Abstract To determine the species composition, relative abundance and seasonal variation of different mosquitoes Genera (Aedes, Anopheles, Armigeres, Culex, and Culiseta) in different habitats the present research work was carried out in Entomology Research Laboratory of The University of Peshawar. Sampling performed from variety of permanent and temporary breeding habitats was carried out on monthly basis from targeted breeding sites for two consecutive years through dipping method. Species diversity in the survey sites was noted. Collection from these seventeen various types of potential larval habitats, yielded a total of 42,430 immature constituting 41,556 larvae and 874 pupae. Among these only 19,651 adult mosquitoes emerged comprising 11,512 female and 8,139 male mosquitoes. 78% (n= 15333) of mosquito larvae were from permanent and 22% (n=4318) were from temporary breeding sites. This study showed that Peshawar valley harbours 15 species from the genera Aedes, Anopheles, Armigeres, Culex and Culiseta. When the density of each species was examined, Culex quinquifasciatus was found to be dominant (79%) and constant in distribution. Among the temporary habitats Aedes albopictus was found as the most prevalent species particularly from tree holes and water cisterns. The highest intensity of mosquitoes was in June (2243 emerged adults) and November (2667 emerged adults) while the lowest was in January (203 emerged adults). A perfect positive correlation (r = +0.8) was found between temperature and population of mosquitoes (df 10 and α 0.05). The species diversity index for mosquitoes remained between 0.12 and 1.76. The Margalef’s richness components was noticeably low for bamboo traps (0.2) and fairly high for rice fields, Percolating water and Animal tracks (1.3) which shows the abundance of mosquito species in these habitats. Similarly Pielou’s Evenness was highest for bamboo traps (E=1) showing species uniform distribution. Animal tracks were presumed not only the diverse habitat rather also possessed high value for species richness and species evenness. Temperature, rainfall, humidity and other related attributes responsible for species variation and abundance need to be analysed further to pave way for controlling vector species in their oviposition targeted sites.

Resumo Para determinar a composição de espécies, abundância relativa e variação sazonal de diferentes gêneros de mosquitos (Aedes, Anopheles, Armigeres, Culex e Culiseta) em diferentes habitats, o presente trabalho foi realizado no Laboratório de Pesquisa em Entomologia da Universidade de Peshawar. A amostragem coletada a partir de uma variedade de habitats de reprodução permanentes e temporários foi realizada mensalmente a partir de locais de reprodução alvo por 2 anos consecutivos através do método de imersão. A diversidade de espécies nos locais de pesquisa foi anotada. A coleta desses 17 tipos diferentes de habitats larvais potenciais rendeu um total de 42.430 imaturos, constituindo 41.556 larvas e 874 pupas. Destes, emergiram apenas 19.651 mosquitos adultos, sendo 11.512 fêmeas e 8.139 machos. 78% (n = 15333) das larvas do mosquito eram de criadouros permanentes e 22% (n = 4318) de criadouros temporários. Este estudo mostrou que o vale de Peshawar abriga 15 espécies dos gêneros Aedes, Anopheles, Armigeres, Culex e Culiseta. Quando a densidade de cada espécie foi examinada, Culex quinquifasciatus foi considerado dominante (79%) e constante na distribuição. Entre os habitats temporários, o Aedes albopictus foi encontrado como a espécie mais prevalente, principalmente em ocos de árvores e cisternas de água. A maior intensidade de mosquitos foi em junho (2.243 adultos emergidos) e novembro (2.667 adultos emergidos), enquanto a menor foi em janeiro (203 adultos emergidos). Uma correlação positiva perfeita (r = +0,8) foi encontrada entre temperatura e população de mosquitos (DF 10 e α 0,05). O índice de diversidade de espécies de mosquitos permaneceu entre 0,12 e 1,76. Os componentes de riqueza de Margalef foram visivelmente baixos para armadilhas de bambu (0,2) e razoavelmente altos para campos de arroz, água percolada e rastros de animais (1,3), o que mostra a abundância de espécies de mosquitos nesses habitats. Da mesma forma, a uniformidade de Pielou foi maior para armadilhas de bambu (E = 1), mostrando distribuição uniforme das espécies. As pegadas de animais foram presumidas não apenas como habitat diverso, mas também possuíam alto valor para riqueza e uniformidade de espécies. Temperatura, chuva, umidade e outros atributos relacionados responsáveis pela variação e abundância das espécies precisam ser analisados mais a fundo para abrir caminho para o controle de espécies de vetores em seus locais de oviposição alvo.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the role of radiological predictive markers on orthopantomogram for inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury related to the removal of mandibular third molar surgery and the occurrence of post-operative IAN paresthesia. Material and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 60 patients (aged 17-35 years) indicated for extraction and showed one or more of the seven previously known panoramic radiographic risk signs of IAN injury. Variables such as age, sex, tooth angulation, and relationship with the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) were assessed to see their outcome on IAN injury. Data analysis is presented through tables and descriptive methods. Results: Among patients, 26 were male and 34 were female, with a mean age of 26.17 years. Out of seven radiological predictive markers, only six were found in this study, whereas one marker, viz. interruption of white line of the canal was not found. After surgical removal of the lower third molar, only two patients with radiographic signs showing the deflection of roots and darkening of roots continued with sensory deficit 5 weeks post-operatively. Conclusion: The risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury during lower third molar surgery is very low, even in patients with radiological predictive markers.

Abstract Objective To describe the cases of hate violence attended in emergency services. Method A cross-sectional study of a series of cases of aggression treated in the emergency rooms of two hospitals in Madrid, between April 2015 and March 2018. The cases of hate violence are described in terms of their sociodemographic, clinical-epidemiological and incident data and compared with other types of violence within the study. Results A total of 147 patients were included and 49% reported having been victims of hate violence. Among the victims, 61% were men, the average age was 36 years and 48% had a medium-high level of education. The most frequent motivations were physical appearance, nationality and ethnic origin. The place of aggression was the street in 50%, and in 61% of the cases it was perpetrated by more than one person (83% by men). The most common injury was contusion (71%) and the most frequent location the head and neck (71%). Only 8% required admission. Conclusions The surveillance of hate violence would foster more accurate knowledge of the real magnitude and characteristics of this health problem and improve the quality of care for victims.

Resumen Objetivo Describir los casos de violencia de odio atendidos en servicios de urgencias. Método Estudio transversal de una serie de casos de agresión atendidos en los servicios de urgencias de dos hospitales de Madrid, entre abril de 2015 y marzo de 2018. Se describen los casos de violencia de odio en cuanto a características sociodemográficas, clínico-epidemiológicas y del incidente, y se comparan con las de otros tipos de violencia dentro del estudio. Resultados Se incluyeron 147 pacientes. El 49% refirieron haber sido víctimas de la violencia de odio. El 61% eran hombres, la media de edad fue de 36 años y un 48% tenían un nivel de estudios medio-alto. Las motivaciones más frecuentes son el aspecto físico, la nacionalidad y el origen étnico. El lugar de la agresión es la calle en un 50% de los casos, y en el 61% la agresión fue perpetrada por más de una persona (el 83% por hombres). La lesión más común fue la contusión (71%) y las localizaciones más frecuentes fueron la cabeza y el cuello (71%). El 8% de las víctimas requirieron ingreso. Conclusiones La vigilancia de la violencia de odio permitiría conocer con mayor exactitud la magnitud real y las características de este problema de salud, así como mejorar la calidad de la atención a las víctimas.

Abstract Objective To describe the cases of hate violence attended in emergency services. Method A cross-sectional study of a series of cases of aggression treated in the emergency rooms of two hospitals in Madrid, between April 2015 and March 2018. The cases of hate violence are described in terms of their sociodemographic, clinical-epidemiological and incident data and compared with other types of violence within the study. Results A total of 147 patients were included and 49% reported having been victims of hate violence. Among the victims, 61% were men, the average age was 36 years and 48% had a medium-high level of education. The most frequent motivations were physical appearance, nationality and ethnic origin. The place of aggression was the street in 50%, and in 61% of the cases it was perpetrated by more than one person (83% by men). The most common injury was contusion (71%) and the most frequent location the head and neck (71%). Only 8% required admission. Conclusions The surveillance of hate violence would foster more accurate knowledge of the real magnitude and characteristics of this health problem and improve the quality of care for victims.

Resumen Objetivo Describir los casos de violencia de odio atendidos en servicios de urgencias. Método Estudio transversal de una serie de casos de agresión atendidos en los servicios de urgencias de dos hospitales de Madrid, entre abril de 2015 y marzo de 2018. Se describen los casos de violencia de odio en cuanto a características sociodemográficas, clínico-epidemiológicas y del incidente, y se comparan con las de otros tipos de violencia dentro del estudio. Resultados Se incluyeron 147 pacientes. El 49% refirieron haber sido víctimas de la violencia de odio. El 61% eran hombres, la media de edad fue de 36 años y un 48% tenían un nivel de estudios medio-alto. Las motivaciones más frecuentes son el aspecto físico, la nacionalidad y el origen étnico. El lugar de la agresión es la calle en un 50% de los casos, y en el 61% la agresión fue perpetrada por más de una persona (el 83% por hombres). La lesión más común fue la contusión (71%) y las localizaciones más frecuentes fueron la cabeza y el cuello (71%). El 8% de las víctimas requirieron ingreso. Conclusiones La vigilancia de la violencia de odio permitiría conocer con mayor exactitud la magnitud real y las características de este problema de salud, así como mejorar la calidad de la atención a las víctimas.

Resumen: Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo estudiar la relación entre las variables de timidez y bienestar psicológico como predictores del uso problemático de Internet. El estudio se realizó en una muestra de 400 estudiantes. La muestra incluyó 191 hombres (47,8%) y 209 mujeres (52,2%) de la Universidad de Sargodha. El rango de edad de los participantes de la muestra fue de 18 a 24 años (M = 21, SD = 4,24). Las tres variables del estudio, incluida la timidez, el bienestar psicológico y el uso problemático de Internet, se evaluaron con el cuestionario de timidez, la escala de florecimiento y la escala de prueba de adicción a Internet (IAT), respectivamente. Para determinar la solidez psicométrica de los instrumentos se midieron los niveles de consistencia descriptiva e interna de todas las variables de estudio. Los principales análisis estadísticos incluyeron correlación, prueba t y análisis de regresión. El análisis correlacional de los resultados generales reveló la correlación positiva significativa de la timidez y una correlación negativa significativa del bienestar psicológico con el uso problemático de Internet. La prueba t reveló que el uso problemático de Internet y el bienestar psicológico eran significativamente diferentes según el género. Además, los resultados del análisis de regresión lineal divulgaron que la timidez predice positivamente el uso problemático de Internet, mientras que el bienestar psicológico predice negativamente el uso problemático de Internet. Además, el análisis de regresión sobre el género indicó que ser hombre era un predictor de mayor uso problemático de internet. Se discutieron las implicaciones del estudio junto con sus limitaciones y se sugirieron encarecidamente recomendaciones para futuras investigaciones.

Abstract: This research was aimed to study the relationship between the variables of shyness and psychological well-being as the predictors of problematic internet use (PIU). The study was carried out on a sample of 400 students. The sample included 191 men (47.8%) and 209 women (52.2%) from University of Sargodha. The age range of participants in the sample was 18 to 24 years (M= 21,S.D= 4.24). The three variables of the study including shyness, psychological well-being, and problematic internet use were assessed with the shyness questionnaire, flourishing scale, and internet addiction test scale (IAT), respectively. To determine the psychometric soundness of instruments, descriptive and internal consistency levels of all the study variables were measured. The main statistical analyses included correlation, t-test, and regression analysis. The correlational analysis of overall results revealed the significant positive correlation of shyness and a significant negative correlation of psychological well-being with problematic internet use. The t-test revealed that problematic internet use and psychological well-being were significantly different according to gender. Furthermore, the results of linear regression analysis divulged that shyness positively predicts problematic internet use, while psychological well-being negatively predicts problematic internet use. Also, regression analysis on the gender indicated that being male was a predictor of greater PIU. Implications of the study along with its limitations were discussed and recommendations for further research were highly suggested.

Resumo: Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo estudar a relação entre as variáveis timidez e bem-estar psicológico como preditores do uso problemático da internet. O estudo foi realizado em uma amostra de400) alunos. A amostra incluiu 191 homens (47,8%) e 209 mulheres (52,2%)da Universidade de Sargodha. A faixa etária dos participantes da amostra foi de 18 a 24 anos (M = 21, S.D = 4,24). As três variáveis do estudo, incluindo timidez, bem-estar psicológico e uso problemático da internet, foram avaliadas com o questionário de timidez, escala de florescimento e escala de teste de vício em internet (IAT), respectivamente. Para determinar a solidez psicométrica dos instrumentos, foram medidos os níveis de consistência descritiva e interna de todas as variáveis do estudo. As principais análises estatísticas incluíram correlação, teste t e análise de regressão. A análise correlacional dos resultados gerais revelou a correlação positiva significativa da timidez e uma correlação negativa significativa do bem-estar psicológico com o uso problemático da internet. O teste t revelou que o uso problemático da Internet e o bem-estar psicológico foram significativamente diferentes de acordo com o gênero. Além disso, os resultados da análise de regressão linear divulgaram que a timidez prediz positivamente o uso problemático da Internet, enquanto o bem-estar psicológico prediz negativamente o uso problemático da Internet. Além disso, a análise de regressão sobre o sexo indicou que ser do sexo masculino foi um preditor de maioruso problemático da internet. As implicações do estudo juntamente com suas limitações foram discutidas e recomendações para pesquisas futuras foram altamente sugeridas.

Abstract Introduction: it has previously been shown that parasitic infections (PI) have deleterious effects on the nutritional status of the host, particularly among young children. Objective: the objective of this study was to estimate the severity of the problem of malnutrition and anemia in association with PI in preschool children and to identify the possible risk factors that contribute to these health problems. Methods: four hundred and thirty-seven mother-child pairs were randomly selected from rural areas of Peshawar, Pakistan. Children with visible and invisible worms were identified. The nutritional status of the respondents was evaluated. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on relevant parameters. Appropriate statistical tests were used to analyze the data. Results: the average age of the children was 24 ± 10 months. A total of 120 (27.5%) fecal samples of children tested positive for several parasites. Of the total, 267 (61%), 205 (47%), 109 (25%) and 140 (32%) children were anemic, stunted, wasted and underweight, respectively. The majority of wasted children (59% wasted versus 41% normal) and anemic (66% anemic versus 34% non-anemic) were infected with parasites (p < 0.05). Independent factors related to child anemia included child age, family size, mothers' awareness of overall child healthcare, and PIs. PIs were independent risk factors for malnutrition and general child wasting. Sociodemographic, parental and child-related risk factors for PIs included mothers' poor nutritional status and awareness level regarding overall child healthcare, fathers' formal education, child's pica habit, child's age, open sewage system in the houses and family size. Conclusion: in general, malnutrition and anemia were highly prevalent in children in association with PI.

Resumen Introducción: se ha demostrado previamente que las infecciones parasitarias (IP) tienen efectos nocivos sobre el estado nutricional del huésped, particularmente entre los niños pequeños. Objetivo: el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo estimar la gravedad del problema de desnutrición y anemia en asociación con IP en niños en edad preescolar e identificar los posibles factores de riesgo que contribuyen a estos problemas de salud. Métodos: se seleccionaron al azar 437 parejas madre-hijo de zonas rurales de Peshawar, Pakistán. Se identificaron niños con gusanos visibles y no visibles. Se evaluó el estado nutricional de los encuestados. Se usaron cuestionarios estructurados para recopilar datos sobre parámetros relevantes y pruebas estadísticas apropiadas para analizar los datos. Resultados: la edad promedio de los niños fue de 24 ± 10 meses. Un total de 120 (27,5%) muestras fecales de niños dieron positivo para varios parásitos. Del total, 267 (61%), 205 (47%), 109 (25%) y 140 (32%) niños eran anémicos, presentaban atrofia, desgaste y bajo peso, respectivamente. Los factores independientes relacionados con la anemia infantil incluyen la edad del niño, el tamaño de la familia, el nivel de conciencia de las madres sobre el cuidado de la salud general del niño y los IP. Los IP fueron factores de riesgo independientes para la malnutrición y el desgaste general de los niños. Los factores de riesgo independientes para los IP incluyeron un estado nutricional deficiente de las madres, bajo nivel de conciencia de las madres con respecto a la atención médica general del niño, la educación formal de los padres, el patrón pica en niños, la edad, el sistema de alcantarillado abierto en las casas y el tamaño de la familia. Conclusión: en general, la malnutrición y la anemia fueron muy prevalentes en los niños en asociación con IP.

Formularam-se comprimidos de liberação imediata à base de cefuroxima axetil, pelo método de compressão direta, com diferentes percentagens de lauril sulfato de sódio (LSS), tais como 0,5, 1,0, 1,5, e também sem SLS. Os lotes resultantes dos comprimidos foram avaliados por ambos os métodos da farmacopeia e não farmacopeicos para determinar as propriedades físico-mecânicas. O teste de dissolução foi realizado em meios diferentes, como HCl 0,07 M, água destilada, HCl 0,1 M com pH 1,2 e os tampões fosfato (pH 4,5 e 6,8) para observar a liberação do fármaco contra a correspondente concentração de LSS utilizado. Em seguida, as formulações de teste foram comparadas por fatores f1 (dissimilaridade) e f2 (similaridade), utilizando uma marca de referência de cefuroxima axetil. Diferenças significativas (p<0,05) na taxa de dissolução foram registradas com a mudança na concentração de LSS em diferentes meios de dissolução. A formulação T3 contendo LSS a 1% foi considerada a melhor formulação otimizada com base nos ensaios de desintegração, dissolução e fatores de semelhança e dissimilaridade.

Cefuroxime axetil immediate release tablets were formulated by direct compression method with different percentages of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) such as 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and also without SLS. Resulting batches of tablets were evaluated by both pharmacopeial and non-pharmacopeial methods to ascertain the physico-mechanical properties. Dissolution test were carried out in different medium like 0.07 M HCl, distilled water, 0.1M HCl of pH 1.2 and phosphate buffers at pH 4.5 and 6.8 to observe the drug release against the respective concentration of SLS used. Later, test formulations were compared by f1(dissimilarity) and f2(similarity) factors using a reference brand of cefuroxime axetil. Significant differences (p<0.05) in dissolution rate were recorded with the change in concentration of SLS in different media. Test formulation T3 containing 1% SLS was found to be best optimized formulation based on assay, disintegration, dissolution and similarity and dissimilarity factors.

Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum are becoming resistant to drugs including antifolates, sulphonamides and chloroquine. This study was focused at sequence analysis of resistant genes of these parasites against sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine and chloroquine, from Bannu, Pakistan. Known mutations were detected at codons 57, 58 and 117 of pvdhfr gene of P. vivax, while none of the isolates had any pvdhps mutation. Similarly P. falciparum isolates exhibited double 59R + 108N mutations in pfdhfr, and single 437G in pfdhps thus demonstrating the existance of triple mutant 59R + 108N + 437G haplotype in this region. The key chloroquine resistance mutation, 76T in pfcrt was observed in 100% of the P. falciparum isolates, with haplotype SVMNT which is also associated with resistance to amodiaquine. Some novel mutations were also observed in pvdhfr and pfdhfr genes.

Schiff bases, 2-{[(2-hydroxyphenyl)methylidene]amino}phenol (4) and 2-{[3-4-(dimethylamino)phenyl-2-propenylidene]amino}phenol (5), have been synthesized by the condensation of 2-aminophenol (1) with 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (2) and 4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (3), respectively. They showed good lipoxygenase inhibition and antioxidant activities, as compound 4 showed potent antioxidant activity. The products also showed good activities against Gram-positive: S. intermedius, B. subtilis and S. aureus, and Gram-negative: E. coli and S. typhi bacteria, as compounds 5 and 4 are excellent active against B. subtilis and S. typhi, respectively. These good to potent activities may be due to the presence of free hydroxyl and amino groups. They showed non-significant urease inhibition activity.

Malaria is one of the serious diseases threatening human health in Pakistan and contributes to a large proportion of the total malaria deaths in South Asia. However, little is known about the nature and extent of genetic diversity of the malarial parasites circulating in Pakistan. This study was designed to assess the infection status of Plasmodium and the genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum by analyzing msp-3α, msp-3β and msp-1, msp-2 genes respectively using allele specific nested PCR and RFLP assays. For this purpose, 130 field isolates were collected from the individuals who exhibited clinical symptoms associated with malaria in the Kohat region of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. Among 130 blood samples collected, P. vivax was detected in 105/130 (80.8%) and P. falciparum in 21/130 (16.2%). Mixed infections with both parasites were detected in 4/130 (3%) of the isolates. A large number of distinguishable alleles were found for msp genetic markers: 10 alleles for msp-3α and seven for msp-3β with one mixed infection in case of msp-3β. The genotyping of P. falciparum showed that K1+MAD20 mixed genotype was dominant in msp-1 and FC27 in msp-2. The results collectively suggest that P. vivax and P. falciparum populations in this region are highly polymorphic and mixed infections are prevalent.

We present in this paper a fully-automated method for the task of speech act classification for Arabic discourse. Speech act classification involves assigning a category from a set of predefined speech act categories to a sentence to indicate speaker's intention. Our approach to speech act classification is based on the hypothesis that the initial words in a sentence and/or their parts-of-speech are very diagnostic of the particular speech act expressed in the sentence. We also consider semantic categorization of these words in terms of named entities and combine this approach with machine learning algorithms to automatically derive the parameters of the models we used to implement the approach. Experiments and results obtained with several models and machine learning algorithms on a corpus of 408 Arabic sentences are presented.

Presentamos en este trabajo un método completamente automatizado para la tarea de clasificación de actos del habla en discurso árabe. La clasificación de actos del habla involucra la asignación de una categoría, obtenida a partir de una serie de categorías de actos del habla, a una oración para indicar la intención del hablante. Nuestra aproximación a la clasificación de actos del habla está basada en la hipótesis de que las palabras iniciales de una oración y/o sus partes-de-discurso son muy útiles para el diagnóstico del acto del habla expresado en la oración. Consideramos además la categorización semántica de estas palabras en términos de entidades nombradas y combinamos este enfoque con algoritmos de aprendizaje mecánicos para derivar automáticamente los parámetros de los modelos que utilizamos para implementar el enfoque. Presentamos experimentos y resultados obtenidos con varios modelos y algoritmos de aprendizaje automático en un corpus de 408 oraciones árabes.