25 0H Vitamin D Levels in Pregnant Females: The Hidden Time Bomb

Objective: To assess and correlate changes in vitamin D levels in three trimesters of pregnancy. Material and methods: This longitudinal study was conducted in collaboration with the Gynecology & Obstetric and Pathology department of Fauji foundation hospital, Rawalpindi. Eighty pregnant females were included in the study and tested for vitamin D at three points of time i.e. first trimester gestational age: (7-13 weeks), second trimester (20-26weeks), and third trimester (33 weeks till term). Pregnant females at their first visit and healthy nonpregnant females (controls) were analyzed for vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, ferritin, and Hemoglobin (Hb) levels and compared using the Mann- Whitney U test for vitamin D and independent sample t-test for other parameters. Vitamin D and Hemoglobin (Hb) testing was done during the first, second, and third trimesters among pregnant females and compared between three groups using the Kruskal Wallis test and paired t-test respectively. Results: Mean age of the pregnant females was 35 years. Mean vitamin D levels showed a significant decline from 30.7 ng/ml vs 19.5 ng/ml vs 18.6 ng/ml for the first, second, and third trimesters respectively (p-value<0.05). The frequency of vitamin D deficiency was 15.1% for pregnant females at their first visit which progressed to 20% and 25% in the second and third trimesters respectively. Conclusion: Increased vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency rates exist in pregnant females, which progresses to further decline in the ensuing trimesters

Phyllospheric Bacterial Treatments Improve Growth in Helianthus annuus L.

The current study focuses on the effect of variation in time of bacterial treatment during different growth phases of seeds on plant growth improvement using Helianthus annuus L. For this purpose, two phyllospheric auxin-producing bacterial strains Bacillus thuringiensis (E4) and Lysinobacillus fusiformis (E6) were used for bacterial treatment. Two experiments were conducted in the present work with pre-germination and post-germination inoculation treatments to seeds. A comparative analysis was made in order to find out the efficiency of Bacillus thuringiensis (E4) and Lysinobacillus fusiformis (E6) for improving growth of Helianthus annuus L. Post-germination treatments were found effective with Bacillus thuringiensis (E4) but Lysinobacillus fusiformis (E6) worked well in both treatments i.e., in pre-germination and in post-germination inoculation treatment

Prevalence and risk factor analysis of haemoplasmas infection in cats from Lahore (Pakistan)

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are obligate Gram-negative bacteria that target red blood cells, and infect a wide range of hosts including cats, dogs, domestic ruminants, pigs, rodents and humans. The present study was designed for the molecular detection of Mycoplasma haemofelis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum in feline blood samples collected from various pet clinics in Pakistan, by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), using 16S rDNA as the target sequence. Clinical and epidemiological data was collected in all animals included in the study. M. haemofelis and C. Mycoplasma haemominutum DNA was detected by PCR respectively in 6.8% (10/148) and in 18.2% (27/148) of cat blood samples. Of these, two animals were co-infected with both agents. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis was performed in M. haemofelis infected samples. Analysis of risk factors revealed that risk of M. haemofelis and of C. Mycoplasma haemominutum infection was significantly higher during summer months than during the winter season (P ≤ 0.01 in both agents). Cats older than one year of age were significantly more predisposed to C. Mycoplasma haemominutum infection than younger cats (P ≤ 0.001), and fever manifestation was significantly associated with M. haemofelis infection (P ≤ 0.001) in enrolled subjects. In conclusion, this study represents the first report of molecular detection of M. haemofelis and C. Mycoplasma haemominutum in cats from Pakistan. Therefore, this agents should be considered in cats from Pakistan presented with compatible clinical signs, mainly those presented during summer season, and in adult cats and cats presented with fever.publishersversionpublishe

Evaluation of some biological activities of Abelia triflora R Br (Caprifoliaceae) constituents

Purpose: To investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic,  cardiovascular and cytotoxic activities of the leaf extract and major compounds isolated from Abelia triflora R. Br. (Caprifoliaceae)Methods: The chloroform soluble fraction of A. triflora leaves was subjected to several column chromatographic separations to isolate its constituents.  Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities were determined in terms of the ability to inhibit NF-kB, iNOS activity and lipoxygenase enzyme, and to decrease oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. Antidiabetic and cardiovascular activities were determined by screening for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and PPARɣ agonistic activities. In vitro cytotoxic activity was determined against a set of four human cancer cell lines (SK-MEL, KB, BT-549, SK-OV-3) and two  non-cancerous kidney cell lines (LLC-PK1 and VERO). Cell viability was measured by neutral red assay.Results: Three triterpene acids were isolated from the chloroform fraction namely; ursolic acid (4), 2, 3-dihydroxy ursolic acid (5) and 2, 3, 21-trihydroxy ursolic acid (6). The results showed that ursolic acid exhibited potent inhibition of lipoxygenase enzyme and iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) activity with IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) value of 13.0 μg/mL, compared to parthenolide positive standard (IC50, 0.3μg/mL); furthermore, it inhibited NF-kB (nuclear factor-kappa B) with IC50 of 25.0 μg/mL, compared to parthenolide (positive standard, (IC50, 0.5 μg/mL). Also, ursolic acid possessed the highest cytotoxic effect against the three cell lines, SK-MEL (IC50, 14.5 μg/mL), BT-549 (IC50, 16.0 μg/mL) and SK-OV-3 (IC50, 12.5 μg/mL). Only 2,3-dihydroxy ursolic acid activated PPARɣ (1.5-fold at 25 μM), compared to rosiglitazone (positive standard, 3.7 fold at 10 μM)Conclusion: Among the investigated compounds, ursolic acid exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities, while 2,3-dihydroxy ursolic acid demonstrated antidiabetic activity via activation of PPARɣ.Keywords: Abelia triflora, Anti-inflammatory, Antidiabetic, Cardiovascular activity, Antioxidant, Cytotoxi

Power Management of Hybrid Grid System With Battery Deprivation Cost Using Artificial Neural Network

Continuous power supply in an integrated electric system supplied by solar energy and battery storage can be optimally maintained with the use of diesel generators. This article discusses the optimum setting-point for isolated wind, photo-voltaic, diesel, and battery storage electric grid systems. Optimal energy supply for hybrid grid systems means that the load is sufficient for 24 h. This study aims to integrate the battery deprivation costs and the fuel price feature in the optimization model for the hybrid grid. In order to count charge-discharge cycles and measure battery deprivation, the genetic algorithm concept is utilized. To solve the target function, an ANN-based algorithm with genetic coefficients can also be used to optimize the power management system. In the objective function, a weight factor is proposed. Specific weight factor values are considered for simulation studies. On the algorithm actions, charging status, and its implications for the optimized expense of the hybrid grid, the weight factor effect is measured.This research was funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University through the Fast-track Research Funding Program.Scopu

Synthesis of Breast Cancer Targeting Conjugate of Temporin-SHa Analog and its Effect on Pro- and Anti-Apoptotic Protein Expression in MCF-7 Cells

The frog natural product temporin-SHa (FLSGIVGMLGKLFamide) is a potent antimicrobial peptide, as is the analog [S3K]SHa. By solid-phase synthesis, we prepared temporin-SHa and several temporin-SHa analogs with one or more D-alanine residues incorporated. The natural product and the analog [G10a]SHa were found to be cytotoxic in mammalian cell lines and induce cell death. To achieve selectivity, we conjugated the analog [G10a]SHa with a breast cancer targeting peptide (BCTP). The resulting peptide temporin [G10a]SHa-BCTP conjugate was selectively active against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line with no cytotoxicity in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts. Unlike the natural product or [G10a]SHa, the conjugated peptide induced apoptosis, down regulating the expression of Bcl-2 and survivin and up regulating Bax and caspase-3

HER2-enriched subtype and novel molecular subgroups drive aromatase inhibitor resistance and an increased risk of relapse in early ER+/HER2+ breast cancer

BACKGROUND: Oestrogen receptor positive/ human epidermal growth factor receptor positive (ER+/HER2+) breast cancers (BCs) are less responsive to endocrine therapy than ER+/HER2- tumours. Mechanisms underpinning the differential behaviour of ER+HER2+ tumours are poorly characterised. Our aim was to identify biomarkers of response to 2 weeks’ presurgical AI treatment in ER+/HER2+ BCs. METHODS: All available ER+/HER2+ BC baseline tumours (n=342) in the POETIC trial were gene expression profiled using BC360™ (NanoString) covering intrinsic subtypes and 46 key biological signatures. Early response to AI was assessed by changes in Ki67 expression and residual Ki67 at 2 weeks (Ki672wk). Time-To-Recurrence (TTR) was estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox models adjusted for standard clinicopathological variables. New molecular subgroups (MS) were identified using consensus clustering. FINDINGS: HER2-enriched (HER2-E) subtype BCs (44.7% of the total) showed poorer Ki67 response and higher Ki672wk (p<0.0001) than non-HER2-E BCs. High expression of ERBB2 expression, homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) and TP53 mutational score were associated with poor response and immune-related signatures with High Ki672wk. Five new MS that were associated with differential response to AI were identified. HER2-E had significantly poorer TTR compared to Luminal BCs (HR 2.55, 95% CI 1.14–5.69; p=0.0222). The new MS were independent predictors of TTR, adding significant value beyond intrinsic subtypes. INTERPRETATION: Our results show HER2-E as a standardised biomarker associated with poor response to AI and worse outcome in ER+/HER2+. HRD, TP53 mutational score and immune-tumour tolerance are predictive biomarkers for poor response to AI. Lastly, novel MS identify additional non-HER2-E tumours not responding to AI with an increased risk of relapse

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

ناولٹ ’’دکھیارے‘‘ میں تہذیبی و ثقافتی عناصر کی عکاسی

History of Lakhnow is full of cultural colours. Many writers depicted these hues in their writings beautifully with all its details. Anees Ashfaq is a well-known urdu writer. He presented the past and the future of culture through his novels. His novelette “Dukhyary” is a beautiful and meaningful description of comparison of the past and the future of Lakhnow. For this purpose, there are two stories in “Dukhyary”, One story is of a mother and his three sons with different behaviours and the other one is of the future and the past of Lakhnow. Both stories are examples of marvelous creative tragedy and are linked in a symbolic way. Each part of this novelette, i.e plot, characters, detail of different buildings and norms, is enhancing the cultural change of Lakhnow in an artistic, nostalgic and romantic way. This article covers these aspects of this novelette with a critical and anlytical approach