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Objective: To determine the in-hospital outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention approach in a tertiary care cardiac center. Study Design: Retrospective observational descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: Pakistan Naval Ship Shifa Hospital, Karachi Pakistan, from Jan 2018 to Dec 2019. Methodology: A total of 143 consecutive ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients presented to the ER within 24 hours of the onset of chest pain were included in this study. We included patients of both genders, aged >20 years and met the diagnostic criteria of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Patients with cardiogenic shock, puncture site infection were excluded from the study. Results: Average age of patients was 54.2 ± 12.7 years (min-max age=24-92 years). Majority 130 (90.9%) of cases were males, while 55 (38.5%) patients had diabetes, 52 (36.4%) were hypertensive, 38 (26.6%) were smokers, family history of CAD was found in 10 (7%) cases and 8 (5.6%) cases had prior percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft. Mostly 64.3% procedures were performed by trans-radial approach. Mean ± SD door-to-balloon time was 60.31 ± 29.8 minutes. About 72% patients received primary percutaneous coronary intervention within ≤60 min and 40 (28%) cases received primary percutaneous coronary intervention with door-to-balloon time >60 min. This study shown 100% success rate with zero mortality only one patient developed arrhythmia during procedure. Conclusion: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention through trans-radial approach was safe option with excellent success rates in terms of both morbidity & mortality rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate interobserver variability in core breast biopsies of category B3 and B4 at a tertiary care centre Study Design: Retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Histopathology Department, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Rawalpindi, from Mar 2017 to Jun 2018. Methodology: A total of thirty cases of histologically confirmed lesions of category B3 and B4 on core breast biopsies from March 2017 to June 2018 were retrieved from archive of Histopathology department, AFIP Rawalpindi. Patients' age, histologic diagnosis and reporting B category were noted. The selected cases were anonymized and distributed among 3 pathologists for independent review. The participating pathologists were kept unaware of the findings given by fellow participants and previously agreed reference diagnoses. Study cases were reviewed by the participating pathologists. The results were analyzed and overall concordance rate, discordance rate, over interpretation rate and under interpretation rate were calculated. Results: A total of 30 (n=30) patients were enrolled of which 22 were assigned category B3 (73%) and 8 were assigned category B4 (27%) on initial microscopic evaluation (original opinion). The ages of the study patients ranged from 25 to 85 years. The average concordance rate of morphologic findings of study pathologists compared to the reference diagnosis was 63% (19/30). Among these the average concordance rate compared to reference diagnosis among category B3 lesions was 73% (16/22) and among category B4 lesions was 37.5% (3/8). The average rate of disagreement of morphologic findings of study pathologists compared with the reference diagnosis was 37% (11/30). Among these the average rate of disagreement compared to reference diagnosis among category B3 lesions 27% (6/22) and among category B4 lesions was 62.5% (5/8). The overall over interpretation rate was 44% and overall under interpretation rate was 56%. The overall rate of unanimous agreement of independent diagnoses among the three panel consultants was 50% (15/30). Among these 15 cases 12 were assigned category B3 and 3 were assigned category B4. The overall rate of disagreement of independent diagnoses among the three panel consultants was 50% (15/30). Conclusion: In our study the opinion was established by interpretation of a single slide. Average concordance rate among the participating pathologists' findings and the previously agreed upon final diagnoses was 63% and disagreement was 37%, the rate of agreement being higher in the category B3 and lower in the category B4 lesions. However effect of these results on the therapy and prognosis of patients still needs to be evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate & compare the mean change in fasting serum total cholesterol and LDL-C levels from baseline, after 12 weeks of oral treatment with oral Rosuvastatin and with Atorvastatin in type 2 diabetic patients with primary hyperlipidemia. Study Design: Cross sectional comparative study. Place and Duration of Study: The present study was conducted in the Medicine Department, Pakistan Naval Ship, Shifa Hospital, Karachi, from Mar to Sep 2016. Methodology: The sample was collected by non- probability convenient sampling. The total of 114 DM type 2 patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group A was given Rosuvastatin whereas group B was given Atorvastatin orally daily for 12 weeks along with oral treatment for diabetes. After 12 weeks, Fasting Serum Total Cholesterol and Serum LDL-C were estimated, and noted as final levels. Results: There was greater reduction in terms of mean change in serum total cholesterol levels and low-density lipoprotein – cholesterol (LDL-C) levels with Rosuvastatin as compared to Atorvastatin in type 2 diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia. Conclusion: Rosuvastatin can significantly improve lipid profile as compared to Atorvastatin in type 2 diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between perceived stress, positive mental health and academic performance among university students. Study Design: Correlational study. Place and Duration of Study: Data was obtained from different universities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan including Bahria University, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Foundation University, COMSATS University and Riphah International University from Dec 2018 to Apr 2019. Methodology: Sample of 261 students of ages 19-25 years (mean age 21.17 ± 1.71 SD), recruited from BS-programmes from different universities by using purposive sampling technique to explore the relationship between perceived stress, positive mental health and academic performance among university students. Respondents were assessed on Demographic form, Perceived Stress Scale and Warwick-Edinburg Mental Health Wellbeing Scale. Results: Linear regression was run to study perceived stress as a significant predictor of positive mental health and academic performance of undergraduates. The students mean age was 21.17 ± 1.71 SD. The results showed perceived stress a significant predictor of positive mental health (R=0.487; R2=0.237, F=80.328, p<0.01) and academic performance (R=0.224; R2=0.050, F=13.636, p<0.01). Conclusion: It is concluded from findings of this research that perceived stress has a significant negative impact on positive mental health and positive impact on academic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To establish the frequency of thyroid disorders among Rheumatoid Arthritis patients and its association with disease severity measured by DAS28-ESR. Study Design: Prospective longitudinal study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Rheumatology, Federal Government Policlinic Hospital, Islamabad Pakistan, from Jan to Jun 2021. Methodology: The study included 87 consecutive patients either gender with Rheumatoid Arthritis visiting Rheumatology OPD. Thyroid profile and DAS28-ESR were performed in all the patients. Results: Out of 87 patients, 73(83.9%) were females, and 14(16.1%) were males. The mean age was 45.54±13.50 years. The mean DAS28-ESR was 4.45±0.68, with a minimum DAS28-ESR of 1.25 and a maximum of 8.40. The Disease severity calculated by DAS28-ESR was mild in 19(21.8%), moderate in 44(50.6%) and severe in 24(27.6%) patients. The thyroid gland was abnormal in 23(26.1%) patients. 18(78.2%) of 23 patients with thyroid disorders belonged to the moderate to severe Rheumatoid arthritis disease activity group. Conclusion: Thyroid disorders are very common in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients. Thyroid workup should be part of investigations of Rheumatoid Arthritis for early detection of thyroid disorder and better disease control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing of vegetables by the use of sewage water in peri-urban areas is a common practice which leads to heavy contamination of vegetables with metal ions. An experiment was conducted to compare the effect of canal, tube well and sewage water on growth, yield, biomass production and heavy metals accumulation in spinach. The heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Cu, Cd, Fe and Cr) contents in different water sources, soils and spinach plant parts grown with these irrigation sources were examined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results declared that sewage water resulted in significantly greater growth, yield, biomass production and heavy metals contents compared with canal and tube well water and these metals contents were exceeding above the critical limits. Cu, Cd and Fe contents in sewage water irrigated soils were found above the maximum permissible limits, while Pb, Ni and Cr contents were within safer limits. Significantly greater heavy metals accumulation was recorded in edible parts of spinach grown with sewage water compared with canal and tube well water, which were exceeding the maximum permissible limits (MPLs). Canal water irrigated leaves samples also contained Cd and Fe above the permissible limits while all other metals contents were found within safe limits. The study concludes that regular examine of metals contents may possibly helpful in minimizing accumulation of these metals in the foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acute toxicity of copper (Cu) to the four fish species viz. Labeo rohita, Cirrhina mrigala, Catla catla and Ctenopharyngodon idella of 90-, 120- and 150-days age groups was evaluated in the wet laboratory under static bioassay at constant water pH, temperature and hardness. Although all fish species exhibited variable sensitivity to different Cu concentrations, 90-day C. idella showed significantly (P<0.05) higher sensitivity to Cu with the mean 96-h LC50 and lethal concentrations of 5.17 and 9.39 mg L-1, respectively, while 150-day L. rohita were least sensitive with mean concentrations of 33.41 and 45.57 mg L-1, respectively. No-significant difference was found between 150-day C. mrigala and C. catla for 96-h LC50. Amongst three age groups, 90-day fish of all four species showed highest sensitivity against Cu, while 150-day fish were least sensitive. Therefore, tolerance limits of all the four fish species against Cu increased with increase in fish age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was aimed to inspect the efficiency of different sewage water irrigation frequency treatments on growth, yield and heavy metals accumulation of tomato and okra during 2012 and 2013. A statistical randomized complete block design was applied in the field to perform experiments having three replicates while 03 sewage water irrigation frequency treatments i.e., 5, 10 and 15-days interval. The tomato yield, their growth along with the production of the plant biomass were increased considerably with more repetitive (interval of five days) application of the sewage water. While reasonably less repetitive application (interval of fifteen days) of sewage water cause the less production of biomass, yield and growth. Moderately less repetitive applications (interval of ten days) of sewage water showed a significant increase in the addressed attributes of production in okra. The yield, as well as growth aspects of the okra, were reduced noticeably by using the reasonably less repetitive application. Frequent sewage water application resulted in an increased amount of Fe, Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni and Cd in okra pods and tomato fruits than moderately and less repetitive irrigation. The leaves and root of okra and tomato displayed the higher contents of metal when these crops were cultivated with a repetitive application of the sewage water. The final result revealed that the metal concentration high in tomato and okra plant parts with decreasing irrigation intervals of sewage water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the comparative efficacy of phyto development director i.e. N.A.A.GA3, 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and antioxidants i.e. Ascorbic acid and 2-hydroxybenzoic acid on development, fruit bearing, output along with biochemical attributes of Lycopersicum esculentum fruits during 2014 and 2015. Foliar spray of GA3(100 ppm) and 2-hydroxybenzoic acid (200 parts/million and 100 parts/million) give rise to significantly taller plants and greater leaf area while, shorter plants and lower leaf area was recorded in control. Greater leaf number per plant was obtained with application of GA3(100 ppm). This was followed by salicylic acid (200 ppm). Leaf number was significantly lesser in the plants grown in control. Significantly greater fruit count /plant, length of fruit including sole fruit freshness and dry mass were recorded with GA3(100 parts/million) and salicylic acid (200 ppm) provision and lower values for these parameters were recorded with control. Fruit weight for single plant and output of fruit per hectare successfully recorded from plants grown containing foliar spray of Gibberellic acid at 100 parts/million while lower values were attained with control. Spray of salicylic acid (200 ppm), GA3(100 ppm) and salicylic acid (100 ppm) resulted in greater values for Total Soluble Salts (TSS), vitamin C, lycopene and carotenoids while, lower values for these parameters were recorded in control. Total acidity was significantly greater in fruits when GA3(100 ppm) was applied. Total acidity was significantly lower in fruits of plants from control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan has more than 6 million hectares of salt affected land and quinoa is tested as a facultative halophyte having super food characteristics. A hydroponic study was conducted to explore salt tolerance of two quinoa accessions, Ames-13737 (Q7) and PI-634919 (Q9) under a range of NaCl levels (0, 100, 200 and 300 mM) in wirehouse during 2016. Plant nursery was raised, and at four leaf stage, the seedlings were transferred to plastic tubs containing 20 L half strength Hoagland's solution as nutrient source. Salinity was developed incrementally to avoid osmotic shock after two days of transplanting. Results showed that growth (shoot length, root length and dry weight/plant) reduced drastically in Q9 by increasing the salinity level as compared to Q7. However, a comparable growth was observed in Q-7 at 0 and 100 mM i.e. the dry weight at 0 and 100 mM salinity were 0.8643 g and 0.8125 g, respectively. Furthermore, genotype Q7 was found better than Q9 by producing 10% more dry weight (0.2790 g) at the highest salinity level which was linked to 57% more leaf K+ accumulation (28.64 mg K+ g-1 dry weight) as compared to Q9 (12.54 mg K+ g-1 dry weight). It is concluded that tolerance of Q7 to salt stress might be due to more absorption of K+ by the roots at increased Na+ level. © 2017 Friends Science Publishers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early blight (Alternaria solani) is a potential disease of tomato that reduces its production globally both in conventional and tunnel cultivations. Due to variability in pathogenic isolates, prolonged active disease cycle phase and broad host range early blight is very difficult to manage. A. solani isolate collected from tunnel grown under vegetable area, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan was subjected to different temperature range, pH levels, light intensity and growth media (in vitro). The results indicated that A. solani grew the maximum at 25°C (7.50 cm) on PDA medium at 6.5 pH (8.34 cm) under continuous light condition (9.00 cm). On PDA medium the pigmentation varied from creamy yellow, brown black to olivacious brown while on HLEA medium it was light brown. Varietal screening of six tomato varieties was carried out against early blight disease. No variety was found resistant. Concerning severity, out of six tomato varieties Roma showed maximum susceptibility (70.50%) while in Nagina it was least (29.38%). Efficacy of three fungicides (Topsin M, Bavistin and Ridomil Gold MZ) at 1 g/L, 2 g/L and 3 g/L concentration and two bio-agents (Trichoderma harzianum and T. viridae) was evaluated against A. solani in vitro and under tunnel cultivation. In in vitro assay Ridomil Gold MZ inhibited A. solani (47.06%) at 2 g/L, while at 3 g/L concentration Topsin M was more effective (64.71%) as compared to control. Comparing both bioagents inhibition percentage (67.78%) was recorded in T. harzianum whereas T. viridae showed less inhibition (59.63%). Under tunnel cultivation, early blight of tomato was significantly reduced by foliar applications of Topsin M and T. harzianium at 3 g/L and 108 conidia/mL concentration, respectively comparing with untreated plants. In the light of present study farmers could be suggested the practice of resistance source, combination of management practices and avoidance of environmental conditions favoring the pathogen, thus result in significant production of tomato. © 2015 Friends Science Publishers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]