Abstract The effective inhibition of MS corrosion in H2SO4 by CP and CP + KI was assessed by EIS. SM of MS was studied using SEM and AFM. The rise in Rct and decrease in Cdl, with higher C of CP only and CP + KI, confirmed MS CI. IE (%) increased with higher C of CP only and CP + KI (from 10-3 to 10-1 M). CP’s maximum IE (%) was 93.9%, at 10-1 M. CP + KI, due to I- ions synergistic effect, showed an IE (%) of about 98.8% at 10-1 M. CP only and CP + KI adsorption mechanism followed Langmuir’s isotherm. SM studies suggested that a barrier film of CP only and CP + KI, mitigated MS surface corrosion. CP + KI is an efficient inhibitor in H2SO4.

Resumo O vírus da hepatite C (HCV) é o grave problema de saúde pública das doenças hepáticas. Aproximadamente 170 milhões de pessoas no mundo estão infectadas com HCV; no Paquistão, a doença tem alto índice de ocorrência. O presente estudo prevê uma prevalência atualizada do HCV e distribuição genotípica na população geral do distrito de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Paquistão. As amostras de sangue de 6.538 indivíduos, incluindo 3.263 homens e 3.275 mulheres, foram analisadas para o antígeno de superfície da hepatite C por teste imunocromatográfico (ICT), ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) e reação em cadeia da polimerase de transcrição reversa (PCR). Verificou-se que 396 (12,13%) de 3.263 indivíduos continham anticorpos no sangue contra o HCV, enquanto entre as diferentes faixas etárias as maiores incidências de anticorpos anti-HCV foram encontradas na faixa etária de 31 a 40 anos (11,01%). As amostras positivas para ICT foram posteriormente rastreadas por nested PCR para determinar a existência de HCV-RNA ativo. Identificou-se que 7,11% (3.263) do total da população (6.538) testada foram positivos, dentre os quais 461 (14,07%) mulheres possuíam anticorpos no sangue contra o HCV. Nossos dados mostraram que a infecção total pelo HCV na população investigada foi de 5,78%. Maior porcentagem de prevalência de HCV foi detectada em homens do que em mulheres nas faixas etárias de 31-40 e 41-50. Para comparar a prevalência de genótipos de HCV com relação à idade no genótipo masculino e feminino 3a foi encontrado o genótipo mais prevalente seguido por 1a, 2a e 3b, respectivamente.

Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the serious global public health burden of liver disease. Approximately 170 million people in the world are infected with (HCV). In Pakistan, where the disease has high occurrence rate. The present study envisages an up-to-date prevalence of HCV and genotypic distribution in the general population of Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The blood samples from 6,538 individuals including 3,263 males and 3,275 females were analyzed for hepatitis C surface antigen by Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was found that 396 (12.13%) out of 3263 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HCV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HCV antibodies were found in the 31-40 age group (11.01%). The ICT positive samples were further screened by nested PCR to determine the existence of active HCV-RNA. It was identified that 7.11% (3263) of the total population (6538) tested was positive, among which the 461 (14.07%) females possessed antibodies in their blood against HCV. Our data showed total HCV infection in the investigated population was 5.78%. Higher percentage of HCV prevalence was detected in males than females in the age group 31-40 and 41-50. To compare the prevalence of HCV genotypes age-wise in male and female genotype 3a was found most prevalent genotype followed by 1a, 2a and 3b, respectively.

Abstract The subclavian artery is a significant branch of the aortic arch. We present a rare case of a bilateral variation in the branching pattern of the subclavian artery, observed in an adult male cadaver aged 70 years. On both the sides of the neck, all the branches of the subclavian artery took their origin from its first part. There was a rare occurrence of a cervicodorsoscapular trunk, which gave rise to superficial cervical, suprascapular, and dorsal scapular arteries. The same branching pattern was observed on the left side of the neck, with the presence of another cervicodorsoscapular trunk. Thyrocervical trunk and transverse cervical artery were both absent from the cervical region bilaterally. The inferior thyroid artery was a direct branch from the subclavian artery. Knowledge regarding variations of the subclavian artery is very important as lateral cervical region arteries are important for flap harvesting in plastic and reconstruction surgery. Preoperative radiologic evaluation of pedicles might help in choosing the optimal flap design, prevent ischemic complications, and help to improve overall treatment outcomes.

Resumo A artéria subclávia é um ramo significativo do arco da aorta. Apresentamos um caso raro de variação bilateral do padrão de ramificação da artéria subclávia, observada em um cadáver adulto do sexo masculino de 70 anos. Em ambos os lados do pescoço, todos os ramos da artéria subclávia originavam-se de sua primeira parte. Houve rara ocorrência de tronco escapular cervical dorsal, que deu origem às artérias cervical superficial, supraescapular e escapular dorsal. O mesmo padrão de ramificação foi observado no lado esquerdo do pescoço, com a presença de tronco escapular cervical dorsal. O tronco tireocervical e a artéria cervical transversa estavam ausentes em ambas as regiões cervicais direita e esquerda. A artéria tireóidea inferior consistia em um ramo direto da artéria subclávia. O conhecimento das variações da artéria subclávia é fundamental, pois as artérias da região cervical lateral são importantes para a obtenção de retalhos em cirurgias plásticas e reconstrutivas. A avaliação radiológica pré-operatória dos pedículos pode ajudar na escolha do desenho ideal do retalho, prevenir complicações isquêmicas e ajudar a melhorar o resultado geral do tratamento.

Abstract The present study aimed to identify the bioactive constituents in the chloroform extract of H. spicatum rhizomes (HS-RCLE), further evaluated for its in-vitro pesticidal activities validating via molecular docking techniques. GC/MS analysis of HS-RCLE identified 14 compounds contributing 84.1 % of the total composition. The extract was dominated by oxygenated sesquiterpenes (43.1 %) with curcumenone (25.2 %) and coronarin E (14.8 %) as the major compounds. The extract recorded 89.4 % egg hatchability inhibition and 82.6 % immobility of Meloidogyne incognita, 66.7 % insecticidal activity on Spodoptera litura, 100 % phytotoxic activity on Raphanus raphanistrum seeds, and 74.7 % anti-fungal activity on Curvularia lunata at the respective highest dose studied. The biological activities were furthermore validated by using docking studies on certain proteins/enzymes namely acetylcholinesterase (PBD ID: IC2O), carboxylesterase (PDB ID: 1CI8), acetohydroxyacid synthase (PBD ID: 1YHZ) and trihydroxy naphthalene reductase (PBD ID: 3HNR). The bioactivity of the major constituents of the extract was predicted with the help of in silico PASS studies. HS-RCLE was observed to be a viable alternative source of natural pesticidal agents and paves the way for further studies on its mechanistic approaches and field trials to ascertain its pesticidal studies.

ABSTRACT Objective: Sexual dysfunction among women with diabetes is a common but neglected health issue worldwide. The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its associated factors among women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional comparative study comprises 150 women with diabetes and 100 healthy women without diabetes who visited the endocrinology outpatient department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH). The data were collected from July to December 2019. Sexual dysfunction was assessed by the 19-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Informed consent was obtained before participation. Collected data were analysed by SPSS 26. Results: More women with diabetes than control subjects reported sexual dysfunction (79% vs. 72%; p = 0.864). The global FSFI score was lower among the diabetes patients than among the healthy controls (20.8 ± 7.2 vs. 23.7 ± 4.8; p < 0.001). Patients with T2DM scored significantly lower in the domains of desire (p = 0.04), lubrication (p = 0.01), orgasm (p = 0.01), and satisfaction (p < 0.001), but not the domain of arousal (p = 0.09). A prolonged duration of diabetes was the primary contributor to orgasm problems (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.7) and painful intercourse (aOR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.5). Conclusion: Sexual problems are frequent in women with diabetes. Inclusion of sexual health in comprehensive diabetes management is crucial to address this problem as well as to improve the quality of life of female diabetes patients.

Abstract Introduction Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) present with a multitude of symptoms that can range from headaches to shoulder pain. Patients frequently present with pain in the ear, dizziness, and vertigo. It is noted that some patients who report TMDs also have a history of sleep disturbances, which is noted in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as a reduction in the oropharyngeal airway volume. Objective To evaluate the airway volume in pre- and posttreatment of TMD with the use of neuromuscular orthotics made with ultra-low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ULF-TENS). Methods A total of 15 patients were evaluated for TMDs using the related criteria. Those included were treated with ULF-TENS with evaluation of the airway volume both pre- and posttreatment using CBCT and the Dolphin 3D volume analysis software. Results While the symptoms were shown to be significantly reduced in patients who were treated with this particular modality, the airway volume varied in those who reported a reduction after a period of 3 months and those that reported after a period of 6 months. Conclusion Posttreatment evaluation of the airway should be done after a period of 6 months for a more objective evaluation. A multidisciplinary evaluation of the patient is required in such cases.

Abstract The presented model for wideband circularly polarized microstrip antenna is an improved version of the previous models which is widely applicable to satellite, microwave relay and radar. The designed circularly polarized antenna having overall volume of 20× 20 × 1.6 mm3 actively works at the impedance bandwidth of 9000 MHz (4.0–12.9 GHz) having 105%(with 8900 MHz taken as center frequency). The 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth is obtained as 5500 MHz (5.4–10.9 GHz) depicting 67.5% (with 8150 MHz taken as the center frequency). Measured results of impedance bandwidth, axial ratio, gain and VSWR agrees to the simulation results.

Abstract In this study, we explain the impact of nonlinearity and wave dispersion parameters on the soliton pulses of the (2+1)-dimensional Kundu-Mukherjee-Naskar equation. In this regard, some new optical solitons are received via the unified method to the aforesaid equation to explain such impact on the soliton pulses. The presented optical solitons are expressed by the dark, bright, periodic, bell, kink, and singular soliton solutions. Considering both effects help stabilize the soliton pulses during their propagation by generating new dynamics depending upon the nonlinearity and the wave dispersion parameters of the studied equation. All the characteristics of the soliton pulses are exhibited graphically. It is found from the graphical outputs that the soliton profiles are decreasing and increasing with the increase of nonlinearity and dispersion parameters, respectively. The outcomes reveal that the soliton pulses are balanced due to the influences of nonlinearity and wave dispersion parameters of the aforementioned equation. It is mentioned that the impact of wave dispersion and nonlinearity parameters on the soliton pulses has not been discussed before. Therefore, the applied method permits the explanation of the various wave dynamics by analyzing the attained soliton solutions in nonlinear optical fibers systems, which can be used for further studies.

Abstract Introduction Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the common disorders of the peripheral vestibular system. The prevalence of BPPV is found to be higher among middle-aged women. Objectives To estimate the serum levels of calcium and vitamin D in patients with BPPV, and to study their association. Methods The present is a hospital-based prospective case-control study. Venous blood samples of the 49 patients with BPPV and an equal number of age- and gender-matched individuals were recruited and submitted to an analysis of the serum levels of calcium and vitamin D. Results Among the cases, 67.3% were found to be females, and 32.7% were males. Most of the 30 cases (61.3%) were aged >40 years. The mean age of the cases was 44.39 years. The mean serum level of vitamin D in the cases was of 21.26 ng/ml compared with 17.59 ng/ml in the controls. The mean serum level of calcium was of 9.33 mg/dl in the cases, compared with 8.95 mg/dl in the controls. There was no significant difference in the serum levels of vitamin D and calcium between cases and controls. Conclusion We could not establish any correlation between the serum levels of calcium and vitamin D with BPPV. However, a negative relationship was found between the serum levels of vitamin D and the number of episodes of BPPV (p = 0.012).

Abstract Semiconductors with wide bandgaps play an important role in the use of optoelectronic and energy related devices due to their electron confinement, high optical transparency and tunable electrical conductivity. Therefore, in this study, the quantum confinement effect of chalcogenide semiconductor nanocrystals such as ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, SnS, SnSe and SnTe is studied using the Brus model (by effective mass approximation approach), the hyperbolic model and the cohesive energy model. The obtained results indicate that the value of the energy bandgap differs from the bulk crystals related to the quantum confinement effect. These verdicts confirm the quantum confinement effects of materials and their potential applications in optoelectronic devices. Theoretical findings are compared with the corresponding valid experimental data.

Abstract A fast, reproducible, and sensitive method is proposed for the kinetic determination of carbocisteine (CCys). The method depends on the inhibitory property of carbocisteine, which reduces the Hg2+ catalyzed substitution rate of cyanide from [Ru(CN)6]4- with N-R-salt (1-Nitroso-2-naphthol-3,6-disulfonic acid disodium salt) via forming a stable complex with Hg2+. Spectrophotometric measurements were carried out by recording the absorbance at 525 nm (λmax of [Ru(CN)5 Nitroso-R-Salt]3- complex) at a fixed time of 10 and 15 min under the optimized reaction conditions with [N-R-salt] = 4.5 × 10-4 M, I = 0.05 M (KNO3), Temp = 45.0 ± 0.2 o C, pH = 7.0 ± 0.03, [Hg2+] = 8.0 × 10-5 M and [Ru(CN)6 4-] = 4.25 × 10-5 M. With the proposed method, CCys can be determined quantitatively down to 3.0 × 10-6 M. This methodology can be effectively used for the rapid quantitative estimation of CCys in the pharmaceutical samples with good accuracy and reproducibility. The addition of common excipients in pharmaceuticals even up to 1000 times with [CCys] does not interfere significantly in the estimation of CCys.

Resumen Se propone un método rápido, reproducibley sensible para la determinación cinética de la carbocisteina (CCys). El método depende de la propiedad inhibitoria de la carbocisteina que reduce la tasa de sustitución catalizada por Hg2+ del cianuro de [Ru(CN)6]4- con la sal N-R (sal disódica del ácido 1-Nitroso-2-naftol-3,6-disulfónico) mediante la formación de un complejo estable con Hg2+. Las mediciones espectrofotométricas se llevaron a cabo registrando la absorbancia a 525 nm (λmax del complejo [Ru(CN)5 Sal-Nitroso-R]3-) en un tiempo fijo de 10 y 15 min en las condiciones de reacción optimizadas con [sal-NR] = 4.5 × 10-4 M, I = 0.05 M (KNO3), Temp = 45.0 ± 0.2 o C, pH = 7.0 ± 0.03, [Hg2+] = 8.0 × 10-5 M y [Ru(CN)6 4-] = 4.25 × 10-5 M. Con el método propuesto, CCys se puede determinar cuantitativamente hasta 3,0 × 10-6 M. Esta metodología se puede utilizar eficazmente para la estimación cuantitativa rápida de CCys en las muestras farmacéuticas con buena precisión y reproducibilidad. La adición de excipientes comunes en productos farmacéuticos incluso hasta 1000 veces con [CCys] no interfiere significativamente en la estimación de CCys.

BACKGROUND Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, is a public health problem in Brazil that affects peripheral nerves, resulting in physical disabilities. During host-pathogen interactions, the immune response determines leprosy outcomes from a localised (paucibacillary) form to a disseminated (multibacillary) form. The recognition of M. leprae involves the DC-SIGN receptor, which is present on the dendritic cells (DCs) and participates in immune activation. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the association of polymorphisms in the promoter region of the gene encoding DC-SIGN (CD209) and the clinical form of leprosy, and to investigate its functional effects. METHODS The study population included 406 leprosy patients from an endemic area in Brazil [310 multibacillary (MB); 96 paucibacillary (PB)]. A functional evaluation based on the effects of the single nucleotide variant (SNV) associated with PB leprosy on the specific immune response was also performed. RESULTS The GA genotype and the presence of the A allele of rs735240 (-939G>A) were associated with PB leprosy [OR: 2.09 (1.18-3.69) and 1.84 (1.07-3.14), respectively]. Carriers of the A allele showed reduced expression of CD209 and TGF-β1 in leprosy lesions in comparison with individuals with GG genotype, in addition to a higher response to the Mitsuda test. CONCLUSION These data suggest that rs735240 influences the immune response against M. leprae and clinical presentation of leprosy.

Resumo A infecção pelo vírus da hepatite B é perigosa entre os cinco tipos de hepatite, pois permanece clinicamente assintomática. O presente estudo traça a prevalência atualizada do vírus da hepatite B (HBV) na população geral de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, no Paquistão. Amostras de sangue de 4.803 indivíduos, incluindo 2.399 homens e 2.404 mulheres, foram investigadas. Todas as amostras suspeitas foram analisadas para o antígeno de superfície da hepatite B usando teste imunocromatográfico (ICT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), seguido por transcrição reversa-reação em cadeia da polimerase (RT-PCR). Os resultados mostraram que 312 (13,00%) de 2.399 indivíduos continham anticorpos no sangue contra o VHB, enquanto, entre as diferentes faixas etárias, as maiores incidências de anticorpos VHB foram encontradas nos grupos de 21 a 30 anos (10,73%). Além disso, amostras positivas para ICT foram rastreadas por reação em cadeia da polimerase aninhada para detectar a existência de HBV-DNA ativo. Observou-se que 169 (7,04%) de 2.399 homens do total da população (4803) testados foram positivos. Por outro lado, 463 mulheres (19,25%) possuíam anticorpos no sangue contra VHB. Acumulativamente, nossos resultados mostraram uma porcentagem maior de prevalência de HBV em homens do que em mulheres na faixa etária de 21 a 30 anos. O total de HCV infectados na população geral de Mardan foi registrado em 5,7%, incluindo homens e mulheres.

Abstract Hepatitis B virus infection is perilous among the five types of Hepatitis, as it remains clinically asymptomatic. The present study draws up-to-date prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the general population of Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. The blood samples from 4803 individuals including 2399 male and 2404 females were investigated. All the suspected samples were analyzed for hepatitis B surface antigen using Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and followed by Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results showed that 312 (13.00%) out of 2399 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HBV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HBV antibodies were found in the age of 21-30 groups (10.73%). Furthermore, the ICT positive samples were screened by nested polymerase chain reaction to detect the existence of active HBV-DNA. It was observed that 169 (7.04%) out of (2399) male of the total population (4803) tested was positive. On the other hand, the female 463 (19.25%) possessed antibodies in their blood against HBV. Accumulatively, our results showed a higher percentage of HBV prevalence in males than females in the age group 21-30 years. The total HCV infected in Mardan general population was recorded at 5.7% comprising both male and female.

ABSTRACT Graphene synthesis has been carried out electrochemically with the source being graphite rods mechanically separated from waste model batteries. TEM, Raman spectroscopic analysis has been used to characterize the exfoliated graphene. Mesoporous graphene nanoparticle has been confirmed through BET analysis wherein the surface area and the pore diameter has been reported as 710.4 m2/g and 29.6 Å respectively. The synthesized graphene nanoparticle is used to adsorb Methylene blue (MB) dye which is toxic by nature and the parameters studied are the dosage of adsorbent graphene, MB concentration, temperature and contact time. From UV, XRD, and FTIR the adsorption of MB on graphene has been confirmed. The graphene’s adsorption capacity at 300C was 272 mg/g. The adsorption followed fitted Temkin isotherm whereas the mechanism was pseudo-second-order. Physisorption and spontaneous adsorption process was reported by the thermodynamic study of the adsorption process.

Resumen En este artículo, presentamos una función logarítmica de Mittag-Leffler y discutir algunas de sus propiedades. La aplicación de estas propiedades se vuelven útiles en la extensión de la integral de contorno de tipo de Pochhammer representaciones y fórmulas de Rodrigues de algunos conocidos hipergeométricos funciones. Desde el punto de vista de la aplicación, se discuten algunas relaciones que son útiles para interpretar el fenómeno de la propagación de infecciones enfermedades en términos de las múltiples funciones hipergeométricas de Lauricella.

Abstract In this paper, we introduce a logarithmic Mittag-Leffler function and discuss some of its properties. The application of these properties become helpful in extension of Pochhammer’s type contour integral representations and Rodrigues formulae of some known hypergeometric functions. On application point of view, some relations are discussed which are useful in interpreting the phenomenon of spread of infectious diseases in terms of Lauricella’s multiple hypergeometric functions. 2010Mathematics Subject Classification: 33E12, 33A17, 34A08.