40.6 s−1mM−1 (r2/r1 = 1.56, where r2 = transverse water proton spin relaxivity), which is approximately 10 times higher than those of commercial molecular contrast agents. The effectiveness of PAAMA-coated ultrasmall Gd2O3 nanoparticles as a T1 MRI contrast agent is confirmed by the high positive contrast enhancements of the in vivo T1 MR images at the 3.0 T MR field.

Nanoparticles are considered potential candidates for a new class of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. Negative MRI contrast agents require high magnetic moments. However, if nanoparticles can exclusively induce transverse water proton spin relaxation with negligible induction of longitudinal water proton spin relaxation, they may provide negative contrast MR images despite having low magnetic moments, thus acting as an efficient T2 MRI contrast agent. In this study, carbon-coated paramagnetic dysprosium oxide (DYO@C) nanoparticles (core = DYO = DyxOy; shell = carbon) were synthesized to explore their potential as an efficient T2 MRI contrast agent at 3.0 T MR field. Since the core DYO nanoparticles have an appreciable (but not high) magnetic moment that arises from fast 4f-electrons of Dy(III) (6H15/2), the DYO@C nanoparticles exhibited an appreciable transverse water proton spin relaxivity (r2) with a negligible longitudinal water proton spin relaxivity (r1). Consequently, they acted as a very efficient T2 MRI contrast agent, as proven from negative contrast enhancements seen in the in vivo T2 MR images.

The study of ultra-small paramagnetic gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) as in vivo positive (T1) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents is one of the most attractive fields in nanomedicine. The performance of the Gd2O3 NP imaging agents depends on the surface-coating materials. In this study, poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic acid) (PMVEMA) was used as a surface-coating polymer. The PMVEMA-coated paramagnetic ultra-small Gd2O3 NPs with an average particle diameter of 1.9 nm were synthesized using the one-pot polyol method. They exhibited excellent colloidal stability in water and good biocompatibility. They also showed a very high longitudinal water proton spin relaxivity (r1) value of 36.2 s−1mM−1 (r2/r1 = 2.0; r2 = transverse water proton spin relaxivity) under a 3.0 tesla MR field which is approximately 10 times higher than the r1 values of commercial molecular contrast agents. High positive contrast enhancements were observed in in vivo T1 MR images after intravenous administration of the NP solution sample, demonstrating its potential as a T1 MRI contrast agent.

The theme of civil society as a reflection of state-society relationship has remained contentious since its beginning; some scholars argue that Islam and civil society remain fundamentally incompatible as the concept of civil society originated and developed in the western world. On the other hand, many scholars argue that the political contexts of discussions of civil society in contemporary Western and Muslim societies are distinct. For them, civil society meant certain balance and check of power bcts+cco ibc roll r and the ruled. And, the forms of civil society have historically and culturally been a well established feature of Muslim life. The present paper aims at: First, to analyze the Islamic concept of civil society; Second, it explores a number of institutions that serve to operationalize the concept of civil society in a modern Islamic/Muslim State. Third, it emphasizes that Islamic social institutions provide a stronger foundation for building a civil society than their secular counterparts. Finally, the paper concludes that in the contemporary Islamic political thought civil society has emerged a key legal force regulating smoothly both society and state.

Background Malaria vector born disease caused by Plasmodium species is transmitted through female anopheles mosquito. It is becoming a serious health challenge in Pakistan listed among top ten malaria endemic countries. In year 2012, 85,000 malarial cases reported across Sind province. Accumulation of water and poor public healthcare system in post monsoon season facilitates breeding of vector resulting in an increase prevalence of malaria. This study aimed to observe the rate of malaria in children (mean age 07 years) with fever, high temperature, headache and shivering who visited Civil hospital in year 2013. Evaluation of month wise and seasonal distribution of malarial species found to cause disease in Karachi-Pakistan was done. Methods Blood samples collected through finger prick observed by thick and thin microscopy. Immuno chromatography performed to confirm negative microscopy results. Results During period of twelve month, 5519 blood samples screened and 947(18%) found positive for malaria parasites. Most frequent species P. vivax (76%) followed by P. falciparum (24%). Seasonal distribution of malaria patients were 105 in winter, 306 in pre monsoon and 519 in post monsoon. In months of March to September 97-100 % P. vivax species documented and in October to February both P. falciparum and P. vivax found in ratio 1:1. Conclusions Proper awareness regarding wearing of proper protective clothing should be imparted to low socioeconomic people. Non-government and civilian bodies should encourage local population to actively participate in clearing mosquito breeding sites. As number of malarial patients are increasing it is recommended that malaria control programme should also focus on research regarding development of novel compound/synergistic combination effective against drug resistant plasmodium species and anopheles mosquito.

Objectives : The population-based estimates confirm a rising trend in both incidence and prevalence of stroke in India. The main objective is to assess the prescribing pattern of drugs in hospitalized stroke patients. Materials and Methods: A Prospective observational study was carried out for a period of 6 months in the inpatient department. The inclusion criteria of the present study are patients of either sex aged ≥ 18 years, patients who were diagnosed as a stroke patient, and admitted in the intensive care unit of the hospital. Results: A total of 102 prescriptions were analyzed during the 6-month study period. This was found to be higher in men 68 (33.33%). A total of 69 (67.64%) were having habits of smoking and alcohol consumption. In the study of 102 patients, 69 (32%) were identified as ischemic stroke patients and 33 (32%) suffered hemorrhagic stroke. The major co-morbidities identified were hypertension and diabetics mellitus, which were seen in 34 (33.33%) and 18 (17.64%), respectively. Among the 102 patients, 77 (75.49%) were administered cerebral activators. In this study of prescriptions of drugs in stroke, majority of the patients were treated with neurotonics drugs. Among the 102 patients, 85 (83.33%) were administered neurotonics drugs. In this study, we observed that the most popular antiplatelet was clopidogrel, which was prescribed to 48 (47.05%). In anticoagulants, only enoxaprain was used in our hospital for stroke patients. This medication was administered to 27 (26.47%) patients. Conclusion: The prescribing pattern of drugs should be based on severity of stroke, associated co-morbid conditions, and currently available evidences in order to promote the quality use of drugs.