Search

Abstract Wheat is a staple food crop that provides a significant portion of the world's daily caloric intake, serving as a vital source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber for billions of people. Seed shape studies of wheat typically involve the use of digital image analysis software to quantify various seed shape parameters such as length, width, area, aspect ratio, roundness, and symmetry. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the water-absorbing capacity of seeds from 120 distinct wheat lines, leveraging digital image analysis techniques facilitated by SmartGrain software. Water absorption is a pivotal process in the early stages of seed germination, directly influencing plant growth and crop yield. SmartGrain, a powerful image analysis tool, was employed to extract precise quantitative data from digital images of wheat seeds, enabling the assessment of various seed traits in relation to their water-absorbing capacity. The analysis revealed significant transformations in seed characteristics as they absorbed water, including changes in size, weight, shape, and more. Through statistical analysis and correlation assessments, we identified robust relationships between these seed traits, both before and after water treatment. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) were employed to categorize genotypes with similar trait patterns, providing insights valuable for crop breeding and genetic research. Multiple linear regression analysis further elucidated the influence of specific seed traits, such as weight, width, and distance, on water-absorbing capacity. Our study contributes to a deeper understanding of seed development, imbibition, and the crucial role of water absorption in wheat. These insights have practical implications in agriculture, offering opportunities to optimize breeding programs for improved water absorption in wheat genotypes. The integration of SmartGrain software with advanced statistical methods enhances the reliability and significance of our findings, paving the way for more efficient and resilient wheat crop production. Significant changes in wheat seed shape parameters were observed after imbibition, with notable increases in area, perimeter, length, width, and weight. The length-to-width ratio (LWR) and circularity displayed opposite trends, with higher values before imbibition and lower values after imbibition.

Objective: To explore the HDL cholesterol-raising capacity of Irbesartan (an antihypertensive drug) in rabbit's serum. Study Design: Laboratory-based experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Animal House of the National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad, Pakistan from January 2023 to November 2023. Methods: This study was conducted on 18 rabbits divided into three groups with six rabbits in each. Leaving one group as a normal control, two out of three groups were made hypercholesterolemic by a high-cholesterol diet. Irbesartan was given to one of the hypercholesteremic groups for 30 days. Blood samples were taken for serum analysis of HDL cholesterol. Results: Results of blood serum levels of all three groups were compared and analyzed on three different occasions i.e., on day zero, day 120, and day 150 for HDL cholesterol. Their means were calculated using SPSS Version 20. The irbesartan-treated group showed obvious elevation in serum HDL cholesterol in comparison with the hypercholesteremic control group. Conclusion: It is concluded that Irbesartan, an antihypertensive drug has an additional role of elevating serum high-density lipoproteins and can provide the supplementary benefit of improving the lipid profile in hypertension and Hypercholesterolemia. How to cite this: Shakir S, Chaudhry ZR, Atif M, Sadaf R, Chaudhry ER, Chaudhry SR. Novel Role of Irbesartan in Elevating Serum High Density Lipoprotein in Hypercholesterolemic Animal Model. Life and Science. 2024; 5(2): 199-203. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.536

Aims and Objectives: The aim is to compare the accuracy of the SRK T and HOFFER Q formulas in intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in long eyes by noting the postoperative visual outcome. Introduction: Senile cataract is a leading cause of blindness in India. Cataracts are managed by cataract extraction with implantation IOL. Before surgery, IOL power is calculated by biometry. IOL power calculation is the main key to obtaining a good refractive outcome after cataract surgery. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based study was conducted prospectively to evaluate IOL power using SRK T and HOFFER Q formulae in patients undergoing phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens in long eyes over a period of 18 months. Thirty patients were studied based on inclusion criteria. A detailed clinical examination, pre- and postoperative visual acuity, anterior chamber depth (ACD), and refraction were done on day 30 postsurgery. Results: The study included 30 cases with 15 patients in either group, of which 63% were male and 37% were female; 95% of the patients were aged above 50 years; the maximum number of patients in either group had an axial length in the range of 24.5–25 mm; the maximum preoperative ACD was between 3 and 4.5 mm and the maximum postoperative ACD was between 4 and 4.5 mm in both groups; 40% of the patients in either group had 6/6 vision; spherical refractive error postoperative was seen in 73% in the SRK T group and 68% in the HOFFER Q group; and cylindrical refractive error was seen in 27% in SRK T group and 32% in HOFFER Q group. Conclusion: Either formula can be used for IOL power calculation in eyes up to 26.5 mm, as not much difference in postoperative refractive error was observed. Both formulas had a lesser degree of spherical error and an equally good visual outcome postoperatively. Careful biometry is important to prevent postoperative surprises.

Eagle Syndrome is a pain syndrome of rare and unwonted incidence. Forbearer has an elongated styloid process or a calcified stylohyoid ligament, suppressing glossopharyngeal nerve leading to a mélange of symptoms including sporadic cervicofacial pain, headache, and foreign body sensation. Here we present case of a 65 year old military man of south Asian origin, who presented with complaints of sudden episodes of blackouts for past five years and pain in neck while turning head to left for past two months.Patient's ultrasound Doppler showed marked narrowing of proximal left internal carotid artery with approximate diametric stenosis of 70% according to The North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET).Further studies of MRI Brain was done,revealing small Foci of restricted diffusion along Territory of Left MCA along with age related Microangiopathic cerebral changes. CT Scan of neck was also done which showed Abnormal elongation of bilateral styloid process more on the left side.The case was discussed in a Multidisciplinary Team Meeting comprising ENT surgeon, vascular surgeon and surgical excision was planned through trans cervical approach. Surgery was successful as seen by post op and follow up scans.

A national population census is instrumental in offering a holistic view of a country’s progress, directly influencing policy formulation and strategic planning. Potential flaws in the census system can have detrimental impacts on national development. Our prior research has pinpointed various deficiencies in current census methodologies, including inadequate population coverage, racial and ethnic discrimination, and challenges related to data privacy, security, and distribution. This study aims to address the “missing persons” challenge in the national census population and housing system. The integration of blockchain technology emerges as a promising solution for addressing these identified issues, enhancing the integrity and efficacy of census processes. Building upon our earlier research which examined the national census system of Pakistan, we propose an architecture design incorporating Hyperledger Fabric, performing system sizing for the entire nation count. The Blockchain-Based Implementation of National Census as a Supplementary Instrument for Enhanced Transparency, Accountability, Privacy, and Security (BINC-TAPS) seeks to provide a robust, transparent, scalable, immutable, and tamper-proof solution for conducting national population and housing censuses, while also fostering socio-economic advancements. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of our research, with a primary focus on the implementation of the blockchain-based proposed solution, including prototype testing and the resulting outcomes.

Introduction: Obesity causes various diseases due to systemic oxidative stress. Young healthy obese are unaware of oxidative burden in their body. Total oxidant status (TOS) is a marker of oxidative stress in obesity. Aims & Objectives: This study was planned to determine and compare levels of TOS in young healthy non obese and obese, males and females and individuals with active versus sedentary lifestyle. Place and duration of study: This study was conducted over one month duration at six women and co-ed colleges of Lahore. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on samples collected within one month from 160 healthy males and females, aged 20 to 40 years at APWA College, Lahore College Womens University, Government College University, Gulberg College, PAC Lahore, Ameeruddin Medical College Lahore (n=30 each college). The participants were divided into two groups based on the respondents BMI. TOS was measured colorimetrically. Data was analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 25. Mann Whitney U test compared TOS levels between non obese and obese subjects. Results: Fifty percent of the subjects had a normal BMI while 50% were obese according to the Asian Pacific criteria for BMI.Fifty-two percent of the population were males while forty-eight percent of the population was females. Group I (non obese) consisted of 55% males and 45% females with a significant difference in the levels of TOS. The population in Group II (obese) comprised of 50% males and females each also showing significant difference. Thirty-six percent (n=58) of the total population had active lifestyle while sixty-four percent (n=102) of the population had a sedentary lifestyle. While in Group 1(non obese) (64%) had an active lifestyle whereas the rest were sedentary. In comparison only 9% of group II subjects (obese) had an active lifestyle while the remainder were sedentary. A significant difference in level of TOS were seen when compared between subjects with active versus sedentary lifestyle in respective groups. A significant difference (p=0.03) was seen when TOS was compared between subjects with Active lifestyle 4.15(3.17- 5.42) µmol/lversus subjects with sedentary lifestyle 4.9(3.70-7.22) µmol/l. Conclusion: Increased levels of TOS were seen in young healthy obese as compared to non-obese. Both non obese and obese females had higher levels of TOS in comparison to males due to greater levels of body fat percentage. Subjects with a sedentary lifestyle have raised levels of TOS in comparison to subjects with active lifestyle.

Objective: To determine and compare the levels of ischemia modified albumin (IMA) in healthy individuals, diabetes without retinopathy, and diabetic having no proliferative and proliferative retinopathy. Study Design: Cross sectional comparative study. Place and Duration of study: Diabetic Clinic, Lahore General Hospital from September 2104 to May 2015. Materials and Methods: Sixty subjects were divided into three groups with 20 subjects in each. Group I was control group, included healthy subject, Group II included diabetics without retinopathy and group III included diabetics with retinopathy which comprised of both diabetics with proliferative and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Indirect method using a 90 % D lens was used to diagnose diabetic retinopathy by a consultantp ophthalmologist. The levels of IMA were measured by a colorimetric albumin cobalt binding assay and the values were presented as absorbance units. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. Results: Out of 66 % of diabetics individuals 33% were diabetics without retinopathy and 33 % were diabetics with retinopathy out of which 55% had proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and 45% had non proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). Low levels of IMA were seen in 33% of diabetics without retinopathy and significantly higher levels of IMA were seen in 27 % of diabetics with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Conclusion: We conclude from our study that the levels of IMA raise with the progression of the disease, higher levels of IMA are seen in diabetics with proliferative as compared to non proliferative diabetic retinopathy and as compared to diabetic without retinopathy.

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral neuropathy. It is a complex of symptoms resulting from compression of median nerve at the carpal tunnel. Symptoms of the median nerve compression include tingling, numbness and pain on the palmer surface of the index, middle or radial half of ring finger, often associated with weakness of hand grip. There seems scarcity of data on the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in computer operators in our province and therefore, this survey was designed to determine prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in Peshawar which is capital of our province. Material & Method: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted on 247 computer operators working in Peshawar city. A standard data collection tool, Boston Questionnaire, was utilized for data collection. Sample size was calculated using sample calculator (Epi Info) keeping 95% Confidence Interval. Data was collected from the eligible candidates in district Peshawar on the set inclusion criteria. Written consents were taken from all eligible candidates. Data was entered and analyzed by SPSS version 20. Results: A total population of 247 computer operators (223 males, 24 females) were included in the study. The study was conducted in three different institutes of Peshawar namely; Rehman Medical Institute, Khyber Medical University and Federal Bureau of Revenue situated in Peshawar. The mean age of study population was 39.4 years where 9.3% were female and 90.7% were males. Physical examination of the included population showed 15.5% prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among computer operators in Peshawar. However, carpal compression test revealed positive result in 15% participants and carpal compression with wrist flexion was positive in 16.6% of the participants. Conclusion: The study concluded that the prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome among computer operators in Peshawar is 15.5% which is very much in lieu with other studies conducted elsewhere.

Objectives: To observe the effect of aging on monocyte count in COVID-19 infected patients. Study Design: Observational study. Setting: Rawal Institute of Health Sciences Islamabad, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad. Period: April 2021 till July 2021. Material & Methods: Adult humans of total 100 in numbers, suffering from corona virus with positive PCR test were selected. They were divided in two groups with 50 patients in group A and 50 patients in group B. Inclusion criteria was COVID-19 infected patients belonging to both genders without any blood disorder. All adults below the age of 18 years with blood disorder diseases were excluded. The age limit in group A was below 50 years and in group B was above 50 years. Monocyte count of all the patients was noted from the record in the laboratory of Rawal institute of health sciences and Pakistan institute of Medical sciences Islamabad. The age of the patients was confirmed from their CNIC. Results: Data was checked for normality by using Shapirowilk test of normality and comparison of monocyte count in between two groups was done by using Mann Whitney U test a significant difference was seen. Monocyte count in group A was 172/ μl and in group B was 122/ μl of blood. The mean age in group A was 32.3 years and in group B was 65.9 years. The p value of 0.00 shows a significant correlation of aging with monocytopenia. Conclusion: Corona virus infected patients with increased age (> 50) years showed more reduction in monocyte count as compared to patients with lower age (< 50) years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Benign breast disorders are the most common abnormalities found in women as far as breast disease is concerned. The study's goal was to see if there is a link between serum dyslipidemia and benign breast diseases in women. Subjects and Methods: This is a case-control study, that involved 70 patients with benign breast diseases (cyclical mastalgia, fibrocystic breast disease and fibroadenoma) and 70 control healthy women and all of them had been selected randomly, aged (20-45 years) in a period between 1st September. 2021- 30th June. 2022. It is hospital-based study, The patients’ group was carried out at the breast clinic at Azadi teaching hospital, while healthy participants in control group had been recruited in this study from different places in Duhok city such as governmental institutions, camps and universities with matching ages. Results: The mean age of patients and control groups was 33.5±7.6 and 33.1±6.5 respectively. Fibrocystic breast disease constitutes 40 % of patients with benign breast diseases, while 38 % of them had cyclical mastalgia and only 21% had fibroadenoma. Seventy-Eight percent of patients had a normal lipid profiles and it is also normal in 80 % of a control group (P value less than <0.8). There was a significant difference in total cholesterol and VLDL between patients and control groups (P value less than <0.004 and 0.0005 consequently). Regarding the relationship of a lipid profile to the different etiologies of benign breast diseases, all parameters were not significant between different groups except for LDL and VLDL, as it was significant when we compare fibroadenoma to fibrocystic breast diseases with the P-value of 0.0001 and 0.0002 consequently. Also, when we compare fibroadenoma and cyclical mastalgia, there was a significant difference between LDL and VLDL with P values of 0.0001 and 0.01consequently. Conclusion: There is a clear association between benign breast diseases and some parameters of lipid profile such as total cholesterol and VLDL. We do recommend measuring lipid profiles in these groups of patients especially those with fibroadenoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To correlate maternal albumin levels with neonatal weight. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Obstetrics and Gynecology unit and Laboratory of Railway hospital, Rawalpindi from June 2015 to March 2016. Materials and Methods: Eighty-five mother -baby pairs were selected using systematic random sampling method, they were divided into two groups. Group I included mothers with serum albumin level in the acceptable range (3.5-5.0) gm/dl and Group II included mothers with serum albumin level less than 3.5gm/dl. Maternal venous blood was collected before delivery, serum was separated by centrifuge method. Information regarding the monthly income and dietary protein was recorded from patients. Quantitative in vitro determination of serum albumin was done by calorimetric biuret on photometric system. (Micro Lab).Birth weight of neonates was assessed using the laica weighing scale. Comparison of baby weight in group I and group II was done by Mann Whitney U test. p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Correlation of maternal albumin with baby weight was done by Spearman correlation. Results: In Group I the median of 3.00 kg baby weight and in Group II the median of 2.30 kg baby weight. Spearman correlatin showed a significant correlation coefficient between maternal albumin and baby weight with p value less than 0.05. Conclusion: The weight of the babies born to Mothers with serum albumin level < 3.5gm/dl was low as compared to the weight of the babies born to mothers with serum albumin level of (3.5-5.0 gm/dl).

Objective: To observe the effect of different extracts of Syzygium aromaticum (50% ethanolic and 50% aqueous) on the weight of Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats in comparison with insulin. Study Design: Randomized control trial. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at National Institute of Health Islamabad from July 2011 to December 2011. Materials and Methods: Forty adult rats of Sprague dawaley specie with weight ranging between 200-250 g were selected and were equally divided into 5 groups (I-V) with eight rats in each group. Group- I was control. Diabetes was induced to group II- V by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ and rats with fasting blood glucose above 200mg/dl were selected. After receiving the injection of STZ, the animals were weighed on Day zero i.e 48 hours (post STZ ). Group-II was diabetic control , group III received 50% aqueous extract while group IV received 50% ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum at a dose of 750 mg/kg body weight respectively for sixty days. Group V received 70/30 humulin insulin, 0.6 units/kg body weight subcutaneously, bid for sixty days. After two months of study on Day 60 the animals were weighed again, changes in the weight which occurred with both extracts were compared with the changes in the weight which occurred with the standard drug insulin. Results: Group-IV receiving 750 mg/kg body of 50% ethanolic extract showed marked improvement in the weight as compared to group III receiving 50% of the same dose of aqueous extract. Group V receiving insulin showed improvement in the weight which is almost closer to the increase in weight which occurred in group III diabetic rats. Conclusion: 750 mg/kg body weight of 50% ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum caused more improvement in the weight of diabetic rats than the increase in the weight with the 50% aqueous extract of the same dose and the drug insulin.

Objective: To compare the effect of 50% Aqueous and 50% Ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum on blood glucose level in STZ induced diabetic rats in comparison with insulin. Study Design: Randomized control trial. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at National Institute of Health Islamabad from July 2011 to December 2011. Materials and Methods: Forty adult rats of Sprague dawaley specie were equally divided into 5 groups (I‐V). Group‐ I control. Group (II‐V) received a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ and rats having fasting blood glucose above 200mg/dl wereselected. Group‐II served as diabetic control , group III received 50% aqueous extract at a dose of 750 mg/kg body weight for sixty days and group 1Vrats received 50% ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum at a dose of 750 mg/kg body weight for sixty days. Group V (standard) received the dose of 0.6 units/kg body weight of humulin insulin 70/30 subcutaneously bid for sixty days. After giving the injection of STZ fasting blood samples were taken at zero 15, 30 and 60 days and comparison is done between the glucose lowering effect of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum. Results: The 50% ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum showed more reduction in blood glucose level than the 50% aqueous extract of Syzygium aromaticum. The levels of blood glucose markedly decreased in group‐1V receiving 750 mg/kg body of ethanolic extract as compared to group III receiving the same dose of aqueous extract. Group V receiving insulin showed the level of this parameter almost closer to the blood glucose levels of group III rats. Conclusion: The reduction in blood glucose with 750 mg/kg body weight of ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum is more than with aqueous extract and insulin.