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Introduction: Most adolescent women face many restrictions, which become much more severe during menstruation. In India, millions of adolescent girls drop out of school every year due to menstruation-related problems and restrictions. Despite extensive research, a paucity of literature was observed on the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices of adolescent girls regarding menstruation. Hence, we proceeded to undertake the present study, to have a deeper understanding of the menstrual hygiene management of adolescents. Aims: To describe the menstrual hygiene management among adolescent school girls. Objectives: (a) To examine the association, if any, between menstrual hygiene management and school absenteeism during menstruation in adolescent school girls. Materials And Methods: We conducted a school-based cross-sectional analytical study in an urban area in north India. The study population comprised adolescent school girls of all the high schools in the urban area. With a 95% confidence interval, and 5% margin of error, the sample size was calculated to be 369. However, an even larger sample size of 600 was actually studied. The probability proportional to size sampling approach was followed based on the number of adolescent girls in each school class/ section. Participants were selected through a stratified proportionate sampling method. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethical committee of the district director of education of the urban area where the study was conducted before the commencement of the study. Confidentiality of the information collected was ensured. The data collected was quantitative in nature, using a pretested self-administered questionnaire consisting of both open-ended and close-ended questions. Data was checked for its completeness, coded, and entered into Microsoft Excel 2021 Spreadsheet. Subsequently, the data was imported into IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. for data analysis. Standard statistical methods were utilized for data analysis. Results: The mean age (standard deviation [SD]) of the study participants was 13.68 (1.29). The mean age (SD) at menarche was 13.29 (0.96). Based on the overall menstrual hygiene management score, 377 (62.83%) of the study participants were engaged in good menstrual hygiene management, while 223 (37.17%) were engaged in poor menstrual hygiene management. The mean score (SD) was 7.80 (±0.43). Compared to those aged 17-19 years, those aged 10-13 years had a 0.36 (95% CI 0.17-0.75) decreased odds of good menstrual hygiene, while those aged 14-16 years had a 0.29 (95% CI 0.14-0.59) decreased odds of good menstrual hygiene. The adjusted odds ratios were 0.32 (95% CI 0.19-0.65) and 0.25 (95% CI 0.12-0.41) respectively. Out of 600 study participants, 229 (38.17%) reported school absenteeism at least once in the last 1 year because of menstruation. The mean (standard deviation) duration of school absenteeism was 2.4 (0.78) days per menstrual cycle. The commonest reason for menstruation-related school absenteeism was pain, wherein 105 (45.85%) study participants reported this reason. Conclusion: In our study, we observed that over two-thirds of the study participants were engaged in good menstrual hygiene practices, while ~40% of them reported menstrual-related school absenteeism. Our study also found evidence that the age of the school girls was associated with their menstrual hygiene management practices. We recommend further research on the impact of menstruation and its management on the academic performance of adolescent school girls. Efforts are also required to develop the capacity of teachers to teach menstrual hygiene education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Keeping in view the role of tobacco consumption as a modifiable risk factor in various diseases and gaps in scientific knowledge among the apparently healthy adult male population in India, the researchers chose to undertake this study. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among apparently healthy adult males employed in various government offices to determine the prevalence of tobacco consumption. The minimum sample size to estimate a 95% confidence interval for the prevalence of tobacco consumption with 5% absolute precision was calculated to be 340. However, 500 subjects were included in the study. The tool used for data collection was the "personal interview technique." Standard statistical methods were utilized for data analysis. Results: The overall mean age (standard deviation (SD)) of the study subjects was 30.96 yrs (4.32). Overall, the mean (SD) of number of years of tobacco use was 5.64 years (1.98). The mean (SD) of number of cigarettes smoked per day was 6.36 (3.09). The prevalence of current smokers showed a statistically significant increase from the age groups of 20–29 yrs to 50–59 yrs (P < 0.001). All subjects in the study were able to name at least three harmful effects of tobacco consumption. The overall mean amount spent on tobacco consumption per month was Rs 536.97 (1.44% of basic salary). Overall, the most common reason for smoking was peer pressure, where 40 (93.02%) gave this reason. Of forty-three tobacco users, 27 (62.79%) expressed a desire to quit tobacco consumption. The most common reason for expressing a desire to quit tobacco was the ill effects of tobacco consumption, where 23 (85.18%) tobacco users gave this reason. Conclusion: Our study on the prevalence of tobacco consumption among government employees provides an adequately clear picture of this public health epidemic in India. There is an immediate need for target group-specific policies for tobacco control, which should be integrated with the relevant national health programs at all levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Dengue, a mosquito-borne illness, is endemic over 100 countries around the world. Dengue cases have been on rise in India in the past decade. The present study was conducted to describe dengue cases of a ward in an urban area. Aims: To analyse the 5-year trend of cases of dengue fever, the 5-year trend of disease burden attributable to dengue as a proportion of all consultations, and the 5-year trend of mortality attributable to dengue as a proportion of all deaths in an urban area. Settings: The present study is a retrospective record-based study, carried out from January 2014 to December 2019. Material and Methods: Descriptive analysis was used to describe the cases. Standard statistical tools such as Chi square for linear trends were utilised for data analysis. Results: Except for a marginal dip in the year 2017, we observed that the trend of dengue significantly increased during the period of our study (Chi square for linear trend = 217.54; P = 0). We also observed a generally significantly increasing trend in burden of dengue as a disease, measured as a proportion of all consultations (Chi square for linear trend = 14302.72; P = 0). Mortality attributable to dengue measured as a ratio of deaths because of dengue and deaths because of all causes also shows a generally increasing trend with a slight decrease in 2018 (Chi square for linear trend = 371.24; P = 0). Conclusion: Dengue cases and the percentage of consultations attributable to dengue show an increasing trend over the past 5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZrO2‐based ceramics are widely used in biomedical applications due to its color, biocompatibility, and excellent mechanical properties. However, low‐temperature degradation (LTD) introduces a potential risk for long‐term reliability of these materials. The development of innovative nondestructive techniques, which can explore LTD in zirconia‐derived compounds, is strongly required. Yttria stabilized zirconia, 3Y‐TZP, is one of the well‐developed ZrO2‐based ceramics with improved resistance to LTD for dental crown and implant applications. Here, 3Y‐TZP ceramic powders were pressed and sintered to study the LTD phenomenon by phase transition behavior. The LTD‐driven tetragonal‐to‐monoclinic phase transition was confirmed by XRD. XPS analysis demonstrated that induced LTD reduced the oxygen vacancies which supports these findings. It is proved that after the degradation, the 3Y‐TZP ceramics show the decreased dielectric permittivity at terahertz frequencies due to the crystallographic phase transformation. Terahertz nondestructive probe is a promising method to investigate LTD in zirconia ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effect of the stability of oxygen vacancies on the low-temperature degradation (LTD) resistance of two kinds of commercial zirconia-based materials (3Y-TZP ceramics and Ce-TZP/Al 2 O 3 composites) via the dielectric probing methods. The commercial 3Y-TZP ceramics and Ce-TZP/Al 2 O 3 composites were prepared via conventional solid-state methods. Density, phase content, microstructure, strain, and biaxial flexural strength (BFS) of two materials were investigated using Archimedes method, XRD, SEM, strain-electric field (S-E) loops and ball-on-ring methods, respectively. The concentration of oxygen vacancies before and after LTD of two materials were evaluated using dielectric probing and XPS methods. The XRD analysis revealed that compared to the 3Y-TZP ceramics, the Ce-TZP/Al 2 O 3 composites showed better LTD resistance, without clear LTD. The greater LTD resistance for Ce-TZP/Al 2 O 3 composites was associated with their stability of oxygen vacancies, by higher activation energy based on the dielectric measurements and XPS results. For the 3Y-TZP ceramics that underwent the tetragonal to the monoclinic phase transition during the LTD treatment, the concentration of their oxygen vacancies decreased after LTD. In addition, the Ce-TZP/Al 2 O 3 composites exhibited higher flexural strength and potential fracture toughness based on the BFS testing and strain vs electric field measurement results, indicating a great potential for use in fixed restorative dental applications. This work suggested the stability of oxygen vacancies played a key role in the resistance to LTD. Optimizing the stability of the oxygen vacancies is key to the development of more reliable zirconia- based dental biomaterials with greater resistance to LTD. • LTD observed in the 3Y-TZP ceramics, accompanied with their decrease concentration of oxygen vacancies. • The stability of oxygen vacancies in the Ce-TZP/Al 2 O 3 composites played an important role in their resistance to LTD. • Dielectric probing was proved to be a useful method to investigate the LTD of zirconia bio-ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Advanced composite materials have been investigated for repair of fatigue-damaged metal structures, but one of the challenges is the repair often covers-up underlying damage, preventing visual inspection. A novel approach where a carbon nanotube-based sensing layer integrated in a steel/composite adhesive bond has been investigated as an approach for repair while adding capability to detect the adhesive bond integrity and monitor propagation of cracks in the underlying substrate. The sensing layer, composed of a random mat of aramid fibers coated with carbon nanotubes, offers tremendous application flexibility for integration of sensing capabilities in structures. Experiments examining fatigue crack propagation in structural steel with a composite repair and integrated bondline sensing increased the fatigue life by 380% to over 500%, depending on configuration. The sensing layer was able to monitor deformation and crack propagation in real-time and shows potential for use in periodic inspection-based monitoring of cracks using electrical property changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory experiments demonstrate that a novel carbon nanotube (CNT)-based sensing layer embedded in the bondline of an adhesively bonded structural joint can detect and monitor deformation and damage progression of the adhesive layer. In this study, experimental and numerical investigations were performed to identify any effect of an embedded CNT-based sensing layer on the bond strength of that joint. To evaluate the mechanical behavior of such a bondline configuration, two sets of single-lap specimens, with and without sensing layer, were prepared and tested to determine the bond strengths of the respective types. Two-dimensional digital image correlation (2D DIC) was utilized to estimate the load-displacement response of the test specimens. Three-dimensional cohesive surface finite element models of the test specimens, with and without the sensing layer, were created and validated using the experimental measurements. It is shown that the embedded CNT-based sensing layer does not influence the bond strength of the single-lap joint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strengthening of deteriorating structural members by fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) is an increasingly common and validated technique; however, concerns over means to evaluate the long-term durability of these retrofits exist. This paper explores a novel approach to overcome this concern through the use of a novel self-sensing composite material. Specifically, the objective of this paper is to provide a proof of concept for an integrated strengthening and sensing methodology for structural steel members achieved via infusing more-traditional composites with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). To assess the strengthening and sensing capabilities of the CNT-based composite, a set of unidirectional tensile tests were conducted. The experimental results show stiffness increases and strain reductions due to the application of the CNT-based sensing composites that were in close agreement with both analytical and finite-element models. The sensing aspect was also validated by a corresponding linear change in resistance of the CNT-based sensor with increasing load up to the point at which debonding of the adhesive layer occurred. The nanotube sensing layer is able to capture the strain in the member as well as the onset and extension of interfacial debonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Typhoid fever is endemic in India. There have been various outbreaks of typhoid fever reported from different parts of India. Considering the outbreak potential of typhoid, the present study was undertaken wherein an outbreak of typhoid occurred in a city in northern India. Methodology: The study design used was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Detailed information was obtained from each reported case. Active case finding surveys were conducted. Case definitions for suspect, probable, and confirmed case taken for our study, have already been validated by the World health organisation (WHO). All patients were subjected to requisite investigations. A sanitary survey was carried out to locate defects in water supply and sewage disposal. Record of bacteriological survey of water samples from the area was scrutinized. Descriptive epidemiology of cases was carried out. Results: Attack rate was 16.1% and 17.4% among men and women, respectively. Fever was present in 52 (69.3%) cases. The epidemic curve displayed a sudden peak and an abrupt fall of cases. This is suggestive of a common point source outbreak. There were no fatalities. Sanitary survey teams found a sewage leak in the locality where maximum cases were reported. Lab reports tested positive for salmonella species in water. The outbreak was promptly controlled after repair of the leaking sewage pipeline; and provision of alternative source of water supply. Conclusion: This study reemphasises the requirement of a basic public health measure and infrastructure, that is, water quality monitoring by concerned authorities to break the chain of transmission of typhoid fever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes research that investigated the ability of a carbon nanotube (CNT) sensor to detect and monitor fatigue crack initiation and propagation in metal structures. The sensor consists of a nonwoven carrier fabric with a thin film of CNT that is bonded to the surface of a structure using an epoxy adhesive. The carrier fabric enables the sensor to be easily applied over large areas with complex geometries. Furthermore, the distributed nature of the sensor improves the probability of detecting crack initiation and enables monitoring of crack propagation over time. Piezoresistivity of the sensor enables strains to be monitored in real time and the sensor, which is designed to fragment as fatigue cracks propagate, directly measures crack growth through permanent changes in resistance. The following laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of the sensor: (1) continuous crack propagation monitoring, (2) potential false positive evaluation under near-threshold crack propagation conditions, and (3) crack re-initiation detection at a crack-stop hole, which is a commonly used technique to arrest fatigue cracks. Real-time sensor measurements and post-mortem fractography show that a distinguishable resistance change of the sensor occurs due to fatigue crack propagation that can be quantitatively related to crack length. The sensor does not show false positive responses when the crack does not propagate, which is a drawback of many other fatigue sensors. The sensor is also shown to be remarkably sensitive to detecting crack re-initiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children, being the future of any nation, not only need special attention but also need a suitable environment to have proper growth and development. They are also vulnerable to various diseases and disabilities. It is observed that certain maternal characteristics are helpful in the development and survival of such high‑risk children. Methodology: A community‑based, cross‑sectional, analytic study was undertaken among children under 5 years of age in two slums. The population of both slums was 1550, out of which children under 5 years of age were 196 (12.64%), which constituted the study population. The “high‑risk” children were identified based on pre‑development criteria of “risk factors.” Data was collected by interview technique, physical examination of the children, and checking of medical documents. The data regarding “high‑risk” children were analyzed to determine the association of “high‑risk” children with maternal factors like birth order, education, and occupation of the mother and child being looked after as the mother’s substitute. The data obtained was subjected to standard statistical methods to achieve valid comparisons. Results: The present study revealed that out of 196 children under 5 years of age surveyed, 88 were “high‑risk” children which constituted a prevalence rate of 44.89%. A significant association had been found between the prevalence of “high‑risk” children and factors like birth order, education, and occupation of the mother and child being looked after by the mother’s substitute. Conclusion: The study showed a significant association between various maternal factors and high‑risk children. Thus maternal social and environmental factors along with enhancing pregnancy health go a long way in preventing high‑risk children and betterment of child health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stacking multiple genes into cotton crop to cop up multiple biotic stresses such as insects and weeds is a promising tool to save crop from losses. Transgenic cotton variety, VH-289, with double Bt and cp4EPSPS genes under the control of 35S promoter was used for the expression analyses and biosafety studies. The transgenic cotton plants were screened through PCR amplification of fragments, 1.7 kb for Cry1Ac, 582 bp for Cry2A and 250 bp for cp4EPSPS; which confirmed the presence of all genes transformed in transgenic cotton. The Cry1Ac + Cry2A and cp4EPSPS proteins were quantified through ELISA in transgenic cotton plants. The Glyphosate assay performed by spraying 1900 mL per acre of glyphosate Roundup further confirmed complete survival of transgenic cotton plants as compared to the non-transgenic cotton plants and all weeds. Similarly, insect infestation data determined that almost 99% insect mortality was observed in controlled field grown transgenic cotton plants as compared to the non-transgenic control plants. Evaluation of effect of temperature and soil nutrients availability on transgene expression in cotton plants was done at two different cotton growing regions, Multan and Lahore, Pakistan and results suggested that despite of higher temperature in Multan field, an increased level of Cry and cp4EPSPS proteins was recorded due to higher soil organic matter availability compared to Lahore field. Before commercialization of any transgenic variety its biosafety study is mandatory so, a 90 days biosafety study of the transgenic cotton plants with 40% transgenic cottonseeds in standard diet showed no harmful effect on wister rat model when studied for liver function, renal function and serum electrolyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This narrative review explores the importance of multimodal pain management options for postoperative cardiac surgery, focusing on maximizing pain alleviation while minimizing opioids usage and adverse consequences. It examines various pharmacological and non-pharmacological techniques, including opioids, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, gabapentinoids, alpha-2 agonists, local anesthetics, and ketamine, to maximize pain relief and improve patient outcomes. The review emphasizes the significance of a multimodal approach, combining different agents for better pain relief and patient outcomes. Non-pharmacological treatments, such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, distraction techniques, massage therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), also play a role in pain management, promoting comprehensive patient comfort and well-being. These methods are helpful additions to existing pharmaceutical therapies and promote comprehensive patient comfort. In conclusion, multimodal pain management techniques are crucial in postoperative cardiac surgery, as they provide optimal pain relief, increased patient satisfaction, and overall improvement in outcomes. Healthcare professionals must continuously evaluate, modify, and improve pain management strategies to provide the highest level of care to patients in this high-stakes environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study is designed to assess the mortality in OPP patients with low GCS scores. Study Design: Cross Sectional study. Setting: Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center. Period: From 1st February 2018 to 31st August 2018. Material & Methods: Included patients with low GCS, both genders and age of 18-60 years diagnosed with OPP. Their GCS was calculated and the outcome was determined in terms of mortality. Results: Out of 70 patients, the mean age was 35.2+16.5 years with the majority (62.9%) <30 years. 62.9% of these were males. Most (57.1%) of them presented after ingestion of <15mL of OP, 60% had the poisoning for >60 minutes, and the majority (74.3%) had taken it orally. When the GCS was computed, 81.40% had that of >5, while the mean came out to be 6.64 ±1.43. The mortality rate here was 17.10%. Conclusion: GCS toll can be a helpful and practical tool in assessing the mortality among the patients of OPP. However, because of the limited literature on the subject further studies are recommended to improve its validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the frequency and outcome of right ventricular infarct in patients with inferior wall myocardial infarction during hospital stay. Study Design: Descriptive case series. Place and duration of study: The study was carried out in cardiology department of Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur from 13th January 2013 to 12th July 2014. Methodology: A total of 145 patients of inferior wall myocardial infarction were enrolled. Right sided ECG was recorded to detect RV infarction in V4R lead. Patients with RV infarction were followed for high degree AV block and in hospital mortality till discharge. Results: A total of 145 patients were included in the study. Mean age of patients was 53.54 11.3 years. Out of 145 patients, 84 (57.93%) were male and 61 (42.07%) were female. Out of 145 patients, 51(35.17%) patients had right ventricular infarct. In 51 patients with right ventricular infarct, 5 (9.8%) patients expired while 20 (39.2%) had 3rd degree AV blocks. Conclusion: Patients with inferior myocardial infarction who also have right ventricular myocardial involvement are at increased risk of death and 3rd degree (complete) AV block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the frequency and the risk factors associated with restless leg syndrome (RLS) in patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis. Study Design: Cross-sectional Observational study. Setting: Department of Nephrology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan. Period: 1st of January 2020 till 30th of June 2020. Material & Methods: We enrolled the patients in this study after written consent and were assessed for RLS according to the International RLS Study Group criteria. Serum samples were collected for hemoglobulin level, parathyroid hormone level, vitamin D, serum urea and creatinine, and serum ferritin. The sampling technique used was non-probability, variables were recorded as mean and standard deviation and frequency. Results: Ninety-four patients were included in this study; men comprised 65.95% of the patients, and women comprised 34.04%. The mean age in the study was 45.51±13.29 years. Diabetes mellitus was the most common cause (47.87%). The mean duration on the hemodialysis was 5.21 years, and the mean vitamin D level was 24.36 mg/dl. RLS was observed in 26 (27.65%) patients and was significantly associated with low vitamin D and time duration on hemodialysis. Conclusion: The RLS seems to be a common consequence of ESRD, and it has a significant impact on the ESRD patients' everyday lives and sleeping patterns. There is a definitive link between RLS and hemodialysis duration; however, more large multicenter studies are still needed to establish and investigate the etiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single phase four-layer Aurivillius structured ferroelectric ceramic, (Ca 0.2 Sr 0.2 Ba 0.2 Pb 0.2 Nd 0.1 Na 0.1)Bi 4 Ti 4 O 15 (6ABTO) was obtained using a high entropy design concept. The material, which has orthorhombic symmetry in space group A 2 1 am at room temperature, has Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Pb2+, Nd3+ and Na+ distributed not only on the A sites of the perovskite layer but also in the bismuthate layer. 6ABTO shows complex ferroelectric behavior, with a Curie point of 557 °C. Four current peaks are observed in the current - electric field curve. These peaks are attributed to a combination of a field induced phase transition and domain wall switching, which is the first reported occurrence of such current - electric field behavior for an Aurivillius structured ferroelectric material. Despite the level of disorder between the A site cations in the perovskite layer and the Bi positions in the bismuthate layer, 6ABTO does not show the relaxor ferroelectric behavior, that is commonly observed in cases of such disorder. This suggests that relaxor behavior in ferroelectrics, may be more associated with the thermal stability of dipoles, rather than the presence of polar nano-regions formed as a result of chemical disorder. The nature of the high entropy effect in 6ABTO is discussed through comparison of results from isostructural compositions containing 5, 4 and 3 of the component cations [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Higher concentrations of elements in non-famous Basmati rice growing regions. • Higher δ13C values of Basmati rice growing regions compared to other regions. • PLS-DA was found to be effective in grouping rice samples from different regions. High-priced Basmati rice is vulnerable to deliberate mislabeling to increase profits. This type of fraud may lower consumers' confidence as inferior products can affect brand reputation. To address this problem, there is a need to devise a method that can efficiently distinguish Basmati rice grown in regions that are famous versus the regions that are not suitable for their production. Therefore, in this investigation, thirty-six samples of Basmati rice were collected from two zones of Punjab province (one known for Basmati rice) of Pakistan which is the major producer of Basmati rice. The elemental composition of rice samples was assessed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry and an organic elemental analyzer, whereas data on δ13C was acquired using isotopic ratio-mass spectrometry. Regional clustering of samples based on their respective cultivation zones was observed using multivariate data analysis techniques. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis was found to be effective in grouping rice samples from the different locations and identifying unknown samples belonging to these two regions. Further recommendations are presented to develop a better model for tracing the origin of unidentified rice samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stock market, is one of the most important financial market which has a close relationship with a country's economy, due to which it is often called the barometer of the economy. Over the past 25 years, the stock markets have been affected by different global economic shocks. Various researchers have analyzed different aspects of these effects one by one, however, this study is an assessment of stock market interrelationship of emeriging Asian economies which include most of the East Asian, and Southeast Asian emerging economies with special focus on China for past decades during which different crisis occurred. We used Morgan Stanley capital international (MSCI) daily indices data for each stock market and compared Chinese stock market with the stock markets of India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. We analyzed the data through the individual wavelet power spectrum, cross-wavelet transform and wavelet coherence, to determine the correlation and volatility among the selected stock markets. These model have the power to analyze co-movements among these countries with respect to both frequency and time spaces. Our findings show that there are co-movement patterns of higher frequencies during the crises periods of 1997, 2008 and 2015. The dependency strength among the considered economies is noted to increase in the crisis periods, which implies increased short- and long-term benefits for the investors. From a financial point of view, it has been determined that the co-movement strength among the emerging economies of Asia may have an effect on the VaR (Value at Risk) levels of a multi-country portfolio. Furthermore, the stock market of China shows a high correlation with the other six Asian stock emerging markets in both high and low-frequency spectrums. The association of the south and east Asian stock market with Chinese stock markets show the interconnection of these economies with the economy of China since past two decades. These findings are useful for investors, portfolio managers and the policymaker around the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibodies have important role in biological research and diagnosis. Polyclonal antibodies can be produced against more than one epitope of an antigen. Newcastle disease (ND) is one of the most devastating diseases that considerably effects the global poultry industry. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) possess Fusion (F) protein for the attachment and pathogenicity. In the present study TA plasmid having F gene was restricted by EcoR1 and it was ligated into pET30a expression vector. The F gene ligated pET30a was transformed in BL21DE3 expression strain. After the expression of NDV F protein, it was verified by the appearance of 67 kDa band on SDS-PAGE gel and western blot. The F protein was partially purified by the column of 70 kDa cut. The recombinant F protein was used for the generation of polyclonal antibodies. Two groups (experimental group and negative control group) of 3 months old rabbits were used. Two doses of recombinant F protein with interval of 15 days were injected subcutaneously for production of antibodies against the F protein. Antibodies were obtained from serum taken after scarifying the rabbits. Production of polyclonal antibodies was confirmed through Dot Blot Assay and ELISA. In this study maximum antibody titer was estimated to be 4.676 (OD at 450 nm) in case of using concentrated antibody. Produced polyclonal antibodies can be further purified in order to use as tools in biomedical and biochemical researches and diagnostic kits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to assess the extent of knowledge and understanding of rabies disease in rural and urban communities of Pakistan. It also identified malpractices after suspected dog bite that might pose a risk for humans contracting rabies.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted (n = 1466) on people having different age groups and educational levels in four different geographic regions of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces in Pakistan. Knowledge, attitude, and practices of people were assessed using a structured questionnaire. We used a bivariate and multivariate analysis to study the association between rabies related mortalities in near or extended family members and different risk behaviors.Results: Our results demonstrate that the majority of the juvenile population (less than 18 years of age) were not aware of the clinical signs of rabies in animals. 75% of the total respondents were not vaccinated against rabies, 60% did not seek a doctor's advice after a suspected animal bite, and 55% had inadequate health care facilities for rabies patients in local hospitals. Respondents that had pets at home had not vaccinated (38%; p < 0.05; odds ratio 1.58) themselves against rabies due to lack of knowledge and awareness of pre-exposure prophylaxis for rabies (51%; p < 0.05; odds ratio 1.25). They also tend to not visit doctor after suspected bite (52%; p < 0.05; odds ratio 1.97), which may had resulted in more deaths (65%; p < 0.05; odds ratio 1.73) of someone in their near or extended family due to rabies.Conclusions: Lack of knowledge about the nature of rabies disease and prophylaxis has contributed to increase of rabies related deaths. Inadequate health care facilities and poor attitude of not seeking medical attention after suspected dog bite are the major reasons of rabies related deaths. These findings could help in devising a targeted management strategy and awareness program to control and reduce the incidence of human rabies related deaths in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]