Months Of Study Period Research Articles

Foraging Activity and Preference of Pollen Sources by Stingless Bee, Heterotrigona itama in Tropical Lowland Forest of Terengganu

Stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) are a highly diversified group of eusocial corbiculate bees distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. However, studies on the relation of stingless bee activeness with environmental parameters and pollen source preference are very limited particularly from the lowland forest of East Coast Peninsular Malaysia. Hence, this study aimed to determine the relationship between stingless bee, Heterotrigona itama foraging activity with environmental factors (temperature, humidity, and light intensity) and preference of floral sources in a meliponiary of Marang, Terengganu. The foraging activities of five healthy colonies of H. itama were observed from 0700 to 1700 hours on hot sunny days for eight months of study period (August 2020 – September 2021). The foraging activity was enumerated using camera recording for 10 minutes at one-hour intervals (0700-1700 hours). In this study, the peak time for H. itama to go forage was observed at 0900 until 1100 hours in the early morning and declined rapidly from 1100 until 1700 hours. October 2020 recorded the highest activeness of stingless bees, followed by August 2021 and September 2021. There was a significant difference in the interaction of stingless bee activeness between time and months [F67,424 = 3.498, p<0.05]. However, temperature, humidity and light intensity did not significantly influence the activeness of stingless bees. Acacia mangium was the most frequent pollen grain collected by H. itama, followed by Melastoma malabathricum and other pollen types were considered minor pollen types (<15%). Findings from this study can help beekeepers to understand the foraging behaviour of stingless bee colonies and the preference of the available pollen resources for sustainable meliponiculture management practice.

Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight Babies in Women Delivered in a Tertiarry Referral Hospital

Background: Low birth weight is an important indicator of reproductive health and general health status of population. LBW is considered as the single most important predictor of infant mortality, especially of deaths within the first month of life. It is also a significant determinant of infant and childhood morbidity, particularly of neurodevelopmental impairments such as mental retardation and learning disabilities. This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with low birth weight. Material & Methods: It was a prospective cross sectional observational study carried out in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, during the period of January 2012 to June 2012. Total 308 samples were included in this study. All women ≥28 weeks of pregnancy who delivered a LBW baby during six months of study period were selected. The database was processed by the application of statistical package SPSS for windows version 24. Results: This study shows most frequent maternal age group was 20-25 years. The mean maternal age was 23.86±4.82 years. Fifty three percent (53%)were female and 46.76% were male babies. Low birth weight was associated with inadequate Antental care, pre-delivery weight <55 kg, height <145 cm, low socio-economic status, and anemia. ln LBW babies’ mother having regular antenatal care (23.8%\. The incidence of mild anemia was 10.71 o/o, moderate anemia 32.79% and there were 2.60% cases of severe anemia. Maternal factors including maternal height (27.92%), maternal weight (36.36%), anaemia (43.50%), placenta praevia (12.18%), eclampsia (20.29%), PROM (24.35%), preterm labour (15.42%), severe PET (8.12%), twin pregnancy (17.86%), heart disease (2.44%) and DM (1.620/o) were associated with low birth weight. 62.01% mothers had average food intake, 37.99o/o had poor food intake. Conclusion: The incidence of low birth weight is 19.05%. Maternal height, maternal weight, ANC, anemia, eclampsia, preeclampsia, PROM, preterm labor, sever PET, twin pregnancy and heart disease were associated with low birth weight. There is a need for national prospective research project to study the low birth weight problem at the national level. There is also a need to discourage teenage pregnancies and to encourage utilization of mother and child health services, and treat concomitant illnesses during pregnancy. Maternal malnutrition, inadequate antenatal care and poor weight gain during pregnancy are significant predictors for delivery of a low birth weight neonate.

Solid Waste Disposal Scenario of Three Ladies’ Halls in the University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh

University of Chittagong (CU) is well known for its beautiful green campus. It had 11 student halls (plus two were under construction), of which three were ladies’ halls named (Shamsun Nahar, Pritilata and Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia). But, due to lack of a proper waste management plan, wastes were found to be scattered in open areas of ladies’ halls premises. So, to protect the environmental quality of three ladies’ halls a research work has conducted during June 2012 to March 2013. Here researcher try to determine the waste generation rates, their physical composition and characterized them. At that time data about disposed wastes were collected weekly from kitchen, dining, canteen, bathroom, and halls premises at 8.00 to 11.00 am and wastes were measured by using weighing machine in kilogram (kg). Based on sources, wastes were categorized mainly on four types, such as: (1) kitchen waste, (2) dining and canteen wastes, (3) bathroom waste, and (4) others (veranda, corridor, and in and around the halls’ campus) wastes. Overall, 18,505.0 kg wastes were disposed from different sources and among them 10,406.0 kg (i.e., 56.24%) were from kitchen, 1,218.5 kg (i.e., 6.59 %) from dining and canteen, 1,570.5 kg (i.e., 8.49 %) from bathroom and 5,310.0 kg (i.e., 28.68 %) from others sources. On an average each student of 3 ladies’ halls disposed 0.029 kg waste per day that gave a total of 8.520 kg wastes during the 10 months of study period. The campus of The University of Chittagong is well known as a habitat of different types of wild animals. So, monthly waste dumping sites were visited and the wild animals those were seen eating foods from dumping wastes were identified with the help of field guides (Section e.g., Grimmett et al., 2009; Ahmed et al., 2009).

Hepatitis C care cascade before and during the direct-acting antiviral eras in New South Wales, Australia: A population-based linkage study.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) care cascade characterization is important for monitoring progress towards HCV elimination. This study evaluated HCV care cascade and factors associated with treatment during pre-DAA (2011-2012 and 2013-2015) and DAA (2016-2018) eras in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. We conducted a cohort study of people with an HCV notification (1993 to 2017) through end 2018, linked to administrative datasets, including HCV treatment and non-hospital services. Those aged <18 years, died within first 6 months of study period or notification, and who had successful HCV treatment in period before were excluded. Sex-specific spontaneous viral clearance was incorporated to estimate treatment-eligible population. The study population in each period were cumulative and brought forward from one period to the next. Among 115,667 people with HCV notification, 87,063 fulfilled eligibility criteria. During 2011 to 2012, 2013 to 2015, and 2016 to 2018, cumulative HCV notifications were 71,677, 77,969, and 80,017; 52,016, 56,793, and 57,467 were eligible for treatment; 29%, 48%, and 64% confirmed HCV RNA positive; and 0.6%, 5%, and 38% initiated HCV treatment, respectively. Birth cohort 1945 to 1964 (vs. ≥1965), males, non-Aboriginal ethnicity, regional/rural area of residence, and HCV/HIV co-infection were associated with higher treatment uptake. Incarceration and drug dependence were associated with higher treatment uptake during the DAA era. In Australia, many marginalized populations including those incarcerated and those with drug dependence have equitable treatment uptake in the DAA era. Targeted strategies are required to enhance treatment uptake for females and Aboriginal populations.

A cross-sectional study on assessment of physical activity and dietary consumption pattern among geriatric population attending geriatric outpatient department of Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata

Background: A lot of comorbid conditions and health problems result from unhealthy dietary habit and sedentary lifestyle in all age group, but more among geriatric population. Due to progressive fragility, weakness, and comorbidities, there is gradual decrease in overall physical activity in elderly which again leads to different health problems and this vicious cycle is going on. There was scarcity of evidences related to dietary pattern and physical activity of elderly population particularly in West Bengal. Aim and Objectives: The present study was conducted for estimating the physical activity level of the study participants and to determine its relationship with the sociodemographic profile and dietary consumption pattern. Materials and Methods: Observational descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in Geriatric Outpatient Department of Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, from August 1, 2022, to October 31, 2022, among 124 participants aged 60 years and above attended OPD in first 2 months of study period. IPAQ-SF questionnaire was used for assessment of physical activity. Analysis was done in Microsoft Excel and SPSS (version 20) software. Results: Larger proportion (52.4%) participants belonged to HEPA active (Category 3) according to physical activity status. Age of the participant, place of residence and socioeconomic status and consumption of green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, fruits, flesh food and egg, milk and milk products, and sugar and jaggery were significantly associated with physical activity. Conclusion: In the present study, significant proportion (32.3%) was minimally active which should be dealt properly. Physical activity should be promoted to all elder persons as a part of healthy lifestyle.

Evaluation of pattern of medication errors in a tertiary care hospital in South India: A prospective observational study

Background: Medication errors (MEs) increase morbidity, mortality, and economic burden to health-care system. MEs are the sixth highest cause of death in America. Documented data, studies, and reporting of MEs in India are limited. Aims and Objectives: The study was undertaken with the objectives to determine (a) the frequency of MEs and (b) the nature of MEs in the hospital. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study of 6-month duration was conducted using prescriptions (n = 1007) of patients admitted as inpatients in wards and intensive care unit in the hospital. Sensitization programs were regularly carried out to health-care professionals. The case records and treatment charts of patients in wards were reviewed and the patients or caretakers were interviewed to gather information. Standard hospital pro forma for MEs was used to collect data on MEs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in Excel. Results: Overall, ME rate was 26.81% in the 6 months with a declining trend from the initial 36.11% month of study period. Prescription, dispensing, administration, and documentation errors were, respectively, 92.2%, 4.1%, 3.3%, and 17.8%. Errors pertaining to writing generic names, doses, and routes of drug administration were, respectively, 73%, 48.5%, and 35.2%. Majority (94.8%) of ME belonged to category B of the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention index. Conclusion: The current study observed a high prescription error rate in hospital emphasizing the need for ME sensitization/training program to doctors and nurses. The study observed a declining trend in ME rate that would be attributed to the ongoing sensitization program. The study also indicates an enhanced requirement for the implementation of regular and rigorous reporting system in the hospital.

Solubility Enhancement of a Model Drug Quercetin by Nanotechnology Based Formulation Approach

Approximately, 40% of drug candidates have poor water solubility and its oral delivery is frequently associated with implications of low bioavailability, hepatic first pass metabolism, enzymatic degradation, high intra- and inter subject variability, and lack of dose proportionality. Interests of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) to improve the oral bioavailability of such drugs (PWSD) are well known and documented in literature. Different batches of SLNs were prepared by emulsification-ultrasonication methods by changing process parameters, and finally on the basis of nanoparticle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), encapsulation efficiency (EE), an optimum system was designed. The optimized formulation demonstrated particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency; 327 nm, 0.118, 32.3 mV, and 57.9%, respectively. The optimized formulation has shown the highest zeta potential (-32.3. mV) confers its stability. In-vitro release of drug showed significant improvement in the release of quercetin from SLN formulation as compared to plain drug. Furthermore, quercetin-loaded SLN were found to be stable at 4 °C for 1 months of study period. The formulation was successfully prepared by proposed method that can be used as a potential carrier for successful delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs associated with poor oral bioavailability.

Mucinous Carcinoma of Breast: A Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Study

Introduction: Mucinous Carcinoma (MC) is a special type of breast cancer. It comprises 4% (1-7%) of all invasive breast cancer. MC is also called colloid breast cancer characterised by nests of cells floating in lakes of mucin. It is divided into two subtypes Pure Mucinous Carcinoma (PMC) and Mixed Mucinous Carcinoma (MMC). PMC classified into two main types according to its structural and cytological features type A (paucicellular) the classical variant with a large amount of extracellular mucin, and type B (hypercellular) a hypercellular variant with less mucin and often with neuroendocrine differentiation. Hormone receptors, Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor-2 (HER2) and MUC2 status play an important role in prognosis and management. Aim: To study histopathological features of MC breast and Immunohistochemical (IHC) status. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of patients who presented with breast cancer were studied at Department of Pathology, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi, Karnataka, India. The study was analysed in June 2002 and authors included data from January 2021 to June 2022. The data included the age at diagnosis, Tumour (T), Lymph Nodes (N), and Metastases (M) (TNM) stage, presence and number of Lymph Node (LN) metastases, Oestrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR), HER2 and MUC2 status. The patients in whom the diagnosis of MC of breast was given on histopathology were only included in the study. Patients of breast cancer of other pathological types were excluded from the detailed study. Descriptive statistics like mean, tables, and charts were used with the help of Microsoft office 2007 to interpret the results. Results: A total of 245 patients reported as invasive breast cancer during 18 months of study period, out of which 12 cases diagnosed as MC were taken in study. Amongst 12 cases, eight cases were PMC and four cases were MMC. The mean age at presentation was 63.37±16.38 years (eight PMC) and 60.0±19.30 years (four MMC). A total of 11 out of 12 cases were females and only one was male case (PMC). Majority of PMC 04 (50.0%) and MMC 03 (75.0%) were observed to be in TNM Stage 2, and four of 12 cases of MC had LN metastasis with no distant metastasis. MC showed higher expression of hormone receptors and lower expression of HER2/neu and MUC2 positivity, which corroborates with other studies and concluded that, MC with such an immunohistochemistry profile was prognostically better. Conclusion: Mucinous Breast Carcinoma (MBC) is a rare type of breast cancer accounting for about 4% of all diagnosed breast cancers. These are associated with a better long-term prognosis than other breast cancers. Hormone receptors and HER2 status play an important role in prognosis and management. MUC2 also plays a major role in mediating the proliferation, apoptosis, metastases of breast cancer cells and determining the use of chemotherapy drugs.

Vertebrate wildlife diversity of Sreepur upazila, Magura, Bangladesh

The species diversity and abundance of wildlife are the important indicators of a healthy ecosystem. A survey-based scientific study on species diversity, abundance and status of vertebrate wildlife was conducted from May 2015 to April 2016 at Sreepur upazila, Magura, Bangladesh. A total of 123 species of vertebrate wildlife was recorded during the 12 months of study period. Among them, eight species (6.5%) were amphibians, 13 (10.57%) reptiles, 84 (68.29%) birds and 18 species (14.64%) were mammals. Out of 84 species of birds, 45 (53.57%) were passerines and 39 (46.43%) non-passerines. Most of the observed birds (72 species, 85.72%) were resident and the rest 12 species (14.28%) were migratory. The highest number of wildlife species was observed in winter (108 species, 87.80%), particularly in December (62 species, 50.40%). The lowest number of species was recorded in June (33 species, 26.83%). Out of 123 species of vertebrate wildlife, three (2.44%) were very common, nine (7.32%) common, 26 (21.14%) fairly common and 85 (69.1%) were common. Of the total species, 117 (95.12%) species were least concern, five (4.06%) near threatened and one (0.81%) was endangered according to IUCN Bangladesh 2015. Implementation of conservation and management plan is required to save the wildlife in the study area. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2021, 7(1): 51-62

Asymptomatic COVID-19 Infection among Healthcare Workers in Dedicated Tertiary Care Facility of Kolkata, India

Introduction: In view of the present Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic it is of utmost importance to look out for the ‘trojan horse’ that is the asymptomatic population who are potential for spreading the disease. Healthcare Workers (HCWs) are the most vulnerable group. The possibility of having the infection does not always correlate well with the symptoms. It urges the need for development of certain special plans beyond continuous surveillance and symptom monitoring. Aim: To explore asymptomatic COVID-19 infection among HCWs as a potential source of transmission. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata , West Bengal, India, from June 2020 to September 2020. The data were collected from 714 HCWs over a period of three months of study period, with the help of a standard questionnaire and blood sample was analysed by serological assessment of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by EUROIMMUN Kit, EnzymeLinked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Epi info software 7, available from the World Health Organization (WHO) site was used to manage and analyse the data. Results: The mean age was 35.30±11.79 years. Out of 714 people, 54.8% (391/714) were male and 45.2% (323/714) were female. In this survey, 9.16% of HCWs in COVID-19 designated duties were IgG positive; whereas 21.89% of HCWs designated in other parts of area were detected to be IgG positive. Seroprevalence was least amongst nursing staffs with 5.41% (8/148); among doctor’s it was 9.62% (41/426). Most interestingly among ward boys and cleaners this prevalence was found to be 29.90% (29/97) being the highest. Overall seroprevalence for IgG against SARS-CoV-2 was found to be 12.75% (91/714). Conclusion: This serosurvey at this tertiary COVID-19 care facility is a unique venture to look for the possible sources of super-spread. The high rate of sero-positivity among ward boys and cleaners might be due to their lack of knowledge and training regarding steps to prevent a droplet borne pandemic. This study also points out that if adequate precautions are taken, infectivity is not to an alarming extent, even in a fullfledged COVID-19 care hospital.

Effect of Navajivana Rasa with Pathyashadangam Kashaya Ghanasatwa in Classical Migraine - An Open Label Single Arm Pilot Study

Migraine is the second most common cause of primary headache and as per GBD 2015; migraine was ranked third highest cause of disability worldwide. Migraine with aura is an episodic headache associated with certain features such as sensitivity to light, sound or movement; nausea, vomiting and various fully reversible neurological symptoms. The aim of study was to assess the effect of Navajivana rasa with Pathyashadangam kashaya ghanasatwa in Classical Migraine. The formulations were combined and made into a dispensable form of hard gelatin capsules. Selected participants were given with two 500mg capsules twice daily after food for 2 months and were observed during 1 month of follow up. Symptomatic features were assessed before treatment, after 2 months of medication &amp; after follow up. The MIDAS score for the assessment of disability was assessed before and after 3 months of study period. The results showed that, the study drug was effective in relieving the sign &amp; symptoms of classical migraine and in improving the quality of life.

Character Association and Path Analysis for Growth, Physiological and Biochemical Traits of &lt;i&gt;Casuarina&lt;/i&gt; Clones Under Salinity Stress

Eight clones of Casuarina (four of Casuarina junghuhniana and four of interspecific hybrids of Casuarina equisetifolia × C. junghuhniana ) were subjected to saline water irrigation with different concentrations of NaCl viz., 0, 40, 80 and ;120 mM. After twelve months of study period, plant height, collar diameter, plant fresh weight, root length, proline, total soluble sugars reducing sugars, relative leaf water content, and Na + /K + ratio showed high and positive correlation with plant dry weight. Path analysis revealed that collar diameter, root length, reducing sugars and relative leaf water content had the highest direct effect on plant dry weight and can be collectively used as selection criteria for improvement of Casuarina for increasing biomass.

Feeding fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed as potential appetite stimulant to newborn Holstein dairy calves: Effects on meal pattern, ingestive behavior, oro-sensorial preference, and feed sorting

This trial was performed to investigate the effects of feeding graded levels of fennel seed powder (FSP) on nutrient intake, meal and rumination patterns, chewing and sorting behaviors in newborn Holstein dairy calves. Forty-eight calves (27 males and 21 females; n = 16 per treatment group; 3 d of age; 36.3 ± 1.06 kg of BW; mean ± SE) were assigned randomly to receive incremental levels of FSP at 0.0 (FSP0), 1.5 (FSP1.5) or 3.0 g/d (FSP3) in milk (morning feeding; during the first month of study period) and then in the starter feed (as top-dressed; from d 31 until weaning). Calves were weaned on d 71 and remained in the study until d 81. Starter feed dry matter (DM) intake increased linearly with increasing amount of FSP and increased and tended to increase in FSP3 and FSP1.5 as compared with FSP0, respectively. Growth rate increased linearly with increasing amount of FSP and was greater in FSP supplemented calves than in control calves. Overall body weight but not feed conversion ratio was greater in FSP supplemented calves compared with FSP0. Oro-sensorial preferences were greater in FSP supplemented calves and it was also greater in FSP3 compared with FSP1.5. Sorting index decreased linearly with increasing amount of FSP and decreased in FSP3 compared with FSP0 for particles retained on the 2.36, 1.18, and 0.6 mm sieves and tended to decrease in FSP1.5 compared to FSP0 for particles retained on the 2.36 and 1.18 mm sieves with significant difference for particles retained on the 0.6 mm sieve. Sorting index increased linearly with increasing amount of FSP and increased and tended to increase in FSP3 and FSP1.5 compared with FSP0 for feed materials retained on the bottom pan, respectively. Irrespective of the amount of FSP fed, all calves sorted for particles retained on all studied sieves and against feed materials on the bottom pan. Starter feed DM intake from particles retained on all studied sieves (except for 4.75 mm sieve) and feed materials retained on the bottom pan increased linearly with increasing amount of FSP and increased in FSP supplemented calves compared with control calves. Calves fed FSP initiated to eat their first solid feed in a shorter timeframe after starter feed provision with no changes in first meal duration among treatment groups. Despite of linear increase in eating rate and meal size in FSP supplemented calves, meal and rumination patterns and time devoted to eating, ruminating, resting, drinking, standing, and lying were not affected by treatment; however, non-nutritive oral behaviors were linearly decreased with increasing amount of FSP and decreased and tended to decrease in FSP3 and FSP1.5 compared with FSP0, respectively. In general, feeding FSP shortened time-delay to initiate first solid feed consumption by increasing oro-sensorial preference of the feed, increased feed intake through increases in the rate of eating and thereby the meal size, decreased non-nutritive oral behaviors without affecting chewing behavior, and improved growth performance.

Laboratory Evaluation of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis from North East India

Subjects undergoing hemodialysis have enhanced vulnerability to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection due to invasive procedures and poor infection control practices. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent cross-infection and mortality/morbidity. However, common use anti-HCV antibody tests lack the necessary accuracy, and alternative tests (e.g. core antigen detection kits) which are available need to be examined as a viable alternative. A total of 270 continuous serum samples were collected from patients undergoing dialysis within 15 months of study period. Sequentially, multiple tests were performed - immunochromatography-based rapid test, third-generation ELISA i.e. (anti-HCV antibody detection), fourth-generation ELISA (HCV antigen-antibody combined detection assay), and HCV RNA quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. Diagnostic parameters of serological kits were compared in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy, and so on. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used. HCV-combined core antigen-antibody assays performed better than other serological assays in reference to the gold standard HCV RNA. This fourth-generation assay yielded a Kappa value of 0.947 compared with the value of 0.747 and 0.619 for anti-HCV ELISAand rapid detection test. Other parameters such as sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and so on were also better for fourth-generation ELISA compared with third-generation ELISA and other serological assays. HCV RNA was negative in 7.3% of anti-HCV-positive patients and was detected in 11.4% of anti-HCV ELISA-negative patients. In about 1.6% of HCV RNA-positive cases, fourth-generation ELISA was negative and had low HCV viral load (650 IU/ml and below). Fourth generation ELISA detected additional 7.4% HCV positive cases (compared to third generation kits) and upon cost effective analyis, additional cost to be bear for the better detection (by fourth generation kit) was found to be only INR 27 per 1% increased case detection. In resource scant setup, screening and follow-up of patients undergoing hemodialysis can be performed by fourth-generation HCV ELISA (antigen-antibody combined assay) instead of the current practice of anti-HCV antibody ELISA. Better yield in detection rate will compensate for slight addition to costs.

ARRHYTHMIAS IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME

Objective: To determine the frequency of arrhythmias in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in a tertiary care hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.&#x0D; Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at cardiology department of a tertiary care hospital of Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 189 consecutive patients of either gender presented with ACS during six months of study period were included. Continuous cardiac monitoring (telemetry) was done to record any arrhythmia within 24 hours of onset of symptoms.&#x0D; Results: 189 patients with ACS were included, 152 patients (80.4%) were males with the mean age of 48.23 ± 6.717 years. This included 95 patients (50.3%) with unstable angina, 36 patients (19.1%) with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and 58 patients (30.7%) with Non-STEMI. Arrhythmias were seen in 39 patients (20.6%), most commonly observed type of arrhythmia was premature ventricular contractions (12), atrial fibrillation (nine), ventricular tachycardia (seven), and ventricular fibrillation (five).&#x0D; Conclusion: Arrhythmias were reported in 39 patients from the total, accounting for 20.63% of the entire population. The incidence of cardiac arrhythmia was more in the age group 40-60 years and male population.

ARRHYTHMIAS IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME

Objective: To determine the frequency of arrhythmias in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in a tertiary care hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at cardiology department of a tertiary care hospital of Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 189 consecutive patients of either gender presented with ACS during six months of study period were included. Continuous cardiac monitoring (telemetry) was done to record any arrhythmia within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. Results: 189 patients with ACS were included, 152 patients (80.4%) were males with the mean age of 48.23 ± 6.717 years. This included 95 patients (50.3%) with unstable angina, 36 patients (19.1%) with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and 58 patients (30.7%) with Non-STEMI. Arrhythmias were seen in 39 patients (20.6%), most commonly observed type of arrhythmia was premature ventricular contractions (12), atrial fibrillation (nine), ventricular tachycardia (seven), and ventricular fibrillation (five). Conclusion: Arrhythmias were reported in 39 patients from the total, accounting for 20.63% of the entire population. The incidence of cardiac arrhythmia was more in the age group 40-60 years and male population.

Shoreline monitoring using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) at Regency Beach, Port Dickson

For various coastal studies, coastal monitoring, mapping, and analysis include advancement of regression planning, geo-details, decomposition-enhancing research, and theoretical or predictive modelling and/or coastal characterization. The goals of this research were to identify shoreline changes at Regency Beach, Port Dickson using Pix4Dcapture, Pix4Dmapper and ArcGIS 10.3 software to use the images captured by unmanned aerial vehicle. Flight plans were scheduled from February 2020 to June 2020. In five months of study period, improvements to the shoreline have been noticeable and may impact the coastal region in the immediate future. As this study’s objective was successfully achieved, drones can be recommended as an alternative technique for monitoring coastal changes.

Estimates of Components of Variance, Genetic Gain and Heritability for Growth, Physiological and Biochemical Traits of &lt;I&gt;Casuarina&lt;/I&gt; Clones under Varying Levels of Salinity Stress

Eight clones of Casuarina (four of Casuarina junghuhniana and four of inter-specific hybrids of Casuarina equisetifolia × C. junghuhniana ) were subjected to saline water irrigation with different concentrations of NaCl viz., 0, 40, 80 and 120 mM. After twelve months of study period, significant genetic variability was observed among clones for growth, physiological and biochemical traits. High estimates of heritability with reasonable genetic advance were observed for plant height, collar diameter, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight and root length. Increase in genetic advance with increase in salinity levels (with highest genetic advance at 120 mM NaCl) coupled with high heritability estimates for all the characters suggested the potentiality of clonal material for improvement through selection for planting under saline soils.

Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) along with Coronally Repositioned Flap (CRF) compared with that of CRF alone in the management of isolated Miller class-I gingival recession defects: A non-randomized controlled clinical trial

Periodontal plastic surgical techniques for root coverage are aimed to attain optimal results with less patient discomfort. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) containing a wide array of growth factors within fibrin network has shown beneficial results in healing of tissues. Study evaluated clinical effects of PRF along with Coronally Repositioned Flap (CRF), test group, and compared it with CRF alone, control group, in the treatment of Miller Class I gingival recession. From the subjects who attended the out-patients clinic, a non-randomized controlled clinical study was done on those who satisfied the inclusion criteria. In the control group 29 patients and in the test group 27 patients completed six months of study period. Clinical parameters pertaining to periodontal health and recession anatomy were recorded. Student t-test was used for intra and inter-group comparison. Multiple linear regression model was developed using three predictor variables. Mean root cover percentage in PRF and CRF groups were 96.25±6.89 and 94.59±10.31 respectively. PRF group showed reduction in gingival thickness at sixth month. Linear regression model showed a negative association of baseline gingival recession value with complete root coverage. CRF+PRF as well as CRF alone are equally effective in attaining &amp;#62;90% root coverage in Miller Class I gingival recession. The observed clinical benefits along with less invasive procedure involved in PRF technique, shows that it is a promising biomaterial in terms of objective appraisal. However, additional studies overcoming the limitations noticed are needed to ascertain the findings.

Peril Elements of Infection Severity, Disease Non-Improvement, Case Fatality and Management of Sars-Cov-2 in Sargodha Region Pakistan

Background: Corona virus is +ve stranded RNA virus pervasive in most of the atmospheres and towards the end of year 2019 it originated a pandemic as emerging microorganism which started in Wuhan city of China causing mild respiratory illness to severe acute hypoxemic respiratory distress syndrome in humans causing lot of deaths. Thanks to Almighty ALLAH that its virulence has been decreased in recent past in Pakistan due to better government planning and preventive measures. Objective: To manage moderate to severe COVID- 19 patients with pneumonias in HDU/ attached wards with central oxygen supply and to observe peril elements of infection severity, non-improvement and case fatality. Study Design: Descriptive, cross sectional, multicenter and heterogenous study of fifty COVID positive patients. Settings: High Dependency Unit &amp; Isolation (Pulmonology ward) District Head Quarter Hospital Sargodha &amp; Niazi Teaching Hospital (OPD), Sargodha Pakistan. Duration: From 15 May 2020 to 30 June 2020. Methodology: Fifty COVID- 19 patients over eighteen years of age presented with moderate to severe illness were enrolled for management in this study. Patients having +ve RT- PCR test (nasopharyngeal swab) for COVID-19/ CT chest with pneumonias, pyrexia, cough, tachypnoea with or without confusion, coma, dehydration, fits, low oxygen saturation, feeding difficulties, myocardial or renal injuries, raised liver enzymes, dysfunctional coagulation, expeditious disease advancement with respiratory failure (ARDS) were included in this study for management. Results: Every patient was admitted for moderate to severe COVID 19 pneumonias, tachypnoea etc. Eleven patients needed high flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) humidified oxygen or noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and non-rebreather mask and two patients required invasive ventilation, 24 patients (48%) patients had diabetes mellitus with complications, 8 patients (16%) had chronic obstructive airway disease (COAD) or asthma on steroids and hypertension with complications was diagnosed in 6 (12%) patients as well. As a whole two critically ill (one old aged diabetic) patients died over one and a half month of study period. Conclusion: COVID-19 can be a fatal disease especially in patients with old age, chronic illnesses (diabetes, COAD, hypertension and chronic renal failure etc.), immunocompromised states, early detection with management is of great value. This study interprets that early usage of NIV (CPAP and HFNO) diminishes respiratory failure symptoms, worsening of disease and the need for invasive ventilation.