Abstract Heart and blood vessel disorders, such as coronary heart disease, brain vessel disease, rheumatic heart disease, and others, are together referred to as cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this study, we sought to determine how mitochondrial Leucine Transfer RNA genes and CVDs are related (MT-L1 and MT-L2). From CVD patients in Peshawar, a total of 27 saliva samples were taken. Leu-tRNA genes expressed by mitochondria were amplified using polymerase chain reaction after DNA was removed. Ten samples were sent for sequencing after PCR and gene cleaning. We obtained all of the sequenced results, which were subsequently aligned and evaluated against the mitochondrial revised Cambridge Reference Sequence (rCRS). However, in our sequenced samples, Leu-tRNA MT-L1 and MT-L2 genes were determined to be unaltered. Thus, it is suggested that a large population be taken into account while screening for mutations in the mitochondrial encoded Leu-tRNA MT-L1 and MT-L2 genes of cardiac patients in areas of Pakistan. Additionally, it is recommended that patients with cardiac problems should also have other mitochondrial encoded genes checked for potential mutations. This could result in the identification of genetic markers that could be used for early CVD screening in Pakistan.

Resumo Distúrbios do coração e dos vasos sanguíneos, como doença cardíaca coronária, doença dos vasos cerebrais, doença cardíaca reumática entre outros, são referidos juntos como doença cardiovascular (DCV). Neste estudo, procuramos determinar como os genes mitocondriais do RNA de transferência de leucina e as DCVs estão relacionados (MT-L1 e MT-L2). Foi coletado um total de 27 amostras de saliva de pacientes com DCV em Peshawar. Genes de Leu-tRNA expressos por mitocôndrias foram amplificados usando reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) após a remoção do DNA. Dez amostras foram enviadas para sequenciamento após PCR e limpeza gênica. Obtivemos todos os resultados sequenciados, que foram posteriormente alinhados e avaliados em comparação com a Sequência de Referência de Cambridge revisada (rCRS). No entanto, em nossas amostras sequenciadas, os genes Leu-tRNA MT-L1 e MT-L2 foram determinados como inalterados. Assim, sugere-se que uma grande população seja levada em consideração durante a triagem de mutações nos genes Leu-tRNA MT-L1 e MT-L2 mitocondriais codificados de pacientes cardíacos em áreas do Paquistão. Além disso, recomenda-se que outros genes mitocondriais codificados de pacientes com problemas cardíacos também sejam verificados quanto a possíveis mutações. Isso pode resultar na identificação de marcadores genéticos que podem ser usados para triagem precoce de DCV no Paquistão.

Abstract The presence of microplastics in aquatic environments has raised concerns about their abundance and potential hazards to aquatic organisms. This review provides insight into the problem that may be of alarm for freshwater fish. Plastic pollution is not confined to marine ecosystems; freshwater also comprises plastic bits, as the most of plastic fragments enter oceans via rivers. Microplastics (MPs) can be consumed by fish and accumulated due to their size and poor biodegradability. Furthermore, it has the potential to enter the food chain and cause health problems. Evidence of MPs s ingestion has been reported in >150 fish species from both freshwater and marine systems. However, microplastic quantification and toxicity in freshwater ecosystems have been underestimated, ignored, and not reported as much as compared to the marine ecosystem. However, their abundance, influence, and toxicity in freshwater biota are not less than in marine ecosystems. The interaction of MPs with freshwater fish, as well as the risk of human consumption, remains a mystery. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the impacts of MPs on freshwater fish is still very limited. This study detailed the status of the toxicity of MPs in freshwater fish. This review will add to our understanding of the ecotoxicology of microplastics on freshwater fish and give subsequent research directions.

Resumo A presença de microplásticos em ambientes aquáticos levantou preocupações sobre sua abundância e perigos potenciais para os organismos que vivem nesse meio. Esta revisão fornece informações sobre o problema que pode ser alarmante para os peixes de água doce. A poluição plástica não se limita aos ecossistemas marinhos; a água doce também contém pedaços de plástico, já que a maioria dos fragmentos de plástico entra nos oceanos por meio dos rios. Os microplásticos (MPs) podem ser consumidos pelos peixes e acumulados devido ao seu tamanho e baixa biodegradabilidade. Além disso, tem o potencial de entrar na cadeia alimentar e causar problemas de saúde. Evidências de ingestão de MPs foram relatadas em mais de 150 espécies de peixes de sistemas de água doce e marinhos. No entanto, a quantificação e a toxicidade de microplásticos em ecossistemas de água doce foram subestimadas, ignoradas e não relatadas tanto quanto em comparação com o ecossistema marinho. No entanto, sua abundância, influência e toxicidade na biota de água doce não são menores que nos ecossistemas marinhos. A interação de MPs com peixes de água doce, bem como o risco de consumo humano, permanece um mistério. Todavia, nosso conhecimento sobre os impactos das MPs em peixes de água doce ainda é muito limitado. Este estudo detalhou o status da toxicidade de MPs em peixes de água doce. Esta revisão aumentará nossa compreensão da ecotoxicologia de microplásticos em peixes de água doce e fornecerá direções de pesquisa subsequentes.

RESUMO Para investigar o papel do esterco de vaca na recuperação do solo e bioassimilação, juntamente com a bioacumulação de metais pesados em minhocas (P. posthuma) (N = 900), minhocas foram usadas e grupos de tratamento de mistura CD-solo de diferentes proporções de esterco de vaca foram projetados. Doses não letais de acetato de chumbo e cloreto de cádmio foram adicionadas aos grupos de tratamento. P. posthuma maduros foram liberados em cada vaso experimental, mantendo as condições favoráveis. Foram avaliados o pH, carbono, nitrogênio, fósforo, cátions trocáveis e nível de metais pesados de cada mistura. Os resultados indicaram que a bioassimilação de Pb e Cd por P. posthuma foi significativamente (P ˂ 0,01) maior em diferentes tratamentos de solo-CD em relação ao controle. A maior bioassimilação de ambos os metais foi observada em T1 de ambos os grupos (Pb = 563,8 mg / kg e Cd = 42,95 mg / kg). O conteúdo de ambos os metais foi significativamente (P ˂ 0,05) reduzido na fundição. A concentração de nutrientes nas fundições finais de todos os tratamentos de solo-CD também foi igualmente transformada de menos ou insolúvel para mais solúvel e disponível para as plantas, exceto o nível de carbono que aumenta com a proporção de CD. Conclui-se que o esterco de vaca como matéria orgânica tem um efeito positivo na recuperação do solo e na bioassimilação de metais por P. posthuma.

Abstract To investigate the role of cow dung in soil reclamation and bio assimilation along with bio accumulation of heavy metals in earthworm (P. posthuma) (N=900) earthworms were used and treatment groups of CD-soil mixture of different proportion of cow dung were designed. Nonlethal doses of lead acetate and cadmium chloride were added in treatment groups. Mature P. posthuma were released in each experimental pot maintaining the favorable conditions. The pH, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, exchangeable cations, and heavy metal level of each mixture was evaluated. The results indicated that bio-assimilation of Pb and Cd by P. posthuma were significantly (P ˂ 0.01) higher in different soil-CD treatments compared to control. Highest bio-assimilation of both metals was observed in T1 of both groups (Pb = 563.8 mg/kg and Cd = 42.95 mg/kg). The contents of both metals were significantly (P ˂ 0.05) lowered in casting. The nutrient concentration in the final castings of all soil-CD treatments were also equally transformed from less or insoluble to more soluble and available for plants, except for carbon level which increased with CD proportion. It is concluded that cow dung as organic matter has a positive effect on soil reclamation and bio-assimilation of metals by P. posthuma.

The present study aimed to determine the optimal dosage and fermentation time of Mirasolia diversifolia (leaves and stems) using Lactobacillus bulgaricus bacteria by observing the reduction in phytic acid, the activity of enzymes, pH of fermentation, number of bacterial colonies, and tannin concentration. An experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) and 2x3 factorial design with three replications. The treatment factors were Factor A (L. bulgaricus dosages): A1 = 2% (g/v), A2 = 3% (g/v); and Factor B (fermentation times): B1 = 1 d, B2 = 3 d, B3 = 5 d. The dosage of L. bulgaricus and fermentation time had an interaction on phytic acid and its degradation, enzyme activities, pH fermentation, and the number of bacterial colonies. Tannin concentration was not affected. Mirasolia diversifolia fermented with 3% of L. bulgaricus for 5 d resulted in the lowest phytic acid content. Future research requires evaluating in vitro and in vivo dietary formulations for cattle using M. diversifolia fermented with L. bulgaricus.

BACKGROUND: Dora Nginza Hospital had a high neonatal mortality rate (NMR) in 2016. Quality improvement (QI) strategies were subsequently introduced to improve outcomesOBJECTIVE: To report changes in the NMR at Dora Nginza Hospital from 2016 to 2019, following the introduction of QI interventionsMETHODS: A retrospective comparison was conducted of unit-based data from before and after the introduction of QI interventions. Outcomes included total, early and late NMR, NMR by birthweight categories and causes of neonatal deaths. A chi-squared test and relative risk were used to compare groups, with p<0.05 considered significantly differentRESULTS: Total NMR declined from 34.4/1 000 live births to 19.4/1 000 (p<0.01). Early NMR decreased across all birthweight categories (p<0.01). Late NMR decreased in neonates >500 g (p=0.02) but not in those >1 000 g (p=0.99). Relative risk of early or late neonatal death was 0.57 (0.46 - 0.69). Total deaths due to prematurity decreased from 108 in 2016 to 39 in 2019 (p<0.01). There was no significant change in deaths due to congenital abnormalities (p=0.051), infection (p=0.1) or intrapartum events (p=0.08CONCLUSION: We report a significant reduction in NMR following QI interventions, largely due to a decrease in prematurity-related early neonatal mortality. Similar interventions may be beneficial in other poorly resourced settings. Adequate kangaroo-mother care facilities, availability of nasal continuous positive-pressure ventilation to all preterm neonates, promotion of breastfeeding and protocol-driven management of premature newborns are key

Resumo O surgimento de cepas bacterianas multirresistentes (MDR), que representam uma ameaça global à saúde, desenvolveu o interesse dos cientistas em usar bacteriófagos em vez da terapia convencional com antibióticos. Diante do crescente interesse no uso de fago como agente de controle bacteriano, o estudo visou isolar e caracterizar fagos líticos de efluente de esgoto. Durante o estudo atual, o bacteriófago AS1 foi isolado de efluente de esgoto contra E. coli S2. A atividade lítica de phageAS1 foi limitada à cepa E. coli S2, apresentando comportamento monovalente. O título de fago calculado foi de 3,5 x 109 ufp/ml. PhageAS1 foi estável em uma ampla faixa de pH e temperatura. A estabilidade máxima foi registrada a 37ºC e pH 7,0, enquanto mostrou atividade lítica normal em temperatura de 60ºC e pH 5,0 a 11,0, respectivamente. Na temperatura de 70ºC, a atividade do fago foi um pouco reduzida, enquanto o aumento adicional da temperatura e a diminuição ou aumento do pH inativaram completamente o fago. Com base no estudo atual, concluiu-se que a água residual é a melhor fonte para encontrar bacteriófagos contra cepas bacterianas multirresistentes e pode ser usada como agente de controle bacteriano.

Abstract The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains, which are posing a global health threat has developed the interest of scientists to use bacteriophages instead of conventional antibiotics therapy. In light of an increased interest in the use of phage as a bacterial control agent, the study aimed to isolate and characterize lytic phages from sewage effluent. During the current study, bacteriophage AS1 was isolated from sewage effluent against E.coli S2. The lytic activity of phageAS1 was limited to E.coli S2 strain showing monovalent behavior. The calculated phage titer was 3.5×109 pfu/ml. PhageAS1 was stable at a wide range of pH and temperature. The maximum stability was recorded at 37ºC and pH 7.0, while showing its normal lytic activity at temperature 60ºC and from pH 5.0 to11.0 respectively. At temperature 70ºC, phage activity was somewhat reduced whereas, further increase in temperature and decrease or increase in pH completely inactivated the phage. From the current study, it was concluded that waste water is a best source for finding bacteriophages against multi-drug resistant bacterial strains and can be used as bacterial control agent.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees set a 10-year timeline in 2014 to prevent childhood statelessness and believes this is possible if the following four steps are taken. First, it urges all states to allow children who would otherwise be stateless to gain nationality in the country where they are born. Secondly, it urges states to reform citizenship laws that discriminate on the ground of gender, so that mothers are able to pass nationality on to their children on an equal basis as fathers. Thirdly, it calls for the elimination of laws and practices that deny children nationality because of their ethnicity, race, or religion. Lastly, and most importantly, it calls on states to ensure universal birth registration to prevent statelessness. The specific focus of this article will be to examine the risk of childhood statelessness in South Africa. It will begin by providing an explanation of statelessness, followed by the causes and consequences of statelessness. It will briefly comment on the two Statelessness Conventions and examine the extent to which the right to nationality in international human rights laws can protect the stateless child. South Africa has not ratified either of the two Conventions on statelessness, but it believes its citizenship laws are sufficient to prevent childhood statelessness. This article aims to interrogate whether South Africa's laws can protect children at risk of being born stateless and provide adequate solutions to this problem. Through this analysis, the four steps identified by the UNHCR to prevent statelessness will be tested against South African law. This article utilises a child-centred approach, viewing children as beings with rights and not merely as objects of protection, as with the State-centred approach.

BACKGROUND: A discussion of the incidence and pathogenesis of tuberculosis of the sacroiliac joint and a description of an association with spinal tuberculosis. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted in the spine unit on all inpatients admitted between 1 July 2014 and 30 June 2015. Patients with confirmed tuberculous spondylitis and/or sacroiliitis, who underwent adequate radiological examination of their sacroiliac joints, were included in the study. Available clinical and radiological investigations including plain X-rays, CT and MRI scans, were scrutinised to actively exclude sacroiliac joint involvement. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients with tuberculous spondylitis and one patient with isolated tuberculous sacroiliitis were included in the study. Seventeen patients had multilevel (>2 levels) contiguous involvement, while 14 patients had multilevel non-contiguous lesions. Thirty-four patients had associated iliopsoas abscesses. Thirteen patients (19.4%) were identified as having involvement of their sacroiliac joint(s). Six had bilateral involvement, five with right-sided and two patients with left-sided involvement. Eleven of the patients identified had associated iliopsoas abscesses, two of whom had gluteal and iliopsoas abscesses. The patient with isolated sacroiliac joint involvement had a gluteal abscess. CONCLUSION: Concurrent radiographic evidence of sacroiliac joint involvement is not uncommon in patients with spinal tuberculosis, more so when abscess formation is associated, and should be actively looked for and excluded in such cases. Level of evidence: Level 4.

Research aimed at optimising diagnostic laboratory procedures is central to the development of effective bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) control programmes. BVDV is a singlestranded RNA virus that crosses the placenta to infect foetuses, resulting in reproductive losses due to foetal death or persistently infected calves that die early in life. Persistently infected animals are widely accepted to be the primary reservoir of BVDV and the largest source of infection. This poses important challenges to overall animal/herd health and can cause major losses to the cattle industry. Long-term storage of bovine ear notch samples from calves persistently infected with BVDV may adversely affect the ability of diagnostic assays to detect the virus efficiently. In order to test this hypothesis, ear notch samples from 7 animals were divided into 2 groups. One set was subjected to prompt formalin fixation and the other set stored either as fresh samples without preservatives at -2 ºC, or soaked overnight in phosphate buffered saline followed by freezing of the supernatant fluid at -2 ºC. Frozen ear notches and ear notch supernatant yielded positive results with an antigen-capture, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (AC-ELISA) for the duration of the study (6 months) and optical density (OD) values remained significantly within range. There was no significant difference between storing fresh ear notch samples or PBS at -2 ºC. However, positive immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining on formalin fixed ear notches started to fade between Day 17 and Day 29 when stored at room temperature. It was concluded that fresh ear notches could safely be stored at -2 ºC for a period of 6 months prior to testing for BVD viral antigens

In the present work synthesis of 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehydes (la-g), 2-chloro-3-(l, 3-dioxolan-2-yl)quinolines (2a-g) and antioxidant activity using the DPPH assays is reported. The results showed that the compounds Ib, le, 2b, 2e, 2f possessed 84.65 to 85.75 % radical scavenging activity where as compound lg showing 92.96% radical scavenging activity.

Reaction of 3-substituted isocoumarins (la-h) with excess of sodium borohydride in methanol gave the corresponding 2-(2-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)ethanol derivatives (2a-h). Antimicrobial activities of synthesized compounds were measured, using Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Proteus mirabilis) and Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus).

New hydrazine derivatives were synthesized via reaction between 1, 3 cyclic diketones and hydrazinoisoquinohne derivatives. The reaction proceeded smoothly in ethanol under reflux temperature and furnished products in excellent yields (76-87%). The products have been purified and fully characterized by spectroscopy techniques. The compounds 8a-c showed good bacterial inhibition against Bacillus cerus and 8d-f showed good antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

A series of o-substituted benzophenones was prepared by efficient method involving the 3-substituted isocoumarins and phenylmagnesium bromide. The reaction was completed in presence of anhydrous ether under dry ice-solvent bath in few hours with modest to good yields

Seven known abietane diterpenes were isolated from five Plectranthus species, namely P. hadiensis, P. lucidus, P. ecklonii, P. purpuratus subsp. purpuratus and P. purpuratus subsp. tongaensis. The seven compounds were tested for their antiplasmodial activity and for their ability to inhibit β-haematin formation. Overall, they showed good activity (IC50 values ranging from 3.11 to 14.65 µM), with one compound being 62% as effective as chloroquine in inhibiting β-haematin formation. However, the cytotoxicity profile indicated a low degree of specificity towards the malaria parasite. When combined with quinine, three compounds interacted in an additive manner whereas one interacted synergistically.

Stability constant (log beta) and thermodynamic parameters of Cd2+ complexes with sulfonamide and cephapirin were determined by Polarographic technique at pH = 7.30 ± 0.01 and µ = 1.0 M KNO3 at 250°C. The sulfonamides were sulfadiazine, sulfisoxazole, sulfamethaxazole, sulfamethazine, sulfathiazole, sulfacetamide and sulfanilamide used as primary ligands and cephapirin as secondary ligand. Cd2+ formed 1:1:1, 1:2:1 and 1:1:2 complexes. The nature of electrode processes were reversible and diffusion controlled. The stability constants and thermodynamic parameters (deltaG, deltaH and deltaS) were determined. The formation of the metal complexes has been found to be spontaneous, exothermic in nature, and entropically unfavourable at higher temperature.