Agricultural Productivity Impact of a Mini-Dam: A Case Study of Ziarat, Balochistan

Water is the most important constituent of life without which, life cannot exist. Water is a natural resource which is also used as an input for producing different goods in factories for industrial use, productivity of crops for agriculture use also used in our daily life for domestic purpose. Despite such an importance, still the World is experiencing the issue of water scarcity [WCD (2000)]. The supply of water does not meet its demand [Bengali (2009)]. Pakistan is an agrarian economy which is also heavily dependent on water. About 45 percent of the total employment is generated from Agriculture sector [Pakistan (2011)]. Main sources of water are rivers and rainfall. Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan. Land size is 44 percent of the total land of Pakistan [Balochistan (2010)]. Land is fertile and provides conducive environment for Agriculture. Agriculture productivity is high in Balochistan. Many vegetables and crops are grown which results in many farmers and labours livelihood. It has got varieties of species of many fruits, particularly Apple. Important fruit crops grown are Apple, Grapes, Cherry and Peach. Climate is also suitable for crops growth particularly the deciduous fruits like apple, which requires low temperature during summer season. As far as quality is concerned, apple produced in Balochistan, especially at high altitude (1600 meters to 2000 meters) are superior in quality than that produced in the rest of the country. The main reason is that due to dryness of the climate in apple producing areas like Ziarat, Killa Abdullah, Pishin, Quetta etc. Apple is one of the most popular fruit. It is delicious and crunchy and is mostly liked by health conscious and fitness lovers as it is filled with rich phyto-nutrients, which is very essential for optimal health. It also contains antioxidants, which promotes health as well as prevents several diseases. Thus, apple truly justifies the famous sayings, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” One of the distinguishing features is that there are no fungal diseases and disease free apple can be stored for a longer period in cold storage. Also the abundance of sunshine in the growing season improves the colour of apple which fetches a good price in the domestic and foreign market

Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Properties of Silver Nanocomposites

Nanoparticles and polymers in their respective fields have contributed greatly in the form of science and hence in daily life application products. But due to lack in emerging technologies for developing silver nanocomposites with polymers and other materials, the nanoparticle-based products have conquered little less attention. Hereby, an effort is made to put a light on already developed functional materials containing silver nanoparticles and also to look forward their scope in daily life applications. A little more insight into antimicrobial properties of such materials will also be elaborated. Finally, the optimal amounts of silver that cannot be health hazardous to living being especially human and overall environmental impacts of Nanocomposites are presented

Assessing Gait & Balance in Adults with Mild Balance Impairment:G&B App Reliability and Validity

Smartphone applications (apps) that utilize embedded inertial sensors have the potential to provide valid and reliable estimations of different balance and gait parameters in older adults with mild balance impairment. This study aimed to assess the reliability, validity, and sensitivity of the Gait&amp;Balance smartphone application (G&amp;B App) for measuring gait and balance in a sample of middle- to older-aged adults with mild balance impairment in Pakistan. Community-dwelling adults over 50 years of age (N = 83, 50 female, range 50-75 years) with a Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score between 46/56 and 54/56 were included in the study. Data collection involved securing a smartphone to the participant's lumbosacral spine. Participants performed six standardized balance tasks, including four quiet stance tasks and two gait tasks (walking looking straight ahead and walking with head turns). The G&amp;B App collected accelerometry data during these tasks, and the tasks were repeated twice to assess test-retest reliability. The tasks in quiet stance were also recorded with a force plate, a gold-standard technology for measuring postural sway. Additionally, participants completed three clinical measures, the BBS, the Functional Reach Test (FRT), and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Test-retest reliability within the same session was determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and the standard error of measurement (SEM). Validity was evaluated by correlating the G&amp;B App outcomes against both the force plate data and the clinical measures using Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficients. To assess the G&amp;B App's sensitivity to differences in balance across tasks and repetitions, one-way repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were conducted. During quiet stance, the app demonstrated moderate reliability for steadiness on firm (ICC = 0.72) and compliant surfaces (ICC = 0.75) with eyes closed. For gait tasks, the G&amp;B App indicated moderate to excellent reliability when walking looking straight ahead for gait symmetry (ICC = 0.65), walking speed (ICC = 0.93), step length (ICC = 0.94), and step time (ICC = 0.84). The TUG correlated with app measures under both gait conditions for walking speed (r -0.70 and 0.67), step length (r -0.56 and -0.58), and step time (r 0.58 and 0.50). The BBS correlated with app measures of walking speed under both gait conditions (r 0.55 and 0.51) and step length when walking with head turns (r = 0.53). Force plate measures of total distance wandered showed adequate to excellent correlations with G&amp;B App measures of steadiness. Notably, G&amp;B App measures of walking speed, gait symmetry, step length, and step time, were sensitive to detecting differences in performance between standard walking and the more difficult task of walking with head turns. This study demonstrates the G&amp;B App's potential as a reliable and valid tool for assessing some gait and balance parameters in middle-to-older age adults, with promise for application in low-income countries like Pakistan. The app's accessibility and accuracy could enhance healthcare services and support preventive measures related to fall risk.</p

Clinical Utility of N-Terminal Prohormone B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Heart Failure

Objective: To evaluate the effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on plasma N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with heart failure and correlate it with glycosylated haemoglobin levels. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemical Pathology in collaboration with the Department of Cardiology,Combined Military Hospital, Multan Pakistan, from Feb to Sep 2021. Methodology: We assayed plasma NT-pro BNP levels in 194 individuals with established heart failure, (98 non-diabetics, and 96 patients with diabetes). Plasma NT-pro BNP levels were compared between groups in addition, the correlation of glycosylated haemoglobin with plasma NT-pro BNP levels was explored. Results: The mean plasma NT-pro BNP values were higher in patients with diabetes (15826.08 ±8143.434pg/mL) than in nondiabetics (12534.06±6323.92pg/mL) with a p-value 0.02. When NT-pro BNP was compared there was no significant found difference between the non-diabetic group and the Controlled Diabetes-Group (p-value 0 .882), but it was significantly higher in the Uncontrolled Diabetes-Group (p-value<0.001). A moderate positive association was found between NT-pro BNP and glycosylated haemoglobin (r=0.541, p-value<0.001). Conclusion: Although obesity has an inverse relation with plasma natriuretic peptides level and most patients with diabetes are overweight, the plasma NT-pro BNP is still a very informative tool and holds its significance as a diagnostic and prognosis marker in diabetic patients with heart failure

Association of Serum Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase and C-Reactive Protein as a Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: To compare Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase and serum C-reactive protein as biomarker of oxidative stress in patients of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, department of Chemical Pathology and Endocrinology Rawalpindi. The duration of study was 6 months i.e., 17 Nov 2021 – 17 May 2022 after approval from Institutional Review Board FC-CHP21-12/Read-IRB/22/846. Materials and Methods: An analytical, cross-sectional research was carried out at Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Rawalpindi. An overall 300 diabetic patients were included between ages of 45 – 65 years. Group I had 100 nondiabetic individuals of 45 – 65 years of age with HbA1c < 5.7 %. Group II and III included 100 patients each of DM of matched age with HbA1c 6.5 – 7 % and greater than 7 % respectively, without any other chronic disease. Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase, HbA1c, Serum C-Reactive Protein were analyzed. Moreover, some more biochemical investigations such as serum liver enzymes were measured to rule out any liver disease. One-way ANOVA was followed up by post-hoc Tukey analysis for intergroup comparison. Results: Mean serum gamma-glutamyl transferase levels were markedly increased in group III patients followed by group II and normal in group I. The mean of serum gamma-glutamyl transferase in group I was (9.38+4.05U/l), group II (34.27+15.07 U/l) and group III (47.08+20.56 U/l). The mean of Serum C-Reactive Protein in group I was (11+6.02 mg/l), group II (62.07+ 26.94 mg/l) and group III (107.73+57.03 mg/l). Pearson correlation revealed prominent positive correlation between HbA1c, serum gamma-glutamyl transferase and Serum C-Reactive Protein with r value of serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (0.838367) and Serum C-Reactive Protein (0.684722). One-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey analysis had p value of < 0.05 which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase is better marker of oxidative stress in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus as compared to Serum C-Reactive Protein. The r value of serum gamma-glutamyl transferase is (0.838367) and Serum C-Reactive Protein is (0.684722) indicating strong positive correlation of serum gamma-glutamyl transferase with HbA1c. Therefore, Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase can be used for the prevention and monitoring of complications of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Anti-acne activity of Casuarina equisetifolia bark extract: A randomized clinical trial

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Casuarina equisetifolia bark extract (5% cream) in comparison with benzoyl peroxide as the standard drug for acne vulgaris. After exclusion, fifty patients were included in the study (n=50) with age group distribution between 17-34 years of age. Patients were distributed into Group 1 (5% cream) and Group 2 (benzoyl peroxide), and were advised to apply the herbal cream twice a day topically. The clinical efficacy of the herbal cream and severity of acne vulgaris was assessed by Cook's acne grading scale. Results revealed that there was no significant difference found in both test and standard control groups. Further, remarkable improvement was found in acne grading in the test group

Beyond the Horizon, Backhaul Connectivity for Offshore IoT Devices

The prevalent use of the Internet of Things (IoT) devices over the Sea, such as, on oil and gas platforms, cargo, and cruise ships, requires high-speed connectivity of these devices. Although satellite based backhaul links provide vast coverage, but they are inherently constrained by low data rates and expensive bandwidth. If a signal propagated over the sea is trapped between the sea surface and the Evaporation Duct (ED) layer, it can propagate beyond the horizon, achieving long-range backhaul connectivity with minimal attenuation. This paper presents experimental measurements and simulations conducted in the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) Band Wi-Fi frequencies, such as 5.8 GHz to provide hassle-free offshore wireless backhaul connectivity for IoT devices over the South China Sea in the Malaysian region. Real-time experimental measurements are recorded for 10 km to 80 km path lengths to determine average path loss values. The fade margin calculation for ED must accommodate additional slow fading on top of average path loss with respect to time and climate-induced ED height variations to ensure reliable communication links for IoT devices. Experimental results confirm that 99% link availability of is achievable with minimum 50 Mbps data rate and up to 60 km distance over the Sea to connect offshore IoT devices

Discovery of novel 1,2,4-triazole tethered β-hydroxy sulfides as bacterial tyrosinase inhibitors: synthesis and biophysical evaluation through in vitro and in silico approaches

In this study, a series of 1,2,4-triazole-tethered β-hydroxy sulfide scaffolds 11a–h was synthesized in good to remarkable yields (69–90%) through the thiolysis of oxiranes by the thiols in aqueous basic catalytic conditions. The synthesized 1,2,4-triazole-tethered β-hydroxy sulfides were screened against bacterial tyrosinase enzyme, and Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cultures i.e., (S. aureus) Staphylococcus aureus & (E. coli) Escherichia coli. Among the synthesized derivatives, the molecules 11a (IC50 = 7.67 ± 1.00 μM), 11c (IC50 = 4.52 ± 0.09 μM), 11d (IC50 = 6.60 ± 1.25 μM), and 11f (IC50 = 5.93 ± 0.50 μM) displayed the better tyrosinase inhibitory activity in comparison to reference drugs ascorbic acid (IC50 = 11.5 ± 1.00 μM) and kojic acid (IC50 = 30.34 ± 0.75 μM). The molecule benzofuran-triazol-propan-2-ol 11c proved to be the most potent bacterial tyrosinase inhibitory agent with a minimum IC50 of 4.52 ± 0.09 μM, as compared to other synthesized counterparts and both standards (kojic acid and ascorbic acid). The compound diphenyl-triazol-propan-2-ol 11a and benzofuran-triazole-propan-2-ol 11c showed comparable anti-bacterial chemotherapeutic efficacy with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC = 2.0 ± 2.25 mg mL−1 and 2.5 ± 0.00 mg mL−1, respectively) against S. aureus bacterial strain in comparison with standard antibiotic penicillin (MIC = 2.2 ± 1.15 mg mL−1). Furthermore, among the synthesized derivatives, only compound 11c demonstrated better anti-bacterial activity (MIC = 10 ± 0.40 mg mL−1) against E. coli, which was slightly less than the standard antibiotic i.e., penicillin (MIC = 2.4 ± 1.00 mg mL−1). The compound 11c demonstrated a better binding score (−7.08 kcal mol−1) than ascorbic acid (−5.59 kcal mol−1) and kojic acid (−5.78 kcal mol−1). Molecular docking studies also validate the in vitro anti-tyrosinase assay results; therefore, the molecule 11c can be the lead bacterial tyrosinase inhibitor as well as the antibacterial agent against both types of bacterial strains after suitable structural modifications

Effect of early tranexamic acid administration on mortality, hysterectomy, and other morbidities in women with post-partum haemorrhage (WOMAN): an international, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background Post-partum haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide. Early administration of tranexamic acid reduces deaths due to bleeding in trauma patients. We aimed to assess the effects of early administration of tranexamic acid on death, hysterectomy, and other relevant outcomes in women with post-partum haemorrhage. Methods In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we recruited women aged 16 years and older with a clinical diagnosis of post-partum haemorrhage after a vaginal birth or caesarean section from 193 hospitals in 21 countries. We randomly assigned women to receive either 1 g intravenous tranexamic acid or matching placebo in addition to usual care. If bleeding continued after 30 min, or stopped and restarted within 24 h of the first dose, a second dose of 1 g of tranexamic acid or placebo could be given. Patients were assigned by selection of a numbered treatment pack from a box containing eight numbered packs that were identical apart from the pack number. Participants, care givers, and those assessing outcomes were masked to allocation. We originally planned to enrol 15 000 women with a composite primary endpoint of death from all-causes or hysterectomy within 42 days of giving birth. However, during the trial it became apparent that the decision to conduct a hysterectomy was often made at the same time as randomisation. Although tranexamic acid could influence the risk of death in these cases, it could not affect the risk of hysterectomy. We therefore increased the sample size from 15 000 to 20 000 women in order to estimate the effect of tranexamic acid on the risk of death from post-partum haemorrhage. All analyses were done on an intention-to-treat basis. This trial is registered with ISRCTN76912190 (Dec 8, 2008); ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00872469; and PACTR201007000192283. Findings Between March, 2010, and April, 2016, 20 060 women were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive tranexamic acid (n=10 051) or placebo (n=10 009), of whom 10 036 and 9985, respectively, were included in the analysis. Death due to bleeding was significantly reduced in women given tranexamic acid (155 [1·5%] of 10 036 patients vs 191 [1·9%] of 9985 in the placebo group, risk ratio [RR] 0·81, 95% CI 0·65–1·00; p=0·045), especially in women given treatment within 3 h of giving birth (89 [1·2%] in the tranexamic acid group vs 127 [1·7%] in the placebo group, RR 0·69, 95% CI 0·52–0·91; p=0·008). All other causes of death did not differ significantly by group. Hysterectomy was not reduced with tranexamic acid (358 [3·6%] patients in the tranexamic acid group vs 351 [3·5%] in the placebo group, RR 1·02, 95% CI 0·88–1·07; p=0·84). The composite primary endpoint of death from all causes or hysterectomy was not reduced with tranexamic acid (534 [5·3%] deaths or hysterectomies in the tranexamic acid group vs 546 [5·5%] in the placebo group, RR 0·97, 95% CI 0·87-1·09; p=0·65). Adverse events (including thromboembolic events) did not differ significantly in the tranexamic acid versus placebo group. Interpretation Tranexamic acid reduces death due to bleeding in women with post-partum haemorrhage with no adverse effects. When used as a treatment for postpartum haemorrhage, tranexamic acid should be given as soon as possible after bleeding onset. Funding London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Pfizer, UK Department of Health, Wellcome Trust, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation