bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Pressure biofeedback training on deep cervical flexors endurance in patients with mechanical neck pain: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ashfaq Rabia , Riaz Huma
Published: January 2021

Objective: To compare the effects of Cranio cervical flexion training with and without pressure biofeedback on deep cervical muscular endurance in patients with mechanical chronic neck pain.

Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted at Railway General Hospital Rawalpindi, from May to December 2019. It consisted of thirty participants with the age ranging from 25 to 40 years, and having chronic mechanical neck pain. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups Group-A received Craniocervical flexion training with pressure biofeedback and Group-B received Craniocervical flexion training without pressure biofeedback. The intervention was applied for four weeks (3 sessions per week). Assessments were taken at Pre, Post intervention and after six weeks of follow up. Data analysis was done using SPSS-21 version.

Results: The mean age of Group-A and Group-B was 29.40±3.08 and 31.33±4.95 respectively. Between-group analyses has shown statistically and clinically significant improvement in Group-A regarding deep neck muscles endurance (p<0.05). Whereas within group analysis of both groups A & B showed a statistical and clinically significant difference (p=0.00) for deep neck muscles endurance.

Conclusions: Cranio-cervical flexion training with Pressure Biofeedback has proven to be more effective in improving endurance of deep cervical flexors in patients with mechanical neck pain.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.2343

How to cite this:Ashfaq R, Riaz H. Effect of Pressure biofeedback training on deep cervical flexors endurance in patients with mechanical neck pain: A randomized controlled trial. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(2):550-555. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.2343

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Safety culture implications on safe work practices and work place exposure incidents in Operation Theater
Authors: Hameed Tahira , Bashir Eitezaz Ahmed , Khan Abdul Qadeer , Ahmad Murtaza
Published: January 2021

Background & Objectives: The study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of body and blood fluid exposure incidents such as needle stick injuries, direct contact, splashes, and cuts among health care personnel (HCP) in operation theaters (OTs). The study objective was to investigate perception of safety culture and potential challenges faced by HCP in Pakistani context.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted in four tertiary care hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad that were Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital (ANTH), Fauji Foundation Hospital (FFH), Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) and Holy Family Hospital (HFH) during March, 2019 to June, 2019. The data of the current study was collected from surgical staff in OTs at four tertiary care teaching hospitals including nurses, house officers, post graduate trainees, registrars, consultants, and technicians in the twin cities i.e., Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Results: In our findings (N=367) there was a high prevalence of exposure incidents in past six months, 45% had had got a needle injury, 36% have got a splash, 28.8% had direct contact and 35.6% had a cut once respectively in past six months, the occurrence of exposure incidents twice, thrice and more is also enormous.

Conclusion: The study reflected a dire need of trainings at hospitals so that very strategically the importance of safety being a priority and value of HCP is inculcated on daily basis.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.2946

How to cite this:Hameed T, Bashir EA, Khan AQ, Ahmad M. Safety culture implications on safe work practices and work place exposure incidents in Operation Theater. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(2):379-383. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.2946

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Muscle weakness assessment in non-hypoxemic COPD out-patients at tertiary care hospitals
Authors: Zuberi Faisal Faiyaz , Zuberi Bader Faiyaz , Ali Faiza Sadaqat , Bader Nimrah
Published: January 2021

Objective: To determine frequency of Muscle Weakness in Non-Hypoxemic COPD out-patients and Comparison with age matched non-COPD Controls.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at OPD of Ojha Institute of Chest Diseases and Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan, during the period 8th September 2019 till 30th May 2020. Patients of both genders aged 25-70 years who were satisfying GOLD criteria for COPD and having SpO2 ≥ 94% were included. An age matched control group was added as control. Hand Grip Strength (HGS) and Chair to Stand time (CST) were recorded.

Results: Two hundred fifty-six patients were inducted with aged and BMI matched group of non-COPD Control patients in ratio of 1:2 (n = 128). Comparison of HGS between Control and COPD Groups showed significant weakness in COPD group. Significant weakness in lower limbs in COPD Group with longer timings to complete the task. Mean FEV1 had significant low values in COPD Group. Age correlated negatively with HGS & positively with CST. BMI correlated positively with FEV1 and CST but negatively with HGS. HGS correlated positively with FEV1 and no correlation was found with CST. No correlation was found of CST with FEV1.

Conclusion: Muscle weakness in COPD patients was shown by simple validated bedside tools. The older COPD patients had less HGS and were slower in doing CST whereas those COPD ones who had higher FEV1 had more HGS.

Abbreviations:COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, BMI: Body Mass Index, FEV: Forced Expiratory Volume in first second, GOLD: Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, HGS: Hand Grip Strength, CST: Chair to Stand Time.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3127

How to cite this:Zuberi FF, Zuberi BF, Ali FS, Bader N. Muscle weakness assessment in non-hypoxemic COPD out-patients at tertiary care hospitals. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(2):536-542. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3127

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Health-promoting lifestyle and its association with the academic achievements of medical students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Momani Mohammed Mahmoud
Published: January 2021

Objective: This study aimed to assess health-promoting lifestyles among university medical students and to investigate whether such lifestyles are associated with students’ academic achievement.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive investigative study was performed on 576 medical college students of King Saud University (KSU) in March 2019. Data were collected using the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II) scale, which includes six dimensions (health responsibility, spiritual growth, physical activity, interpersonal relationships, nutrition, and stress management). The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at a significance level of P < 0.05.

Results: A mean score of 3.39 for total health-promoting behaviors was reported. The highest mean score was reported for spiritual growth (3.75) and the lowest was reported for health responsibility (3.23). The mean body mass index (BMI) of the students was 24.9 ± 6.4 kg/m2. An analysis of variance identified an association between a student’s GPA and the spiritual growth dimension (P = 0.014). Based on the Pearson matrix correlation coefficient, there was a statistically significant and positive relationship between the HPLP II dimensions (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Since the HPLP scores were good, there is a need to enhance and promote healthy behaviors in students. The BMI data indicated that one-third of male students were overweight or obese; thus, health program planning, particularly involving physical activity and nutrition, is recommended.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3417

How to cite this:Al-Momani MM. Health-promoting lifestyle and its association with the academic achievements of medical students in Saudi Arabia. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(2):561-566. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3417

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the residency programs of the country: A multicentre study
Authors: Alam Laima , Alam Mafaza , Kazmi Syed Kumail Hasan , Kazmi Syed Ashoor Hasan
Published: January 2021

Objective: To provide an insight on the disruption of multiple facets of residency programs in a multi-centre study.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey was carried out by enrolling the available residents from three teaching hospitals of the country by sending a questionnaire through email. The questionnaire comprised of three parts; 1) basic demographics, 2) effect on multiple facets of training and 3) the use of smart learning with the support provided by the hospitals. Data collection was started during the first week of June 2020 after acquiring ethical approval from the concerned department and the total duration of the study was one month. Data was analysed using SPSS v. 19.0.

Results: A hundred-and-five completed responses were obtained with a response rate of 42%. Fifty-nine percent of the participants were female residents. Majority of the residents (69%) belonged to the age group 25-30 years. Fourth year residents (38%) showed maximum participation and the mean number of work days per month were 22±5.4. All of the aspects of training suffered complete or severe reduction except for the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings, elective rotations and e-log book entries. Sixty seven to sixty-nine percent of the residents felt complete clinical, educational and psychological desertion in their departments, 59% used telemedicine and 90% reported non-availability of smart learning facilities.

Conclusion: Overall, our study confirmed that the COVID-19 pandemic has substantially affected the clinical skills, teaching and personal growth of many trainees. There is a decrease in exposure to almost all of the aspects of training with no alternative in the form of smart learning provided to many. Clinical, educational and psychological support, although an extremely important part of healthcare staffing and management, has been largely neglected as well.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3496

How to cite this:Alam L, Alam M, Kazmi SKH, Kazmi SAH. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the residency programs of the country: A multicentre study. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(2):367-372. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3496

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Fondaparinux-associated Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Malik Jahanzeb , Javed Nismat , Kamin Matiullah
Published: January 2021

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune-mediated condition causing thrombocytopenia and paradoxical thrombosis after exposure to heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin. It has been rarely reported by Fondaparinux, an artificial pentasaccharide similar to heparin. This manuscript presents a case of HIT associated with fondaparinux use.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3522

How to cite this:Malik J, Javed N, Kamin M. Fondaparinux-associated Thrombocytopenia. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(2):598-599. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3522

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in Paediatric Population of South Punjab Pakistan: A Tertiary Care Hospital Experience
Authors: Safdar Rabia Saleem , Mehar M Faisal , Asghar Afsheen , Buzdar Nusrat
Published: January 2021

Objectives: To find out frequency, clinicopathological features, response of treatment and outcome among children with primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).

Methods: This retrospective, non-interventional medical charts review study was conducted from a period of January 2011 to January 2020 at Pediatric Department of Nishtar Medical University Hospital, Multan, Pakistan. During the nine years study period, children of both genders, aged less than 16 years, with renal biopsies proven FSGS were included. Patient’s demographic along with clinical and laboratory data, urine dipstick for proteinuria, renal functions, 24 hours urinary protein and ultrasonography findings of kidneys, ureters and bladder (KUB) were noted from case records. Response rates of various treatment options and their outcome like remission, partial remission, no remission with stable kidney disease & no remission with progression of kidney disease were noted.

Results: During the study duration, out of 307 renal biopsies performed in glomerulonephritis cases, 124 (40.4%) had primary FSGS. In 124 primary FSGS cases, mean age was 8.83±3.05 years while most of the children, 70 (56.5%) were above 10 years of age. Majority of the cases, 64 (51.6%) were male. Mean follow up duration was noted to be 28.35+18.47 months. Most of the cases, 68 (54.8%) were found to have complete remission, 22 (17.7%) partial remission while 11 (8.9%) progressed to ESKD.

Conclusions: Among children, frequency of primary FSGS was high at our setting. Most of the cases achieved sustained remission rates with the help of immunosuppressive drugs. Cyclosporine and tacrolimus were found to be the most effective drugs.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3535

How to cite this:Safdar RS, Mehar MF, Khan AA, Buzdar N. Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in Paediatric Population of South Punjab Pakistan: A Tertiary Care Hospital Experience. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(2):510-514. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3535

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
ADAM10 expression in gastric adenocarcinoma: Results of a curative gastrectomy cohort
Authors: Alakuş Hüseyin , Kaya Mustafa , Özer Hatice , Eğilmez Hatice Reyhan , Karadayı Kürşat
Published: January 2021

Objective: Gastric cancer is among the most common human cancers with high mortality rates. ADAM10, a member of the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) family has also been found to be associated with gastric carcinoma and has been suggested as a potential therapeutic target. Here, we investigated the association of ADAM10 expression with prognosis in gastric adenocarcinoma patients that underwent gastric resection with D2 lymph node dissection.

Methods: Total 86 consecutive patients that underwent resection for gastric adenocarcinoma were included. Immunohistochemical ADAM10 expression and its association with clinicopathological parameters were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses and survival analyses were performed using SPSS ver.22.

Results: High grade tumors, advanced stage tumors and diffuse type tumors showed significantly worse prognosis. A statistically significant association between ADAM10 expression and overall survival (OS) was observed in the univariate analysis, however, this association did not maintain its significance in the multivariate analysis. No statistically significant association was found ADAM-10 expression and clinicopathological parameters.

Conclusion: Immunohistochemical ADAM10 expression may be used as a prognostic marker in gastric adenocarcinoma, however, introduction of a standardized immunohistochemical scoring system seems to be necessary for evaluation of ADAM10 staining.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3613

How to cite this:Alakus H, Kaya M, Ozer H, Egilmez HR, Karadayi K. ADAM10 expression in gastric adenocarcinoma: Results of a curative gastrectomy cohort. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(2):543-549. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3613

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Clinical dental students’ knowledge regarding proper dental settings for treating patient during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Aljarbou Fahd , Bukhary Sundus , Althemery Abdullah , Alqedairi Abdullah
Published: January 2021

Objectives: To investigate the clinical dental students’ knowledge on the proper dental setting during COVID-19.

Methods: Using multicenter cross-sectional study, a 10-items questionnaire was distributed in April 2020 among senior dental students from two dental schools. It comprised three main domains: demographic questions, questions investigating student’s access to the proper recommendations of dental settings during COVID-19 and the specific recommendations questions.

Results: The questionnaire was sent to 654 clinical dental students and the total number of respondents were 267 representing a response rate of 40.83%. The overall knowledge mean was low (1±0.92). Gender was not a statistically significant factor affecting the knowledge score (P > 0.05). Most of the participants never visited the Saudi Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Saudi CDC) website and received no guidance or advice regarding proper dental practices during COVID-19. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the mean knowledge score and access to knowledge variables (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: It was noted that clinical dental students have low knowledge on the proper dental settings during COVID-19 pandemic that was recommended by the Saudi CDC guidelines and they must be equipped with adequate knowledge from reliable sources to overcome their insufficiencies such as a well-structured and dynamic curriculum.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3768

How to cite this:Aljarbou FA, Bukhary SM, Althemery AU, Alqedairi AS. Clinical dental students’ knowledge regarding proper dental settings for treating patient during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(2):503-509. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3768

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Epidemiological trends in community acquired acute Kidney Injury in Pakistan: 25 years Experience from a Tertiary Care Renal Unit
Authors: Naqvi Rubina
Published: January 2021

Background: Epidemiological studies of community acquired acute kidney injury (AKI) are sparse especially from South Asia and none has published from Pakistan. Reported incidences from different countries vary with use of different criteria of defining AKI. There is also variation found in different class of income countries, hospital based versus community based AKI.

Methods: The current study was carried out in all adult AKI patients developing community acquired AKI and coming to a tertiary care renal institution from January 1990 to December 2014. This is a retrospective data collection from patient’s records and AKI was defined according to KDIGO guidelines. Trends among different groups which are classified in medical, obstetrical and surgical were observed and presented.

Results: In medical AKI there has been found a rise in toxic rhabdomyolysis, vivax malaria and dengue infection during later part of study. In obstetrical AKI observed continuous rise in numbers contributing to total AKI during these years. Surgical AKI included obstructed cases during initial ten years and only surgical trauma during later 15 years. Older age on presentation in medical AKI, and thrombocytopenia, deranged coagulation, deranged liver function, hyperkalemia, requirement of mechanical ventilation and multi organ failure in all groups remained predictors of higher mortality.

Conclusion: From Pakistan epidemiology for community acquired AKI has never been published on a large scale and this study would remain source of great information in this regard over coming years.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3876

How to cite this:Naqvi R. Epidemiological trends in community acquired acute Kidney Injury in Pakistan: 25 years Experience from a Tertiary Care Renal Unit. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(2):312-319. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3876

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The issue of therapists’ cooperation in the systemic and psychoanalytic approach
Authors: Grządziel Beata
Published: January 2021

Artykuł jest pierwszą częścią publikacji będącej wynikiem namysłu nad tym, w jaki sposób dwóch/dwoje terapeutów współtworzy z parami i rodzinami przestrzeń wystarczającą do pojawienia się użytecznego sposobu widzenia oraz użytecznej perspektywy, które do tej pory i w innych okolicznościach nie były możliwe do przyjęcia. Jest wstępem do dalszego zastanawiania się nad tym, kiedy koterapia może być użyteczna, zarówno dla pracy terapeutów, jak i pacjentów oraz nad tym, czy i w jaki sposób koterapia służy pacjentom w dokonywaniu zmiany. Artykuł zawiera opis wybranych koncepcji systemowych i psychoanalitycznych wykorzystywanych podczas psychoterapii pary i rodziny. Zarówno w jednych jak i drugich można dopatrzyć się szczególnego znaczenia różnicy — pojęcia wprowadzonego przez Gregory’ego Batesona, co w tym artykule będzie sygnalizowane, a w kolejnym — szerzej zaprezentowane. Przedstawiony materiał jest wynikiem wieloletniej praktyki psychoterapeutycznej opartej w głównej mierze na mediolańskim ujęciu terapii systemowej z uwzględnieniem nieświadomej dynamiki zachodzącej w relacjach rodziny i pary. Artykuł zawiera uzupełnienie koncepcji teoretycznych o ich praktyczną egzemplifikację opartą o doświadczenia własne pracy w koterapii.
Balint Group in the Physician -Patient Relationship — Assumptions, Objectives and Significance
Authors: Janota Bertrand , Michalska Paulina
Published: January 2021

W czasie intensywnego rozwoju telemedycyny, czyli medycyny na odległość, konieczna jest ponowna refleksja nad znaczeniem relacji pomiędzy lekarzem a pacjentem. Relacja ta stanowi podstawę efektywnego kontaktu terapeutycznego, a jakość komunikacji odgrywa znaczącą rolę na każdym etapie procesu leczenia. Współpraca między lekarzem a pacjentem to oparta o wzajemne zaufanie interakcja, w której dochodzi do zaangażowania obu stron bez względu na różne uwarunkowania, np. osobowościowe czy związane z doświadczeniami życiowymi. Pojawia się pytanie, jak lekarz, który jest odpowiedzialny za relację z pacjentem ma zapewnić warunki do budowania relacji zaufania z nim, szczególnie w obszarze pomocy psychiatrycznej, jeśli ogranicza go czas wizyty lub niemożność nawiązania bezpośredniego kontaktu. Jedną z odpowiedzi może stanowić udział w grupie Balinta, której założenia i cele przedstawiamy w artykule, akcentując jednocześnie znaczenie jej działania dla budowania relacji pomiędzy lekarzem a pacjentem. Uczestnicy grup Balinta wywodzą się z różnych szkół lub nurtów terapeutycznych, ale bez względu na to ich udział w grupie polega na nabywaniu umiejętności rozumienia pacjentów i porozumiewania się z nimi. Korzystanie z takich grup przynosi wiele korzyści dla relacji lekarz–pacjent, ponieważ zapewnia leczącemu poszerzenie doświadczenia zawodowego, uczy koncentracji na problemie pacjenta, a także jest czynnikiem zapobiegającym wypalaniu się zawodowemu.
Ethical Problems in the Therapy of Couples and Marriages.
Maintaining Neutrality, Providing Balance and Pursuing Justice.
Authors: Wolska Małgorzata
Published: January 2021

Artykuł stanowi rozszerzenie wystąpienia wygłoszonego podczas Konferencji „Problemy etyczne w psychoterapii”, która odbyła się w Krakowie 09.02.2019 r., a była organizowana przez Krakowską Fundację Rozwoju Psychoterapii im. Profesor Marii Orwid.
Celem artykułu jest zwrócenie uwagi na niektóre aspekty etyczne pojawiające się podczas pierwszych konsultacji oraz w trakcie procesu terapii par i małżeństw. Rozważany jest problem dostępności terapii dla par doświadczających kryzysu w związku, czasu jej trwania i kierunku oraz doboru technik terapeutycznych. Dokonywana jest próba określenia pożądanego efektu terapii. Omawiany jest aspekt władzy i odpowiedzialności w terapii par, znaczenie płci terapeuty dla procesu terapii, możliwość odmowy terapii przez terapeutę oraz problem zaufania. Wymienione zagadnienia przedstawiane są w świetle zjawisk: neutralności, równowagi i sprawiedliwości w relacji diadycznej.
Selectivity and sublethal effect of botanical extracts on adults of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Gladenucci Joanina , Pernambuco Filho José Carlos de Almeida , Bueno Regiane Cristina de Oliveira Freitas , Bonfim Filipe Pereira Giardini
Published: January 2021

The objective was to assess the selectivity and sublethal effect of botanical extracts on adults of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). Plant species used: Rosmarinus officinalis L., Mikania glomerata Spreng., Varronia curassavica Jacq., Chenopodium ambrosioides L., Vermonia polyanthes Spreng., Plectranthus amboinicus Spreng., Tetradenia riparia Codd., Artemisia absinthium L., Cymbopogon citratus Stapf. Plant material were reared in laboratory and leaves collected during the morning were used to prepare the extracts as following: 100 g of leaves from each plant were macerated and immersed in 300 mL of triple-extracted methyl alcohol and evaporated on rotavapor. Then, 250 mg of crude extract was diluted in 1000 mL of water. The experimental design for selectivity was done in randomized blocks with five repetitions, following a standardized protocol of the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) and accordingly classified. In sublethal effect, the design was completely randomized with twenty repetitions, where the eggs exposed to parasitism were sprayed with the treatments. In both experiments the control was twofold (water and chlorpyrifos). Regarding selectivity, the botanical extracts of M. glomerata, C. ambrosioides, V. polyanthes, P. amboinicus, A. absinthium and C. citratus were classified as slightly harmful (class 2), chlorpyrifos as moderately harmful (class 3). In the evaluation of sublethal effects, the botanical extracts of C. ambrosioides and C. citratus initially presented reduced number of parasitized eggs, reduction in total parasitized eggs and female longevity. It can be concluded that C. citratus botanical extract has small selectivity and causes sublethal effects on T. pretiosum adults.
Sources of resistance to black aphid in cowpea varieties used as green grains
Authors: Borges Vinicius , Nere Daniel Rodrigues , Da Silva Leandro Carvalho , Caminha Marília Gomes , Bleicher Ervino , Bertini Cândida Hermínia Campos de Magalhães
Published: January 2021

Evaluation of resistance of Vigna unguiculata L. landraces, used as green beans, to Aphis craccivora Koch was tested. Eleven landraces and standard genotypes were used in a free choice protocol: BR 17-Gurguéia, VITA 7 (susceptible), BRS Guariba and TVu 408P2 (resistant). A completely randomized blocks design was used with six replicates. Seedlings were infested with five six-day-old adult insects. The number of alive adults after 48 h and of alive nymphs after 96 h was evaluated. The results evidenced that there are high genetic diversity among the landraces, the antibiosis as the main mechanism of resistance. By means of multivariate analysis we suggest crosses among the commercial cultivar BRS Guariba and the most dissimilar varieties CCE-088, CCE-075, CCE-013 and CCE-062 to obtain superior hybrids.
Electrophysiologic and behavioral responses mediated by volatiles involved in the repellency of Apis mellifera (Lepeletier) (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Pires Patricia Daniela da Silva , Sant'Ana Josué , Bisotto-de-Oliveira Ricardo
Published: January 2021

Repellent volatiles to insects might be an important tool for management of bees in areas which the presence of these organisms is not required. This study aimed to evaluate the electroantennal and behavioral responses of Africanized honeybees (workers), Apis mellifera (Lepeletier) (Hymenoptera Apidae), at different ages, to benzaldehyde (BA) and methyl anthranilate (MA) and to evaluate the potential repellency of these compounds under field conditions. Laboratory tests were conducted to study electroantennographic responses (mV) and chemotactic behavior of worker bees aged 1-5 (young) and 20-30 (old) days in four choice olfactometer. Electrophysiological responses to each compound did not differ between young and old workers. Bees antennae (young) triggered significantly greater responses to BA, in the older ones, a higher response was observed to MA, both compared to control (ethanol). The threshold response to BA and MA was achieved at 10 µg/µL, both compounds repelled bees at the same dose in olfactometer. Treatments with BA and MA, in field conditions, were less visited by scouter honey bees than those without these compounds (control).
Reactions of MoCl5 and MoO2Cl2 with 4-Phenylimidazole-2-thiol and 2-Thiazoline-2-thiol
Authors: Rani Deepika
Published: January 2021

Reactions of MoCl5/MoO2Cl2 with 4-phenylimidazole-2-thiol/2-thiazoline-2-thiol in CH3CN solvent in 1:1/1:2 molar ratios have been carried out at room temperature. Products obtained MoCl3(C9H7N2S)(CH3CN),[1]; MoCl2(C9H7N2S)(CH3CN), [2]; Mo2OCl4(C9H8N2S)2, [3] and Mo4O2Cl12(C9H7N2S)4, [4]; MoO2Cl3(C3H5NS2)2, [5] and Mo2O4Cl3(C3H5NS2)2, [6] have been analyzed and characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, 1H NMR and LC-MS techniques. Compounds being moisture and air sensitive, these have been prepared in inert atmosphere using vacuum line and liquid nitrogen cooled traps. Fragments obtained in LC-MS spectra support the formulae derived.
Synthesis and Biological Activities of Some Pyrimidine Derivatives: A Review
Authors: Ahmed Elkanzi Nadia Ali
Published: January 2021

Nitrogen containing synthetically and biologically important heterocyclic ring system namely pyrimidine possess both biological and pharmacological activities, and defend as aromatic six heterocyclic with 1and 3 nitrogen atom in ring. Preparation of pyrimidine via different methods offer its importance in fields of medicinal chemistry and Chemistry. Pyrimidines and their derivatives act as anti-inflammatory, anti-malaria, anti-tumor, cardiovascular agents, anti-neoplastic, anti-tubercular, anti- HIV, diuretic ,anti-viral, anti-microbial, ,analgesic .This review give light up on biological and pharmacological activities of pyrimidine nucleus.
Syntheses Approach of 2-D Oxide Family of Graphene for Supercapacitor Application (A-Review)
Authors: ROUTH PARIMAL
Published: January 2021

More recently, 2-D graphene oxide (GO)/reduced graphene (rGO) have altered the direction of modern science with material chemistry and physics by research as they offer different key advantages. These are (i) atomically thin 2-D nanosheets (NSs) provide a large surface area (ii) presence of maximum chemically reactive sites, and (iii) higher mechanical strength and flexibility. Considering the progresses of graphene research, we broadly and crucially discuss the formation of the growing family of 2-D GO/rGO in this review paper. Synthesis methodologies are compared, focusing to offer signs for emerging novel and adaptable synthetic methods. Their advantage use in the fields of supercapacitor are highlighted in this review.
COVID-19 and Immune Function – “A Significant” Zinc
Authors: Syed Khalid Mustafa , Aljohani Meshari M.H. , Alomrani Naser A. , A. Oyoun Atif Abdulwahab , Alzahrani Othman , Ahmad M. Ayaz , Ajmal Mohammad Rehan , Sarıkavaklı Nursabah , Mohammedsale Zuhair M
Published: January 2021

The pandemic COVID-19 is the most terrible calamity of the present human history also it has led to the worldwide issue of public health as a primary health safety problem. It was assumed that the infection of COVID -19 has two-phases, the immune protective as well as damaging phase. In the immune protective phase, clinicians try to enhance the patient immune response, and in the immune damaging phase, clinicians try to control the inflammatory immune response. Zinc belongs to the d-block or a transition element, it is an indispensable trace metal needed for vital cell activities like growth, as well as cell survival. It has significant contributions to immune homeostasis and functions; zinc inadequacy reduces primary and secondary immune responses equally. Studies have shown people who are deficient in zinc are more susceptible to infection. An inclusive knowledge of the bioavailability of the transition metal Zinc will help to be aware of those that are valuable and protective for the population's health. This work is concentrated on the significance of Zinc for the immune function, the presence of it’s in optimum amounts, and how it is beneficial to health in general and in fighting with COVID 19 in particular until today.
Transition Metals Ni2+, Fe3+ Incorporated Modified ZnO Thick Film Sensors to Monitor the Environmental and Industrial Pollutant Gases
Authors: Waghchaure Ravindra Haribhau , Kol Prashant bhimrao , Adole Vishnu Ashok , Jagdale Bapusonu , Pawar Thansing bhavsing
Published: January 2021

Zinc oxide is known as multifaceted material due to its special physical and chemical properties. Present research deals with the fabrication of undopedZnO, 1.5% Fe3+ doped ZnO, and 1.5% Ni2+ doped ZnOnanoparticles by low-cost co-precipitation method. These prepared materials were utilized to prepare thick film sensorsby employing a screen printing technique.The structuralconfirmations of these materials wereperformed by various nano-characterization techniques. The structural properties were investigated by XRD to confirm the nanoscaleZnO as well as the average crystal dimensions. The surface morphological properties of undoped and modified ZnO wereanalyzedby SEM and TEM methods. The average volume pores over prepared materials and surface area were concluded from the N2 adsorption-desorption experiment (BET analysis). The Fe3+ doped ZnO has the highest surface area among all the prepared sensors i.e. 23.55 m²/g. The Fe3+ doped ZnO and Ni2+ZnOnanomaterials were observed to show declined band gaps in comparison to the undoped ZnO material. All the prepared sensors were employed for the gas sensing study of gases like NH3, LPG, formaldehyde vapors, toluene vapors, CO, CO2, and NO2. The CO2 and NH3vapors found to be very sensitive towards Fe3+ doped ZnO with 76.62% and 76.58% sensitivity respectively. TheNi2+ doped ZnO sensor sensitivity for CO2 and NH3was recorded as71.20% and 70.23% respectively. The LPG, CH2O, and toluene vapors' sensitivity was also studied for the modified ZnO sensor. Besides, modified ZnO utilized as a relative humidity sensor with an RH variation of 10-90%. The impedance versus humidity curves recorded for all sensors.The Fe3+ doped ZnOnanomaterial at 10Hz was found to be an effective humidity sensor. Theresponse and recovery were found to be very rapid in Fe3+ doped ZnO for NH3, CO2, NO2, and LPGvapors.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Low Levels of the Orthophosphate Anion as Molybdenum Blue using Sodium Thiosulphate Reducing agent
Authors: Nalumansi Irene , Birungi Grace , Moodley Brenda , Tebandeke Emmanuel
Published: January 2021

A simple spectrophotometric method for the determination of low levels of the orthophosphate (PO43-) in environmental water systems is reported. The method is based the formation of the phosphomolybdate from the condensation of molybdate and orthophosphate in aqueous acid medium followed by reduction with sodium thiosulphate to form phosphomolybdenum blue. The system obeys Beer’s law at 880 nm (λmax) in the 0.005–0.06 mg P mL-1 phosphate concentration range. Molar absorptivity, Sandell’s sensitivity and correlation coefficient values for the determination were 57526 L mol-1 cm-1, 0.2835 μg cm-2 and 0.9948 respectively. The limit of detection was 2.213 x 10-3 mg P mL-1. The results of PO43- determination in water samples obtained using the spectrophotometric method developed in this study, compare favourably with those generated using the Murphy and Riley method which is commonly used for this analysis. Therefore, the study ably demonstrates the suitability of the present spectrophotometric method for analysis of the orthophosphate in environmental water samples.
Smart Starch-Gelatin Films Incorporated with Curcumin
Authors: Bich Nguyet Le Thi , Nguyen Vinh Tien
Published: January 2021

In this study, we developed a starch-gelatin film incorporated with synthesized curcumin to be used as a pH-sensitive smart material for food packaging. The film-forming mixture contained five components: starch, gelatin, glycerol, acetic acid and curcumin. The interactions of the components and their effects on the film properties were investigated by using response surface methodology with central composite experimental design. The results showed impacts of the contents of these components as independent variables on tensile strength, elongation at break, Young’s modulus and solubility of the films. The contents of starch, gelatin and glycerol significantly affect these properties, while acetic acid and curcumin do not (p<0.05). Also, it was shown that the incorporation of curcumin provided the film with the capacity to sense pH changes from neutral to basic (yellow at pH ≤ 8 and orange-red at pH ≥ 9).
Effect of pH on Size and Concentration of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized using Ixora coccinea Linn. Leaf Extracts
Authors: Reyes Darwin F. , S. Cabrera Gil Fabien , V. Mata Shemma Mica , D. San Pedro azmin Pariz , C. Palioc add Christian , Tandingan Gervin S.
Published: January 2021

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles via plant-mediated approach is an emerging area of research interest worldwide. The procedure is cost-effective and does not require the use of toxic chemicals and complicated reaction conditions. In the present investigation, silver nanoparticles were prepared using the leaf extracts of Ixora coccinea Linn., a common ornamental shrub in the Philippines, as the reducing agent. The effect of pH on the synthesis was investigated, and results showed that the quality of the synthesized silver nanoparticles changes in varying pH of the reducing agent.
Synthesis Novel Fluorinated Cyclic Nanomeric Aza Crown Macrocyclic System Containing 1,2,4-triazine moiety and
Ru-complex as Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) inhibitors
of tumor cells (Protection of DNA Damage)-Part II
Authors: Bawazir Wafa A. , -Rahman Reda M. Abdel
Published: January 2021

Novel fluorinated 1,5-disubstituted-1,3,5-triazepine-6,7-dione (4) has been obtained from the interaction between 5,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazine-3-thiol (1) with 2,6-diaminopyridine 2 followed by ring closer reaction with diethyl oxalate. Also, Ru-complex 7 obtained by refluxing of compound 1 with 6-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazine-3,5-diamine (5) to produce compound 6, the later was reacted with RuCl3.xH2O to produce the target 7. Structures of the products deduced from their elemental analysis and spectral measurements. Compounds 3, 4, 6, and 7 were evaluated as CDK2 inhibitors of tumor cells; these compounds exhibited a potential activity against CDK2, where the IC50 values were 4.5, 6.8, 4.0, and 5.0 μM respectively in comparison with Olomoucine standard (IC50=5.0 μM).
Toxicity Test with BSLT (Brine Shrimp Lethality Test) Method on Methanol, Ethyl Acetate Extract, Hexane on Seeds and Rind of Matoa extract (Pometia pinnata)
Authors: H Hanafi , Irawan Candra , Sirait Septilina Melati , Sulistiawaty Lilis , Setyawati Sri Redjeki
Published: January 2021

Matoa seed and rind as an antioxidant for humans need to be strengthened by research on the toxicity. One of the toxicity tests is using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) method. The mortality value was determined using a probit analysis to determine the toxicity value using the Lethal Concentration (LC-50) on the solvent fractions of ethyl acetate, methanol and hexane. The toxicity value (LC-50) of Matoa seed extract in hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol solvents were 153, 90 ppm, 141, 09 ppm and 153.65 ppm. The toxicity value (LC-50) of Matoa rind extract in hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol were 109, 34 ppm, 172, 98 ppm and 139.41 ppm, respectively. All the solvents had bioactive compound which had high toxicity because they have LC50 <1000 ppm . The highest toxicity was found in the rind of the matoa fruit extracted using hexane and methanol solvent with LC50 values 109, 34 ppm and 139.41 ppm, while the hexane extract had the lowest toxicity was 172.98 ppm.
Analytical Method Development and Validation for Estimation of Ranitidine in Solid Dosage Form by UV-Spectrophotometric Method
Authors: PAUL SUBRATA , Barai Labani , Husen Faruk , Sarker Sabarni , Pal Tarun Kumar , Bai Puja , Matin Sarker Md. Abdul , Saima Alam Syeda , BISWAS SHETA
Published: January 2021

Ranitidine is a histamine-2 receptor blocker and it is effective against peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease and heart burn. The main objective of this study was to develop and validate an easy, affordable and cost-effective method for the determination of ranitidine in tablet dosage form. The development and validation study was performed under the guidance of ICH and USP. Results showed that the proposed validated method has good accuracy with % RSD of 0.60. Repeatability and intermediate precision suggested good precision whereas the value of correlation coefficient 0.9999 confirmed about the linearity of the method. The system suitability data and similarity factors were also found within the permissible range. The specificity study revealed that there was no placebo and diluent effect on the absorbance. Further, stability study of analytical solutions as well as estimation of drug content from market products were also performed.
Highly Efficient Chemoselective Synthesis of 2-Aryl-1-arylmethyl-1H-Benzimidazoles by Using TiCp2Cl2 Catalyst
Authors: Halder Samiran , Datta Arup
Published: January 2021

One pot highly efficient chemoselective N-arylmethyl benzimidazole has been prepared by using catalyst TiCp2Cl2 in tetrahydrofuran solvent smoothly. This method is very much effective for the condensation between different aldehydes and various ortho-phenylenediamine to synthesize N-substituted benzimidazole. Clean reaction procedure, quick reaction, easy purification and high yield of the product are some advantages of this protocol. All the target molecules were identified by spectroscopic analysis and also verified melting points from literature value.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigations on the Corrosion Inhibition action of Thiadiazole Derivatives on Carbon Steel in 1M HCl medium
Authors: JOHNSON REEJA , KAKKASSERY JOBY THOMAS , Palayoor Vinod Raphael , Kooliyat Ragi , Kannanaikkal Vidhya Thomas
Published: January 2021

Novel thiadiazole derivatives of Schiff bases namely (E)-N-(anthracen-9-ylmethylene)-5-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine (A9CNPTDA) and N-(anthracen-9(10H)-ylidene)-5-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine (ANNPTDA) were synthesized, characterized and corrosion inhibition behaviour, as well as the mechanism of inhibition were investigated by different monitoring techniques like gravimetric measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization, quantum chemical and SEM studies. Both of the thiadiazole derivatives showed excellent corrosion inhibitor action on carbon Steel in acid medium. A9CNPTDA exhibited highest inhibition efficiency of 98.04% at 1mM concentration while ANNPTDA showed a maximum of 95.32%. In HCl medium, both derivatives obeyed Langmuir adsorption isotherm and thermodynamic parameters (Kads, ΔG0ads) were calculated. An acceptable relationship was observed between the results of quantum chemical calculations and other corrosion monitoring analysis.
Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Date (Phoenix dactylifera) Seeds Extract and Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity Against Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Salmen Saleh H.
Published: January 2021

Interest in silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has recently increased due to their extensive and varied use, the biological synthesis of synthesis of AgNPs being safer than other approaches. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest producers of date palm, leading to the production of large amounts of waste date seeds. Here, the study evaluatesthe use of date seeds extract in the biosynthesis of AgNPs and to evaluate the antibacterial effect of the resultant nanoparticles (NPs) against pathogenic bacteria. A number of which were used here in order to characterize the synthesized particles, including UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results show that date seed extract can be used to synthesize AgNPs effectively. These AgNPs exhibit unique, small-size morphologies which proved to be antibacterial against pathogenic bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, and Escherichia coli.
Restoration of Obliterated Stamped Marks on Aluminium Surfaces by Metallographic Etching Technique
Authors: Kumar Amit , Srivastava Ankit , Das Tanurup , Harshey Abhimanyu , Saini Veer Raj , Kumar Akash , Alim Md. , Nigam Kriti , Yadav Vijay Kumar
Published: January 2021

Serial number restoration is a frequently encountered problem in forensic science laboratories for the investigation of theft and burglary cases. These identification marks are generally introduced over metallic surfaces of different vehicle parts and firearms by various means. Chemical etching is one of the most effective and simple technique to restore obliterated, erased, over-stamped and over-engraved marks on metallic surfaces. Several significant studies on restoration of engraved markings on aluminium surfaces were previously reported. The present study attempts to find out an efficient and fast etching reagent to restore obliterated stamped marks on aluminium surfaces. Ten effective etching reagents previously reported by various researchers in their restoration studies were assessed in the present experiment. Etching reagents were individually applied on obliterated surfaces by the cotton swabbing method. The Reagent 3 (ferric chloride 25 g, conc. HCl 25 mL, distilled water 100 mL) was found out to be the most sensitive and rapid (4–6 min) for the restoration on aluminium surfaces. The study also revealed that the absence of an alkaline compound in etching reagent potentially accelerates the speed of the restoration process.