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Objective: To determine the effect of alpha blocker drugs on reduction of Double J Stent related symptoms. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Urology, The Kidney Centre, Post Graduate Training Institute, Karachi Pakistan, from May 2014 to Nov 2019. Methodology: Total 92 patients who had unilateral stent, inserted retrograde or antegrade, were studied. On 7th postoperative day double J stent related symptoms were documented on Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire and alpha-blocker was started if score is >10. After 4 weeks, data was again colected to assess mean change in Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire score. Results: Of 92 patients, pre-treatment mean Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire score was 38.36±16.07 and post treatment was 14.87±8.62. Mean difference between pre and post Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire score was found significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Administration of Tamsulosin has a positive effect on stent related urinary symptoms and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding soil variability is highly indispensable to achieve the goals of agricultural sustainability and environmental health. Soil variability mapping of district Mirpurkhas, Sindh, Pakistan - globally known as the city of high-quality mangoes - was done for the first time. Surface (20 cm depth) soil samples were collected from 127 locations of six sub-divisions of district Mirpurkhas (locally known as talukas) i.e. Digri, Hussain Bux Mari, Jhuddo, Kot Ghulam Muhammad, Mirpurkhas and Sindhri. The coordinates of each sampling point were recorded with Magellan® Triton™ 200 GPS device. Efforts were made to include all agriculturally important union councils of six talukas, involving a variety of soil use and crop scenarios, viz. wheat, sugarcane, mango, brassica. Soil texture (Bouyoucos Hydrometer method), electrical conductivity and pH (1:2 soil-water extract), organic matter (Walkley-Black method), and ABDTPA (Ammonium bicarbonate diethylene triamine penta acetic acid) extractable phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) were determined using standard protocols, with no further alterations. Soil variability mapping was done using ArcGIS ver. 10.7. through IDW interpolation. The results reveled that majority (40%) of soils were clayey in texture, followed by clay loam and silty clay loam (16% each). Slightly to moderately medium-textured soils were dominant, followed by heavy clays. Majority of soils had high to excessively high salinity (56%) followed by the soils having medium salinity (38%), slightly (46%) to medium alkaline (38%) pH, high (44%) to medium (39%) organic matter content, while soils with low organic matter content was comparatively lower (only 17%). Nonetheless, spatial variability map predicted medium organic matter content in the district. Moreover, majority of soils had low (75%) to medium (16%) ABDTPA-P while only small portion (9%) of soils had adequate ABDTPA-P. Contrarily, soils having adequate ABDTPA-K were higher (62%) followed by those having marginal (36%) ABDTPA-K. The results of present study clearly highlighted that the soils of study area vary spatially. Elevated surface salinity, low P status and decreasing soil K reserves appeared to be the major constraints for sustainable agriculture in the district and must be kept in mind while taking soil fertility and fertilizer management decisions, by referring to the recently developed maps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To see the frequency of hepatitis B and C virus among patients presenting with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and to see its association with pathological factors in Pakistani population. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of the study: Department of Medical oncology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi Pakistan, from Jan 2019 to Jan 2020. Methodology: Total 251 patients of age more than 15 years of either gender with proven diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma were enrolled in the study. The sample of blood (15 ml) of each participants was taken and sent to laboratory for detection of virus. The HBsAg and HCV antibodies were detected using 3rd generation Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The cut-off set for HBsAg as 2.0 and for HCV as 1.0 in the laboratory, respectively. The information regarding socio-demographics, comorbidities, risk factors and clinicopathological features were noted on pre-designed proforma. Results: Out of 251 patients with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, 8.8% had hepatitis and 4% had hepatitis B No statistically significant association was found for prevalence of hepatitis B and C with respect to stage (p=0.791 and 0.299), histological type (p=0.165 and 0.398), bone marrow involvement (p=0.692 and 0.163) and site of tumor (p=0.067 and 0.116). Conclusion: The substantial proportion of hepatitis B and C in the current study provides epidemiological evidence that such infection may play a role in NHL growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To find out association between number of children and triple negative breast cancer among females presenting at a tertiary care hospital of Karachi. Study Design: Case control study. Place and Duration of Study: Medical Oncology Department, Jinnah postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan from Aug 2019 to Mar 2020. Methodology: Total 465 patients of age 17-80 years were included using non-probability consecutive sampling technique. About 150 cases were patients with triple negative breast cancer and 315 controls were breast cancer patients other than triple negative breast cancer. SPSS version 23 was used to analyse data. Results: The mean age of study sample was estimated as 46.07±11.32 years. Most of the females had grade II (53.3%), stage III (44.9%) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) (94.2%) histological type of tumor. In univariate logistic regression model, triple negative breast cancer was found to be associated with high parity (OR=4.51,95% CI=2-10.15, p<0.10), age at menarche [Mean 11.8yrs.] (OR=1.38,95%CI=1.08-1.78, p<0.10) and age at first birth [Mean 20.61yrs.] (OR=1.17,95% CI=1.10-1.23, p<0.10. In multivariate logistic regression model, predictors such as high parity (OR=4.26,95% CI=1.84-9.83, p<0.05), age at menarche (OR=1.31,95%CI=1.01-1.69, p<0.05) and age at first birth (OR=1.20,95% CI=1.13-1.27, p<0.05) remained significantly associated with triple negative breast cancer. Conclusion: Study showed that high parity is significantly associated with triple negative breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine frequency of socio-demographic determinants of lymphoma and to see association of socio-demographic factors with lymphoma type among patients presenting at a tertiary care hospital of Karachi, Pakistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Oncology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical College Karachi Pakistan, from May 2019 to Mar 2020. Methodology: About 196 patients with the confirmed diagnosis of lymphoma of age more than 15 years of either gender were included in the study. Complete medical records and history were also evaluated to assess lymphoma type and stage of tumor. Results: The mean age was estimated as 45.18±15.68 years and 146 patients were males (74.5%). About 112(57.1%) patients belonged from rural areas, 74(37.8%) were illiterate, 152(77.6%) had monthly income less 15,000 PKR, 165(84.2%) were married, 78 patients were Sindhi (39.8%), 49(25%) patients were obese, 41(20.9%) had diabetes mellitus and 47(24%) had hypertension. Out of 196, 141(72%) patients had Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The statistically significant association was found between lymphoma type and age (p=0.001), gender (p=0.028), locality (p=0.039), monthly income (p=0.037), obesity (p=0.054), hypertension (p=0.053) and diabetes mellitus (p=0.003). Conclusion: Increased age, male gender, rural residency, low socio-economic background and comorbids are identified as major socio-demographic determinants and found to be highly associated with increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to find an association between the serum CA-125 level and the histopathological type of ovarian tumor. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Medical Oncology, Jinnah postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi Pakistan from Jan 2018 to Dec 2019. Methodology: This study included 107 patients presenting with epithelial ovarian cancer. In each case, histological type, pathological stage, degree of differentiation and serum CA-125 was evaluated. The association between preoperative CA-125 and histopathological type of tumor were evaluated. Result: About 107 ovarian cancer patients were included. The mean age in our study was 50.80±10.16 years. Raised CA-125 level was found in most of the patients with serous histology 46(56.1%). Conclusion: Serum level CA-125 elevated in most patients with serous histology. A statistically non-significant association was found between raise CA-125 levels and histological types of ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to find out the frequency and risk factors responsible for COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers in a large-scale university teaching hospital. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 185 healthcare workers sampled from the database of 1309 participants maintained at Dr. Ruth K. M. Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi. Both the cases and controls were derived from the hospital's database of COVID-19 Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and COVID-19 antibody tests were performed on the said population. The participants included were physicians working in the hospital. They were grouped into cases and controls based on the positive diagnostic tests. We administered a simple structured questionnaire over the telephone and face to face for the interview. Statistical analyses were performed on IBM SPSS version 25. Results: The mean age of the cases was significantly different than controls [cases (32.7±9.9) vs controls (38.8±10.6), [p-value=0.002]. More cases 29/37 (78.3%) were working at a single setting compared to controls 54/148 (36.5%) (p-value<0.001). The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), exposure to COVID-19 patients and experiencing symptoms also had statistical significance with the odds of infection (p-value<0.05). Conclusion: This study concludes that younger age, exposure to a known COVID-19 patient and longer duration of exposure among the hospital physicians is associated with positive COVID-19 results. Therefore, it is imperative that adequate measures be undertaken to limit the exposure to COVID-19 patients in this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon The economy of Germany is a highly developed social market economy. It has the largest national economy in Europe, the fourth-largest by nominal GDP [...]

Byline: Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon The Swiss are known for innovation, quality and precision in this ever-changing fast-paced world of manufacturing technology. Over the years, Swiss companies have introduced [...]

Byline: Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon Switzerland's economy benefits from a highly developed service sector, led by financial services, and a manufacturing industry that specializes in high-technology, knowledge-based production. Trade [...]

Byline: Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon The export of readymade garments from Pakistan increased from 30 million dozens worth US$ 1.91 billion in 2013-14 to 40 million dozens worth US$ [...]

Byline: Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon The knitwear garment sector is ranked top among the textile group for the last three years since 2015-16. The knitwear (hosiery) exports have maintained [...]

Mungbean represents second largest crop after chickpea which mostly grow without nutrients. Among leguminous pulse food grain, phosphorus application shows an important part in enhancing plant productivity of the crop. Keeping in view the role of plant nutrition, research trial was led to determine various rates of P 0, 25, 38, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150 P2O5 kg ha -1 on yield, uptake, P utilization efficiency of Mungbean. For this, randomized complete block design was arranged with three times. The outcome showed that Phosphorus application 50 kgha-1 P2O5 with nitrogen (N), and potassium (K) (15 kg ha-1 N and K2O) had significant effect on mungbean growth parameters, 75 kg ha-1 P2O5 gave highest result of yield related parameters. The maximum plant height (70 cm), number of plant/treatment (82), number of fruits bearing branches (23), number of pods plant-1 (88), 1000 grain weight (45.3 g), biomass yield (2478 kg ha-1), yield of grain (2986 kg ha-1), yield of straw (509 kg ha-1), protein (22%), leaves P (0.46 %) content, P uptake (11.49 kg ha-1) and P utilization efficiency (10.3 %) were noted by P application with N and K applied treatment. However, the lowest values were recorded where no P was applied. The highest yield had 100% increase in mungbean yield with combined nutrient application of N:P: K (15:75:15 kg ha-1) compared the control plot through this study. Increasing the P application levels from 100 to 150 P2O5 kg ha-1 with N and K application (both 15 kg ha-1) did not express any vital outcome on yield and yield contributing parameters. It is recommended that P application is essential for mungbean; however, further studies may be conducted on various types of soil. The relationship was found positive among all yield parameters. Hereafter, it was suggested that P application with N and K mineral are important for mungbean growth and production enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geochemistry and petrography of the late Cretaceous Pab sandstone exposed at the Laki Range, Southern Indus basin has been carried out in order to acquire better understanding of source rock, paleoclimate and the tectonics. The unit in the study area dominantly comprises of sandstone with some conglomeratic sandstone and mudstone beds. The petrographic studies of Pab sandstone reveal the quartz as the major mineral constituent in almost all analyzed samples. The monocrystalline variety of quartz was seen dominant than the polycrystalline; with dominant non-undulatory extinction, the undulation was also noticed. In addition, studied samples reflect medium to coarse size grains, angular to subangular to subrounded shape characterized with the grain to grain contacts as point to straight and sutured. Iron oxide is observed to be leading cement with calcareous as the second most abundant cementing material, the matrix was also observed in minor amount. The monocrystalline quartz abundance in Pab sandstone indicate the existence of granitic rocks in the source region. The lesser fragments of feldspar and lithics suggest of their alteration to various clay minerals. The Pab sandstone is composed mainly of monocrystalline quartz derived dominantly from craton interior as revealed through plots of model composition on Quartz -Feldspar-Lithics (QFL) and Quartz Monocrystalline-Feldspar-Lithics (QmFLt) plots as per the petrographic characterization. The major element geochemistry of Pab sandstone indicates that the samples comprised of abundant SiO2 (56.21 to 69.93 wt.%), Al2O3 (12.56 to 22.98 wt.%), CaO (1.68 to 6.38 wt.%) and Fe2O3 (3.87 to 14.12 wt.%), the rest of the major oxides are <2 wt.%. Additionally, major element compositions suggest the sediment derivation from a granitic source. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values ranging from 61.12 to 83.75 and the values of Plagioclase Index of Alteration (PIA) ranging from 59.94 to 89.44 suggests that studied sediments underwent the weathering conditions being moderate to intense in warm and humid climate regime. The present petrographic findings and geochemical data suggest the sediment derivation from huge Cratonic landmass (Indian Shield). The similar rock types in the form of Nagar Parkar Igneous Complex are still exposed in the southeast of study area in Pakistan and Malani Igneous Suite in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon The textile sector is the most important manufacturing sector and has the longest production chain, with inherent potential for value addition at each stage [...]

Pathogenic nematodes were collected from the gastrointestinal tract of Indian Gerbil Tatera indica Hardwicke, 1807 in Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. A total of 32 nematodes were collected from 09 hosts out of 22 hosts examined. These specimens were identified as the members of genus Gongylonema Molin, 1857 (Spirurida: Spiruroidea: Gongylonematidae) based on presence of various cuticular bosses on anterior portion of the speciemens, a gubernaculum, unequal and dissimilar spicules. Previously, there is no record of genus Gongylonema from the host Tatera indica, therefore, it makes new host record from Sindh province of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shrimp scad Alepes djedaba is widespread in tropical waters and commercially important fish species of Pakistan. Feeding habits and fecundity rate were studied for A. djedaba from Balochistan, Pakistan. Total of 111 specimens were examined to perceive the feeding habits and 102 specimens for fecundity rate. Total of 16 ovaries were taken from stage four for estimation of fecundity rate. Frequency occurrence and numerical abundance were used to evaluate the feeding behavior. In frequency occurrence method different food items was observed. Fishes were found at 46% in guts, digested food at 34%, shrimp at 14% and shrimp larvae were found at 6%. While, fishes were observed at 48.74%, digested food at 33.17%, shrimps at 13.32% and shrimp larvae at 4.77% according to numerical abundance. These results show that A. djedaba is carnivorous in nature. The lowest fecundity rate was 8693 and highest rate was 73246, the average of fecundity rate of A. djedaba was found to be at 37220. Based on present findings it is evident that the fish has an extended spawning period throughout the year with a peak in July and August. The positive correlation (R²= 0.976) was observed between fish (weight) and fecundity rate during present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobalt coordination polymer i.e. [Co(1-VI)6]·NO3 was successfully synthesized with cobalt metal and (VI = vinylimidazole) and characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, UV/Vis spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The structure of the compound was determined by single Xray crystallography at temperature 296 K with a Bruker APEX II CCD diffractometer using Mo-Ka radiations (? = 0.71073 Å), R = 0.0642 and 0.0989. Orthorhombic unit cell parameters are a = 16.1341 (6) Å, b = 16.5179(16) Å, c = 18.2664(16) Å, V= 4868.0 (8) Å, Dx = 4, Mr = 937.91. The X-ray crystallography studies showed that the compound is polymeric in nature, in which cobalt atom coordinated with six N atoms of the 1-vinylimidazole ligands in a distorted orthorhombic geometry. As-prepared compound was screened in vitro against a variety of microorganisms, such as Grampositive (G +ve) Staphylococcusaureus (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (G -ve) Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterial strains, and fungal species with Aspergillus niger (A. niger) and Rhizopus stolonifer(R.stolonifer)by applying disk diffusion method. MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) value for prepared [Co(1-VI)6]·NO3 compound is 125 µg.mL-1a this MIC value cobalt polymer showed higher activity against E. coli and S. aureus () as compared to fungi including; R. StoloniferandA. Niger at 125 µg.mL-1). This study helps to reduce the risk of infectious diseases caused by various microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of depression among adolescents aged 13 to 19 years who visit medicine outpatient departments (OPD) for asthma. Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in Outpatient Departments of Medicine, of Indus Medical College TM Khan. All the cases between the ages of 13 and 19 who visited the medicine departments and have been diagnosed as patients of asthma for at least one year were included. Patients with a history of major life events, such as the death of a family member or any other relevant severe trauma within the past 3 months, patients already on antidepressant treatment for the past 3 months, those with other diseases such as diabetes, tuberculosis, or epilepsy, and those with a history of substance abuse or dependence were not incorporated. Depression diagnosis was based on DSM-IV criteria, requiring the presence of at least five symptoms during the same two-week period, representing a change from previous functioning. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: A total of 262 asthma patients were included, with a mean age of 16.63+4.8 years and average duration of asthma was 5.6 years. Among the participants, 169 (64.5%) were female. The family history of asthma was reported in 30 (11.4%) of the cases. Overall frequency of depression was found to be at 14.1% (n=37). In terms of gender, a significant difference was observed, with a higher occurrence of depression in males (78.4%) and patients with poor and middle socio-economic status (SES) (p = 0.001). Higher rates of depression were also among those who were illiterate compared to educated patients (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Study revealed that depression is common among teenagers with asthma. Both asthma and depression are highly prevalent in teenagers as well as in adults, and emerging evidence indicates that these conditions often occur together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Professor Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon Belgium is an important trading partner for Pakistan in Europe, as it follows the common Trade Policy adopted by the European Union. The grant [...]

Byline: Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon Traditionally the denim fabric is made of 100% cotton indigo dyed warp and white weft yarn of coarser counts. The fabrics are woven on [...]

Byline: Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon Pakistan was one of the first Asian countries to establish relations with Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany). These relations are based on shared [...]

Byline: Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon The economy of Germany is a highly developed social market economy. It has the largest national economy in Europe, the fourth-largest by nominal GDP [...]

Byline: Professor Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon The dyeing printing and finishing sector have seen remarkable improvements in textile technology over the years, to meet these increasingly stringent requirements of lower [...]

Byline: Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon Switzerland, a country that espouses neutrality, is a prosperous and modern market economy with low unemployment, a highly skilled labour force, and a per [...]

Byline: Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon Pakistan is the fourth largest cotton producer in the world and is an important player in the global textile market. Its knitwear industry is [...]

Byline: Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon Textile is the most important manufacturing sector of Pakistan and has the longest production chain, with inherent potential for value addition at each stage [...]

Byline: Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon Textile sector is considered the backbone of Pakistan economy as it is the most important industrial sector in terms of export and labour force [...]

An easy, sensitive and accurate spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of Lisinopril (LNP) in pure and tablet formulations based on derivatization reaction with 2-hydroxynaphthaldehyde (2HNA). The derivatization reaction was carried out in methanol solvent at pH-5.5 at 95±2C for 15 min. The linear calibration curve was obtained that obeyed the Beer's law within the concentration range 5-50 μgmL-1 of LNP at 433 nm with a coefficient of determination R²=0.996. The recovery was in the range from 98.25-101.82 with molar absorptivity of drug 9×103 mole-1cm-1. The method was accurate and precise (intra-day variation 0.05-0.97% and inter-day 0.07-1.6%), with limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) 0.264 μgmL-1 and 0.8 μgmL-1, respectively. No interferences from the excipients were detected. The method was applied for the rapid analysis of LNP in pharmaceutical products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of phytochemical analysis and the antibacterial activity of extracts of stem, flowers and leaves of Tamarix dioica Roxb. ex Roth. Four solvents namely, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, methanol and acetone were selected to obtain extracts from different parts of the plant. The organic solvent extracts were investigated for phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity against two bacterial strains, namely Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The result of phytochemicals revealed the presence of various constituents, such as phlobatannins, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, phenols, proteins, terpenoids, flavonoids and steroids by using standard procedures. Most of these components were present in methanol and ethyl acetate extract. Therefore, four out of two extracts, such as methanol and ethyl acetate extracts from stems, flowers, and leaves, were used to test their evidence of antibacterial activity. From this, it was observed that the methanol extracts of stem, flowers and leaves of T. dioica were highly effective together with E. coli and S. aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 500 μg/mL. Considering that the ethyl acetate (EA) extracts from the stem, flowers and leaves of T. dioica were examined to be ineffective against E. coli and S. aureus and MIC values were not observed in two strains of bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon The Belgium economy is characterized by a highly productive workforce and high GNP. The industry is concentrated mainly in the more heavily-populated region of [...]

Byline: Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon Italy has always followed with keen interest the Pakistani market and in the past decades has gradually increased its' positioning, becoming one of the [...]

Byline: Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon The economy of Italy is the 3rd-largest national economy in the Eurozone, the 8th-largest by nominal GDP in the world, and the 12th-largest by [...]

Byline: Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon The cotton weaving industry of Pakistan offers various kinds of fabrics which include the famous greige fabrics. The Cotton greige fabric is an important [...]

Byline: Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon Global market for denim jeans is forecast to reach US$ 64.1 billion by 2020, driven by increasing disposable income, Westernisation of work culture and [...]

Objective: To determine the growth characteristics in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia visiting tertiary care hospital Karachi. Study Design: Cross-Sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Paediatrics Department, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi Pakistan, from Nov 2018 to May 2019. Methodology: All patients who visited the OPD were included in the study. Growth characteristics like underweight, normal BMI, overweight, obese and short stature were recorded. This information, along with the age of diagnosis, family history of CAH, parental consanguinity, family history of CAH or any abortion or prenatal death, were noted. Results: The mean age of the patients was 7.40±2.34 years. Out of 69 congenital adrenal hyperplasia patients, 41(59.4%) were males, and 28(40.6%) were females. The short suture was noted in 53(76.8%) patients. 19(27.5%) were underweight, 6(8.7%) were normal weight, 10(14.5%) were overweight, and 34(49.3%) patients w ere obese. Conclusion: A significant effect of congenital adrenal hyperplasia was documented in the children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon Export of fashion garments from Pakistan increased from 25 million dozens worth US$ 1.62 billion in 2011-12 to 32 million dozens worth US$ 2.19 [...]

Byline: Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon Export of Knitwear (Hosiery) increased from the US $ 2.04 billion in 2012-13 to US $ 2.36 billion in 2015-16, thus showing an average [...]

Objective: To compare the frequency of patients with successful trial of voiding without catheter after acute urinary retention secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia in patients taking ketoconazole and tamsulosin vs tamsulosin alone. Study Design: A quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Urology Ward, Liaquat National Hospital, Pakistan, from Jul 2016 to Jan 2017. Methodology: A total of 162 patients presenting with acute urinary retention were divided into two groups. Group A received tamsulosin 0.4mg OD and ketoconazole 200mg while group B received tamsulosin and placebo. Trial of voiding without a catheter was induced after one week of medication. Results: In group-A, 69 (85.2%) of patients were able to void as compared to group B, where only 60 (74.1%) of patients were able to void (p=0.05). Successful trial of voiding without catheter was observed in 64 (79%) and 49 (60.5%) in patients of group-A and group-B respectively. The association of successful trial of voiding without catheter with the two study groups was found significant (p=0.010). Conclusion: Trial of voiding without catheter in men catheterized for acute urinary retention due to benign prostatic hyperplasia was significantly more successful if treated in combination of ketoconazole and tamsulosin as compared to tamsulosin only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objectives encompassed identifying the myriad challenges educators face, elucidating their coping strategies, examining the support systems in place, and evaluating the efficacy of the measures taken to address these challenges. Methods: Conducted at Jinnah Sindh Medical University from January 2021 to April 2021, the study employed a descriptive cross-sectional approac involving teaching faculty member's rom both constituent and affiliated institutions during Cthe OVID locked down period. W ith a total faculty population of 200, a sample size of 124 was determined, utilizing a 95% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error. Convenience sampling facilitated the recruitment process, with Principals/Heads serving as conduits for disseminating information about the research and distributing the questionnaire. Leveraging Google Forms as the data collection tool, the questionnaire encompassed various dimensions, including consent, biodata, encountered technical difficulties, and the corresponding solutions implemented. Upon securing Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval (JSMU/IRB/2021/406), the questionnaire dissemination process commenced, underscoring the ethical considerations inherent in research involving human subjects. Results: Analysis of the gathered data, performed using SPSS version 18, revealed valuable insights from the 124 participating teachers. Noteworthy demographic trends emerged, with a predominance of female teaching faculty possessing postgraduate qualifications and boasting 5-10 years of teaching experience. Key challenges encountered during online teaching sessions centered around broadband connectivity issues, inadequacy of devices for virtual instruction, and a perceived lack of requisite training. Mitigating these challenges necessitated concerted efforts, as evidenced by the proactive interventions orchestrated by entities such as the Professional Development Center/Medical Education and the Information Technology department. Through targeted training initiatives and infrastructure enhancements, including broadband speed upgrades and the provision of essential gadgets, faculty members were empowered to navigate the evolving landscape of online education. Conclusion: The study investigated the transition to online teaching among faculty members during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing a predominantly female demographic with limited prior online teaching experience. Challenges included assessing student learning and addressing technological barriers, with solutions primarily stemming from professional development and personal technological investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructed wetlands are an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option for treating leachate. They rely on aquatic plants and microorganisms to efficiently remove contaminants. Temperature plays a crucial role in the performance of wetlands, as it improves overall efficiency. Oxygen accumulation in the wetland, either through photosynthesis or from the atmosphere, is essential for organic matter decomposition and nitrification. The growth of macrophytes, supported by sunlight and temperature, enhances wetland efficiency. Scientific observations confirm that macrophytes' performance depends on biomass production and oxygen fixation in the rhizosphere during the growing season. The reviewed results showed that there is a noticeable trend is that tropical climate areas tend to exhibit higher efficiency in leachate treatment across various parameters such as TSS, COD, BOD, TN, TP, and others. These macrophytes excel in tropical and temperate regions with temperatures above 30°C with the removal percentage above 90%. The review of the literature confirms that wetlands are a low-cost, eco-friendly, and efficient solution for removing various contaminants. Furthermore, the efficiency of wetlands is enhanced by approximately 20-30% in tropical and temperate regions due to higher temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To find out the frequency of intra-operative awareness and to compare the effect of Sevoflurane plus Dexmedetomidine with only Dexmedetomidine infusion in preventing awareness during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Adult Cardiac Surgery and Anesthesiology department, Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology/National Institute of Heart Diseases, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from May to Nov 2023. Methodology: Eighty patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery (valvular and CABG) on Cardiopulmonary Bypass under general anesthesia irrespective of age and gender were recruited through non-probability consecutive sampling with non-random allocation of study participants. Patients were divided into S Group (Sevoflurane plus Dexmedetomidine Group) and D Group (Dexmedetomidine Group). Modified Brice questionnaire was used to assess awareness after 24 hours of surgery. Chi-square and t-test were applied to compare the study variables among study groups. p <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: A total of 80 patients, who underwent cardiac surgery were recruited. Out of which 40(50.0%) were included in S group and 40(50.0%) were included in D group. 67(83.7%) were males and 13(16.3%) were females. Mean age of the study participants was 59.98±6.85 years. Comparison of study groups showed that 4(10.0%) patients from group-D and 3(7.50%) patients of group-S experienced awareness during surgery (p=1.00). Mean Cardiopulmonary Bypass time was significantly different among study groups (p=0.02) Conclusion: Patients in S-group experienced slightly less awareness as compared to the patients in D-group but the difference was not statistically significant concluding the fact that Dexmedetomidine is sufficient to avoid awareness during cardiopulmonary bypass for CABG surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Development of new innovative sustainable fibres from agricultural waste are in great demand these days. For the expansion of these fibres at commercial level, understanding about physicochemical properties of these fibres and specifically their dyeing behavior is essential. In this consequence, in the present study, a natural lignin-cellulosic fibers were extracted by a simplistic route, from lotus silk. The fibers were turn in to yarn by hand twisting and then natural as well as chemical dyeing was performed by the standard dyeing method established for cotton dyeing. Natural henna dye, C.I Reactive blue and indigo dye was used in the present study. Physico chemical properties and dyeing mechanism of the prepared fibers were studied and analyzed in detail in comparison with cotton cellulosic fibres. The lotus fibers were described for their organic construction and morphology by FT-IR spectroscopy and Scanning Electronic Microscopy respectively. Tensile strength, moisture regain and elongation percentage at break were also evaluated. The outcomes revealed that lotus fibers are cellulosic in nature same as cotton but with higher moisture absorption and lower crystallinity as compared to cotton fibers. Lotus fibers revealed higher color strength and color co-ordinates when compared to cotton fibers dyeing. Hollow and irregular fiber surface of lotus fibers along with higher moisture absorption and low crystallinity are the major reasons for higher chemical reactivity and absorption of dyes. The tensile strength and elongation observed in lotus fibers are suitable to be used these fibers in textile products. Lotus fibres from the agricultural waste can be a new source of sustainable textile products for future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Physico chemical parameters of soil samples collected from agriculture lands of Taluka Sobhodaro District Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan were examined to check the quality of soil. Moisture contents percentage, pH and EC values indicated that texture of soils is mostly silt-loam type having water holding ability hence can be considered as good fertile land, beneficial for crops. Humic acids (HAs) were extracted from soil samples by International Humic Substance Society(IHSS) method. HAs form biogeochemical cycle due to presence of electron clouds resultant macro and micro nutrients, transferred to the plants. HAs obtained were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy. The optical parameter E4/E6 values illustrated that HAs possess high molecular condensation and proved to be hydrophilic and aromatic in nature. To analyze the binding ability with metal ions, isolated HAs were complexed with potassium, zinc and ferric ions under optimized conditions. The concentrations of selected metal ions were detected in complexed HAs samples by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The data obtained indicated that the maximum concentration of complexation of metal ions was found for K1+at pH 8, Zn2+7 and Fe3+6. The data was correlated and compared with literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of helminth parasites in Cyprinuscarpioat Chilya, Fish Hatchery, Thatta, Sindh from February 2019 to January 2020. A total of 107 samples of Cyprinuscarpio were tested during the research and helminths were found in 17 out of 107. Various helminths groups were identified including trematode and acanthocephalan. Other helminths groups, such as cestodes and nematodes were not noted. These helminths infected the gut of Cyprinuscarpio including trematode and acanthocephalan. No additional organs were found to be infected with helminths parasites. Helminths prevalence were documented as 41% in September, 40% in August, 36% in October, 33% in June, September (30.76%) and April (25%). During September and October, the helminthes were most abundant, with no infections documented in January, February, March, July, November, or December. Helminths were found in this study throughout specific months of the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Genus Bactrocera is very assorted group of Tephritidae family, attacking on several fruits. The Bactrocera dorsalis is one of the complex fruit flies of this diver’s genius, hunting on very delicious fruits such as mango. The purpose of this study is to observe the relationship among the environmental and host effects on the outbreak of this crucial pest. The research work was conducted in two gardens (50 hectors) of mango fields of Mirpur Khas, known as mango land of Sindh during (2014-2015) seasons. The two sites of garden with different varieties of mango were selected and 10 traps hanged in (1hector) trees. Methyl eugenol (volatile chemical) embedded in homemade (plastic bottles) traps with cotton soaked. Traps were changed weakly (1020 replications). Total 14548 fruit flies cached; during mango season; with significant values F=29.6, p< 0.05). The relationship among the population and Abiotic factors during both seasons showed significant relationship with temperature (r=0.587, r=0.81), rainfall (r=0.194, r=0.43), Humidity (r=0.064, r=0.21) and wind velocity (r=0.773, r=0.58), respectively. This relationship of abiotic factors clearly shows that pest emergence increase with peak season of host and ecology of field. This research work indicated about pest alarming occurrence time, correlation of environmental factors and suggesting future pest management strategies for controlling Pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]