Significance of folklore as a source of history and culture: A critical appraisal with special reference to the folklore of Sindh (Pakistan)

This article, as the title itself indicates is an attempt to examine the importance of folklore as a source of history with special reference to the status and the character of women.Folklore is ‘a part of oral traditions which are the messages or testimonies transmitted orally from one generation to another.’The testimonies are transmitted in the form of folk tales,sayings,ballads,songs or chants. In this way, it is possible for a society to transmit history, literature,law and the other knowledge orally across the generations without any writing system.It has been argued by the scholars that the accounts transmitted through oral traditions has generally formed or provided the basis of literature in the world, though of semi-historical nature.The genesis of the Odyssey of Homer in Greece, the Shahnama of Firdusi, a great world epic of Iranand the Divine Comedy by Dante in Italy has been rightly traced back to the oral traditions.However, the term ‘folklore’ lends itself to multiple definitions.For a lay man, all folksy material (songs,customs, and stories) constitutes folklore. But in its wider sense folklore implies a socio-cultural corpus specific to a particular ethnic group, and includes folk-behavior or the study of folk-traditions.This term may be treated in its narrow sense as being coterminous with folk literature and folk say. It includes both poetry and prose, though the former is historically older than the latter.Folklore truly represents the socio-cultural milieu of the people over ages

Comparison of foeto-maternal outcome in pregnant women with hepatitis E - A review of 12 years.

Objective: To compare adverse maternal and foetal outcome in pregnant women with hepatitis E immunoglobulin M reactive versus non-reactive.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised records of pregnant patients at any gestational age with clinical and biochemical evidence of hepatitis E from January 2002 and December 2014. . Maternal and perinatal outcome of the subjects were analysed. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis.Results: Out of the 200 subjects, 168(84 %) were hepatitis E immunoglobulin M reactive and 32(16%) were non-reactive. The overall mean age was 26.7±4.5 years. Also, 12(7%) patients in the immunoglobulin M reactive group were admitted to intensive care unit compared to no one from the non-reactive group. Similarly fulminant hepatic failure was seen in 12(7.1%) patients in the immunoglobulin M reactive group compared to no one in the other group. Post-partum haemorrhage was more frequent in the immunoglobulin M reactive group compared to the non-reactive group. There were 5(3%) maternal deaths in the reactive group compared to no death in the other group.Moreover, 34(20.2%) neonates of the immunoglobulin M reactive group needed neonatal intensive care unit admission compared to none in the non-reactive group. There were 4(2.4%) neonatal deaths in the reactive group.Conclusion: Participants in the immunoglobulin M reactive group had a higher percentage of adverse foeto-maternal outcomes compared to the non-reactive group

Rapid identification of quinone methide triterpenes using LCMS/MS approach / Dr. Humera Naz, Prof. Dr. JFF Weber and Dr. Hannis Fadzillah Mohsin

Medicinal plants have been used by mankind as a source of medicines since immemorial time. More than 35,000 plant species have been reported to be used in various human cultures around the world for medicinal purposes (Lewington & Network, 1993). Burkill (1966), in his extensive compilation of the economic products of the Malay Peninsula, recorded around 1,300 plants that have been used in the local traditional medicine. The diverse flora of Malaysian forest offers a great abundance of chemical diversity of secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, xanthones and genetic variability that have great potential to serve the needs of modern medicine (Ahmad et al., 2003). The discovery of calanolide A and their derivatives from Calophyllum lanigerum (bintangor tree) with anti-HIV activities shows the potential of the forest in the drug discovery program and the importance of a well-planned research. Other Malaysian plants such as Eurycoma longifolia (tongkat AN), Centella asitatica (pegaga), Labisia pumila (kacip Fatimah), Elephantopus scaber (tapak Sulaiman) and Phyllanthus niruri (dukung anak) also showed good potential to be developed into useful drugs (Ahmad et ai, 2003). The plant extracts of the family Celastraceae have been used throughout South America and China as insect repellents and insecticides in traditional agriculture, and also as a remedy for stomach complaints, fever, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer (Spivey et ai, 2002). Quinone methides are secondary metabolites of the Celastraceae family. It is considered as chemotoxonomic indicators due to its major presence in Celastraceae family. Pristimerin, a quinonemethide triterpenoid derived from Celastraceae, has been proven by research to suppress tumor promotion, metastasis and angiogenesis (Kim et ai 2013). The bioactive compounds from L. javanicum is not thoroughly investigated. Therefore, this study is carried out in an attempt to characterise the phtochemical constituents and biological activities of this plant

One-Year Review Of Reduced Fetal Movements In Izzat Ali Shah MCH Center: A Predictor Of Poor Perinatal Outcome

Objectives: To find out common causes of reduced fetal movements. The purpose is to reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality. Methodology: This Prospective, Observational study was conducted at Izzat Ali Shah Maternal and child health center, unit III Gynae, Wah medical college Wah Cantt, from January 2019 to December 2019. A total of participants 160, who presented in the antenatal outpatient or emergency department with reduced fetal movements, were included in the study. Patients in the active phase of labor were excluded from the study. Patients were followed up till delivery. All necessary information, investigations, and examination points were noted on the predesigned proforma. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 22. Results: Out of a total of 160 patients, 144 had alive and stable babies. Regarding the age group, out of 160, six patients were teenagers (3.75%), 98 (61.25%) were between 20-30 years, and 55(34.3%) were in the age group of 30-40 years. Regarding gestational age at presentation, 27 out of 160(16.8%) were between 30-35 weeks, 133(83.12%) was at 36-40 weeks. None of the patients presented below 30 weeks. Concerning the number of pregnancy, primigravida 82(51.25%), 60(37.5%) were multigravida, and 18 (11.25%) was grand multipara. Regarding medical history, anemia was seen in 31 patients (19.37%), pregnancy-induced hypertension in 20(12.5%), and 65 %( 104) has no significant medical history. Concerning past obstetrical history, 107(66.8%) fell under low-risk pregnancies, 18(11.25%) had previously normal deliveries but 08(05%) patients had H/O still births. Regarding placental position, 71(44.37%) had anterior, 71(44.37%) had posterior, and 18 (11.25) had fundal placenta. Regarding UAD, 136(85%) had normal umbilical artery Doppler, 13(8.12%) had altered, 06(3.75%) were Absent and 05 (3.12%) has reversed end diastolic flow. During study, 78(48.7%) had normal AFI, 69(43.12%) has Oligohydramnios, 10(6.25%) anhydramnios, while only 03(1.87%) had polyhydramnios.  Regarding birth weight, 122(76.25%) had average weight, 32(20%) were low birth weight and 05(3.12%) were very low birth weight. 61(38.12%) went into NICU, while 99(61.8%) no admission required. Conclusion: Most common risk factor or cause of reduced fetal movements was reduced liquor, (79). Out of which 69 remained alive and stable after birth, while 15 had early neonatal deaths. The second cause found was abnormal umbilical artery Doppler,(24). Out of which, 14 had early neonatal deaths and intrauterine deaths. This study showed the increased obligation of care required by patients with decreased fetal movement. Although the number of live births is more as compared to demise, it results in increased neonatal unit admission rates, higher induction and cesarean section rates, higher surveillance demands, and an increased financial burden on parents. It signifies the need for more vigilance in this area of practice. But we can’t neglect the perception of a mother. Mother’s feelings are more important than any other test

Activity Of Piperacillin/Tazobactam And Cefoperazone/Sulbactam Against Pathogenic Isolates Of Enterobacteriaceae

Background: Enterobacteriaceae are a large family of gram negative bacteria including many genera. The emergence and spread of resistance in Enterobacteriaceae is increasing due to the production of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) enzymes. Combinations of Beta-lactam/Beta-lactamase inhibitors such as Piperacillin/Tazobactam and Cefoperazone/Sulbactam have good activity against these isolates. The purpose of this study is to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Piperacillin/Tazobactam and Cefoperazone/Sulbactam against isolates of Enterobacteriaceae from a tertiary care hospital laboratory of Pakistan. This study validates better options for empirical antimicrobial treatment for this group of difficult to treat pathogens. Methods: A total of 2111 clinical samples were received for culture and sensitivity from both in and outpatients. Samples were inoculated on Chocolate agar, Sheep blood agar and MacConkey’s agar and were incubated for 24 to 48 hours according to standard technique. All isolates belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae identified by conventional biochemical tests were included in the study. Antimicrobial sensitivities of Enterobacteriaceae were tested and interpreted by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to Clinical Laboratory Standard Institution criteria. Results: Out of 2111 clinical samples, 214 isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were identified. Escherichia coli was recognized as the predominant pathogen (130/214; 60.75%). Frequency of extended spectrum beta lactamases producing Enterobacteriaceaewas100/214(47%) in 214 samples. Antimicrobial sensitivity was 80% (172/214) to Piperacillin/Tazobactam and 83% (178/214) to Cefoperazone/Sulbactam against the total 214 isolates of Enterobacteriaceae. Conclusion: Piperacillin/Tazobactam and Cefoperazone/Sulbactam are potential and better empirical treatment options for treating isolates of Enterobacteriaceae. This will help in reducing selection pressure on last resort antimicrobials and hence curtail antimicrobial resistance. Key Words: Antimicrobial susceptibility. Piperacillin/Tazobactam. Cefoperazone/Sulbactam. Enterobacteriaceae. Beta lactamases

Phytochemicals and bioactivities of Syzygium filiforme var. filiforme

Syzygium filiforme var. filiforme is a plant variety from dicotyledonous plant family (Myrtaceae). Phytochemical studies on S. filiforme var. filiforme stem bark have successfully isolated and characterized arjunolic acid (1), alphitolic acid (2), betulinic acid (3), ursolic acid (4), ursolic acid 3-methyl ester (5), β-sitosterol (6) and stigmasterol (7). The inhibitory activities against free radical, starch, and bacteria for major compounds were tested by using DPPH, α-glucosidase and minimum inhibitory and bacterial concentration assays, respectively. No promising antioxidant activity was shown on tested samples except methanolic crude extract. For antidiabetic activity, methanolic and dichloromethane crude extracts displayed potent activity compared to 1-deoxynojirimycin. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bacterial concentration (MBC) assays for antibacterial activity were evaluated on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. All crude extracts and major compounds displayed weak and no promising activities for MIC method, respectively. Meanwhile, for MBC method, hexane crude extract and compound 1 showed inhibition against B. subtilis

X-ray Diffraction, Electronic Circular Dichroism, and Quantum Mechanics (TD-DFT) Investigations on 4 Dehydroxyaltersolanol A, a Secondary Metabolite from Endophytic Fungus Nigrospora oryzae

Background and objectives: A tetrahydro anthraquinone derivative, 4-dehydroxyaltersolanol A, has been obtained from Nigrospora oryzae, which was isolated from Uncaria borneensis Havil as an endophytic fungus. This is a recently described compound whose stereochemistry was assumed from biogenetic considerations. However, using ECD spectral analysis in combination with TD-DFT calculations, its stereochemistry could be determined unambiguously. Method: In the current research, the selected TH1P45 culture was analysed using semi-preparative HPLC, which led to the isolation of six secondary metabolites, including 4-dehydroxyaltersolanol A (1). We have further presented full evidence of the stereochemistry of compound 1. With the help of quantum calculations, we also determined the mechanism by which this compound degrades in solution. Results: The analysis of TH1P45 culture led to the isolation of six secondary metabolites, including 4-dehydroxyaltersolanol A, three anthraquinone derivatives (macrosporin, bostrycin and altersolanol B), and two pyrones (pestalopyrone and hydroxypestalopyrone). Conclusion: A full evidence of the stereochemistry of compound 1 with the help of the combination of X-ray crystallography, ECD, and TD-DFT quantum calculations, allowed unambiguously assigning the absolute stereochemistry of 4 dehydroxyaltersolanol A as 1S,2R,3S as correctly assumed by Proksh and collaborators from biogenetic considerations

Alkaloids from alphonsea elliptica barks and their biological activities

This study was carried out to investigate the phytochemicals from the barks of Alphonsea elliptica. The barks were harvested from Hutan Simpan Sembarong, Kluang, Johor; and extracted using dichloromethane (DCM), hexane and methanol successively. Isolation of dichloromethane crude extract was then performed using silica gel column chromatography and preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC) techniques. Structural identification were carried out via 1D and 2D NMR, UV, IR, MS and comparison with reported data. Phytochemical study of the barks led to the isolation of five alkaloid in which two were oxoaporphines; atherospermidine (1) and liriodenine (2),two were dioxoaporphines;cepharadione A (3) and N-methylouregidione (4), and an azafluorenone alkaloid; kinabaline (5). The hexane, DCM, and methanol crude extracts, together with five isolated alkaloids, were tested for their radical scavenging activity, inhibition of xanthine oxidase activities and cytotoxicity. Atherospermidine and liriodenine possessed antioxidative activities with IC50 value of 20.17 and 10.73, respectively. Atherospermidine, liriodenine, N-methylouregidione and kinabaline showed xanthine oxidase inhibitiory activityof 46.29, 7.66, 42.10 and 50.72 μM,respectively. Meanwhile, atherospermidine, liriodenine, cepharadione A and kinabaline showed cytotoxicity against breast cancer cell line with IC50 89, 86, 79.85 and 62 μg/mL respectively. All the alkaloids tested in this study were isolated for the first time from this species while cepharadione A is reported for the first time in a species belongs to Alphonsea genus

Risk factors for Anal Sphincter Tears

Background: To determine risk factors in cases of thirdand fourth degree anal sphincter damage during vaginaldeliveries.Methods: In this descriptive study all women withrecognized third or fourth degree perineal tear wereincluded .The main outcome measures were relationshipwith parity, weight of baby and mode of delivery.In allpatients end to end anastomosis technique was used torepair the tear.Results: A total no of 57(1.8%) were identified to havesustained anal sphincter complex damage out of 3076vaginal deliveries. The mean age was 25.65 +_4.6 years.Majority 52 (91.2%) were between 20-35 years and 3 (5.26%)> 35years.Most commonly the tears were seen in patientsof reproductive age group. The primipara or primigravidashad highest frequency of anal sphincterdamage(71.9%).Thirty three (57.9%) had spontaneousvaginal deliveries (SVD) , 11 (19.3%) SVD withepisiotomy, 11 (19.3%) forceps and 1 (1.75%) vacuumdelivery. Majority (63.16%) delivered babies between 2500-3500 grams.Conclusion: Anal sphincter damage is stronglyassociated with first vaginal delivery. Forceps delivery ascompared to vacuum delivery has higher rate of third andfourth degree tears. Mediolateral episiotomy may haveprotective role