Major, Minor and Trace Elements Existence in Surface Sediments from Gwadar to Jiwani Coastal Areas of Pakistan

This study was carried out along the western coastal parts of Balochistan from Gwadar east Bay to Jiwani. The local anomaly of major, minor and trace elements were studied in this area. Zone-I (Gwadar east and west Bay) indicates that calcium oxide, potassium oxide and titanium dioxide have higher or average concentrations, while ZoneII indicates higher or average concentrations of calcium oxide, titanium dioxide and ferric oxide. Trace elements zirconium, chromium, europium, strontium, and copper are in higher or average concentrations in both zones. Gwadar west Bay and Jiwani are intermediate in carbonate, which show a high degree of maturity, suggesting the high rate of weathering in the source area. Sediment samples from Ganz, Jiwani, and Gwadar east Bay represent the quartz-rich fields in this region. Gwadar east Bay has a positive correlation between aluminium oxide and potassium oxide which suggests that abundance of potassium oxide is controlled by variation in K-feldspar contents. A positive correlation between strontium and calcium oxide suggests that strontium is associated with calcium oxide in biogenic carbonate material in Gwadar west Bay. The positive correlation between aluminium oxide, copper, and zinc in Pishukan indicates that the abundance of these elements is due to limited silt and clay fractions present in sediments. Enrichment factor shows that chromium and strontium are probably of anthropogenic origin in this region. Keyword

Testing the Harrod Balassa Sameulson Hypothesis: The Case of Pakistan.

For a small open economy of Pakistan, exchange rate is determined through the two alternative theories; the nominal theory of exchange rate named by Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) and the real theory known as Harrod Balassa Sameulson (HBS). According to the requirements of theories, two kinds of real exchange rate have been employed for the yearly data of 1972-2008. As, both of the theories are disputed at the ground of their long run relationship with real exchange rate, therefore, the VAR based Johenson Co-integration approach has been utilised to see the long run relationships. PPP has shown less satisfactory results either in its form of absolute version or relative version. Because, real exchange rate in Pakistan is a non-stationary process by Augmented Dickey Fuller unit-root test, predicting some pushing force behind the non-tradable sector. While favouring the PPP in tradable sector, the ADF and KPSS are indicating the presence of the HBS in Pakistan. On the other hand, the analysis of the HBS through co-integration is showing that relative productivity difference has an opposite relationship with relative non-tradable sector prices and with RER. However, the relationship between relative non-tradable sector prices and RER is much stronger and according to the theory. So, there have been incorporated some demand side and external factors to reduce the mis-specification of the simple HBS model. Therefore, in the extended HBS model, productivity difference, government consumption expenditure, terms of trade and world oil prices are appreciating the RER and money supply (a control variable) is pursuing depreciation in RER. So, these results yield some policy implications for Pakistan which can be useful for developing countries as well. JEL classification: E0, E31, E44 Keywords: Harrod-Balassa-Samuelson, Exchange Rate, Purchasing Power Parity, Pakista

ANTIFILARIAL ACTIVITY OF PLUMERIA ALBA LINN BARK

The aqueous extract of Bark of Plumeria. alba was tested for its effect on thespontaneous movements of the whole worm (w.w) preparation and nerve muscle (n.m)complex of Setaria cervi a cattle filarial parasite, and on the survival of microfilariae .The aqueous extract could inhibit the spontaneous movements of S.cervi, characterizedby initial stimulation followed by reversible paralysis. The concentration required toproduce similar effect on nerve muscle complex was less as compared to the wholeworm. The lethal concentration 50 (LC50) and lethal concentration 90 (LC90) for aqueousextract were 80 ng/ml and 105 ng/ml respectively

Strontium- and Zinc-Containing Bioactive Glass and Alginates Scaffolds.

With an increasingly elderly population, there is a proportionate increase in bone injuries requiring hospitalization. Clinicians are increasingly adopting tissue-engineering methods for treatment due to limitations in the use of autogenous and autologous grafts. The aim of this study was to synthesize a novel, bioactive, porous, mechanically stable bone graft substitute/scaffold. Strontium- and zinc-containing bioactive glasses were synthesized and used with varying amounts of alginate to form scaffolds. Differential scanning calorimetric analysis (DSC), FTIR, XRD, and NMR techniques were used for the characterization of scaffolds. SEM confirmed the adequate porous structure of the scaffolds required for osteoconductivity. The incorporation of the bioactive glass with alginate has improved the compressive strength of the scaffolds. The bioactivity of the scaffolds was demonstrated by an increase in the pH of the medium after the immersion of the scaffolds in a Tris/HCl buffer and by the formation of orthophosphate precipitate on scaffolds. The scaffolds were able to release calcium, strontium and zinc ions in the Tris/HCl buffer, which would have a positive impact on osteogenesis if tested in vivo

Variations in genomic epidemiology and in-silico screening of potential phytochemicals to cure Monkeypox

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is passed on when people encounter infectious animals. Before April 2022, the Monkeypox virus was reported only in South Africa and its surrounding region but now it has been spread all over the world. This Monkeypox virus consumes an incubation period of five to twenty-one days and can be communicated through direct contact, breathing, contaminated towels, bedding, and so on. The Orthopoxvirus variety is a subfamily of the Poxviridae family that incorporates the Monkeypox infection. Their unique property is to suppress the host defense system and to exploit host immunity. Treatment of Monkeypox involves two vaccines named JYNNEOSTM and ACAM2000. Antiviral medications can be considered for serious diseases, immunocompromised patients, pediatrics, pregnant and lactating ladies, complex sores, and when injuries happen close to the mouth, eyes, and privates. This review article gives a basic information ofA48R, a thymidine kinase, which is involved in DNA replication pathways in the Monkeypox virus. The potential drugs for A48R inhibition like NMCT and rutaecarpine are considered good synthetic drugs. The maximum affinity -18 was shown by phytochemical dictamnine, amentoflavone -7.5, citral -7.8, and naringin – 6.6 which can be isolated from different plants.  The purpose of this review article is to describe variations in genomic epidemiology and in-silico screening of potential phytochemicals to cure Monkeypox.Keywords: Monkeypox virus; Orthopoxvirus; Poxviridae; A48R; Phytochemicals

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE: To determine structural abnormalities in the brain of patients with schizophrenia by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). STUDY DESIGN: Comparative study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Departments of Radiology and Psychiatry, the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January 2007 to June 2008. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-three cases of schizophrenia (n=33) and thirty-three age-matched controls, (n=33) were enrolled for this study. Screening Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of brain was done in order to see structural changes in brain matter. Findings were compared among groups using chi-square and Fisher\u27s exact test with significance at p \u3c 0.05. RESULTS: Among the total of 66 (n=66) MRI films studied for brain abnormalities, brain atrophy, presence of septum pellucidum and enlarged Virchow-Robins spaces were significantly associated with schizophrenia (p \u3c 0.001). There was no significant difference between cases and controls for ventricular dilatation (p=0.5). Sinusitis was mostly associated with controls and well correlated with their symptoms (p \u3c 0.001). CONCLUSION: Brain atrophy was the most commonly seen brain change in the studied sample of patients with schizophrenia. MRI brain can be used to identify structural abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia

Novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): physiology to pathophysiology and therapeutics including herbal medicines

COVID-19 emerged as a public health emergency of international concern in 2019 and spread globally. The spectrum of the diseases varied from asymptomatic to severe, even resulting in mortality. Gender and pre-existing co-morbidities were identifiable risk factors. Diabetes, hypertension, and chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases pose a risk of severe infections and manifestations. The vulnerability was due to ACE 2 receptors, thereby enhancing the entry and subsequent multiplication of the virus. Immune responses acted as the two-way sword, with cytokine storms posing a risk of severe complications. COVID-19 is also associated with long-term effects varying from neuropsychiatric to other complications. Mutations are expected to pose a challenge in the future. The second wave was also related to fungal infections due to varied causes like side effects of treatment and opportunistic infection due to immune suppression from using steroids. Naturopathy is also expected to work wonders. However, scientific and evidence-based results are required. COVID combat requires a multi-level approach. Nutrition and strict adherence to health and hygiene are essential preventive strategies