The role of genetic diversity in the replication, pathogenicity and virulence of Murray Valley encephalitis virus

Genetic and phenotypic variation of genotype 1 (G1) and genotype 2 (G2) Murray valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) were characterised. G2 viruses were a minority, had lower levels of genetic diversity and an attenuated phenotype in the mouse model of MVE. G1 isolates were abundant with higher levels of genetic diversity and a virulent phenotype. The restricted evolution of MVEV was due to multiplication in mosquito cells. An RT-qPCR assay detecting all MVEV genotypes was developed

Evaluation of a Unani herbal formulation containing colchicum, ginger and aloe for anti-inflammatory activity

With an increased incidence of drug toxicity and resistance to allopathic drugs, natural products from plants could be interesting alternatives. Some plant extracts and phytochemicals are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, and can be of great significance in treatment of inflammatory disorders. These considerations require the scientific evaluation of the most important and commonly used traditional herbal formulations. A study has been done to find anti-inflammatory activity of Unani formulation derive from medicinally important plants like Zingiber officinal (Ginger), Colchicum luteum (Colchicum), and Aloe vera (Aloe). In this proposed work, we had modified powder of different mentioned plants into its solid state (tablet) by using gum Acacia. Its 50% alcoholic extract and aqueous extract were used to determine its anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenin induced oedema test and cotton pellet induced granuloma test. Efficacy of Unani formulation was compared with a standard referent drug, Diclofenac sodium. The obtained results using carrageenin oedema test showed decrease in the left hind paw volume significantly (

Bedside Percutaneous Cholecystostomy

Although percutaneous cholecystostomy historically is an alternative to cholecystectomy, it is typically performed as a bridge to gallbladder removal. As a low mortality procedure, it proves itself a valuable tool in morbid patients such as the elderly and the critically ill who present with acute cholecystitis and as an alternate route for biliary access. In high-risk patients, PC can be performed at the patient’s bedside in patients who are too unstable to be transported outside the ICU. PC is performed using ultrasound, CT, or fluoroscopic guidance; however, bedside PC can only be performed using ultrasound. Ultrasound is readily available and portable and allows for real-time imaging. A 2010 study performed by Donkol et al. demonstrated success rates for CT (93%), US (46%), and fluoroscopy (62%). Though US had the lowest success rate, it remains the only option for those critically ill who cannot tolerate transportation or an immediate cholecystectomy. Contraindications of PC include hemorrhage, pericholecystic abscess, gallbladder tumor, etc. Complications include bile leak, hemorrhage, sepsis, bowel perforation, etc. The gallbladder is a small organ with much pathology. Having the knowledge and skill to adequately perform this procedure is essential, especially in patients with septic shock in need of source control

Safety and effectiveness of electronic cigarettes: a narrative review

Objective: To current review the literature regarding safety and effectiveness of electronic cigarettes and to find out any con- tribution from Malaysia, regarding electronic cigarettes research field. Design: To commendably face this new challenge, health care providers need to become more familiar with the existing liter- ature. A narrative review studies conducted from 2004 to August 2014 through multiple electronic databases that available at the author's institution library conducted by using the terms, safety, effectiveness, efficacy, chemical analysis of e-cigs, electron- ic cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS). The databases searched only for full text papers published in English from 2004 to august 2014. Methods: 48 original articles identified with help of multiple electronic databanks, that linked to aim title were selected. Nation wise contribution included, USA(16), UK(07), Italy(6), Greece(5), New Zealand(5), Switzerland(4), Canada, Australia, Poland, south Korean, Czech republic each 1. We did not found any article from Malaysia, this indicate us there is a necessity of electronic cigarettes studies on Malaysian population. Conclusion: Due to limited studies with inadequate participants and short time exposure in some developed countries, e-cig cannot accomplish safe and effective in complete terms. In order to conclude firmly, still more research is needed globally in dif- ferent population to look at its long-term safety and effectiveness particularly on cardiovascular diseases and on smoker’s health from different parts of the world

Erectile dysfunction

The aim of this course is to share existing evidence on the diagnosis and management of patients suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is one of the main growing complaints among males. This course is planned for healthcare providers as a self-study course and assessment materials to ensure that by the upon completion of this course, you will have the understanding and details about the epidemiology, aetiology and pathophysiology, diagnosis, management and treatment options for the ED patients and last but not the least about the pharmacist’s role in the management and counselling of ED patients. We hope that you will find this course useful not only to collect CPD points (A8: 3 CPD Points) but more importantly, to enable you to provide the effective counselling to your ED patients as part of your professional role as a healthcare provider. The course structure consists fo four chapters followed by an assessment: Chapter 01: Epidemiology & Aetiology of Erectile Dysfunction Chapter 02: Anatomy & Pathophysiology of the Penis Chapter 03: Management & Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction Chapter 04: Role of Pharmacists in Erectile Dysfunction Assessment: (20 randomized quiz questions, passing mark 80%, unlimited attempts) Feedback Lastly, we invite you to provide feedback regarding this course so that can it can be continuously improved and made relevant, practical and useful for you and others

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Using Ziziphus nummularia

Silver nanoparticles of Ziziphus nummularia leaves extract were synthesized and were characterized by UV-Visible spectrophotometry, particle size analyzer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), SEM, TGA, and EDX. The XRD pattern reveals the FCC structure of Ag nanoparticles. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of Ag-O bonding. UV-Visible spectroscopy results confirmed the existence of Ag because of the particular peak in the region of 400–430. The SEM analysis confirmed spherical and uniform Ag nanoparticles with diameter ranging from 30 nm to 85 nm. The EDX analysis revealed strong signals in the silver region and confirmed the formation of silver nanoparticles. The antioxidant potential and antifungal and antimicrobial potential of the leaf extract and silver nanoparticles were also determined. The antioxidant property was determined using DPPH assay. The antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties were better for the silver nanoparticles than the aqueous leaf extract. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal (MBC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of plant extract and prepared silver nanoparticles were also tested. The hair growth properties of plant extracts and their respective nanoparticles were observed and good results were noted for nanoparticles as compared to the leaf extract

Identification of Catalytic Active Sites for Durable Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell: Catalytic Degradation and Poisoning Perspectives

Recent progress in synthetic strategies, analysis techniques, and computational modeling assist researchers to develop more active catalysts including metallic clusters to single-atom active sites (SACs). Metal coordinated N-doped carbons (M-N-C) are the most auspicious, with a large number of atomic sites, markedly performing for a series of electrochemical reactions. This perspective sums up the latest innovative and computational comprehension, while giving credit to earlier/pioneering work in carbonaceous assembly materials towards robust electrocatalytic activity for proton exchange membrane fuel cells via inclusive performance assessment of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). M-Nx-Cy are exclusively defined active sites for ORR, so there is a unique possibility to intellectually design the relatively new catalysts with much improved activity, selectivity, and durability. Moreover, some SACs structures provide better performance in fuel cells testing with long-term durability. The efforts to understand the connection in SACs based M-Nx-Cy moieties and how these relate to catalytic ORR performance are also conveyed. Owing to comprehensive practical application in the field, this study has covered very encouraging aspects to the current durability status of M-N-C based catalysts for fuel cells followed by degradation mechanisms such as macro-, microdegradation, catalytic poisoning, and future challenges

Waterpipe Smoking among Herat University Students: Prevalence, Attitudes, and Associated Factors

AbstractBackground: Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) is an ancient type of smoking that has become a globalphenomenon. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of waterpipe smoking and its relation tosocio-demographic characteristics in Herat University students in western Afghanistan.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a structured self-administered questionnaire containing 53 items in3 subscales was distributed between July and December 2018, to examine the use of waterpipe among HeratUniversity students. Data were evaluated in SPSS. Chi-square test was used to observe differences betweencategorical variables. All important variables were separately evaluated for men and women in logisticregression models. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Findings: The prevalence of ever waterpipe use in male and female students was 54.1% and 81.8%,respectively. Parents’ higher education and family economic status were associated with higher rates of everwaterpipe use in both sexes. On the other hand, marital status and parents’ employment were not associatedwith waterpipe use. Ever waterpipe use was associated with having smoking friends or family members inboth sexes. Male and female waterpipe users believed that cigarette smoke had more nicotine thanwaterpipe. While more male waterpipe users believed that cigarette was more addictive than waterpipe, morefemale users believed otherwise.Conclusion: The prevalence of ever waterpipe use is higher in male students at Herat University. Having asmoking friend and family member positively influences waterpipe use among both sexes. Most usersbelieved that waterpipe smoking was less hazardous than cigarette smoking