Epidemiological studies have shown that inflammation plays a critical role in the development and progression of various chronic diseases, including cancers, neurological diseases, hepatic fibrosis, ...diabetic retinopathy, and vascular diseases. Decursin and decursinol angelate (DA) are pyranocoumarin compounds obtained from the roots of
Angelica gigas
. Several studies have described the anti-inflammatory effects of decursin and DA. Decursin and DA have shown potential anti-inflammatory activity by modulating growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, transcription factors such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, cellular enzymes including matrix metalloproteinases cyclooxygenase, and protein kinases such as extracellular receptor kinase, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, and protein kinase C. These compounds have the ability to induce apoptosis by activating pro-apoptotic proteins and the caspase cascade, and reduced the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins such as B-cell lymphoma 2 and B-cell lymphoma-extra-large. Interaction with multiple molecular targets and cytotoxic effects, these two compounds are favorable candidates for treating various chronic inflammatory diseases such as cancers (prostate, breast, leukemia, cervical, and myeloma), rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic retinopathy, hepatic fibrosis, osteoclastogenesis, allergy, and Alzheimer’s disease. We have summarized the preliminary studies regarding the biological effects of decursin and DA. In this review, we will also highlight the functions of coumarin compounds that can be translated to a clinical practice for the treatment and prevention of various inflammatory ailments.
In a long-lasting major disease outbreak such as that of COVID-19, the challenge for public health authorities is to keep people motivated and keen on following safety guidelines. In this study, a ...compartmental model with a heterogeneous transmission rate (based on awareness) is utilized to hypothesize about the public adoption of preventive guidelines. Three subsequent outbreaks in South Korea, Pakistan, and Japan were analyzed as case studies. The transmission, behavior change, and behavioral change ease rates of the disease were measured in these countries. The parameters were estimated using the maximum likelihood method with an additional identifiability analysis performed to determine the uniqueness of the estimated parameters for quantitatively comparing them during the first three waves of COVID-19. The mathematical analysis and simulation results show that individual responses had a significant effect on the outbreak. Individuals declining to follow the public health guidelines in Korea and Japan between the second and third waves contributed to making the third peak the highest of the three peaks. In Pakistan, however, individual responses to following public health guidelines were maintained between the second and third waves, resulting in the third peak being lower than the first, rather than being associated with the highest transmission rate. Thus, maintaining a high level of awareness is critical for containing the spread. Improvised public health campaigns are recommended to sustain individual attention and maintain a high level of awareness.
The dyeing behaviour of UV irradiated cotton and polyester fabrics using multifunctional reactive and disperse dyes has been investigated. The plain, woven, mercerized, bleached, cotton and polyester ...fabrics were exposed to UV radiation (180w, 254nm) for 30, 60, 90 and 120min. Dyeing was performed using irradiated fabric with a dye solution of un-irradiated reactive and disperse/azo dyes. The dyeing parameters such as, temperature, time, pH and salt concentration have been optimized. The colour strength values of dyed fabrics were evaluated by comparing irradiated and un-irradiated cotton and polyester fabrics in CIE Lab systems using spectra flash SF600. Finally ISO standard methods were employed to observe the effect of UV radiation on fastness properties. It was found that UV radiation has a potential to improve the colour strength values of cotton and polyester fabrics by using reactive and disperse dyes.
To compare the serum levels of biochemical and oxidative stress markers i.e., malondialdehyde (MDA) and paraoxonase-1(PON1) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients and healthy female individuals ...of reproductive age group (18-40 years).
This case-control study was conducted in Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Karachi from June 2019 to October 2020. Seventy Subjects including 35 PCOS patients that have primary subfertility problem (cases) and 35 healthy and fertile females (controls) were recruited. Serum samples were collected for analysis of insulin, sex hormone-binding globulin, testosterone, fasting blood glucose and lipid profile. PON 1 and MDA levels were estimated by ELISA. Comparison between the two groups was done using independent t-test.
The patients had significantly increased mean body mass index (28.5+4.6 kg/m2 vs 25.7+4.5 kg/m2, p=0.014), systolic (129.6±13.9 mm of Hg vs 113±7.7 mm of Hg, p<0.001) and diastolic (78.7±8.8 mm of Hg vs 74.6±6.7 mm of Hg, p=0.032) blood pressures compared to controls. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly lower in PCOS (42.2±8.6mg/dl) than controls (48.8±11.8mg/dl, p=0.009, p=0.009). Serum insulin (14.3±5.8 uIU/mL) vs (10.0±5.2 uIU/mL), p=0.002 and testosterone levels (1.3±0.9 nmol/L) vs (0.82±0.3 nmol/L), p<0.001 were significantly higher whereas sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels (35.2±19.7nmol/L vs 58.8±31.0 nmol/L) were significantly lower in patients than healthy controls (p<0.001). Both oxidative stress markers, paraoxonase 1 (7.7±2.4 vs 6.4±2.6 μg/mL, p=0.04) and malondialdehyde (2.5±1.0 vs 1.9+0.51μg/mL, p=0.034) levels were significantly elevated in PCOS patients than controls. No significant correlation was found between dietary habits and life style between cases and controls.
The study reported significantly elevated levels of oxidative stress markers in PCOS patients.
To observe efficacy of Timolol maleate 0.5% by topical and surface application in infantile superficial capillary hemangioma of eyelid.
This multi-centered clinical case series was carried out at ...Ophthalmology Department of Bilawal Medical College and Institute of Ophthalmology, LUMHS, Jamshoro from November 2019 to May 2020. We included 14 subjects. All the patients were subjected to detailed clinical examination. Before starting the topical beta blockers, the enrolled subjects had obtained the expert opinion by pediatrician to rule out any preexisting developmental cardio vascular disease. Topical beta blockers 0.5% drops were thus started with, against the ongoing finding of superficial capillary hemangioma of eyelid.
There was significant regression in size of infantile hemangioma after treating with topical timolol maleate 0.5%. We included 14 subjects in this study. Mean±SD age of patients was 4.94. Complete regression was seen in 08 subjects at the end of 12 weeks (64%) while 03 were completely cured at 08 weeks (21%) and 01 patient lost follow up with us. No significant ocular and systemic side effects were noted.
Topical timolol maleate 0.5% can be the first-line treatment modality for superficial capillary hemangiomas due to its better safety and efficacy.
Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to find methods that the government may assist schools and teachers in thwarting violence. This research was an effort to counteract radicalization ...among students with disabilities: Different ways government can support schools and teachers in preventing violence and extremism. Design/Methodology/Approach: Teachers of special education who operate in Punjab's public and private schools for handicapped students have produced the great majority of the population. The population of the research consists of all special education instructors who work with a variety of impairments. A sample of 100 teachers was selected using a straightforward random selection procedure. The instrument was a self-structured questionnaire with mainly two sections: one section acknowledged the demographic traits of special education instructors, and the other sought participants' opinions on five-point Likert scales (Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree) regarding risk factors for violence and extremism as well as possible regulations for hindering violence and extremism. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire has been verified. Data collection methods used by special educators included face-to-face, telephone, email, social media, and online meetings. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to investigate the collected data in terms of frequencies and percentages. Findings: Studies revealed that among other risk factors, students with disabilities were more likely to become radicalized if they had low self-esteem, mental health issues, traumatic experiences, childhood maltreatment, and family rejection. Considering these inferences, there were recommendations for eliminating extremism and violence. Implications/Originality/Value: A school-based preventative program for individuals with disabilities intended to be developed, and the administration of private special education institutions and the Directorate General of Special Education were cautioned to get this program started right away.
Oxidative stress is the key factor that strengthens free radical generation which stimulates lung inflammation. The aim was to explore antioxidant, bronchodilatory along with anti-asthmatic potential ...of folkloric plants and the aqueous methanolic crude extract of Ipomoea nil (In.Cr) seeds which may demonstrate as more potent, economically affordable, having an improved antioxidant profile and providing evidence as exclusive therapeutic agents in respiratory pharmacology. In vitro antioxidant temperament was executed by DPPH, TFC, TPC and HPLC in addition to enzyme inhibition (cholinesterase) analysis; a bronchodilator assay on rabbit’s trachea as well as in vivo OVA-induced allergic asthmatic activity was performed on mice. In vitro analysis of 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) expressed as % inhibition 86.28 ± 0.25 with IC50 17.22 ± 0.56 mol/L, TPC 115.5 ± 1.02 mg GAE/g of dry sample, TFC 50.44 ± 1.06 mg QE/g dry weight of sample, inhibition in cholinesterase levels for acetyl and butyryl with IC50 (0.60 ± 0.67 and 1.5 ± 0.04 mol/L) in comparison with standard 0.06 ± 0.002 and 0.30 ± 0.003, respectively, while HPLC characterization of In.Cr confirmed the existence with identification as well as quantification of various polyphenolics and flavonoids i.e., gallic acid, vanillic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, kaempferol and others. However, oral gavage of In.Cr at different doses in rabbits showed a better brochodilation profile as compared to carbachol and K+-induced bronchospasm. More significant (p < 0.01) reduction in OVA-induced allergic hyper-responses i.e., inflammatory cells grade, antibody IgE as well as altered IFN-α in airways were observed at three different doses of In.Cr. It can be concluded that sound mechanistic basis i.e., the existence of antioxidants: various phenolic and flavonoids, calcium antagonist(s) as well as enzymes’ inhibition profile, validates folkloric consumptions of this traditionally used plant to treat ailments of respiration.
Purpose: This research was an effort to address radicalisation among students with disabilities: Different ways government can support school and teachers in preventing violence and extremism.
...Design/Methodology/Approach: The vast majority of the population was created by the special education teachers working in Punjab's public and private schools for disabled pupils. All special education teachers who work with a range of disabilities make up the study's population. A simple random selection method was used to choose a sample of 100 instructors. The tool was a self-structured questionnaire that was primarily divided into two sections: one section acknowledged the demographic characteristics of special education instructors, and the other asked participants' opinions on five-point Likert scales (Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree) regarding risk factors for violence and extremism as well as potential guidelines for preventing violence and extremism. The questionnaire's reliability and validity were confirmed. Special educators gathered the data using face-to-face, telephone, email, social media, and online meetings. The gathered data were assessed using descriptive and inferential statistics in terms of frequencies and percentages.
Findings: The conclusions drawn demonstrated that students with disabilities were more highly probable to become radicalised when they experienced low self-esteem, mental health problems, traumatic experiences, childhood abuse, and family rejection, among other risk factors. These inferences were followed by recommendations for preventing violence and extremism.
Implications/Originality/Value: The Directorate General of Special Education and the administration of private special education institutions were exhorted to take prompt action to develop a school-based preventative programme for children with disabilities.
To compare leptin levels in newly-diagnosed treatment-naive epileptic patients and healthy controls.
This case-control study was conducted from January 10 to September 15, 2022, at the Dow University ...of Health Sciences, Karachi, and comprised newly-diagnosed epileptic patients age 12-35years who had no comorbidity. The subjects were enrolled from the Neurology out-patient department of Civil Hospital, Karachi. Healthy individuals matched for age, gender and body mass index were also enrolled as controls. Blood samples were collected between 8am and 10am for the evaluation of serum leptin levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data was analysed using SPSS 26.
Of the 100 subjects, 64(64%) were males and 36(36%) were females. There were 50(50%) cases with mean age 19.34±5.65 years, and 50(50%) controls with mean age 19.76±5.67 (p=0.614). 100% of 50 individuals in control group did not have any family history of epilepsy,while 18% of cases (9) reported a positive family history. Mean leptin level in cases was 31.03±19.37 compared to 5.25±4.03 in the controls (p<0.05).
Serum leptin levels were elevated in newly-diagnosed epileptic patients compared to healthy controls.
Tungsten oxide (WO3), Iron and vanadium co-doped tungsten oxide (FeVWO3), and the composite of iron and vanadium co-doped tungsten oxide with graphitic carbon nitride (FeVWO3@g-C3N4) were prepared ...for the photocatalytic study. WO3 and FeVWO3 were synthesized by co-precipitation, and the composite FeVWO3@g-C3N4 was synthesized by an ultra-sonication approach. All the prepared materials were analyzed by different techniques. Structural study was done by XRD, functional group analysis by FTIR, and SEM was used for the morphological study of the nanoparticles. EIS measurements were done to investigate the electrical properties of fabricated materials. Photocatalysis was performed for the band gap analysis. Pendimethalin (PM) a herbicide and aspirin (pharmaceutical product) were used in photocatalysis and degraded by the prepared photocatalysts (WO3, FeVWO3, and FeVWO3@g-C3N4). WO3 and FeVWO3 have 2.62 eV and 2.34 eV Eg values of band gap, respectively. FeVWO3 has a lower Eg value than WO3. The decrease is due to the doping, and generation of further energy levels in the band gap of the pure sample, and these energy levels cause changes in the electronic structure of the sample. The composite shows a high degradation efficiency. The percentage degradation of pendimethalin and aspirin by FeVWO3@g-C3N4 was 82.26 % and 92.84 %. It is because of the presence of g-C3N4 which provides greater surface area for better degradation efficiency.
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