Search

A challenging SIR epidemiological dynamic model with harmonic rate of incidence and nonlinear rate of recovery is developed to examine the effects of available beds in hospitals and intervention decrease upon the propagation of viral disease. The incorporation of the harmonic mean as an incidence rate is the novelty of the present manuscript. The assumed incidence rate is less sensitive to the larger values of the variables and proves more advantageous for highly skewed data compared to the bi-linear and monod types of incidence rates. For model's stability, precise mathematical conclusions have been produced. The model has two states of equilibrium: an infection-free equilibrium (E0), whenever the threshold number assumes values less than one, and a disease-present state (E1), whenever R0>1. We employ the principle of LaSalle invariance and Lyapunov's direct technique to demonstrate that the basic threshold quantity R0

Background: The medial condyle is wider and has a larger surface area for articulation than the lateral femoral condyle however anteroposteriorly lateral femoral condyle is larger. This study aimed to find normal dimensions of the lateral femoral condyle in the Pakistani population. Methods: This Cross-sectional descriptive study, was carried out from September 2023 to May 2024 in the Radiology department of Peshawar General Hospital, Peshawar with a sample size of 385. Non - probability convenience sampling technique was used. All healthy adults, with intact femurs with clear features were included and scanned through magnetic resonance imaging. Data analysis was done through SPSS version 22, descriptive analysis was done and association was assessed by applying independent sample t-test and ANOVA. P-value ≤ 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Results: About 54% (n=149) male participants and 60% (n=67) of females had right knee measurements, whereas 46% (n=125) males and 40% (n=44) females had measurements of their left knee. There was no significant relationship between gender and the measured side (p=0.169). Age and size of the lateral femoral condyle were shown to be significantly correlated (p=0.027). Males exhibited greater femoral condyle dimensions, notch widths, and heights compared to females (p

Introduction: Adiantum aleuticum (A. aleuticum) belongs to a medicinally important genus Adiantum. Different species of genus Adiantum are traditionally used as anti-diabetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal remedy. A. aleuticum is scientifically unexplored species of genus Adiantum. The current study aimed to reveal the medicinal potential of A. aleuticum. In addition to preliminary phytochemical investigation, GC–MS analysis and computational studies (In-silico docking and ADME analysis) were also performed. Methods: Different biological activities like enzyme inhibition, antimicrobial (antibacterial and antiviral), anti-inflammatory, and thrombolytic activity were performed by various In-vitro assays. Antioxidant potential was assessed by DPPH and ABTS methods. Results: The findings of phytochemical screening revealed that highest TPC, TFC and TTC were observed in AME (290 ± 1.12 mg G.A Eq./g D.E ± S.D, 424 ± 0.559 mg Q. Eq./g D.E ± S.D, 335 ± 0.48 mg T.A Eq./g D.E ± S.D) respectively. The antioxidant potential was exhibited by AME via DPPH and ABTS (302 ± 0.66, 315 ± 0.52 mg A.A Eq./g D.E ± S.D) respectively. The results of enzyme inhibition activity revealed that AME strongly inhibited α-amylase (73 %) & α-glucosidase (74 %). Significant antiviral and antibacterial activities were shown by AME and its all fractions. AME also exhibited maximum thrombolytic activity (70 ± 0.60 %clot lysis) in comparison to Streptokinase (86 ± 0.9 % clot lysis). The maximum anti-inflammatory activity was observed in AME with %IPD range (40–79 %) for various fractions. GC–MS analysis of AME tentatively identified 37 bioactive phytoconstituents. The In-silico molecular modelling was done for the identified compounds by GC/MS for the evaluation of binding affinity and binding interactions between the ligands and enzyme followed by ADME analysis of selected phytoconstituents with best docking scores. MD simulation was done for Solasonine. Conclusion: Conclusively, A. aleuticum has good antidiabetic, antimicrobial and thrombolytic potential. It can be explored further for other biological activities and may provide basis for the isolation of natural anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, thrombolytic, antioxidant and antibacterial compunds with potential for serving as promising leads for drug development.

Hippuric acid is a biotransformation product in humans which is excreted through urine. Dietary intake of phenolic compounds increases its concentration in urine. Hippuric acid is experimentally proved to be a regulator of calcium oxalate super saturation in human urine and has a solvent effect on oxalate salts. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used analgesics employed in associated renal colic of urolithiasis. The objective of the present study was to chemically link hippuric acid through anhydride linkage to various NSAIDs to synthesize potential mutual prodrugs for urolithiasis and associated renal colic. Hippuric acid was linked to eleven NSAIDs through anhydride linkage by first synthesizing hippuryl chloride using oxalyl chloride as chlorinating agent, followed by its reaction with sodium salts of NSAIDs. Structures of obtained compounds were elucidated using UV spectrophotometry, FTIR spectrometry, 1H NMR and C-13 NMR spectrometry. Synthesized compounds were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant, in vivo acute toxicity, in vivo antiurolithic, in vivo analgesic and in vitro hydrolysis studies. Molecular docking analysis on TNF-α and COX-2 was carried out to determine target protein binding. Synthesized compounds showed stability at acidic pH which indicate potential gastro protective effect of synthesized conjugates. Compounds P9 an P6 showed maximum in vivo antiurolithic activity while P9 and P8 showed maximum in vitro antioxidant activity. All the conjugates except P2 showed significant analgesic activity which show that conjugation of hippuric acid to NSAIDs did not result in loss of analgesic potential. Docking studies showed better affinity with TNF-α as compared to COX-2.

The damping spectrum of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) is significantly enhanced for atom localization in regions beneath λ/20×λ/20. By changing the phases and directions of control fields, two and single localization peaks are observed in the SPP damping spectrum. Circular and elliptical localization peaks are predominantly controlled in the λ2 areal region of −π≤kx≤π and −π≤ky≤π. Additionally, craters and sharp peaks resembling localization can be modified and controlled within the two-dimensional space of λ2 with a resolution smaller than λ2/400. These modifications may be advantageous to the trapping of neutral atoms, nanolithography, and plasmonics technology.

Abstracts: Edible oils play a vital role in human nutrition, serving as a crucial source of energy, essential fatty acids, and vitamins necessary for bodily functions. However, during handling, cooking, and storage these oils are susceptible to oxidation, resulting in the loss of nutritional value, the development of undesirable flavors, the production of harmful compounds, and a reduction in shelf life. To counteract oxidation and enhance oil stability, synthetic antioxidants have traditionally been employed. However, in recent times, consumer awareness has led to an increased preference for natural antioxidants because of the harmful effects of synthetic antioxidants on human health. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent research focused on the oxidative stability of various edible vegetable oils through the incorporation of natural antioxidants derived from fruits and vegetable waste. These antioxidants obtained from waste through diverse techniques are blended with different vegetable oils in the form of free extracts, encapsulated extracts, nano-encapsulated extracts, and nano-emulsion oil extracts to assess their antioxidant efficacy. These antioxidant-rich waste extracts efficiently prevented oxidation by scavenging free radicals, chelating metal ions, and delaying the formation of peroxides, offering a safer and more effective alternative to synthetic counterparts. Beyond their antioxidative properties, these extracts contribute to the nutritional enhancement of oils, functioning as nutraceuticals. This approach not only offers a natural means to protect edible oils but also facilitates efficient waste valorization, mitigating potential environmental impacts and making it a sustainable and eco-friendly strategy.

Thevetia peruviana (T. peruviana; Family: Apocynaceae), commonly known as Lucky Nut, is a traditionally and medicinally important plant, and the barks of the plant are traditionally used as anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antibacterial remedies. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate bioactive phytochemicals and in-vitro biological activities from the bark of T. peruviana using methanolic (TPM) and dichloromethane (TPD) extracts. The GC-MS analysis showed the presence of 54 and 39 bioactive compounds in TPM and TPD, respectively. The TPM extract has a higher level of total polyphenolic contents (TPC: 70.89 ± 1.08 and 51.07 ± 0.78 mg GAE/g extracts, while TFC: 56.89 ± 1.16 and 44.12 ± 1.76 Qu.E/g extracts for TPM and TPD, respectively). Herein, the results of antioxidant activities were also found in correlation with the total polyphenolic contents i.e., depicting the higher antioxidant potential of TPM compared to TPD. The significant inhibitory activities of extracts were observed against tyrosinase (TPM; 59.43 ± 2.87 %, TPD; 53.43 ± 2.65 %), lipoxygenase (TPM; 77.1 ± 1.2 %, TPD; 59.3 ± 0.1 %), and α-glucosidase (TPM; 71.32 ± 2.44 %, TPD; 67.86 ± 3.011 %). Furthermore, in comparison to co-amoxiclave, the antibacterial property against five bacterial strains was significant assayed. The compounds obtained through GC-MS analysis were subjected to in-silico molecular docking studies, and the phyto-constituents with maximum binding scores were then subjected to ADME analysis. The results of in-silico studies revealed that the binding affinity of several phyto-constituents was even greater than that of the standard inhibitory ligands. ADME analysis showed bioavailability radars of phyto-constituents having maximum docking scores in molecular docking. The results of this study indicated that T. peruviana has bioactive phytochemicals and therapeutic potential and may provide a basis for treating metabolic disorders (inflammatory diseases like rheumatism and diabetes), bacterial infections, and skin-related problems.

Purpose: The major aim of the study is to examine the banks’ differences and innovative features of digital banking services in terms of customer trust and belief with benevolence, integrity, and competence dimensions that will impact on customer value and co-creation behavior. Design/Methodology/Approach: The conceptual framework is based on different theories like the reasoned action theory, the planned behavior theory, the diffusion of innovation theory, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. In this study, quantitative methods were used and questionnaires were filled for data collection. By using structural equation modeling hypotheses are tested and Confirmatory factor analysis is used to assess the model fitness and the dependability and efficacy of the data. Findings: There are three take aways from the results. First, individual differences lead to the trust of customers in customer value co-creation. Second, innovative features impact the trust of the customer in the usage of self-service banking. Third, banks’ differences and innovative features of digital banking services in terms of customer trust and belief impact Customer value and co-creation behavior. Implications/Originality/Value: This study appraised the individual and innovative differences on customer value co-creation with self-service banks in Pakistan: the mediating effect of trust that has never been examined in the existing literature.

The major focus of school education is the intellectual development of students and mathematics is a very effective subject in this regard, if taught and assessed properly. For this study, papers of SSC (Grade-10) for the years 2014 and 2015 set by the Board of Secondary Education, Karachi were scrutinized to know if the items of these papers had measured essential mathematical skills or not. These items were then compared with the items set by General Certificate of Education (GCE: O-Level), University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES) for mathematics papers, serving as a benchmark for this study to highlight the shortcomings. The results revealed that the items of SSC papers were highly biased towards 'Factual Knowledge' and 'Routine Procedures'. The study concluded that these items assess knowledge of facts and algorithms only and do not measure essential mathematical skills (involvement of higher levels of thinking processes) of students. The study recommends to improve the items of papers so that essential mathematical skills can be measured rather than the capacity of memorization because with this practice, thinking habits cannot be inculcated among students.

Apnea and poor respiratory drive increase the risk of extubation failure (EF) and prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in preterm neonates (pre-nates) with respiratory distress. Caffeine citrate (CC) is often prescribed for pre-nates in doses of 5–10 mg/kg in 24 h. This study aimed to evaluate the most effective dosage regimen (5 mg/kg/day vs >5-10 mg/kg/day) to prevent apnea and EF with minimal caffeine-associated potential side effects (CC-APSEs) in pre-nates. This one-year retrospective cohort study included all the eligible neonates admitted to NICU and received CC-therapy till 28 days of life (DOL) or discharge. Based on CC-daily dose formed LD-caffeine-group (5 mg/kg/day) and HD-caffeine-group (>5-10 mg/kg/day). Antenatal, prenatal, and postnatal characteristics, CC-regimen, comorbidities, and CC-APSEs were compared between the groups. Predictors of apnea and EF were analyzed through logistic regression. There were 181 and 72 neonates in the LD and HD-caffeine-groups respectively. In HD-caffeine-group daily CC-dose was 7 to 7.5 mg/kg/day in 93% of neonates and >7.5 to 10 mg/kg/day in only 7%. Significantly fewer neonates experienced apnea and EF in the HD-caffeine-group till 28DOL or discharge. This difference was even greater in the subgroup of ≤28 weeks GA (15.6% vs 40.0%; P

The treatment adherence level of tuberculosis patients is critically related to their awareness level about tuberculosis and anti-tuberculosis therapy. Tuberculosis is always spreading if the community has low level of awareness. In this article a mathematical model describing the impact of treatment adherence and difference in awareness level on tuberculosis transmission dynamics is investigated. It is assumed that the detected infectious individuals with low level of awareness after treatment may enter either the recovered compartment due to treatment adherence or the latent compartment due to lack of adherence. We compute the epidemic threshold parameter, Rb, to study its role on the dynamics and stability of the proposed model. Mathematical analyses of this model reveal that treatment nonadherence of individuals with active tuberculosis may lead to relapse. Analysis of the epidemic threshold parameter shows that increase in awareness level, treatment and adherence to medication has a positive effect on tuberculosis control. Whereas, decrease in effective contact rate and endogenous reactivation rate help to reduce tuberculosis infection. The numerical simulations of the model illustrate the feasibility of our analytical conclusions.

This paper extends the cholera human-to-human direct transmission model from a deterministic to a stochastic framework. This is expressed as mixed system of stochastic and deterministic differential equations. A Lyapunov function is created to investigate the global stability of the stochastic cholera epidemic, which shows the existence of global positivity of the solution using the theory of stopping time. We then find the threshold quantity of the extended stochastic cholera epidemic model. We derive a parametric condition $ \widetilde{R}_0 $, and for additive white noise, we establish sufficient conditions for the extinction and the persistence of the cholera infection. Finally, for a suitable choice of the parameter of the system for $ \widetilde{R}_0 $, we perform numerical simulations for both scenarios of extinction and persistence of the dynamic of the cholera infection.

7-Bromo-4-chloro-1H-indazol-3-amine is a heterocyclic fragment used in the synthesis of Lenacapavir, a potent capsid inhibitor for the treatment of HIV-1 infections. In this manuscript, we describe a new approach to synthesizing 7-bromo-4-chloro-1H-indazol-3-amine from inexpensive 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile. This synthetic method utilizes a two-step sequence including regioselective bromination and heterocycle formation with hydrazine to give the desired product in an overall isolated yield of 38–45%. The new protocol has been successfully demonstrated on hundred-gram scales without the need for column chromatography purification. This new synthesis provides a potential economical route to the large-scale production of this heterocyclic fragment of Lenacapavir.

Abstract The use of traditional medicines has tremendously increased over the past few decades. Approximately 80% of the world's population relies on traditional medicines for their primary healthcare needs because of their cost effectiveness and efficiency with no or minimal side effects. Zootherapy refers to the use of medicines that are prepared or derived from animals or from their products. The current study documented the folk knowledge related to the practice of various animal‐derived products and ethnozoological based drugs used as medicines by the residents of the Cholistan desert of Bahawalpur (Pakistan). In this regard 46 knowledgeable and reliable elderly people, hakims and spiritual healers ranging from 35–60 years of age having knowledge related to zootherapy were included in the current study. A field survey from February 2006 to November 2007 was conducted by interviewing the selected respondents through a structured questionnaire. They provided knowledge regarding the use of animals and their derived products in traditional medicine. The zootherapeutic knowledge was based on both domestic animals as well as wild animals. A total of 20 animal species were included in the study, among which nine animals were domestic while 11 were wild animals. Among selected animals, nine were mammals, four birds, four reptiles and three insects. It was reported that camel was the most commonly used (n = 32 respondents) among mammals while Pigeon (n = 39 respondents), Spiny‐tailed lizard (n = 41 respondents) and Indian honey bee (n = 27 respondents) among birds, reptiles and insects, respectively, have significant use for the treatment of different diseases. Based on this communication we could recommend that this type of abandoned knowledge should be considered for the management and conservation of faunistic resources. However, the advantageous role of animals and their products was reported but more extensive research is required to explore the bioactive constituents in the raw material of these animals responsible for their beneficial effects.

Many Ruellia species have been utilized in traditional medicine and despite the prevalent use of Ruellia tweediana in folk medicine, its antioxidant potential and polyphenol content have not been investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the medicinal value of R. tweediana by evaluating its total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC), GC–MS analysis, antioxidant, antibacterial, and enzyme inhibition activities. The TPC and TFC of the extract/fractions were assessed using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum trichloride methods, respectively. To determine the antioxidant capacity, five different assays were used: DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, and metal chelating assays. The inhibition activity against α-glucosidase, α-amylase, cholinesterases, and lipoxygenase enzymes was also analyzed. Furthermore, GC–MS was performed for chemical screening of non-polar fraction. The methanol extract showed the maximum TPC (167.34 ± 2.23 mg GAE/g) and TFC (120.43 ± 1.71 mg RE/g) values among all the tested samples. GC–MS screening of the n-hexane fraction showed the presence of 40 different phytoconstituents. The results demonstrated the highest scavenging potential of the methanol extract against DPPH (167.79 ± 2.75 mg TE/g) and ABTS (255.32 ± 2.91 mg TE/g) radicals, as well as the metal-reducing capacity measured by CUPRAC (321.34 ± 3.09 mg TE/g), FRAP (311.32 ± 2.91 mg TE/g), and metal chelating assay (246.78 ± 10.34 mg EDTAE/g). Notably, the n-hexane fraction revealed the highest α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition activity (186.8 ± 2.84 and 179.7 ± 4.32 mg ACAE/g, respectively) while methanol extract showed highest acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition activity (198.6 ± 3.31 and 184.3 ± 2.92 mg GALE/g, respectively). The GC–MS identified Lupeol showed best binding affinity with all docked enzymes as compared to standard compounds. The presence of bioactive phytoconstituents showed by GC–MS underscores the medicinal importance of R. tweediana, making it a promising candidate for natural medicine.

AbstractBackground Academic research has highlighted the gendered impacts and amplifications of gender disparities of COVID-19. Traditionally, Pakistan is a patriarchal society, where it is a parenthood norm to socialize specific gender social roles.Objectives The current research asserts that these normative gender roles may influence individuals throughout their life course, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the present study explored the influence of gender identity in adopting different coping strategies such as religious-spiritual, preventive, emotion-focused and non-constructive coping against the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods Due to the lockdown in various areas of Pakistan, data were collected through an online questionnaire using Qualtrics. In a cross-sectional study, 955 respondents completed responses. Factors analysis and reliability analysis were run to ensure the scales’ reliability, validity and robustness for different coping strategies. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to find model fitness.Conclusions For theoretical explanation, the current study used social role theory that argues that each gender benefits differently from distinct coping behaviours. The findings highlighted that women were more likely to adopt most coping strategies, with the most significant difference in religious-spiritual coping and preventative coping strategies even in the presence of control variables such as level of education, household monthly income, family structure, marital status and family size. There was no gender difference in adopting non-constructive strategies. The empirical evidence suggested that females might be at an increased risk of stress due to the burden of unbalanced household-based social norms and care responsibilities. The current research also expanded the base of coping to religious-spiritual coping, emotion-focused coping and non-constructive coping.

AbstractThis paper explores the relationship between impression management and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and how reciprocity, honesty-humility, and job insecurity determines this relationship. Data have been collected based on a sample of 710 contractual faculty members of public and private sector universities from Southern Punjab, Pakistan, upon which comparative analysis was conducted to access the behavioral intentions of respondents. Impression management acts as a mediator on the relationships between OCB and its predictors, whereas Power Distance (PD) played the role as a moderator on the relationship between impression management & OCB. As it was predicted, relationships between reciprocity, honesty-humility, job insecurity and OCB were found significantly positive through mediation. Additionally, job insecurity found having negative impact with both mediator & OCB. Further, results showed no difference between the mean of two groups (public and private respondents). Implications of the study for the policy makers and future research directions were suggested.

AbstractMost of the drugs are hydrophobic and have low water solubility, therefore posing issues in their absorption and bioavailability. Nonionic surfactants improve the solubility of hydrophobic drugs by entrapping them in their lipid bilayers. Two nonionic surfactants NODNH-16 and NODNH-18 are synthesized and characterized using different techniques i.e. EI-MS, 1H NMR, and FTIR. These newly synthesized surfactants were screened for blood hemolysis assay and cell toxicity studies using the NIH/3T3 cell line to assess their biocompatibility. Then amphotericin B was loaded into niosomal vesicles, and the drug entrapment efficiency of these surfactants was measured using UV–visible spectroscopy. The morphology of drug-loaded niosomes of synthesized surfactants was investigated using AFM, and their size, polydispersity, and zeta potential were measured with the Zetasizer instrument. Finally, a simulation study was performed to determine the pattern of self-assembly of the synthesized amphiphiles. Both synthesized nonionic surfactants showed good entrapment efficiency of 60.65 ± 2.12% and 68.45 ± 2.12%, respectively. It was also confirmed that both these synthesized nonionic surfactants were safe and biocompatible and showed less blood hemolysis (i.e. 21.13 ± 2.11% and 23.32 ± 2.45%) and higher 3T3 cells’ viability at 150 µg/mL concentration as compared to Tween®-80. The antifungal potential of amphotericin B-loaded niosomes has been evaluated against unicellular multi-fungal species, which showed a promising potential for fungicidal activity. These results are substantiated by constructing a safe vehicle system for drug delivery.

AbstractMulti-drug resistant (MDR) bactearial strains have posed serious health issues, thus leading to a significant increase in mortality, morbidity, and the expensive treatment of infections. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), comprising metal ions and a variety of organic ligands, have been employed as an effective drug deliveryy vehicle due to their low toxicity, biodegradability, higher structural integrity and diverse surface functionalities. Polydopamine (PDA) is a versatile biocompatible polymer with several interesting properties, including the ability to adhere to biological surfaces. As a result, modifying drug delivery vehicles with PDA has the potential to improve their antimicrobial properties. This work describes the preparation of PDA-coated Zn-MOFs for improving curcumin’s antibacterial properties against S. aureus and E. coli. Powder X-ray diffraction (P-XRD), FT-IR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and DLS were utilized to characterize PDA-coated Zn-MOFs. The curcumin loading and in vitro release of the prepared MOFs were also examined. Finally, the MOFs were tested for bactericidal ability against E. coli and S. aureus using an anti-bacterial assay and surface morphological analysis. Smaller size MOFs were capable of loading and releasing curcumin. The findings showed that as curcumin was encapsulated into PDA-coated MOFs, its bactericidal potential was significantly enhanced, and the findings were further supported by SEM which indicated the complete morphological distortion of the bacteria after treatment with PDA-Cur-Zn-MOFs. These studies clearly indicate that the PDA-Cur-Zn-MOFs developed in this study are extremely promising for long-term release of drugs to treat a wide range of microbial infections.