Compuestos botánicos: una estrategia de control prometedora contra Trypanosoma cruzi

Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. It is a major health threat that affects 6-8 million people annually around the globe. Chagas disease is of zoonotic importance, infecting more than 100 species of sylvatic and domestic mammals. There are only two antibiotic drugs available for the treatment of this disease i.e., Benznidazole and Nifrutimox. Somehow, the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi has developed resistance against these available drugs. There is a need to develop new drugs for the prevention and treatment of Chagas disease. Research proves that botanical compounds can be effective against T. cruzi. Botanicals have shown potent results against bloodstream trypomastigotes, epimastigotes, amastigotes, and trypomastigotes stages of the T. cruzi. Botanical compounds of chalcones, phenolics, alkaloids, terpenoids, benzoic acids, and quinones have been proven to target T. cruzi directly. Direct mechanisms involve DNA damage, energy pathways disturbance, and disrupting cell membranes.La enfermedad de Chagas, también conocida como tripanosomiasis americana, es causada por Trypanosoma cruzi. Es una amenaza importante para la salud que afecta a entre 6 y 8 millones de personas anualmente en todo el mundo. La enfermedad de Chagas tiene una importancia zoonótica, infectando a más de 100 especies de mamíferos silvestres y domésticos. Actualmente, solo hay dos medicamentos antibióticos disponibles para el tratamiento de esta enfermedad, que son, benznidazol y nifurtimox. Sin embargo, el parásito Trypanosoma cruzi ha desarrollado resistencia contra estos medicamentos disponibles. Existe la necesidad de desarrollar nuevos fármacos para la prevención y tratamiento de la enfermedad de Chagas. La investigación demuestra que los compuestos botánicos pueden ser efectivos contra T. cruzi. Los botánicos han mostrado resultados potentes contra las etapas de tripomastigotes en sangre, epimastigotes, amastigotes y tripomastigotes de T. cruzi. Se ha demostrado que los compuestos botánicos como chalconas, fenólicos, alcaloides, terpenoides, ácidos benzoicos y quinonas tienen como objetivo directo a T. cruzi. Los mecanismos directos implican daño al ADN, alteración de las vías energéticas y disruptura de las membranas celulares

Diaspora, Remittances and Dependence on Arab Countries: A Case of Pakistan

This paper has formulated a model by the name of DRADM i.e. Diaspora-Remittances-Arab Dependency Model while studying the literature pertinent to the modes of remittance, sectarianism and the Pakistani diaspora in the Middle-East. Pakistan is home of a large Shi’a population second only to Iran and this community regularly visits the holy shrines in Iran, Syria and Iraq forming a heartily connection with these countries. Contrarily, the Sunni Arab world hosts a huge number of Pakistani workers who send a significant part of their salaries back to Pakistan. These remittances act as a viable source of foreign exchange and help in balance of payments each year. Since the former group (Shi’a) is influenced by Iran and the latter (Sunni) by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan finds itself in a flux. In its bid to make a balance between Iran and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), how Pakistan would manage its staggering economy with headship of Islamic military coalition, is a big question mark. With the help of published secondary data from governmental and other institutions this study examines the co-relation between remittances from Arab World and sectarianism (inside Pakistan and in Middle East) and its impact on the foreign policy of Pakistan

In vitro anticoccidial activity of Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain) extract on oocysts of Eimeria species of Chicken

Background: Due to development of synthetic anticoccidial drug resistance there is improvement of anticoccidial medicines due to which exploration of diverse therapeutic agents is attractive now a days. Amongst original agents’ miscellaneous botanicals have shown encouraging properties against coccidiosis. Present study is also a part of probing innovative therapeutic drugs against coccidiosis which can provide replacement solution to treat coccidiosis.Methods: In current experiment in vitro anticoccidial effect of Trachyspermum ammi (seeds) extract was evaluated. For this purpose, an in vitro sporulation inhibition assay was used. Collected oocysts of four Eimeria species were exposed to six different concentrations (w/v) of T. ammi in 10% Dimethyl sulphoxide solution (DMSO), while Dimethyl sulphoxide and Potassium dichromate solution (K2Cr2O7) served as control groups.Results: Results of study revealed that T. ammi extract showed in vitro anticoccidial effect by affecting on sporulation (%) and damaging (%) Eimeria oocysts in dose dependent manner. T. ammi extract also damaged the morphology of oocysts in terms of shape, size and number of sporocysts.Conclusion: The results strongly support the botanicals applications of T. ammi extract and also demonstrate its potential for use in Poultry coccidiosis control strategies.Keywords: Trachyspermum ammi extract; In vitro; Eimeria; Oocyst

PICRIC ACID; AN ALTERNATIVE SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC REAGENT FOR ESTIMATION OF EDTA SALTS

There are many reagents and techniques by which EDTA can be estimated in water as well as in Raw material. We standardized more quick and easy method for EDTA estimation. It has been reported that PA forms charge transfer complex with compounds. The stability of charge transfer complex depends upon the nature of compound, but mostly these are unstable. PA and EDTA complex show absorbance maximum at 450nm. The aim of our present study was to standardize an alternative method to estimate EDTA in water sample and in pure form by using the complex absorbance property at 450 nm. The 8,12,18,20 and 24 ppm concentration levels were prepared from standard stock solution of EDTA. PA of concentration 0.5gm in 100ml was prepared in chloroform. In each flask 1ml of PA was added and make up the volume of each flask with acetonitrile. The Standard plot was prepared by using EDTA -SALT and recorded Optical density at 450nm (Fig 01). The concentration level of PA was always high then EDTA-SALT in reaction mixture. However excess PA did not interfere at this wave length (450nm).  The EDTA alone Did not show any absorbance in the range of 220 – 400 nm, but EDTA-PA complex showed an absorbance maximum at 450nm(Fig-02).We also checked the necessary optimization factors time ,temperature  and solvent effect, which are directly or indirectly effect the stability and formation of EDTA-PA complex. Stability study of complex with time, temperature and Solvent Effect are represented respectively in Fig 03, Fig 04 and Fig 05

Heavy Metal Toxicity in Plants: An Overview on Tolerance Mechanisms and Management Strategies

Heavy metals are one of the factors that pollute the environment and significantly affect soil fertility, plant physiology, development, and productivity. The tolerance of plants to toxicity depends on the species and tissue, element type, and duration of exposure to stress. Some special signal molecules such as nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), beneficial ions, hyperaccumulating plants, stress hormones, nanoparticles, organic compounds, and microbial applications can be recommended to alleviate the stress effects caused by toxic heavy metals in plants. Induction of other promising techniques like seed priming, active involvement of plant growth regulator, use of osmoprotectants, successful plant microbes’ crosstalk and recent utilization of nanoparticles are worth using strategies in mitigation of heavy metal stress in plants. These practices effectively regulate the activities of antioxidant enzymes for the alleviation of stress in plants, creditably improving the plant tolerance via preserving cell homeostasis and amending the adversative effects of heavy metal stress in plants. These inventive strategies offer an enriched understanding of how to boost crop productivity under heavy metal stress in order to decrease the risk to global food security

Posterior Mediastinal Chondrosarcoma- A rare entity

Introduction:Chondrosarcoma is a well defined tumor of soft tissue with calcification. Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma is an unusual sarcoma of soft tissue adding only 3% to all soft tissue tumors. Majority of mediastinal foci originates from variety of tissues, the reason being their diverse embryological and anatomical approximations. Chondrosarcomas are more common in males with 2:1 male to female ratio. The exact pathology of these tumors is unclear; however recent data ensures that these tumors have multidirectional delineation. Classical histopathological features of chondrosarcoma include S-100 positivity, EMA positivity. These features of Immunohistochemical favor extra skeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma.Case Report:Recent data signifies that the tumor is known for its rare occurrence, here we have reported a unique case of 40 years old male visited Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for pre employment checkup without any symptoms. All the tests were negative except Chest X-ray PA view which revealed dense mass on lower lobe of lung. For further evaluation, CT scan of chest with contrast was ordered and eventually the mass was resected surgically. On the basis of macro and microscopic findings, histopathological tests and immunohistochemical stains, the mass was found to be chondrosarcoma with myxoid origin. This tumor has to be distinguishing among the list of different diseases like hamartoma, hydatid cyst, and neuroendocrine tumors for the differential diagnosis of the case.Conclusion: Our paper reports an extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma originating in the posterior mediastinum with a rare presentation.Â

Comparison of Features of Corona Virus in Confirmed and Unconfirmed Patients In Lahore

Introduction: Coronavirus has spread rapidly in Pakistan. These patients were kept at quarantine facilities on suspicion, even before RT-PCR was done. We were able to collect clinical, laboratory, and management features from them.  Objective: To assess the features of Corona confirmed and unconfirmed patients, and compare them. It could help in deciding if confirmed and unconfirmed patients were correctly identified and managed appropriately. Material and Methods: Retrospective, Descriptive, Crossectional study between 8th April to 30th April 2020. Patient data was collected from different sites retrospectively, on a Performa. Clinical, Laboratory, and Management data as collected. It was analyzed on SPSS 23. All patients in quarantines and ICU were included, irrespective of their corona PCR status, if the treating physicians had a strong suspicion. Home quarantine and less than 15-year old patients were excluded. Results: Clinical features showed more preponderance for males and smokers. Chronic disease patients were also significantly involved. Fatigue, nasal congestion, runny nose, sickness, and vomiting were more common in confirmed patients. CURB 65 scores 3 and 4 were more in unconfirmed patients. CT involvement was more common in unconfirmed patients as was high white cells and neutrophils. More patients had mechanical ventilation in the unconfirmed group, and they also had more secondary infections and shock. Antibiotic use was more common in the confirmed group. Conclusion: Corona was more common in males and smokers. Though fever and cough were common, the presence of fatigue, runny nose, nasal congestion sickness, and vomiting discriminated confirmed patients. Antibiotics should be used irrespective of RT-PCR results, especially if CT showed an abnormality. &nbsp

Association of hypertension and dyslipidaemia with increasing obesity in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The study was performed to estimate the association of hypertension and dyslipidaemia with increasing body weight and obesity in Type II diabetics of Lahore, Pakistan. An observational study was conducted by enrolling 2708 obese diabetics from four diabetes care centres of Lahore, Pakistan. Data was collected for a period of 7 months. Associations were estimated using chi-square, binary and multinomial logistic regression. Data suggested that blood pressure, systolic and diastolic, exhibited continual increase with increasing body weight and obesity class in diabetes patients with 41.8% increase in the prevalence of hypertension in obesity class III subjects (OR; 1.91, p=0.02). Likewise, triglycerides and total cholesterol exhibited continual increase in their mean values with increasing obesity, i-e., an overall increase in the prevalence of dyslipidaemia of 27.2% in obesity class 3 subjects (OR; 1.94, p=0.29). Taken together, this data suggested that hypertension is potentially associated with increasing obesity in diabetics, while dyslipidaemia demonstrated plausible association only with obesity class 3

The cross-sectional study of anxiety levels and ratio of severity of thirteen symptoms of anxiety among medical students

Background: Anxiety is defined as physical, behavioral, social and psychological response to treat self-concept characterized by subjective, consciously perceived feelings of tension. Nowadays anxiety is most commonly found among medical students. This study was conducted to find out the anxiety levels and ratio of severity of thirteen symptoms of anxiety.Methods: A questionnaire based study was conducted among 178 medical students which tests the level of anxiety and severity of symptoms of anxiety. The questionnaire used was hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAM-A).Results: Out of 178 students, 80 (44.94%) students scored mild anxiety levels, 63 (35.39%) students scored moderate anxiety levels and 35 (19.66%) students scored severe anxiety levels.Conclusions: Mild form of anxiety is much more common among medical students and majority of these medical students are females. Moreover, the symptoms of anxiety including tension, anxious mood, depressed mood, insomnia, fear and CVS symptoms appear with moderate severity in majority of medical students while on the other hand some symptoms including general somatic muscular and sensory symptoms, difficulties in concentration and memory, genitor-urinary symptoms, respiratory symptoms, GIT symptoms and other autonomic symptoms appear with least severity among majority of medical students