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Objective: To observe baseline characteristics, ACLF (Acute on Chronic Liver Failure) grading and mortality in ACLF patients using EASL CLIF CRITERIA. Study Design: Prospective, Observational study. Setting: Medical unit III, ward 7, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. Period: January 2022 to June 2022. Material & Methods: We prospectively analysed data of hospitalised liver cirrhosis patients at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. The data was analysed in SPSS version 25. Results: There were a total of 43 ACLF patients, with the median age of IQR of 56(47-62) years, out of which 20 (46.5%) patients were male and 23 (53.5%) were females. The most common etiology of liver cirrhosis was hepatitis C 26(60.5%) followed by other etiologies nine (20.9%) and hepatitis B eight (18.6%). The most common precipitating factor was infection 19(44.2%) and the most frequent organ failure (OF) was renal failure (60.5%), followed by cerebral failure (46.5%) and other OFs. There were 24 patients in ACLF grade one, 13 in grade two and six in grade three ACLF. All six patients of ACLF grade three belonged to CTP C (Child-Turcotte-Pugh score) (100%) with 100% mortality. ACLF grade two had nine (69.2%) and ACLF grade one had eight (33.33%) CTP C patients. The in hospital mortality of ACLF was 23%. The median MELD Na of these patients was 28 (23-31), CLIF Consortium Organ Failure score was 9(8-10) and CLIF C ACLF Score was 45 (38-55). Conclusion: Highest mortality was observed in Child Pugh C and ACLF grade three in our patients. Such patients must be closely monitored and referred early for medical management and liver transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work presented a novel approach for the degradation of binary Eosin B (EB) and Malachite green (MG) dyes and single dyes using undoped and potassium doped tin oxide (K-SnO2) nanoparticles (NPs) under UV irradiation. The NPs were synthesized using the co-precipitation method. Studies based on multi-dye systems, are hardly available and do not give any detailed reasons for different behaviors of dyes towards the photocatalyst and of the level of degradation. The prepared nanomaterials were identified through Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–Visible (UV–VIS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. SnO2 and K-SnO2 optical band gaps were calculated to be 3.5 eV and 3.7 eV respectively. The points of zero charge for both SnO2 and K-SnO2 were calculated to be 4. The XRD results showed that the SnO2 and K-SnO2 particles were crystalline, with mean sizes of 17.13 nm and 10 nm, respectively. The maximum degradation efficiency of the catalyst for MG dye degradation was 99% and that of EB was 77%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the impacts of studying science using a collaborative inquiry learning approach with and lecture method, as well as to examine the effects of these methods on the learning motivation of secondary school students. On the basis of a pre-test of learning motivation, students at the target class were separated into two equal groups: control and experimental. For eight weeks, the experimental group was taught using a group inquiry learning technique, whereas the control group was taught using a traditional technique. After treatment, a post-test of learning motivation for science was given to see if there was any difference in performance between the two groups. The data were organized and analyzed for obtaining mean, standard deviation and t-values. The treatment group’s score on a post-test of learning motivation for science was much better than the control group. This demonstrates that collaborative inquiry method is more effective for science learning than lecture method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium oxide (CdO) and potassium (K) doped CdO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by the chemical co-precipitation method and were used as photocatalysts for the degradation of Eosin B dye. The X-ray diffraction results presented that the crystallite size of undoped CdO and K doped CdO NPs were 43.74 and 42.31 nm, respectively. The morphological study and percent composition of synthesized undoped CdO and K doped CdO NPs was done by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The formation of NPs was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The precursor decomposition to CdO after annealing at ∼500 °C was studied by thermogravimetric analysis. The undoped CdO and K doped CdO nanoparticles degraded about 80% and 90% of the dye, respectively, in 140 min. The maximum degradation efficiency of the dye was achieved at a pH of 4, dye initial concentration of 15 ppm, catalyst dose of 20 mg, and a temperature of 45 °C. The degradation efficiency observed for recovered undoped CdO and recovered doped CdO nanoparticles was found to be 63% and 77%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the therapeutic efficacy of Levobunolol and Travoprost for lowering intra-ocular pressure (IOP) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Materials and Methods: A Quasi experimental study was conducted in the ophthalmology department of Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. One-hundred and twenty patients of both genders and age between 18-80 years with primary open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension requiring single pressure lowering drug were enrolled in the study. Subjects were divided into two groups (60 in each). One group was treated with Travoprost eye drops (0.004%, OD) while other group with Levobunolol eye drops (0.5%, OD). After initial screening visit where demographic data and baseline IOP was recorded on the structured proforma, three follow-up visits were arranged each at 02 weeks interval. At each follow-up visit, IOP was recorded by standard protocol to evaluate and compare the ocular hypotensive efficacy of the study drugs by calculating mean IOP change from the baseline. Only patients with no missing IOP measurements for all visits were considered eligible for efficacy evaluation. Results: A total of 120 patients were observed having age range from 18 years and above with mean age 52.16 ± 9.56 years and predominance of male gender. Upon comparative analysis, no significant statistical difference (p value >0.05) was observed in the ocular hypotensive ability of Levobunolol and Travoprost measured at each follow-up visit, indicating both drugs as equally effective. Moreover, age groups did not reveal any significant statistical impact on the treatment outcome of patients treated with either study drug. Conclusion: Clinical data revealed that both study drugs reduced the intraocular pressure (IOP) without any significant difference and were found equally effective in primary open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanosized ZnO and Cr-doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by co-precipitation method, which were employed as photocatalysts for the degradation of murexide dye in aqueous media. The nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, SEM, XRD and TGA. The morphological study illustrated that both ZnO and Cr-doped ZnO NPs are irregular round shaped. The XRD results presented that the crystallite size of undoped ZnO and Cr-doped ZnO were 30.07 and 28.14 nm, respectively. The band gap of undoped ZnO and Cr-doped ZnO were 3.4 and 3 eV, respectively. The precursor decomposition to ZnO after annealing at ∼500 °C was confirmed by TGA. The photodegradation study presented that the Cr-doped ZnO and undoped ZnO NPs degraded about 92 and 89% dye within 100 min, respectively. The effect of different parameters like dye initial concentration, contact time, pH and temperature on the photocatalytic degradation of dye was studied. The activity of recovered catalyst was also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics and host defense systems is primarily due to bacterial biofilm formation in antibiotic therapy. In the present study, two complexes, bis (biphenyl acetate) bipyridine Cu (II) (1) and bis (biphenyl acetate) bipyridine Zn (II) (2), were tested for their ability to prevent biofilm formation. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of complexes 1 and 2 were 46.87 ± 1.822 and 93.75 ± 1.345 and 47.87 ± 1.345 and 94.85 ± 1.466 μg/mL, respectively. The significant activity of both complexes was attributed to the damage caused at the membrane level and was confirmed using an imaging technique. The biofilm inhibitory potential levels of complexes 1 and 2 were 95% and 71%, respectively, while the biofilm eradication potential levels were 95% and 35%, respectively, for both complexes. Both the complexes showed good interactions with the E. coli DNA. Thus, complexes 1 and 2 are good antibiofilm agents that exert their bactericidal actions possibly by disrupting the bacterial membrane and interacting with the bacterial DNA, which can act as a powerful agent to restrain the development of bacterial biofilm on therapeutic implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate salicylidene salicylhydrazide (SCS) for any possible toxicological effects on male reproductive system in Albino male BALB/c mice. Study Design: Experimental study. Study Setting: Department of Histopathology, Khyber Medical College Peshawar and Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar were utilized for conducting this study. Period: July, 2020 to December, 2020. Material & Methods: Male BALB/c mice were daily administered with SCS at 5, 25, and 50 mg/kg for 7 and 14 days. The body and testes weights were measured and the testes were subjected to histological tissue processing techniques. Results: The extent of testicular toxicity was evaluated by using modified Johnsen scoring system for assessing the level of spermatogenesis, and morphometric analysis by measuring the diameter of the seminiferous tubules, thickness of germinal epithelium, and area of interstitial cells of Leydig. The body and testes weights showed that the various doses of SCS have no substantial effects after 7 and 14 days. The tested doses of SCS did not produce any distinguishable change in the normal histological features of seminiferous tubules and interstitium after 7 days. However, after 14 days, the 50 mg/kg dose of SCS was associated with vacuolization and loosening of germinal epithelium. These mild-to-moderate histopathological aberrations was confirmed from morphometric analysis in this dose group in which a decrease in the seminiferous tubules' diameter and reduction in the thickness of germinal epithelium along with an increase in the interstitial area were observed. Conclusion: These findings concluded that SCS is considered to be relatively safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chitosan was cross linked with ethylene diamine and trepthaldehyde (CM-Chitosan) through Schiff base reaction. The chitosan was successfully cross linked as confirmed by FT-IR spectrometer. The morphological analysis illustrated that CM-Chitosan surface is porous/rough than neat chitosan. The CM-Chitosan and Chitosan were employed as an adsorbent for the elimination of Cu+2 and Pb+2 ions from aqueous solution. The CM-chitosan adsorbed 8.96 and 2.09 mmol/g while neat chitosan removed 6.71 and 1.58 mmol/g of Cu+2 and Pb+2 ions, respectively. The adsorption data was also best fitted to Freundlich and Temkin model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work entimind weevils, an ignored group of class Insecta in Pakistan was explored. For this, comprehensive surveys were undertaken in Pothohar plateau of Punjab province. Results revealed three new to country records viz. Ptochus assamensis, P. ovulum and P. limbatus. The species were recorded from walnut (Juglans regia) trees and Khabbal Grass (Cyanodon dactylon), which highlight their importance. Keeping in view topographic gradients, ecological complex in Pothohar plateau and pest status of curculionid weevils, further surveys are suggested to unveil more important records from the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The manganese oxide (MnO 2 and iron-doped manganese oxide (Fe–MnO 2) nanoparticles (NPs) with reduced band gap (Eg) were fabricated through the co-precipitation process. They used to degrade Indigo Carmine (IC) and Rhodamine B (RB) binary mixture in an aqueous medium under solar light irradiation. From FT-IR, the twisting modes of the Mn–O bond and the stretching vibrations of the Fe–Mn–O 2 bond were confirmed from the peaks observed at 480 cm−1,584 cm−1,675 cm−1, and 900 cm−1, 1150 cm−1, and 1200 cm−1 respectively. The MnO 2 has an optical band gap of 3.2 eV, which was decreased to 3 eV in Fe–MnO 2. The zero charge (PZC) point was 8 for Fe–MnO 2 and 7 for MnO 2. The BET surface area for Fe–MnO2 was 398 m2/g, relatively higher than MnO2 particles, having a surface area of 384 m2/g. The average crystallite sizes calculated from Scherer formulae were 37 nm for MnO 2 and 31 nm for Fe–MnO 2 NPs. SEM confirmed the irregular morphology of the prepared particles. It was analyzed that agglomeration occurs in MnO 2 than the Fe–MnO 2. The maximum degradation of IC dye was 99%, and that of RB was 98% at the optimum conditions. The data were best fitted to second-order kinetics. [Display omitted] • Visible light-triggered and recyclable iron-doped manganese oxide (Fe–MnO 2) NPs as photocatalyst. • Morphological and structure tailoring studies was done through advanced techniques. • Photocatalytic degradation of Indigo Carmine (IC) and Rhodamine B (RB) single and binary mixture. • Response surface methodology (RSM) for optimization of degradation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study is designed to synthesize gold nanoparticles using Ajuga bracteosa extract, which is a highly known medicinal herb found in the northern Himalayas. The synthesized gold nanoparticles were initially characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometer, SEM, FTIR, pXRD, and, GC-MS. Antibacterial efficacy of A. bracteosa extract, AuNps, and AuNps-free supernatant activity was checked against highly pathogenic clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa via agar well diffusion method, assuming that supernatant might have active compounds. The Nps-free supernatant showed the maximum antibacterial activity against E. coli (20.8±0.3 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (16.5±0.5), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13±0.6). While green synthesized AuNps showed effective antibacterial activity (Escherichia coli (16.4±0.3mm), Staphylococcus aureus (15.05±0.5mm), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.07±0.6mm)) which was high compared to A. bracteosa extract. Anticancer activity was assessed by MTT assay on U87 and HEK293 cell lines. Aj-AuNps have an antigrowth effect on both the cell lines however Aj-AuNps-free supernatant which was also evaluated along with the Aj-AuNps, showed high toxicity toward HEK293 cell line compared to U87. Further, the GC-MS analysis of supernatant showed the presence of resultant toxic compounds after the reduction of gold salt, which include Trichloromethane, Propanoic acid, 2-methyl-, methyl ester, Methyl isovalerate, Pentanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-4-methyl-, Benzene-propanoic acid, and alpha-hydroxy. Based on the observation small molecular weight ligands of Ajuga bracteosa were analyzed in-silico for their binding efficacy towards selected membrane proteins of our target pathogens. RMSD is also calculated for the best docked protein ligand pose. The results revealed that among all listed ligands, Ergosterol and Decacetylajugrin IV have high virtuous binding affinities towards the membrane proteins of targeted pathogens. The current findings revealed that the Aj-AuNps are good antibacterial as well as anticancerous agents while the Nps-free supernatant is also exceedingly effective against resistant pathogens and cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Separation of concrete and brick particles was performed from recycled CDW aggregates. • An air jigging-based separation method and parameters were proposed. • Separation achieved with the recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) purity of 95 wt.%. • Advanced sorting solution can achieve more valuable recycled aggregates. Abstract The quality of recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste (CDW) is strictly related to the content of porous and low strength phases and is specifically related to the high content of brick particles, despite representing approximately 50 wt.% of the total recycled aggregates. This paper focus on air jigging separation studies for removing brick particles from recycled construction and demolition waste aggregates. The operational parameters were achieved by studying the aggregate movement trajectories based on the small specific density differences of 2.52 g/cm3 and 1.97 g/cm3. Separation tests were conducted with a binary mixture of concrete and brick particles ranging from 5 to 10 mm for three operational parameters. The attained results confirmed that the brick fraction increases the water absorption and compromises the consistency and strength of the recycled aggregates. The proposed air jigging separation method was effective at reducing brick particle content and producing significant recycled concrete aggregates with a purity of 95 wt.%, paving the way for greater use of recycled aggregates in high grade applications, such as concrete and pavement layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the frequency of sexual dysfunction in the patients suffering from chronic liver disease. Period: 1 year from June 2013 to May 2014. Study Design: An observational study. Setting: Asian Institute of Medical Sciences. Methodology: 150 cases of chronic liver disease including patients of both genders at Asian Institute of medical sciences who had suggestive history and signs /symptoms of sexual dysfunction. Results: Study found 51.3% of total patients were suffering with sexual dysfunction. Out of all participating females, 52.2% were affected and among the total male patients 51% males were suffering from sexual dysfunction. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) were positive in 76.7% and 11.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction is a common complication in the patients suffering from chronic liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, Tin oxide (SnO 2), Silver–Tin oxide (Ag–SnO 2), and Ag–Bi–SnO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully synthesized using methanolic seed extracts of Caesalpinia bonduc (C.bonduc) plants. The NPS were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Surface area analysis (SAA), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR). The synthesized photocatalyst's surface area was 210, 235, and 238 m2/g for SnO 2 and Ag–SnO 2 , and Ag–Bi–SnO 2 , respectively. The catalyst showed excellent activity for the degradation of MB dye in an aqueous medium. The results confirmed that the Ag–Bi–SnO 2 exhibited 94% degradation of dye compared to Ag–SnO 2 (90%) and SnO 2 (80%) under the same reaction conditions. Adding Ag and bismuth can also increase the degradation mechanism by preventing recombining electron-hole pairs. The report is novel, as no report to date has been published for the synthesis of Ag–Bi–SnO 2 , Ag–SnO2, and SnO2 NPs synthesized by C. bonduc seed extract; the procedure is simple, cheaper, and non-toxic compared to other methods employed for the synthesis of NPs. Eley-Rideal (ER) type of reaction mechanism was found to follow the degradation of MB dye in an aqueous medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-harvest storage stability of peach fruit was studied at 4 ± 1 °C for five weeks with different concentration of salicylic acid (1.5 mM, 2.0 mM, 2.5 mM, 3.0 mM). Peach fruit dipped in distilled water are considered as control. The fruits were packed in Styrofoam boxes and stored for five weeks. All the treatments were analyzed physio-chemically i.e. weight loss, firmness, TSS, pH, titratable acidity, sugar acid ratio, ascorbic acid and chilling injury and organoleptically i.e. flavour, colour, texture and overall acceptability at every 7 days interval during 5 weeks of storage. Overall results showed a continuous decrease in fruit firmness (from 74.61-35.37 N), titratable acidity (from 0.82-0.52%), ascorbic acid (from 7.34-4.85 mg/100 g), colour (from 8.8-3.7), flavour (from 8.5-5.2), texture (from 8.2-4.6) and overall acceptability (from 8.5-4.5), while an increase in weight loss (from 0-16.92%), TSS (from 7.84-10.18 °Brix), pH (from 3.84-4.29), sugar acid ratio (from 9.58-19.72) and chilling injury index (from 0-2.30) noted throughout storage period. The maximum mean value for fruit firmness was recorded in 2.5 mM dipped treatment was (64.63 N), weight loss in 0 mM dipped treatment was (9.81), TSS in 2.5 mM dipped treatment was (9.24), pH in 0 mM dipped treatment was (13.95), acidity in 2.5 mM dipped treatment was (0.69), sugar acid ratio in 0 mM dipped treatment was (13.95), ascorbic acid in 2.5 mM dipped treatment was (6.69), chilling injury in 0 mM dipped treatment was (1.17), colour in 2.5 mM dipped treatment (7.7), flavour in 2.5 mM dipped treatment (7.7), texture in 2.5 mM dipped treatment (7.7) and overall acceptability in 2.5 mM dipped treatment (7.7). It was evident from statistical analysis that storage and treatments had a significant effect on the storage stability of peach fruits. On the basis of overall physio-chemical and sensory analysis, it was concluded that 2.5 mM dipped treatment showed the best results followed by 3.5 mM dipped treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The chitosan was cross linked with ethylene diamine and trepthaldehyde (CM-Chitosan) through Schiff base reaction. The chitosan was successfully cross linked as confirmed by FT-IR spectrometer. The morphological analysis illustrated that CM-Chitosan surface is porous/rough than neat chitosan. The CM-Chitosan and Chitosan were employed as an adsorbent for the elimination of Cu+2 and Pb+2 ions from aqueous solution. The CM-chitosan adsorbed 8.96 and 2.09 mmol/g while neat chitosan removed 6.71 and 1.58 mmol/g of Cu+2 and Pb+2 ions, respectively. The adsorption data was also best fitted to Freundlich and Temkin model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unplanned anthropogenic activities and raced industrial revolution detrimentally causes serious threat to terrestrial and aquatic life. A high discharge of wastewater from industries using dyes affects living organisms and the environment. This paper presents studies on polycationic selenides (PCS) synthesized by hydrothermal methods for photocatalytic degradation of dyes. The synthesized PCS were confirmed by various characterization techniques such as FTIR, SEM, EDX, UV/Vis, and XRD. The FTIR spectra revealed characteristic band at 843, 548 cm−1, and 417 cm−1 due to the M − Se stretching and intrinsic stretching vibrations, respectively. The optical bandgap of polycationic selenide lies in the visible light region (2.36 eV). The SEM images showed that PCS has a spherical shape with an average crystallite size of 29.23 nm calculated from XRD data using Scherer's equation. The PCS has a point of zero charge (PZC) at pH 7. The efficiency of synthesized PCS photocatalyst was confirmed in terms of its activity towards Eosin (EY) and Crystal violet (CV) dyes mineralization. The photocatalytic degradation for EY and CV dyes at optimum conditions was 99.47% and 99.31% and followed second order reactions kinetics with 1.4314 and 0.551 rate constant, respectively. The polynomial quadratic model is the best-fitted response surface methodology (RSM) model having a maximum desirability factors value and significant terms, with R2 (0.9994) and adj R2 values (1.0). [Display omitted] • Green fabrication of new ternary metallic selenides nanostructured materials. • Structural/morphological characteristics of ternary metallic selenides by advanced techniques. • Efficient photocatalytic degradation of textile contaminants under sunlight irradiation. • Operating factors influencing the degradation phenomena are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the rapid race of industrialization natural assets like fresh water has been deteriorated causing lethal effects in living organisms. In the current study robust and sustainable composite of in-situ antimony nanoarchitectonics in chitosan/synthesized carboxymethyl chitosan matrix were synthesized. To improve solubility, metal adsorption and water decontamination, chitosan was modified into carboxymethyl chitosan and the modification was confirmed through various characterization techniques. The characteristic bands in the FTIR spectrum confirm substitution of carboxymethyl group in the chitosan. This was further illustrated that the characteristic proton peaks of CMCh observed at δ = 4.097 to 4.192 ppm, suggesting O-carboxy methylation of chitosan by 1H NMR. The second order derivative of potentiometric analysis confirmed 0.83 degree of substitution. The antimony (Sb) loaded modified chitosan were confirmed by FTIR and XRD analysis. The potential effectiveness of chitosan matrix was determined and compared toward reductive removal of the Rhodamine b dye. Rhodamine b mitigation is following first order kinetics with R2 value of 0.9832 and 0.969 with a constant rate of 0.0977 and 0.2534 ml/min for Sb loaded chitosan and carboxymethyl chitosan respectively. The Sb/CMCh-CFP enables us to achieve 98.5 % mitigation efficiency within 10 min. The CMCh-CFP chelating substrate was found stable and efficient even after 4th batches of cycles with <4 % decrease in efficiency. The in-situ synthesized material was found tailored composite, in terms of dyes remediation, reusability and biocompatibility as compared to chitosan. • COOH group substitution in chitosan to produce its derivative carboxymethyl chitosan • Degree of substitution, structural and morphological characterization • Elimination efficiency of chitosan and carboxy methyl chitosan were investigated. • Quadratic model as best fitted model of response surface methodology [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brood ectoparasitic mites, Tropilaelaps clareae is causing greater damage to Apis mellifera colonies and major economic losses (a serious threat) to beekeeping industry in Pakistan. Seven treatments including five essential oils of basil (Ocimum basilicum), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), oregano (Origanium vulgare), lemon (Citrus lemon) and thyme (Thymus linearus), formic acid at three different concentrations of 25%, 50% and 100% and control were used against T. clareae in naturally infested honey bee, A. mellifera colonies in Honeybee Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan. The percentage of infestation by T. clareae on worker brood, number of dead/fallen mites per hive/week on white formica sheet, percent mite mortality and honey yield per colony was determined before and after the treatments in the experimental colonies. The results revealed that formic acid and the highest concentrations (100%) of tested essential oils caused effective control of Tropilaelaps mites, whereas the infestation reduction percentage with formic acid, lemongrass, thyme, lemon, basil and oregano oils was recorded more than 96% after the end of treatments on worker brood. The highest total number of dead T. clareae mites (761) fallen on the sheet was recorded by formic acid followed by lemongrass (445), thyme (349), lemon (298), basil (283) and oregano (250) respectively. The hives treated with essential oils and formic acid also showed good persistence with over all mean percent mite mortality ranging from 64.37 to 84.33% up to fourth application of treatment. High mean value for honey yield (9.3 kg) was recorded by formic acid, followed by lemongrass (8.8 kg), thyme (8.5 kg), lemon (8.5 kg), basil (7.7 kg) and oregano (7.6 kg) per colony as compared with control colonies (3.8 kg) per colony. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To find out the frequency of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Emergency department and department of medicine Liaquat university Hospital Hyd/ Jamshoro. Study Period: One year from 01-03-2009 to 28-02-2010. Methodology: Two hundred cases of diabetic nephropathy on the basis of symptoms and signs of hypoglycemia were selected in this study. Results: Out of 200 patients, 102(51%) were males and 98(49%) were females, 10.5% had type-1 diabetes and 89.5% had type-2 diabetes. Most of the patients belonged to 60 to 75 years of age. The average duration of diabetes was 12.20 ± 6.14 years. Out of 23 hypoglycemic patients, 5 (21.7%) had type-1 diabetes in which 4 were male and one was female while 18 (78.3%) had type-2 diabetes in which 10 were male and 8 were female patients. Conclusion: It was observed that hypoglycemia was common in diabetic patients, who developed renal failure due to diabetic nephropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fauna of the subfamily Scymninae (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) of Gilgit-Baltistan was explored and studied. This study confirmed the occurrence of 4 species in 2 genera of Scymninae. These include 2 species in genus Scymnus (S. posticalis Sicard, 1913 and S. nubilus Mulstant, 1850), and 2 species in genus Stethorus (Stethorus gilvifrons (Mulstant, 1850) and S. pauperculus (Weise, 1895)). Among these 4 species, S. posticalis Sicard is reported here as a new record from the study area. A description of each species is given, along with color plates of adult specimens and genitalia. Remarks pertaining to taxonomic discussion, history, taxon status, hosts, habitat, identification key, and distribution of each species in the study area are also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the serum lipid profile in patients with chronic HCV infection and correlation between serum lipid levels and liver histology. Material and methods: Descriptive study was carried out in Medical Unit I of Liaquat University Hospital Jamshoro Hyderabad, from September 2007 to August 2009. Convenience sampling was used and 30 patients were selected. Positive PCR test for HCV, non diabetic patients and non cirrhotic patients were included in this study. All the patients were selected from the medical OPD. Clinical examination performed and then blood tests were done. Serum lipid profile were determined in all participants after an overnight fast of 12 h. TC, TG, and HDL-C was measured enzymatically with commercial kits (Olympus System Reagent, Hamburg, Germany) by the use of an automated analyzer. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated in accordance with the formula of weight (kg) divided by height2 (m2). Selected patients were called in the ward and biopsy was done via Trucut needle and the specimen was fixed in formalin. The biopsies were used to calculate the degree of steatosis (0-3) and fibrosis by METAVIR score. Results: A total of 30 patients were selected for this study. Out of these 19 were males and 11 females. The patients were divided in three groups. Patients with chronic HCV infection were found to have significantly lower levels of serum TC, HDL-C and LDL-C than normal adults values. Steatosis was present in significant number of patients (36.67%). However, steatosis was not correlating with fibrosis (p>0.005). Conclusions: Hypolipoproteinemia and steatosis are important factors which are associated with chronic hepatitis C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: We evaluated whether HBV +ve and HCV +ve patients are at high risk for developing drug induced hepatitis than control subjects during treatment for tuberculosis with standard short course regimens. Study design: Observational cohort study. Place and duration: This study was conducted at Department of Medicine, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro from May 2008 to May 2011. Material and Methods: All newly diagnosed active tuberculosis patients were included in the study population and they were further screened for hepatitis B surface antigen and HCV antibodies. All patients were divided into three groups. One having no co-infection with hepatitis B and Hepatitis C and was taken as control group, second group was co-infected with hepatitis B and third was co-infected with hepatitis C. short course anti tuberculous regimen was started and patients were followed for six months. Results: One hundred and twenty eight tuberculous patients were divided into three groups. 92 in control groups without any co-infection with hepatitis B and C, 10 were HBV +ve and 26 were HCV +ve. During follow up 24 developed drug induced hepatitis, 8(38.33%, n = 24) in control group, 2(8.33%, n = 24) in hepatitis B group and 14(58.33%, n = 24) in hepatitis C group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that treatment for tuberculosis in HCV seropositive patients is a risk factor for the development of hepatitis exacerbation and HBV seropositive patients shows no any increased risk of hepatitis exacerbation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the frequency of upper GI bleeding and its predicting factors and esophageal varices in the patients with liver cirrhosis disease admitted at medicine ward of Isra university hospital. Design: Prospective and observational study. Setting: Isra university hospital. Period: March 2012 to August 2012 (six months). Methods: Containing 100 patients, mean age was 45.8, and all the patients with cirrhosis disease were included in this study with liver cirrhosis disease. All patients were under went endoscopy and Frequency of upper GI bleeding and varices presentation and classification according to grade were noted. Results: All the 100 patients were selected on the basis of presenting liver cirrhosis disease. Male were more found than the female with the mean age 45.8. Mostly cirrhotic patients were found with HCV positive and upper GI bleeding were noted in (40%) of the cases. With the endoscopic finding mostly patients were noted in ll-lll grad of esophageal varices and according to child pug classification majority of patients was noted in class "C" In addition, thrombocytopenia and red wale markings along with the presence of large sized varices were associated with the presence of esophageal varices. Conclusions: In the conclusion of this study we found majority of the cirrhotic patients with HCV, Esophageal varices and thrombocytopenia are the important factors of upper GI bleeding. Knowledge and etiology of this manuscript may helpful in the prevention of oesophageal varices and upper GI bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a research conducted in order to explore bio-geographical distribution of damselflies, Zygoptera in Pakistan. It discusses the collection of damselflies throughout the country and territory of Azad Jammu and Kashmir during 2004-2009. The study revealed the collection of a total of 2692 specimens which comprise of 9 families, 21 genera, and 48 species and subspecies.

The article discusses a study which was conducted to determine the biogeographic distribution of tiger beetle fauna in Pakistan. It is stated that around 55 taxa under 14 genera and 11 subgenera including Callytron in Palaearctic bio-ecological zone, Calomera in oriental zone and Cicindela in Palaearctic zone were examined. It further discusses about the species Cylindera albopunctata, Cicindela viridilabris and Neocollyris redtenbacheri which were recorded from Pakistan for the first time.