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OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic features of acromegaly, and analyse its management outcomes over a 15-year period in a tertiary care setting. METHODS: The descriptive, cohort, retrospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data of adult patients of either gender diagnosed with acromegaly based on biochemical and radiological evidence between January 2005 and December 2019. Data was retrieved from the medical records. Data was analysed using SPSS 19. RESULTS: Of the 84 subjects, 54(64.3%) were males and 30(35.7%) were female. The overall mean age was 38.69±13.52 years. The patients presented 5.43±4.3 years after the onset of symptoms, with somatic growth features, such as enlarged hands and feet which was the most common complaint 81(96.4%). Of all the patients, 73(86.9%) underwent trans-sphenoidal surgery for the removal of the pituitary adenoma, while 11(13.1%) opted out of the surgical option. Further, 9(12.3%) patients showed biochemical and radiological remission 6 months post-surgery. Out of the remaining 64(87.7%) patients, 38(59.4%) received radiosurgery or radiotherapy, 15(23.4%) underwent repeat trans-sphenoidal surgery, and 11(17.2%) chose medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of patients failed to achieve remission after trans-sphenoidal surgery, which is the first line of treatment. Radiotherapy/repeat surgery was generally the options taken by those with persistent disease.
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Acromegalia , Centros de Atenção Terciária , Humanos , Feminino , Masculino , Acromegalia/terapia , Acromegalia/diagnóstico , Acromegalia/epidemiologia , Paquistão/epidemiologia , Adulto , Estudos Retrospectivos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adenoma/terapia , Adenoma/diagnóstico , Adenoma/cirurgia , Adenoma/epidemiologia , Neoplasias Hipofisárias/terapia , Neoplasias Hipofisárias/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Hipofisárias/cirurgia , Resultado do Tratamento , Adulto Jovem , Radiocirurgia/métodosRESUMO
Objective: The present study aimed to assess the thyroid outcomes six-months after radioactive Iodine-131 therapy (RIT) among hyperthyroid patients and identify the factors associated with them. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at the department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Northwest General Hospital & Research Centre during 2013 to 2019. For the study purpose, the thyroid outcomes of 153 hyperthyroid patients were studied retrospectively for six months after RIT. The data was obtained from the medical records. Patient baseline characteristics, clinical features, laboratory investigations, results of thyroid imaging, and therapeutic investigations were acquired and recorded in a structured questionnaire. Results: Out of the 153 screened records of hyperthyroid patients, 19.6% became euthyroid, 9.2% remained hyperthyroid, and 25.5% developed hypothyroidism after six months of RIT. The observed remission rate by the end of six months was 80.95%. Three months post-RIT, gender and RAI doses had a significant effect on thyroid function. The frequency of hypothyroidism was higher among those treated with an RAI dose of ≤ 20 mCi (83.0%) than those treated with a higher dose > 20 mCi (17%). Moreover, most patients receiving > 20 mCi radioiodine became euthyroid (64.5%). Similar outcomes were observed after six months of the therapy, except gender was replaced by etiologies of hyperthyroidism (p=0.009). Conclusion: Radioactive iodine (131-I) therapy is effective for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. However, the appropriate dose is still debatable, as there was a high incidence of hypothyroidism post-therapy.
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Pituitary gonadotroph adenomas are common but very rarely do they secrete biologically active luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). There have been case studies reporting high sex hormones (testosterone/estrogen) in the presence of high or normal LH and FSH. Here we report two cases (with their consent) who presented with visual disturbance and headache at a tertiary care hospital (Aga Khan university hospital) Karachi, Pakistan. Brain imaging revealed a pituitary macroadenoma. Further workup was consistent with pituitary gonadotroph adenoma with high FSH (case 1) and normal LH/FSH (case 2) and elevated serum testosterone in both cases. Transsphenoidal resection was performed and the tissue sample histopathology confirmed pituitary adenoma. Postoperatively, improvement in hormonal profile was observed along with a resolution of visual disturbances and headaches. Thus, functional gonadotroph adenoma should be considered in the presence of elevated testosterone/estrogen and normal or elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)/ luteinizing hormone (LH). Early diagnosis leads to a better outcome.
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Adenoma , Gonadotrofos , Neoplasias Hipofisárias , Humanos , Masculino , Neoplasias Hipofisárias/complicações , Neoplasias Hipofisárias/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Hipofisárias/cirurgia , Gonadotrofos/patologia , Adenoma/complicações , Adenoma/diagnóstico , Adenoma/cirurgia , Hormônio Foliculoestimulante , Hormônio Luteinizante , Testosterona , Transtornos da Visão , Cefaleia/complicações , EstrogêniosRESUMO
Primary Thyroid Lymphoma (PTL) is a rare disease, mostly affecting middle-to-old aged females. It has a strong association with pre-existing thyroiditis, which increases the risk of its development. The disease has been studied in detail in the Western populations. However, there is lack of data for south Asians, especially in Pakistani population. This study was carried out to learn more about the disease characteristics in our area. This was a retrospective study where we reviewed four diagnosed and/or treated cases of primary thyroid Lymphoma at tertiary care hospital of Pakistan (Aga Khan University Hospital), Karachi, Pakistan. Each patient's medical record was reviewed and studied. The participants' average age was 62.8±10.12 years,, with two males and two females. The histology of all of the patients was compatible with the Diffuse B cell Lymphoma subtype. One patient died as a result of complications, one patient was lost to follow up, and the remaining two patients are doing well with no active complaints and are being followed up on a regular basis.
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Linfoma , Neoplasias da Glândula Tireoide , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Países em Desenvolvimento , Linfoma/epidemiologia , Linfoma/terapia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Neoplasias da Glândula Tireoide/epidemiologia , Neoplasias da Glândula Tireoide/terapiaRESUMO
Objectives: To evaluate the clinical and biochemical effects of (SGLT2) inhibitors as a fourth oral anti-diabetic drug in patients with Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: In a tertiary hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, a retrospective assessment of patient medical records was conducted from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020.A total of one hundred patients (mean age [Standard Deviation]: 53.8 [9.63] years) with poorly controlled T2DM were included. Data was collected before the SGLT-2 inhibitor was added, as well as three and six months after the medicine was started. Weight, BMI, blood pressure (BP), HbA1c, SGPT, and Creatinine were measured at the start and during the study. Results: There was a significant reduction in HbA1c (p-value < 0.001) with a mean reduction (MR) of 0.81+1.02% at three months and 1.07+1.11% at six months. A mean weight reduction (p-value < 0.001) of 1.83+2.32 kg at three months and 4.02+6.04 kg at 6 months, respectively, was recorded. A mean BMI reduction of 0.69+0.95 kgm-2 at three months and 2.13+3.41 kgm-2 at six months of follow up, respectively were recorded. A systolic blood pressure (SBP) also showed a significant reduction (p-value < 0.05) with a MR of 5.9+15.76 mmHg at three months and 6.37+18.33 mmHg at 6 months, respectively. Non-significant variation in creatinine and SGPT was also noted. Conclusions: SGLT-2 is an effective oral anti-diabetic medicine that can help individuals with diabetes who are currently using glucose-lowering oral anti-diabetic medications. These medications can help diabetic patients stick to their regimen.
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Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a cancer affecting the lymphatic system. There are two subtypes of Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Nodular lymphocyte predominant (NLPHL) and classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma which has further four types. It has a bimodal distribution and is more common among males. The most common presentation is painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin region. Associated Symptoms include night sweats, unintentional weight loss, fever, persistent cough or dyspnea. Involvement of the gastrointestinal tract is a rare occurrence. Diagnosis is based on hematological, radiological and histochemical studies. Here we report a rare presentation of a 47-year-old male who presented with symptoms of loose stools, weight loss and fever. CT scan and abdominal lymph node biopsy findings were consistent with a lymphoproliferative disorder Patient was being managed in the line of malabsorption syndrome with possible underlying malignancy but his condition deterioted before the histological diagnosis was confirmed. Thus, this report highlights the importance having a consideration for Hodgkin's lymphoma in the management of chronic diarrhea.
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The current study reports advanced, ecofriendly and biosynthesized silver NPs for diverse biomedical and environmental applications using Flammulina velutipes as biosource. In the study, a simple aqueous extract of F. velutipes was utilized to reduce the AgNO3 into stable elemental silver (Ag0) at a nanometric scale. The NPs had average size of 21.4 nm, spherical morphology, and were highly stable and pure. The characterized nanoparticles were exploited for a broad range of biomedical applications including bacteriocidal, fungicidal, leishmanicidal, in vitro antialzheimer's, antioxidant, anti-diabetic and biocompatibility studies. Our findings showed that F. velutipes mediated AgNPs exhibited high activity against MDR bacterial strains and spore forming fungal strains. All the tested urinary tract infection bacterial isolates, were resistant to non-coated antibiotics but by applying 1% of the synthesized AgNPs, the bactericidal potential of the tested antibiotics enhanced manifolds. The NPs also exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxic potential against Leishmania tropica with significant LC50 of 248 µg ml-1 for promastigote and 251 µg ml-1 for amastigote forms of the parasite. Furthermore, promising antialzheimer and antidiabetic activities were observed as significant inhibition of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butrylcholineterase (BChE) were noted. Moreover, remarkable biocompatible nature of the particles was found against human red blood cells. The biosynthesized AgNPs as photocatalyst, also resulted in 98.2% degradation of indigo carmine dye within 140 min. Owing to ecofriendly synthesis, biosafe nature and excellent physicochemical properties F. velutipes AgNPs can be exploited as novel candidates for multifaceted biomedical and environmental applications.
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Anti-Infecciosos/farmacologia , Flammulina , Nanopartículas Metálicas/química , Prata/química , Prata/farmacologia , Antibacterianos/química , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Anti-Infecciosos/química , Antifúngicos/química , Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Difusão Dinâmica da Luz , Flammulina/química , Flammulina/metabolismo , Humanos , Hipoglicemiantes/química , Hipoglicemiantes/farmacologia , Leishmania tropica/efeitos dos fármacos , Nanopartículas Metálicas/administração & dosagem , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura , Inibidores de Proteínas Quinases/química , Inibidores de Proteínas Quinases/farmacologia , Prata/administração & dosagem , Espectrofotometria Ultravioleta , Espectroscopia de Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier , TermogravimetriaRESUMO
Datura metel has been recommended in several human disorders including a remedy for liver toxicity. The current study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of methanolic extract of D. metel in animal model. Acute toxicity of methanolic crude extract of Datura metel (MEDM) was studied in animals in various doses 500-2000 mg/kg. Mice of either sex were divided into groups (n=6). One group received normal saline intraperitonially as negative control, while other gentamicin 100mg/kg for 8 days as positive control. 3rd group received 50mg/kg silymarin as standard, 4th group received 100mg/kg of MEDM, 5th group received 200mg/kg MEDM while 6th group received 300mg/kg MEDM and gentamicin 100mg/kg for 8 days. The blood samples were collected on 9th day and the animals were then dissected and the liver of all the animals were isolated. MEDM was found safe in acute toxicity test at various doses up to 2000 mg/kg. The levels of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were elevated significantly with gentamicin treatment which significantly down-regulated by MEDM (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) in a dose dependent manner.. The histological examination showed that the MEDM has markedly treated the inflammatory infiltrate, fatty changes and congested blood vessels which were induced by gentamicin. The findings of our study thus proved the absolute of MEDM in acute toxicity test; followed by significant hepatoprotective effect in gentamicin induced hepatotoxic mice.
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Doença Hepática Induzida por Substâncias e Drogas/prevenção & controle , Datura metel/química , Fígado/efeitos dos fármacos , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Alanina Transaminase/sangue , Alanina Transaminase/metabolismo , Fosfatase Alcalina/sangue , Fosfatase Alcalina/metabolismo , Animais , Doença Hepática Induzida por Substâncias e Drogas/etiologia , Avaliação Pré-Clínica de Medicamentos , Feminino , Gentamicinas , Fígado/metabolismo , Fígado/patologia , Masculino , Metanol/química , Camundongos , Fitoterapia/métodos , Extratos Vegetais/química , Substâncias Protetoras/química , Substâncias Protetoras/farmacologia , Testes de Toxicidade Aguda/métodosRESUMO
Dryopteris ramosa (D. ramosa) is one of the most traded medicinally important plants of Himalayan region. Apart from other uses, D. ramosa is traditionally also used to treat gastric ulcers and as a laxative. The present study was designed to investigate the role of methanolic crude extract of Dryopteris Ramosa (MEDR) in acute toxicity, against loperamide induced constipated mice model, antiulcer effect of methanolic extract of D. Ramosa and cholinomimetic like effect of methanolic extract of D. Ramosa. The crude extract was investigated for the presence of active compounds (secondary metabolites) such as alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, saponins, and tannins following the standard methods. The antiulcer effect was investigated in mice using the ethanol induced ulcer model at various doses i.e. 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg doses. Constipation was induced in the mice via loperamide (3mg/kg body weight). The control group received normal saline. Different doses of plant extracts (50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg body weight/day) were administered for 7 days. Various parameters like feeding characteristics, gastrointestinal transit ratio, body weight, fecal properties and the possible mechanism of action of D. Ramosa on intestinal motility were monitored. Various Phytochemicals like saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, carbohydrate, alkaloids and triterpenes were found in D. Ramosa. The acute toxicity study showed that MEDR was associated with no mortality except mild and moderate sedation at the highest tested doses (1500 and 2000 mg/kg). MEDR also showed significant antiulcer activity against ethanol-induced ulcerogenesis. The extract enhanced the intestinal motility, normalized the body weight of constipated mice and increased the fecal volume which are indications of laxative property of the herb. The 200 mg/kg body weight dose of the extract was found effective. The presence of various Phytochemicals such as flavonoids, glycosides and tannins might be responsible for the antiulcer activity of D. Ramosa. This study provides the scientific background for the folkloric use of D. Ramosa as antiulcer agent. The laxative action of the extract compares positively with Duphalac, (standard laxative drug). These findings have therefore evidence scientific background to the folkloric use of the herb as a laxative agent.
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Constipação Intestinal/prevenção & controle , Dryopteris/química , Laxantes/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Plantas Medicinais/química , Úlcera Gástrica/prevenção & controle , Alcaloides/farmacologia , Animais , Constipação Intestinal/induzido quimicamente , Etanol , Flavonoides/farmacologia , Motilidade Gastrointestinal/efeitos dos fármacos , Laxantes/química , Loperamida , Metanol/química , Camundongos , Fitoterapia/métodos , Extratos Vegetais/química , Extratos Vegetais/toxicidade , Saponinas/farmacologia , Úlcera Gástrica/induzido quimicamente , Taninos/farmacologia , Testes de Toxicidade Aguda/métodosRESUMO
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Acromegaly is a chronic disorder resulting from excessive secretion of growth hormone and (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and is associated with several comorbidities. These complications contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality associated with this condition thus early diagnosis leads to better outcomes. There have been studies in other countries to assess the comorbidities associated with acromegaly. However, we do not have any recent data with regards to Pakistan. So, in order to demonstrate the prevalence of demographics, hormonal disorders, and other complications associated with acromegaly we conducted this study. METHODS: It is a retrospective review of patients' records presented to the tertiary care Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan for the diagnosis and management of acromegaly and the complications associated with this condition between the time periods 2000 till 2020. A total of 89 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria of acromegaly and were included in the study. Comorbid conditions were described based on current guidelines. Patient baseline characteristics were recorded along with other complications arising during treatment. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients were included. 64% were male, over 70% were older than 30 years old and more than 40% of patients had BMI greater than 30. HTN, pre-hypertension, and CCF were reported in 35.95%, 3.37%, and 6.74%. Diabetes mellitus, hypocortisolism, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, and hyperprolactinemia were reported in 39.32%, 38.20%, 37.07%, 34.46%, and 16.85% of cases. The prevalence of osteoarthritis, blood disorder, skin changes, thyroid cancer, and spinal stenosis was found out to be around 1.12% each. CONCLUSIONS: Acromegaly is associated with cardiovascular and endocrinal disorders. Screening for these disorders at the time of diagnosis can lead to early management and better outcomes translating into decreased mortality.
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Datura metel is traditionally used as a remedy for renal toxicity. However, the nephroprotection has not been scientifically validated yet. To evaluate the nephroprotective like effect of methanolic extract of D. metel in gentamicin induced mice model, mice of either sex were divided into groups. One group received normal saline as negative control. The 2nd group received gentamicin 100mg/kg for 8 days as positive control, 3rd group received 50mg/kg silymarin as standard, while the reaming groups received 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of MEDM and gentamicin 100mg/kg, for 8 days. The blood and urine samples were collected on 9th day, animals were then dissected and whole kidneys were removed and preserved in formalin for later histological examinations. The level of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, urine creatinine and urine urea were significantly (P<0.05) elevated and the renal MDA level was also elevated significantly (P<0.05) by gentamicin in mice. After the treatment of test animals with MEDM, the elevated level of serum and urine biomarkers by gentamicin were reversed by MEDM. The nephroprotective effect was found in dose dependent manner. As the MEDM significantly protected the nephrotoxicity via its antioxidant effect. The findings of our study thus proved the scientific background for the nephroprotective effect of MEDM.
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Datura metel/química , Gentamicinas/efeitos adversos , Nefropatias/induzido quimicamente , Nefropatias/patologia , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Substâncias Protetoras/uso terapêutico , Animais , Nitrogênio da Ureia Sanguínea , Creatinina/sangue , Creatinina/urina , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Feminino , Rim/efeitos dos fármacos , Rim/patologia , Nefropatias/sangue , Nefropatias/urina , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Camundongos , Compostos Fitoquímicos/análise , Compostos Fitoquímicos/farmacologia , Compostos Fitoquímicos/uso terapêutico , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Substâncias Protetoras/farmacologia , Ureia/urinaRESUMO
Internet of Things (IoT) technology is increasingly pervasive in all aspects of our life and its usage is anticipated to significantly increase in future Smart Cities to support their myriad of revolutionary applications. This paper introduces a new architecture that can support several IoT-enabled smart home use cases, with a specified level of security and privacy preservation. The security threats that may target such an architecture are highlighted along with the cryptographic algorithms that can prevent them. An experimental study is performed to provide more insights about the suitability of several lightweight cryptographic algorithms for use in securing the constrained IoT devices used in the proposed architecture. The obtained results showed that many modern lightweight symmetric cryptography algorithms, as CLEFIA and TRIVIUM, are optimized for hardware implementations and can consume up to 10 times more energy than the legacy techniques when they are implemented in software. Moreover, the experiments results highlight that CLEFIA significantly outperforms TRIVIUM under all of the investigated test cases, and the latter performs 100 times worse than the legacy cryptographic algorithms tested.
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OBJECTIVE: To determine causative uropathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern among Type-2 diabetics (T2D) with good and suboptimal glycemic control. METHODS: A hospital based cross-sectional study was carried out in Peshawar from April-October, 2019. Four hundred consecutive T2D patients with symptomatic UTI or showing numerous pus cells on routine urinary examination attending outpatient clinic were included. As per the guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), the urine samples collected were checked for identification of uropathogen by culture. Disc diffusion method was used to determined antimicrobial susceptibility. RESULTS: Of the total (n=400) T2D patients, 205 (51.25%) showed microbial growth. Mean age of patients with UTI was 63.26 ±12.30 years. About two-third (63.9%) of the patients were females. Mean HbA1c was 8.80±2.20%. The frequency of patients with UTI was noticeably greater in the suboptimal glycemic control group 178(86.3%) compared to good control glycemic patients 27(13.7%). Significant mean difference in glycemic levels were observed (HbA1c = 5.86±0.48 and HbA1c = 9.25±2.02, respectively, P < 0.001). E. coli was the predominant pathogen isolated 120(71%), followed by Klebsiella pneumonia Spp (K. pn) 35(17.1%), Pseudomonas auregonosa (P. aeruginosa) 14(6.83%), Enterococcus 12 (5.85%) and Candida Spp were 2(0.98%). Both gram positive and negative-bacteria were highly susceptible to imipenem, meropenem, fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin. CONCLUSION: The frequency of UTI in diabetics was higher in female in comparison to male, and was significantly greater in the suboptimal glycemic control group. E. coli was the most typical isolate followed by K. pn. Imipenem, meropenem, fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin had high susceptibility profile against the isolated pathogens.
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In this paper, taking fractional derivative due to Caputo and Fabrizo, we have investigated a biological model of smoking type. By using Sumudu transform and Picard successive iterative technique, we develop the iterative solutions for the considered model. Furthermore, some results related to uniqueness of the equilibrium solution and its stability are discussed utilizing the techniques of nonlinear functional analysis. The dynamics of iterative solutions for various compartments of the model are plotted with the help of Matlab.
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Fumar , Algoritmos , Ex-Fumantes , Humanos , Modelos Biológicos , não Fumantes , FumantesRESUMO
Sex pheromones are crucial for communication between females and males in moths, and pheromone receptors (PRs) play a key role in peripheral coding of sex pheromones. During the last decade, many PR candidates have been identified based on transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, but their detailed functions remain mostly unknown. Here, focusing on four PR candidates of Athetis dissimilis (AdisOR1, AdisOR6, AdisOR11 and AdisOR14) identified in a previous study, we first cloned the full-length cDNAs and determined the tissue expression profiles by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The results revealed that expression of three of these genes were male antennae-specific, while AdisOR11 was similar in expression between male and female antennae. Furthermore, the expression level of AdisOR1 was much higher than those of the other three genes. Then, functional analysis was conducted using Xenopus oocyte system. AdisOR1 responded strongly to the sex pheromone component Z9-14:OH and the potential pheromone component Z9,E12-14:OH, suggesting its important role in the sex pheromone perception; AdisOR14 showed specificity for Z9,E12-14:OH; while AdisOR6 and AdisOR11 did not respond to any of the pheromone components and analogs tested. Taken together, this study contributes to elucidate the molecular mechanism of sex pheromone reception and provides potential targets for development of OR based pest control techniques in A. dissimilis.
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Proteínas de Insetos/metabolismo , Lepidópteros/metabolismo , Receptores de Feromônios/metabolismo , Animais , Feminino , Proteínas de Insetos/genética , Lepidópteros/genética , Masculino , Feromônios/metabolismo , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase em Tempo Real , Receptores de Feromônios/genéticaRESUMO
Orthaga achatina (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is the most serious pest in south China of camphor trees, Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl, an important urban tree species. Gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) of the sex pheromone of O. achatina showed three EAD-active components. Coupled gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses identified these as (Z)-11-hexadecenol (Z11-16:OH), (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (Z11-16:OAc), and (3Z,6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z)-tricosapentaene (Z3,Z6,Z9,Z12,Z15-23:H). In field tests using different combinations of the three compounds, male moths were attracted to a mixture of Z11-16:OAc and Z3,Z6,Z9,Z12,Z15-23:H, but less attracted to other blends. Further field tests with different ratios of the two compounds determined the optimal ratio of the binary blend as 500:250. The addition of Z11-16:OH to Z11-16:OAc, or to the binary mixture of Z11-16: OAc and the pentaene did not yield higher catches. This shows that O. achatina uses a mixture of Type I and Type II sex pheromone components. Orthaga achatina is the third Pyraloidea species found to utilize Z3,Z6,Z9,Z12,Z15-23:H as a sex pheromone component.
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Lepidópteros/química , Lepidópteros/efeitos dos fármacos , Atrativos Sexuais/química , Atrativos Sexuais/farmacologia , Animais , Feminino , Cromatografia Gasosa-Espectrometria de Massas , Masculino , Comportamento Sexual Animal/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
The high sensitivity of the olfactory system is essential for feeding and oviposition in moth insects, and some chemosensory proteins (CSPs) are thought to play roles in this system by binding and carrying hydrophobic odorants across the aqueous sensillar lymph. In this study, to identify the olfactory CSPs from a repertoire of 21 CSP members in the notorious rice pest Chilo suppressalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), tissue expression patterns were firstly examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). It showed that CSP2 was antennae specific and seven more CSPs (CSP1, 3, 4, 6, 15, 16, and 17) were antennae biased in expression, suggesting their olfactory roles; while other CSPs were multiple-tissue expressed and non-antennae biased, suggesting other functions for these genes. To further determine the ligand binding specificity, three putative olfactory genes (CSP1-3) were expressed in Escherichia coli cells, and binding affinity of these three recombinant CSP proteins were measured for 35 plant volatiles by the ligand binding assays. CSP1 and CSP2 exhibited high binding affinities (Ki ≤ 10.00 µM) for four (2-tridecanone, benzaldehyde, laurinaldehyde and 2-pentadecanone) and two (2-heptanol and (+)-cedrol) host plant volatiles, respectively; the three CSPs also showed moderate binding affinity (Ki = 10.01-20.00 µM) for 16 plant volatiles. Our study suggests that the three CSPs play essential roles in the perception of host plant volatiles, providing bases for the elucidation of olfactory mechanisms in this important pyralid pest.
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Antenas de Artrópodes/fisiologia , Proteínas de Insetos/metabolismo , Mariposas/fisiologia , Percepção Olfatória , Compostos Orgânicos Voláteis/metabolismo , Animais , Feminino , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica , Masculino , Mariposas/genética , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase em Tempo Real , Fatores SexuaisRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency, predisposing factors and symptomatology of headache among medical students. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2013 and comprised students of two medical colleges of Karachi. International Classification of Headache Disorder-II criterion was used to diagnose and classify headache. SPSS 17 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the 413 medical students studies, 326(79%) had tension type headache, and 87 (21%) had migraine. Headache was more frequent among females than males, with a ratio of 6.5:1. Both types of headache were significantly associated with self-reported disturbed sleep pattern, stress and various triggering factors (p<0.05 each). Both types greatly influenced individual's daily life with significant association with avoiding academics, extra-curricular activities, family and friends (p<0.05 each). High self-medication rate of 400(96.9%) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of headache among medical students was high with female predominance. Infrequent consultation needs to be addressed through awareness programmes.
Assuntos
Transtornos de Enxaqueca , Estresse Psicológico , Estudantes de Medicina , Cefaleia do Tipo Tensional , Adolescente , Causalidade , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Transtornos de Enxaqueca/diagnóstico , Transtornos de Enxaqueca/epidemiologia , Transtornos de Enxaqueca/psicologia , Transtornos de Enxaqueca/terapia , Paquistão/epidemiologia , Prevalência , Automedicação/estatística & dados numéricos , Fatores Sexuais , Estresse Psicológico/epidemiologia , Estresse Psicológico/fisiopatologia , Estudantes de Medicina/psicologia , Estudantes de Medicina/estatística & dados numéricos , Cefaleia do Tipo Tensional/diagnóstico , Cefaleia do Tipo Tensional/epidemiologia , Cefaleia do Tipo Tensional/psicologia , Cefaleia do Tipo Tensional/terapia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine the trends of acute poisoning in terms of frequency, nature of poisoning agent, clinical presentation and its outcome. METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data of patients who presented with poisoning between January 1989 and December 2010.The patients were randomly selected , and demographic, chemical information, clinical feature, treatment and outcome were analysed using SPSS 16. RESULTS: Of the total hospital admissions during the period, 3,189(0.3%) were cases of poisoning. Of them, medical records of 705(22%) cases were reviewed; 462(65.5%) adult and 243(34.5%) paediatric cases below 16 years of age. The overall median age was 21 years (interquartile range: 4-32 years)Moreover, 544(87%) were critical at the time of presentation. In 647(92%) cases, the poisoning occurred at home. Psychiatric drugs were found involved in 205(29%) cases, followed by prescription drugs 172(24.4%), pesticides 108(15.3%), hydrocarbons 71(10%), analgesics 59(8.7%), household toxins 59(8.7%), alcohol and drug abuse 21(2.97%) and others 47(6.67%). CONCLUSIONS: Poisoning was a serious cause of morbidity in children and young adults. Medications were the leading cause and home was the most common place of incident.
Assuntos
Intoxicação/epidemiologia , Centros de Atenção Terciária , Adolescente , Adulto , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Hospitalização , Hospitais Universitários , Humanos , Paquistão/epidemiologia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Illicit drug use has become a global issue, posing significant health, socioeconomic, and cultural risks. The study examined essential trace metals: selenium, zinc, and copper in blood concentrations, as well as in serum and scalp hair samples, from 240 male drug-abuse subjects/patients aged 18-45, categorized into three age groups. The study compared 45 healthy subjects of the same age group using an acid digestion method supported by a microwave oven during sample preparation. The technique of atomic absorption spectrometry was employed to identify essential and toxic elements, utilizing certified reference materials for accuracy. According to a recent study, plasma zinc and selenium concentrations in drug abusers are lower than those in referent subjects, potentially increasing vulnerability to infection due to poor nutritional status or other contaminants.