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Rhizoctonia solani is a species complex composed of many genetically diverse anastomosis groups (AG) and their subgroups. It causes economically important diseases of soybean worldwide. However, the global genetic diversity and distribution of R. solani AG associated with soybean are unknown to date. In this study, the global genetic diversity and distribution of AG associated with soybean were investigated based on rDNA-ITS sequences deposited in GenBank and published literature. The most prevalent AG, was AG-1 (40%), followed by AG-2 (19.13%), AG-4 (11.30%), AG-7 (10.43%), AG-11 (8.70%), AG-3 (5.22%) and AG-5 (3.48%). Most of the AG were reported from the USA and Brazil. Sequence analysis of internal transcribed spacers of ribosomal DNA separated AG associated with soybean into two distinct clades. Clade I corresponded to distinct subclades containing AG-2, AG-3, AG-5, AG-7 and AG-11. Clade II corresponded to subclades of AG-1 subgroups. Furthermore, AG and/or AG subgroups were in close proximity without corresponding to their geographical origin. Moreover, AG or AG subgroups within clade or subclades shared higher percentages of sequence similarities. The principal coordinate analysis also supported the phylogenetic and genetic diversity analyses. In conclusion, AG-1, AG-2, and AG-4 were the most prevalent AG in soybean. The clade or subclades corresponded to AG or AG subgroups and did not correspond to the AG's geographical origin. The information on global genetic diversity and distribution will be helpful if novel management measures are to be developed against soybean diseases caused by R. solani. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine students' perception of bedside teaching, to find out barriers in its effective implementation and to suggest strategies to make it an effective learning tool. Methods: This study was conducted in Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University Arar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between November 2013 and January 2014. The study design was qualitative inductive thematic analysis using transcripts from audio-recorded focus group discussions. Four focused group discussions with medical students of 4th and 5th year MBBS were conducted. Each 40 to 50 minutes discussion session was audio taped and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis extracted key themes pertaining to objectives of the study. Results: A total 75 students of 4th and 5th year MBBS took part in the study, 48 were female and 27 of them were male. Students believed that bedside teaching is valuable for learning essential clinical skills. They described many barriers in its effective implementation: uncooperative and less number of patients and faculty attitude. Our students suggested various strategies to address these barriers: promotion of awareness among general public about students' learning and its benefits, free medical treatment for expatriates and building of university hospital. Conclusion: Bedside teaching is an important learning tool. Its utility can be enhanced by orienting local patients' attitude towards importance of students' learning, by providing free medical treatment to expatriates and by including bedside teaching in faculty development programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric blends are attractive drug delivery systems in the current era to provide controlled, pH-sensitive or targeted release of different drugs, and these blends can increase patient compliance by reducing dosing frequency. The aim of this research study was to prepare controlled release pH-sensitive okra gum/gelatin-based polymeric blend (OKMA-GEL) through aqueous polymerization method. The cytarabine (CYTB) was loaded in OKMA-GEL, to treat various cancerous diseases. Different ingredients (polymers (okra gum and gelatin), monomer (methacrylic acid—MAA), initiator (ammonium peroxodisulfate—APS) and cross-linker (methylene bisacrylamide—MBA)) were utilized to synthesize OKMA-GEL. Various techniques including FTIR, SEM, TGA, DSC and PXRD were applied on blend samples in concern of characterization. FTIR study depicted different functional groups and confirmed the successful development of polymeric blend. SEM indicated the presence of porous surface which is responsible for water imbibition into blend. TGA and DSC indicated enhanced thermal stability. PXRD of polymeric blend exhibited minor crystallinity and extensive amorphous nature. Swelling dynamics and drug release behaviors were observed at 1.2 pH and 7.4 pH. In this regard, better swelling and drug release were achieved at high pH (7.4) which endorsed a pH-responsive polymeric blend. Toxicity studies of drug unloaded polymeric blends were executed on rabbits which showed no toxic effect in findings. Conclusively, nontoxic OKMA-GEL was successfully synthesized that can be utilized for controlled release of CYTB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve sustainable future for all, United Nations' (UNs') Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs-2030) reinforced the formulation of social, economic and human development policies. Pakistan is a country with high population growth rate, among top ten recipients of foreign remittances but facing an acute problem of stagnant human development outcomes over the years. Of note, Pakistan's economic growth is considered as growth without human face (see Easterly in The political economy of growth without development: A case study of Pakistan, 2001). It is, therefore, important from public policy point of view to understand the short-and long-run dynamics of the relationships between important social, demographic and economic factors. Accordingly, this paper investigates the short-and long-run relationships between population growth, government social spending, foreign remittances inflow and aggregate level of human development in Pakistan using Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach of cointegration and error correction models. The cointegration test results showed that there is cointegration among the variables to proceed with the estimations of long-run relationships. Our empirical results confirm the existence of short-and long-run relationships between population growth, remittances inflow and human development in Pakistan. Population growth inversely while remittances inflow positively influenced Pakistan's human development status both in the short-and long-run. The empirical findings of our study call for designing and implementing robust development policies—that result in effective and sustainable human development—mainly towards viewing population from a more humanitarian and equitable perspective in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphoma is the most common blood cancer. The two main forms of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non- Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Lymphoma occurs when cells of the immune system called lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, grow and multiply uncontrollably. Among all types of blood cancers, lymphoma is the most common one. Hodgkin and Non Hodgkin lymphoma are the two major forms of lymphomas. DLBCL is the most frequent type of NHL in which B lymphocytes have potential to grow and proliferate abnormally. Lymph node and outside of the lymphatic system are main arising points for development of DLBCL. Large mass of B cells, B symptoms and extranodal sites are the main features of DLBCL. In Pakistan (2008) DLBCL reaches to an epidemic proportion. WHO had classified the DLBCL according the involvement sites. This study briefly describes the prognostic indicators, possible risk factors and prevalence of DLBCL (NHL) in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Appendicectomy for acute appendicitis is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. Acute appendicitis has remained a clinical entity and an ongoing diagnostic challenge. A retrospective study was performed to determine histological diagnosis, demographic data, the rate of perforated appendicitis and negative appendicectomies. Methods: Histopathological records of 480 resected appendices submitted to histopathology department at Arar Central Hospital in the Northern Border Province of Saudi Arabia over the period of 3 years from July 2011 to June 2014 were reviewed retrospectively, to determine acute appendicitis, complication (gangrene, perforation) rate, negative appendicectomy rate, histopathological diagnosis and unusual finding on histology. Results: Out of 480 specimens of appendix, appendicitis accounted for 466 (97.0%) with peak occurrence in the age group of 11 to 50 years in male and 11 to 40 years in female. Histopathological diagnosis include acute appendicitis 250 (52.0%), suppurative appendicitis 135 (28.0%) acute gangrenous appendicitis 60 (12.5%), perforated appendicitis 9 (2.0%), chronic appendicitis 12 (2.5%). Negative appendicectomy rate was 14 (3%) and two time more common in female with peak occurrence in the age group of 20-30 yrs. There was no unusual histological finding like carcinoid tumour of appendix. Conclusion: The present study showed a high number of appendicitis in adolescents and young adults. Negative appendectomy was more common in females. The study support routine histological examination of all the appendicectomy specimens to avoid missing of any clinically important and treatable condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents an analysis of a two-dimensional model of a liquid chromatographic column. Constant flow rates and linear adsorption isotherms are assumed. Different sets of boundary conditions are considered, including injections through inner and outer regions of the column inlet cross section. The finite Hankel transform technique in combination with the Laplace transform method is applied to solve the model equations. The developed analytical solutions illustrate the influence and quantify the magnitude of the solute transport in the radial direction. Comparing Dirichlet and Danckwerts boundary conditions, the predicted elution profiles differ significantly for large axial dispersion coefficients. For further analysis of the solute transport behavior, the temporal moments up to the fourth order are derived from the Laplace-transformed solutions. The analytical solutions for the concentration profiles and the moments are in good agreement with the numerical solutions of a high resolution flux limiting finite volume scheme. Results of different case studies are presented and discussed covering a wide range of mass transfer characteristics. The derived analytical solutions provide useful tools to quantify jointly occurring longitudinal and radial dispersion effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unsteady stagnation point flow of a Maxwell fluid over a unidirectional linearly stretching sheet is studied under the influence of a magnetic field. The parabolic energy equation, which is based on parabolic Fourier law is replaced with a hyperbolic energy equation incorporating the heat flux model of Cattaneo–Christov. The Buongiorno model is used to characterize the properties of nanofluids using thermophoresis and Brownian diffusion coefficients. The phenomenon of melting heat transfer and slip mechanism is also embodied in the present study. Coupled nonlinear differential equations have appeared when the specified similarity transformations are applied. The mathematical problem is tackled via the homotopy analysis method. The impact of important physical parameters on the velocity, concentration, and temperature are highlighted via graphs. To verify our present results, a comparison is given with a limiting case with an already published article. It is witnessed through the graphs that the higher unsteadiness parameter and melting heat coefficient both are responsible for the reduction in the velocity and temperature of the nanofluid. Also, the velocity slip parameter detracts the velocity profile and affiliated boundary layer thickness of theMaxwell nanofluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While individual and family risk factors that contribute to health disparities in children with type 1 diabetes have been identified, studies on the effects of neighborhood risk factors on glycemic control are limited, particularly in minority samples. This cross‐sectional study tested associations between family conflict, neighborhood adversity and glycemic outcomes (HbA1c) in a sample of urban, young Black adolescents with type 1 diabetes(mean age = 13.4 ± 1.7), as well as whether neighborhood adversity moderated the relationship between family conflict and HbA1c. Participants (N = 128) were recruited from five pediatric diabetes clinics in two major metropolitan US cities. Diabetes‐related family conflict was measured via self‐report questionnaire (Diabetes Family Conflict Scale; DFCS). Neighborhood adversity was calculated at the census block group level based on US census data. Indictors of adversity were used to calculate a neighborhood adversity index (NAI) for each participant. Median family income was $25,000, suggesting a low SES sample. In multiple regression analyses, DFCS and NAI both had significant, independent effects on glycemic control (β = 0.174, P = 0.034 and β = 0.226 P = 0.013, respectively) after controlling for child age, family socioeconomic status and insulin management regimen. Tests of effects of the NAI and DFCS interaction on HbA1c found no significant moderating effects of neighborhood adversity. Even within contexts of significant socioeconomic disadvantage, variability in degree of neighborhood adversity predicts diabetes‐related health outcomes in young Black adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Providers should assess social determinants of health such as neighborhood resources that may impact adolescents' ability to maintain optimal glycemic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have examined the impact of climatic variability on agricultural productivity, although an understanding of these effects on farmland values and their relationship to farmers’ decisions to adapt and modify their land-use practices remains nascent in developing nations. We estimated the impacts of the deviation in our study year's (2012) temperature and precipitation patterns from medium-term (1980–2011) climatic patterns on farmland values in Pakistan. This was accomplished by employing a modified form of a Ricardian regression model. We also examined farmers’ perceptions of climate change during this period, as well as their perceptions of climate change impacts on farm productivity, in addition to past and anticipated farm adaptation strategies. Our results indicate that positive temperature deviation from the medium-term mean – indicative of climatic change – affects farmland values in Pakistan. Deviation in annual cumulative precipitation conversely appears to have no significant impact. Estimates of the marginal impact of temperature deviation suggested a slight but negative linear relationship with farmland values. The location of farms in areas where farmers can avail financial or extension services conversely had a positive impact on farmland values, as did the availability of irrigation facilities. Our analysis of farmers’ perceptions of climate change and their consequent adaptation behavior indicated a relatively high degree of awareness of climatic variability that influenced a number of proactive and future anticipated farm adaptation strategies. Examples included increased use of irrigation and farm enterprise diversification, as well as land-use change, including shifting from agriculture into alternative land uses. National policy in Pakistan underscores the importance of maintaining a productive rural agricultural sector. Our findings consequently highlight the importance of appropriate adaptation strategies to maintain both farm productivity and farmland values in much of Pakistan. The implications of increased extension and financial services to enhance farmers’ potential for climate change adaptation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this work the catalytic activity of cobalt based MOF and its composites with graphene oxide (GO) towards electrochemical oxidation of methanol is studied. Co-MOF-71 and its GO composites were prepared by hydrothermal method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, XPS, scanning electron microscopy and FTIR. XRD patterns revealed incorporation of GO without disturbing the crystal structure. The synthesized catalysts were tested for their electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in alkaline medium. The electrochemical parameters measured with modified GCE represent the effect of graphene oxide on methanol oxidation reaction catalysed by Co-MOF-71. Co-MOF-71/GO composite showed excellent peak current density (29.1 mA/cm 2 ) at lower potential (0.1 V) and scan rate of 50 mV/s. The enhanced electrochemical activity and stability is attributed to the synergetic effect of the MOF and the GO substrate for methanol oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased complications and costs of marketing of innovative drugs focused greater attention to the development of sustained release (SR) or controlled release (CR) drug delivery systems. Delivery systems extended release or controlled release rate can achieve predictable and reproducible, the extended duration of activity for the short time of life - drugs, reduced toxicity, and dose reduction request, the optimized therapy and better patient compliance. It is controlled primarily by the type and the proportion of the polymers used in the preparation. The overall objective of this work was to develop a tablet glipizide oral sustained release (SR) prepared by the method of direct compression, using hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and guar gum polymer alone and in combination at various concentrations. Glipizide hydrochloride (HCl), a biguanide, has a relatively short plasma half-life and low absolute bioavailability. All lots were evaluated for the thickness, weight variation, hardness and drug content uniformity and drug release in vitro. Dissolution time average is used to indicate the speed of release of the drug from a dosage form, and indicates the drug release retardant efficiency of the polymer. The hydrophilic matrix of HPMC alone cannot control the release Glipizide effective for 12 h while when combined with guar gum, may slow down the release of the drug and, therefore, can be successfully employed for the formulation of matrix tablets SR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan is among the naturally gifted countries that are rich in conventional and renewable energy resources. Despite the massive potential of energy resources, Pakistan is still an energy deficient country and have to import petroleum products to barely accomplish its energy demand. Geothermal energy is still one of the unexplored energy resources for electric power generation in Pakistan. Pakistan can overcome the energy shortage to a significant level by harnessing renewable energy resources, such as, geothermal energy. Majority of the geothermal hot springs and mud volcanoes exists within the seismic belt of Pakistan. Therefore, the country has viable geothermal energy manifestations. Several hot springs in Gilgit and Hunza region are originated due to the collision of Indian Plate with Eurasian Plate. Similarly, various geothermal reservoirs exist in Northeast to Southeast narrow belt along Indus basin margin. The survey discusses the current energy crisis in Pakistan and addresses the role of geothermal energy for the economic development of Pakistan. We served the manifestation and geographies of geologically active zones of Pakistan, like fault lines, plate tectonics, belt, and tectonic thrust, cleanest, base load, reliable, renewable, and sustainable geothermal energy resources. In our work, the hot springs and mud volcanoes of geologically active areas in maps are enlisted in Tables with potential features. The schemes used for extraction of geothermal energy for electric power generation are also investigated. The global electric power production from geothermal energy is visualized and discussed. Moreover, the suitable moderate temperature Binary Cycle Geothermal Power Plant for electric power generation in Pakistan is also described in detail. Furthermore, geothermal plants are experimentally summarized in different case studies. Finally the performance of geothermal and conventional thermal plants is critically analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When searching for data, users tend to think in terms of the information they need to retrieve and not where and how it is stored. This is especially true in the highly complex domain of neurological research. The generic medical querying service described herein, aims to close the gap between users and data resources that are intricate, distributed and heterogeneous in nature. A theme that is common to both this domain and the emerging Internet of things is that users often need to query more than a single resource. This has come about with the large-scale fragmentation and distribution of data. Our work thus far has produced a prototype architecture for the querying of heterogeneous distributed data in the medical domain. A flexible querying mechanism that has the potential to support agent-based personalization has been developed to provide users with accurate and relevant results and some initial results are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change may influence crop income negatively or positively. To address this, present study is an attempt to quantify the impacts of climate change on net income from crop farming in Bangladesh using Ricardian method. For estimating the relationship between net crop income and climatic parameters, farm household and climate data were collected from the selected agro-ecological zones (AEZs) in Bangladesh. The results revealed that net crop income is sensitive to climate, particularly to seasonal temperature. Temperature rise was found to be positively influencing net crop income in AEZs having adequate irrigation facilities. Marginal impact estimates suggest that increase in temperature and rainfall will lead to increase in net income from crop farming in Bangladesh. However, the impacts will vary significantly across cropping seasons and space (studied AEZs). Using selected AOGCM scenarios, the study predicts that net crop incomes are expected to increase in the future. The empirical findings underscore the need for policy makers to take agro-ecological zones specific effects of climate change into consideration when formulating and implementing the adaptation strategies in Bangladesh. • Analyzes economic impacts of climate change on crop farming in Bangladesh. • Net crop income in Bangladesh is more sensitive to temperature than rainfall. • Increasing temperature and rainfall would cause an increase in crop income. AOGCMs predict positive future impacts on net crop income. • Irrigation is a key adaptation measure to offset climate impacts and to maintain and boost income from crop farming. • Underscores the importance of agro-ecological zones (AEZs) specific adaptation policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]