Poverty, inflation and economic growth: empirical evidence from Pakistan

This study aims to investigate the role of economic growth and inflation in explaining the prevalence of poverty in Pakistan. ARDL bound testing approach to co-integration confirms the existence of long run relationship among the variables of poverty, economic growth, inflation, investment and trade openness over the period of 1972-2008. Empirical results show that economic growth and investment have negative and inflation has positive impact on poverty. The effect of trade openness on poverty is insignificant in this study. The short run analysis reveals that economic growth has negative and inflation has positive impact on poverty whereas the role of investment and trade openness in poverty reduction in short run is not significant.Poverty, Inflation, Economic Grovvth, Pakistan, Macroeconomic Policy, Welfare, Trade Openness

The antimalarial effect of curcumin is mediated by the inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3β

Curcumin, a bioactive compound in Curcuma longa, exhibits various pharmacological activities, including antimalarial effects. In silico docking simulation studies suggest that curcumin possesses glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β)-inhibitory properties. The involvement of GSK3 in the antimalarial effects in vivo is yet to be demonstrated. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether the antimalarial effects of curcumin involve phosphorylation of host GSK3β. Intraperitoneal administration of curcumin into Plasmodium berghei NK65-infected mice resulted in dose-dependent chemosuppression of parasitemia development. At the highest dose tested (30 mg/kg body weight), both therapeutic and prophylactic administrations of curcumin resulted in suppression exceeding 50% and improved median survival time of infected mice compared to control. Western analysis revealed a 5.5-fold (therapeutic group) and 1.8-fold (prophylactic group) increase in phosphorylation of Ser 9 GSK3β and 1.6-fold (therapeutic group) and 1.7-fold (prophylactic group) increase in Ser 473 Akt in liver of curcumin-treated infected animals. Following P. berghei infection, levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-10, and IL-4 were elevated by 7.5-, 35.0-, 33.0-, and 2.2-fold, respectively. Curcumin treatment (therapeutic) caused a significant decrease (by 6.0- and 2.0-fold, respectively) in serum TNF-α and IFN-γ level, while IL-10 and IL-4 were elevated (by 1.4- and 1.8-fold). Findings from the present study demonstrate for the first time that the antimalarial action of curcumin involved inhibition of GSK3β

Tibia fractures managed with minimally invasive internal fixation: a case series of 20 cases

Distal tibia fractures are frequently associated with an extensive soft tissue injury, leading to a higher risk of complications such as skin complications, infection, non-union, and eventually poor overall outcome. This study aims to measure the outcome of open/closed distal tibia fractures treated with minimally invasive internal fixation. We aim to propose an algorithm for the management of distal tibia fractures by evaluating the treatment options, outcomes, and risk factors present. This study is a case series study of all distal tibia fractures treated surgically in Kamineni Academy of Medical Sciences, LB Nagar from 2018 to 2022. Patient records were reviewed to analyze the outcomes of surgical treatment and the risk factors associated with it

Cloning, heterologous expression and characterisation of a recombinant cellobiohydrolase from Humicola insolens ATCC16454 in Pichia pastoris

A cellobiohydrolase gene from the thermophilic fungus Humicola insolens ATCC 16454 was expressed in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris X-33, and the biochemical properties of the recombinant protein were characterised. The full-length cDNA of the cellobiohydrolase gene avi2 was cloned into the P. pastoris expression vector pPICZαC and expressed extracellularly as a recombinant cellobiohydrolase protein with a molecular weight of approximately 52.3 kDa. The purified recombinant Avi2 enzyme displayed an optimal activity at 50°C and was found stable between temperatures of 30°C and 60°C. The optimal pH of the enzyme was pH 5.0. More than 80% of the enzyme activity was retained at pH values ranging from pH3.0 to pH9.0. Recombinant Avi2 enzyme showed its highest activity towards the substrates Avicel (0.075 U mg-1) and Sigmacell-cellulose (0.018 U mg-1). Very low or undetectable hydrolysis was observed with cellobiose and filter paper. Metal ions, such as Mn2+, Co2+, and Ba2+, increased the activity of the recombinant enzyme. Manganese ions caused the highest increase in activity of approximately 1.38-fold compared to the control assay. Other ions such as Pd2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, and SDS, however, inhibited Avi2 enzyme activity. Interestingly, this recombinant enzyme showed high pH stability when it was incubated in either acidic or basic solutions

Discrimination of clinacanthus nutans extracts and correlation with antiplasmodial activity using ATR-FTIR fingerprinting

Clinacanthus nutans or Sabah Snake Grass is a small shrub indigenous to tropical Asia. It has been used in the treatment of skin rashes, insect and snake bites, cancer and diabetes. In this study, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to discriminate the effects of different extraction methods on the chemical composition of C. nutans freeze dried leaves and stems. The samples were extracted using different methods (soaking and sonication) followed by the measurement of its antiplasmodial activity. Based on the absorption peaks, C. nutans extracts comprise of compounds with hydroxyl, methyl, sulfoxide, sulfone, aromatic and carbonyl functionalities which indicate the presence of carbohydrates, terpenes, sulfurous glycosides and aromatic compounds in the extracts. Multivariate data analysis such as orthogonal partial least square (OPLS) was used to correlate the FTIR spectra of the extracts with antiplasmodial activity. The OPLS model exhibited R2Y and Q2Y values of 0.896 and 0.736, respectively. The RMSEE and RMSECV value were 22.41 and 32.36. The loading line plot of the OPLS model revealed that OH, C[dbnd]O, C[sbnd]H and C[sbnd]C functional group induced the activity, whereas, C[sbnd]N and S[dbnd]O reduced the bioactivity. These preliminary results demonstrated that FTIR spectroscopy can be used as a simple and rapid technique to discriminate C. nutans extracts obtained from different extraction methods which is useful in the quality control during processing of this plant

Taburan parasit anura dan indeks kualiti air di kawasan tasik dan Tanah Bencah Putrajaya

Populasi anura (katak) di sesuatu ekosistem boleh menjadi penunjuk biologi bagi tahap kebersihan. Populasi yang rendah atau kadar kematian anura yang tinggi di sesuatu persekitaran menunjukkan ekosistem kawasan tersebut adalah tidak stabil, contohnya akibat pencemaran air atau kadar jangkitan parasit yang tinggi. Objektif kajian ini adalah untuk menentukan kepelbagaian spesies anura, mengenal pasti taburan parasit yang menjangkiti anura di kawasan tasik dan Tanah Bencah Putrajaya dan menentukan hubungan antara indeks kualiti air dengan taburan parasit dan anura. Sebanyak 74 ekor katak telah ditangkap sepanjang tempoh persampelan yang tergolong daripada lima famili dan enam spesies yang berbeza. Indeks kepelbagaian Shannon menunjukkan stesen LE, UN, UW, P.7 dan P.10 mempunyai nilai indeks kepelbagaian iaitu 1˗3 bermaksud kepelbagaian spesies anura adalah sederhana. Sebanyak 2437 ekor parasit telah ditemui pada semua 74 ekor katak yang telah dibedah dalam kajian ini. Anggaran 86.5% katak di kawasan Putrajaya telah dijangkiti parasit. Status indeks kualiti air bagi kesemua stesen Putrajaya adalah bersih hingga sederhana bersih (kelas II hingga III). Ujian Kruskal-Wallis mendapati bahawa taburan parasit pada anura di setiap stesen UE, UW, UN, LE, CW, P.7, dan P.10 adalah tidak signifikan (X² =9.28; df=6; p>0.05). Ini bermaksud tiada perbezaan signifikan antara taburan parasit pada anura di setiap kawasan dan jangkitan parasit ini adalah tidak dipengaruhi oleh indeks kualiti air di sesuatu stesen kajian

Biochemical changes of cryopreserved seminal plasma and spermatozoa of the giant grouper Epinephelus lanceolatus after preservation and transportation using dry-ice

The present study aims to investigate the effects of exposure of the seminal plasma and spermatozoa of the giant grouper Epinephelus lanceolatus to dry ice ( 79 C) during transport on their quality. In all, 15 amino acid compounds were determined. The quantification of total proteins were measured using the Bradford method, and amino acid concentration were measured using the HPLC method. The cryopreserved seminal plasma was transferred from a liquid nitrogen tank to a styrofoam box filled with dry ice. Total protein and amino acids were measured after 24, 48, and 72 h. For comparative purposes, total protein and fifteen compound of amino acid were also measured. Both parameters were also measured after the cryopreserved seminal plasma were immersed in liquid nitrogen after 24 and 48 h exposed to dry ice. The results showed that the exposure of seminal plasma to dry ice for 24, 48 and 72 h during transportation or immersion back into the liquid nitrogen after 24 and 48 h does not change the total protein levels either in seminal plasma or spermatozoa. However, the level of each amino acid compound in the seminal plasma had significantly decrease

Poverty, inflation and economic growth: empirical evidence from Pakistan

This study aims to investigate the role of economic growth and inflation in explaining the prevalence of poverty in Pakistan. ARDL bound testing approach to co-integration confirms the existence of long run relationship among the variables of poverty, economic growth, inflation, investment and trade openness over the period of 1972-2008. Empirical results show that economic growth and investment have negative and inflation has positive impact on poverty. The effect of trade openness on poverty is insignificant in this study. The short run analysis reveals that economic growth has negative and inflation has positive impact on poverty whereas the role of investment and trade openness in poverty reduction in short run is not significant

Konsep penghibridan 4-aminokuinolina sebagai alternatif agen antiplasmodium

Kemunculan strain parasit yang rintang terhadap hampir semua ubatan antimalaria telah mendorong para saintis mengkaji penggantian mekanisme tindakan alternatif yang lebih berkesan. Keberkesanan rawatan semasa antimalaria adalah terhad dari segi bio ketersediaan ubat yang rendah, ketoksikan ubat yang tinggi dan kadar keterlarutan dalam air yang rendah. Penghibridan adalah satu strategi menarik bagi mengembangkan konsep penemuan ubat antimalaria. Kerangka 4-aminokuinolina telah disasarkan dalam kebanyakan proses reka bentuk agen antiplasmodium kerana kos sintesisnya yang murah, selamat dan kurang toksik sejak 20 tahun yang lalu. Penemuan hibrid antiplasmodium menggunakan kerangka 4-aminokuinolina dan pelbagai moieti seperti artemisinin, piperidin, indolin, pirimidin telah menunjukkan aktiviti antiplasmodium yang baik. Walau bagaimanapun, sehingga kini penemuan hibrid ini masih tidak dapat dibangunkan dan memasuki ujian percubaan klinikal. Ulasan ini meringkaskan penemuan hibrid antiplasmodium yang telah diterbitkan dalam tempoh sebelas tahun ke belakang (2011-2021). Kelebihan dan kelemahan konsep penghibridan sebagai pengganti agen antiplasmodium sedia ada dibincangkan. Analisis kajian menunjukkan hibrid 4-aminokuinolina mempunyai aktiviti antiplasmodium yang setanding atau lebih baik secara in vitro berbanding rawatan profilaksis klorokuina. Hibrid kuinolina kelas IV adalah yang paling kerap dikaji dan diperoleh dalam kajian ini sepanjang tempoh sebelas tahun ke belakang. Kekurangan data praklinikal terperinci mengenai hibrid yang disintesis telah menghalang kajian lanjut dalam ujian klinikal

Pencirian jangkitan Plasmodium berghei NK65 pada mencit ICR sebagai model jangkitan malaria teruk

Malaria teruk atau ‘severe’ kebiasaannya disebabkan oleh jangkitan Plasmodium falciparum. Jangkitan Plasmodium falciparum pada manusia boleh menyebabkan kerosakan organ, anemia teruk, komplikasi serius, koma dan kematian. Bagi tujuan memahami patogenesis malaria teruk, model haiwan digunakan dalam kajian kali ini bagi mengenal pasti sama ada gabungan hos-parasit daripada mencit ICR dengan Plasmodium berghei NK65 boleh menyebabkan jangkitan malaria teruk pada hos. Pencirian jangkitan P. berghei ANKA pernah dilakukan sebelum ini terhadap mencit ICR; walau bagaimanapun, pencirian jangkitan P. berghei NK65 secara terperinci terhadap mencit ICR dalam kajian ini adalah pertama kali dilaporkan. Inokulasi sel darah merah (RBC) terjangkit-P. berghei NK65 (2 × 107 parasit RBC (pRBC)/ mL) dilakukan terhadap mencit ICR dengan suntikan secara intraperitoneum. Pemantauan perubahan ciri fizikal seperti berat, suhu mencit, kematian mencit, pos mortem, histologi dan aras sitokin inflamasi yang terhasil selepas jangkitan direkod untuk analisis. Strain P. berghei NK65 menghasilkan jangkitan tahap teruk terhadap mencit ICR iaitu paras parasitemia melebihi 50% pada hari ke-10 selepas jangkitan diikuti kematian. Analisis histopatologi menunjukkan jangkitan ini menyebabkan perubahan pada tisu serebrum, perlekatan leukosit pada endotelium dan pensekuesteran pRBC dalam salur darah serebrum serta pendarahan intravaskular. Selepas jangkitan, pensekuesteran pRBC dan pengumpulan pigmen malaria turut dilihat pada organ utama mencit. Tambahan lagi, edema pulmonari, pembentukan membran hialin pada peparu dan pendarahan kortikal pada ginjal dilihat pada mencit terjangkit. Sitokin proinflamasi (TNF-α, IFN-γ, dan IL-18) dan sitokin antiinflamasi (IL-10 dan IL-4) juga meningkat dalam serum mencit terjangkit. Secara rumusannya, model jangkitan mencit ICR-P. berghei NK65 yang digunakan dalam kajian ini menunjukkan ciri-ciri jangkitan malaria teruk. Hasil daripada kajian ini boleh digunakan sebagai asas untuk memahami patogenesis bagi malaria teruk pada manusia dan model jangkitan malaria haiwan pada masa akan datang