The Lancet and colonialism: past, present, and future.

The historical and contemporary alignment of medical and health journals with colonial practices needs elucidation. Colonialism, which sought to exploit colonised people and places, was justified by the prejudice that colonised people's ways of knowing and being are inferior to those of the colonisers. Institutions for knowledge production and dissemination, including academic journals, were therefore central to sustaining colonialism and its legacies today. This invited Viewpoint focuses on The Lancet, following its 200th anniversary, and is especially important given the extent of The Lancet's global influence. We illuminate links between The Lancet and colonialism, with examples from the past and present, showing how the journal legitimised and continues to promote specific types of knowers, knowledge, perspectives, and interpretations in health and medicine. The Lancet's role in colonialism is not unique; other institutions and publications across the British empire cooperated with empire-building through colonisation. We therefore propose investigations and raise questions to encourage broader contestation on the practices, audience, positionality, and ownership of journals claiming leadership in global knowledge production.

Timing of development of osteoradionecrosis post head and neck radiotherapy: does a safe time interval exist for dental extraction?

INTRODUCTION: Risk factors for developing osteoradionecrosis (ORN) are well known, but less is known about factors influencing the interval between radiotherapy and the onset of ORN. Also, it is unknown whether there is any specific period post-radiotherapy with a reduced probability of ORN when irradiated teeth require extraction. PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to identify factors influencing the interval in developing ORN in the following subgroups of patients: (1) patients who spontaneously developed ORN, (2) surgical-intervention-related ORN with a particular focus on patients after mandibulectomy. The secondary aim was to attempt to identify a possible time for safer dental intervention after primary treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively analysed 1608 head and neck cancer (HNC) patients treated in a single centre. Time intervals were measured from the end of radiotherapy to the development of ORN and further analysed in the subgroups listed above. RESULTS: In all, 141 patients (8.8%) developed intra-oral ORN. Median time from radiotherapy to ORN development in the whole cohort was 9 months. Median interval for spontaneous ORN was 8 months, 6.5 months for intervention-related ORN, and 15 months for patients post-mandibulectomy. In patients who required dental extraction preradiotherapy, median interval of ORN onset was 5 months. CONCLUSION: In our study, a slightly higher proportion of patients with intervention developed ORN earlier in comparison with spontaneous ORN. The period from 12-18 months after radiotherapy was identified as having the highest probability of developing ORN in patients after mandibulectomy. A time for safer dental intervention after primary treatment was not identified.

Barriers to sexual health care for sexually diverse Muslim men: a scoping review.

Sexually diverse Muslim men (SDMM) are seen to present later and with more advanced symptoms of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The limited access to sexual healthcare services is attributed to the stigma associated with their multiple intersecting identities. We conducted a scoping review to synthesise research on barriers impeding SDMM's access to sexual health care. We used Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage framework as the methodology for the review. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses' extension for scoping reviews, was used as a guide for the presentation of the results. Searches conducted in EBSCOhost, Scopus, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Global Health, and Google Scholar yielded 1382 results, of which 18 studies were deemed eligible for this review. Bronfenbrenner's socioecological model was employed as a framework to analyse the studies. Through analysing the eligible studies, we identified factors operating at three different levels that can impede SDMM's access to sexual health care. Limited awareness and low-perceived risk of HIV/STIs, coupled with the fear of sexual identity disclosure might act as individual-level barriers to sexually diverse Muslim men's access to sexual health care. The experiences of discrimination within clinical settings were presented as a healthcare system-related issue discouraging SDMM from revisiting those services. Heteronormative and religious ideologies, homophobic government programs, and poverty might manifest in the more intimate domains of healthcare delivery, creating hostile spaces for SDMM. Intensive research and advocacy efforts are required to improve SDMM's access to sexual health care, which can reduce their risk of HIV/STIs.

Antifungal and Antiproliferative Activity of Pistagremic Acid and Flavonoids Extracted from the Galls of Pistacia chinensis subsp. integerrima.

Pistacia chinensis subsp. integerrima (J.L. Stewart) Rech. f. is a plant known for its therapeutic applications in traditional medicine, which are related to its antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiarrheal, and muscle relaxant properties. The galls of P. chinensis are rich in triterpenes and flavonoids, and we here report the extraction of pistagremic acid (1), apigenin (2) and sakuranetin (3) from this source. The isolated compounds were tested against Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Fusarium solani, Microsporum canis and Trichoderma longibrachiatum. The results highlighted the antimicrobial activity of flavonoids 2 and 3, suggesting that this class of molecules may be responsible for the effect related to the traditional use. On the other hand, when the compounds and the extract were tested for their antiproliferative activity on a panel of 4 human cancer cell lines, the triterpene pistagremic acid (1) showed a higher potential, thus demonstrating a different bioactivity profile. Structure-based docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to help the interpretation of experimental results. Taken together, the here reported findings pave the way for the rationalization of the use of P. chinensis extracts, highlighting the contributions of the different components of galls to the observed bioactivity.

Estimation of instantaneous peak flows in Canadian rivers: an evaluation of conventional, nonlinear regression, and machine learning methods.

Instantaneous peak flows (IPFs) are often required to derive design values for sizing various hydraulic structures, such as culverts, bridges, and small dams/levees, in addition to informing several water resources management-related activities. Compared to mean daily flows (MDFs), which represent averaged flows over a period of 24 h, information on IPFs is often missing or unavailable in instrumental records. In this study, conventional methods for estimating IPFs from MDFs are evaluated and new methods based on the nonlinear regression framework and machine learning architectures are proposed and evaluated using streamflow records from all Canadian hydrometric stations with natural and regulated flow regimes. Based on a robust model selection criterion, it was found that multiple methods are suitable for estimating IPFs from MDFs, which precludes the idea of a single universal method. The performance of machine learning-based methods was also found reasonable compared to conventional and regression-based methods. To build on the strengths of individual methods, the fusion modeling concept from the machine learning area was invoked to synthesize outputs of multiple methods. The study findings are expected to be useful to the climate change adaptation community, which currently heavily relies on MDFs simulated by hydrologic models.

Density functional theory (DFT), molecular docking, and xanthine oxidase inhibitory studies of dinaphthodiospyrol S from Diospyros kaki L.

In this work, we investigated Diospyros kaki extract and an isolated compound for their potential as xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors, a target enzyme involved in inflammatory disorders. The prepared extract was subjected to column chromatography, and dinaphthodiospyrol S was isolated. Then XO inhibitory properties were assessed using a spectrophotometry microplate reader. DMSO was taken as a negative control, and allopurinol was used as a standard drug. The molecular docking study of the isolated compound to the XO active site was performed, followed by visualization and protein-ligand interaction. The defatted chloroform extract showed the highest inhibitory effect, followed by the chloroform extract and the isolated compound. The isolated compound exhibited significant inhibitory activity against XO with an IC50 value of 1.09 µM. Molecular docking studies showed that the compound strongly interacts with XO, forming hydrogen bond interactions with Arg149 and Cys113 and H-pi interactions with Cys116 and Leu147. The binding score of -7.678 kcal/mol further supported the potential of the isolated compound as an XO inhibitor. The quantum chemical procedures were used to study the electronic behavior of dinaphthodiospyrol S isolated from D. kaki. Frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis was performed to understand the distribution of electronic density, highest occupied molecular orbital HOMO, lowest unoccupied molecular orbital LUMO, and energy gaps. The values of HOMO, LUMO, and energy gap were found to be -6.39, -3.51 and 2.88 eV respectively. The FMO results indicated the intramolecular charge transfer. Moreover, reactivity descriptors were also determined to confirm the stability of the compound. The molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) investigation was done to analyze the electrophilic and nucleophilic sites within a molecule. The oxygen atoms in the compound exhibited negative potential, indicating that they are favorable sites for electrophilic attacks. The results indicate its potential as a therapeutic agent for related disorders. Further studies are needed to investigate this compound's in vivo efficacy and safety as a potential drug candidate.

Biochemical and Oxidative Biomarkers in Preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the biochemical and oxidative stress parameters as biomarkers in preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analytical study. Place and Duration of the Study: Departments of Obstetrics / Gynaecology and Biochemistry, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur, Pakistan, from September 2022 to February 2023. METHODOLOGY: Women with preeclampsia were selected based on blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mmHg and proteinuria levels exceeding 300 mg/24 hours or showing a +1 on a dipstick test. Normotensive pregnant women were selected as controls. Venous blood was taken and centrifuged, and routine biochemical methods were used to estimate serum lipid profile levels and minerals. The estimation of oxidative stress enzymes was carried out manually using special chemicals. Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation were applied to analyse the result. RESULTS: The study included 228 subjects: 114 preeclampsia patients and 114 normal pregnant women as controls. The mean systolic blood pressure was measured at 166.25 mmHg and the diastolic blood pressure was 92.80 mmHg (p <0.001). All lipid profile estimations showed notable abnormalities, but the mean level of triglycerides (TGs) (214.90 ± 15.59 mg/dl) in preeclamptic patients was significantly elevated (p <0.05). In terms of minerals, all were deranged but magnesium (1.37 ± 0.35 mg/dl) and calcium (7.55 ± 0.45 mg/dl) were significantly decreased (p <0.05). All oxidative enzyme levels were increased (p <0.05) but malondialdehyde (MDA) with a mean level of 2.58 ± 0.40 nmol/ml was significantly elevated. The Pearson's correlation of these parameters with blood pressure also showed a positive association. CONCLUSION:  Total cholesterol triglyceride in the lipid profile, calcium and magnesium in minerals, and MDA in oxidative parameters were markedly deranged and exhibited significant associations with the severity of the disease, so could be used as disease biomarkers of preeclampsia. KEY WORDS: Preeclampsia, Gestational hypertension, Proteinuria, Lipid profile, Minerals, Oxidative stress.

Discovery of new α-glucosides, antiglycation agent, and in silico study of 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-7,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-4H-chromen-4-one isolated from Pistacia chinensis.

Pistacia chinensis is locally practiced for treating diabetes, pain, inflammation, and erectile dysfunction. Therefore, the current studies subjected the crude extract/fractions and the isolated compound (2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-7,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-4H-chromen-4-one) to α-glucosidase inhibitor and anti-glycation activities. The development of long-term complications associated with diabetes is primarily caused by chronic hyperglycemia. Regarding α-glucosidase, the most significant inhibitory effect was observed with compound 1 (93.09%), followed by the methanolic extract (80.87%) with IC50 values of 45.86 and 86.32 µM. The maximum anti-glycation potential was shown by an isolated compound 1 followed by methanolic extract with effect inhibition of 90.12 and 72.09, respectively. Compound 1 is expected to have the highest gastrointestinal absorption rate, with a predicted absorption rate of 86.156%. This indicates oral suitability. The compound 1 is expected to have no harmful effects on the liver. In addition, our docking results suggest that alpha-glucosidase and isolated compounds showed strong interaction with ILE821, GLN900, and ALA901 residues, along with a -11.95 docking score.

In vitro and in silico antiproliferative potential of isolated flavonoids constitutes from Pistacia integerrima.

Cancer is one of the most demanding domains for innovative, effective, safe, and affordable therapeutically active chemicals. The main aim of this study is to research new phytochemicals with anticancer activity. The current experiment identified and analyzed six compounds for anti-cancer potential supported by molecular simulation studies. The defatted methanolic extract underwent column chromatography, resulting in the isolation of six flavonoids. These include 3,5,7,4'-tetrahydroxy-flavanone (1), naringenin (2), 3,5,4'-trihydroxy-7-methoxy-flavanone (3), sakuranetin (4), spinacetin (5), and patuletin (6). The isolated compounds (1-6) were assessed for in vitro anti-cancer activity against various cell lines such as HepG2 (hepatoma G2), A498 (kidney), NCI-H226 (lungs), and MDR2780AD (human ovarian). The maximum antiproliferative effect was against HepG2 and MDR2780AD. When compounds 6, 5, and 1 were compared to a standard anti-cancer medicine (paclitaxel) with an IC50 of 7.32, it was shown that compounds 6, 5, and 1 exhibited significant activity against HepG2 with IC50 values of 14.65, 20.87, and 27.09 µM, respectively. All tested compounds showed an IC50 of less than 1 µM and had notable effects against MDR2780 AD cell lines. Compound 6 exhibited notable potency against the HepG2, A498, and MDR2780AD cell lines, among the six compounds that were evaluated. In contrast, compound 3 demonstrated the most pronounced impact on the NCI-H226 cell line. Docking investigations were performed using tubulin as the specific target concerning PDB ID 4O2B. The six compounds under investigation interact hydrophobically and hydrophilically with tubulin-binding site amino acid residues.

In vivo biological screening of extract and bioactive compound from Ficus benghalensis L. and their in silico molecular docking analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ficus benghalensis has been used by local health care practitioners to treat pain, inflammation, rheumatism, and other health issues. OBJECTIVE: In this study, the crude extract and diverse fractions, along with the isolated compound of F. benghalensis were examined for their roles as muscle relaxants, analgesics, and sedatives. METHODS: The extract and isolated compound 1 were screened for muscle-relaxant, analgesic, and sedative actions. The acetic acid-mediated writhing model was utilized for analgesic assessment, the muscle relaxant potential was quantified through traction and inclined plan tests, and the open field test was applied for sedative effects. RESULTS: The extract/fractions (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) and isolated compounds (2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) were tested at various doses. A profound (p< 0.001) reduce in the acetic acid-mediated writhing model was observed against carpachromene (64.44%), followed by ethyl acetate (60.67%) and methanol (58.42%) fractions. A marked (p< 0.001) muscle relaxant activity was noticed against the isolated compound (71.09%), followed by ethyl acetate (66.98%) and methanol (67.10%) fractions. Regarding the sedative effect, a significant action was noted against the isolated compound (71.09%), followed by ethyl acetate (66.98%) and methanol (67.10%) fractions. Furthermore, the binding modes of the isolated compounds were explored using molecular docking. The molecular docking study revealed that the isolated compound possessed good binding affinity for COX2 and GABA. Our isolated compound may possess inhibitory activity against COX2 and GABA receptors. CONCLUSION: The extract and isolated compounds of Ficus benghalensis can be used as analgesics, muscle relaxants, and sedatives. However, detailed molecular and functional analyses are essential to ascertain their function as muscle relaxants, analgesics, and sedatives.

In vivo analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, muscle relaxant activities, and docking studies of 3',4',7,8-tetrahydroxy-3-methoxyflavone isolated from Pistacia chinensis.

Background: Pistacia chinensis is extensively employed in traditional medicine. This study aimed to isolate and evaluate the therapeutic effects of 3'4'78-tetrahydroxy-3-methoxyflavone from P. chinensis crude extract. Materials and Methods: The study utilized column chromatography for isolation. The plant extract and its isolated compound were assessed for in vivo analgesic (hot plate model), anti-inflammatory (carrageenan-induced paw edema), sedative (open field model), and muscle relaxing properties (inclined plane and traction test). Results: In the thermal-induced analgesic model, a significant analgesic effect was observed for the extract (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) and the isolated compound (2.5, 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg) at higher doses. The extract (100 mg/kg) significantly prolonged latency time (21.98 seconds) after 120 minutes of administration. The isolated compound elevated the latency time (20.03 seconds) after 30 minutes, remaining significant up to 120 minutes with a latency time of 24.11 seconds. The anti-inflammatory effect showed a reduction in inflammatory reactions by 50.23% (extract) and 67.09% (compound) after the fifth hour of treatment. Both samples demonstrated significant sedative effects, with the extract hindering movement by 54.11 lines crossed compared to the negative control (180.99 lines). The isolated compound reduced the number of lines crossed to 15.23±SEM compared to the negative control. Both samples were also significant muscle relaxants. Docking studies indicated that the compound's therapeutic effect is due to inhibiting COX and nociceptive pathways. Conclusion: The isolated compound from Pistacia chinensis exhibits significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, and muscle relaxing properties, with potential therapeutic applications by inhibiting COX and nociceptive pathways.

Research on the barriers to accessing sexual healthcare for sexually diverse Muslim men: protocol for a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Sexually diverse Muslim men are seen to be at a higher risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections due to their limited access to sexual healthcare services. We outline a protocol to conduct a scoping review of research on the barriers that may impede these men's access to sexual healthcare. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: To conduct this scoping review, we will follow the methodological framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses' extension for scoping reviews. To classify the barriers to sexual healthcare, we will employ Bronfenbrenner's socioecological model as a conceptual framework. We will conduct a literature search via Medline, Embase and Global Health (OVID); Scopus; CINAHL on EBSCOhost along with several other EBSCOhost databases (Academic Search Complete, Canadian Reference Centre, Alternative Press Index, Family & Society Studies Worldwide, Social Work Abstracts) and Google Scholar, published until November 2023. Journal articles, published in the English language, describing quantitative and qualitative research on sexual healthcare access barriers for sexually diverse Muslim men will be included in the review. Commentaries and correspondences, along with grey literature including research reports and conference abstracts, as well as studies that do not include men with the Muslim faith, will be considered ineligible. Following screening of titles and abstracts, we will conduct a full-text screening to determine the final number of studies to be included in the review. A Microsoft Excel spreadsheet will be used to extract study characteristics, and information on sexual healthcare access barriers will be classified according to the socioecological model's core concepts. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Our review does not require ethics approval. We will disseminate the review findings through peer-reviewed academic journals, seminars and conference presentations.

Halloysite nanotubes-enhanced epoxy acrylate latex emulsion as a novel anticorrosive protective coating for metal surface in 3.5% NaCl solution.

Corrosion is a major problem that can lead to the degradation of metal structures. In this study, we developed a novel corrosion-protective coating for metal substrates based on a modified epoxy acrylate formulation reinforced with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). Epoxy acrylate oligomers were first synthesized through the acrylation of epoxy using acrylic acid, followed by copolymerization with butyl methacrylate/vinyl acetate monomers to produce grafted epoxy acrylates (GEA). HNTs were then incorporated into the polymeric dispersion at weight loadings of 1%, 1.5%, and 2%. The corrosion resistance and waterproofing properties of the coatings were evaluated. The results showed that steel samples coated with HNTs-modified GEA showed no signs of rusting even after 16 days of immersion in a corrosive solution, whereas those coated with GEA alone showed rusting after only 9 days. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of HNTs-modified GEA coatings in protecting steel surfaces against corrosion. The coatings are also water-resistant and can be easily applied. This work provides a new approach to developing corrosion-protective coatings for metal substrates.

Synthesis of Poly(GG-co-AAm-co-MAA), a Terpolymer Hydrogel for the Removal of Methyl Violet and Fuchsin Basic Dyes from Aqueous Solution.

A novel adsorbent designated as terpolymer hydrogel (gellan gum-co-acrylamide-co-methacrylic acid) was prepared by free radical polymerization of gellan gum (GG), methacrylic acid (MAA), and acrylamide (AAm) using N,N-methylene bis-acrylamide (MBA) as cross-linker and ammonium per sulfate (APS) as the initiator of the reaction. The synthesized gel was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and was used for the adsorptive removal of methyl violet (MV) and Fuchsin Basic (FB) dyes from aqueous solution. The effect of temperature, contact time, pH, and concentration on them under the study adsorption process was evaluated. Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were found to be best in fitting the isothermal and kinetics data. The water diffusion and % swelling of hydrogel were studied at various pH in distilled water and at neutral pH in tap water. The diffusion was found to be of Fickian type with a maximum swelling of 5132%. The maximum adsorption capacity was 233 mg/g against MV and 200 mg/g against FB dyes. The swelling and adsorption were pH dependent and increased with increase in pH. The enthalpy, Gibbs free energy, and entropy changes of adsorption for both the dyes indicated the adsorption process to be exothermic, feasible, and spontaneous. The hydrogel was successfully regenerated using acetone and distilled water for five cycles and still, its dye removal efficiency was 80% of its original value. The poly(GG-co-AAm-co-MAA) hydrogel successfully removed the selected dyes from water and could thus be used as an efficient alternative sorbent for cationic dye removal from aqueous solutions.

Engagement of private health sector in communicable disease and immunization programmes in Pakistan.

Background: In Pakistan, where the burden of communicable diseases remains high, the private sector accounts for 62% of health care provision. Aim: To describe the role of the private sector in communicable disease management in Pakistan and inform a more effective engagement towards achieving Universal Health Coverage. Methods: We searched the literature and available documents on policies, regulations and experiences in private health sector engagement in Pakistan. We interviewed policy level experts regarding the formulation of national health policies and plans and a sample of private providers using a structured questionnaire to assess their awareness of and engagement in communicable disease programmes. Results: Published reports described initiatives to engage the private sector in improving coverage for a package of care and programme-specific initiatives. Pakistan did not have a national policy for structural engagement, and regulations were limited. Policy level experts interviewed perceived the private sector as market-driven and poorly regulated. Thirty-nine percent of private sector providers interviewed were aware or had been trained in procedures or guidelines, and 23% of them had had their performance monitored by government. Conclusion: We recommend that the Ministry of Health provide overall vision for the operations of the public and private health sectors so that both sectors can complement each other towards the achievement of Universal Health Coverage, including for communicable diseases.

Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Moringa Seed Protein Treated with Ultrasound.

Functional and structural properties of Moringa protein concentrate (MPC), obtained from defatted Moringa oleifera seed, were investigated after treating it with an ultrasonic technique. For this purpose, dried M. oleifera seed powder was defatted and subjected to a simple protein precipitation method to generate a MPC with 73.2% protein contents. Then, a Box-Behnken design was applied to optimize the sonication treatment of MPC where ultrasound amplitude (20-80%), treatment time (5-25 min), and solute-to-solvent ratio (0.1-0.3 g/mL) were studied as factors that influence the protein solubility (PS), emulsion capacity (EC), and foaming capacity (FC) of MPC. The optimal conditions were amplitude of 58%, time of 18 min, and solute to solvent ratio of 0.18 g/mL. At these conditions, PS, EC, and FC were increased to 42, 33, and 73%, respectively, in comparison to untreated one. The structural modification by ultrasound was further confirmed by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy which illustrated the MPC modification through the changes in the peak width of amide-I band. Similarly, the intrinsic fluorescence spectral signature also showed a significant increase in the amino residues of MPC. In conclusion, the exposure of hydrophilic groups and the alteration of secondary and tertiary structures induced by ultrasonic treatment improved the functional characteristics of MPC.

In vivo analgesic, anti-inflammatory and molecular docking studies of S-naproxen derivatives.

In the current studies two naproxen derivatives (NPD) were evaluated for analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The acetic acid and hot plate animal models were used to screen the compounds for analgesic potential. While the anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated through animal paw edema, induced by several inflammatory mediators (carrageenan, bradykinin, and prostaglandin E2), the xylene-induced ear edema was also used as an inflammatory model. Both NPDs showed significant (p < 0.001) antinociceptive effects in the acetic acid-induced writhing paradigm. In the case of the hot plate, the NPD 1 at the tested dose of 5 mg/kg enhanced the latency time after 60 min of injection, which remained significant (p < 0.001) up to the end of the experiment duration. The maximum percent inhibition of NPD 1 was 87.53. The naloxone injection significantly lowered the latency time of NPD 1 as compared to NPD 2. Regarding the anti-inflammatory effect, both of the tested NPDs demonstrated a significant reduction in paw edema against various inflammatory mediators, as mentioned above; however, the anti-inflammatory effect of NPD 1 was better. The maximal percent inhibition by NPD 1 and 2 was 43.24 (after 60 min) and 45.93 (after 90 min). A considerable effect also resulted from xylene-induced ere edema. Further, a molecular docking study was carried out to investigate the binding modes of the NPD. The docking analysis revealed that the NPD significantly interacted with the COX2 enzyme. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulation was carried out for the docked complexes. The MD simulation analysis revealed the high stability of the two naproxen derivatives.

An Oxalato-Bridged Cu(II)-Based 1D Polymer Chain: Synthesis, Structure, and Adsorption of Organic Dyes.

In the current research, we prepared a polymeric framework, {[Cu(C2O4)(C10H8N2)]·H2O·0.67(CH3OH)]}n (1) (where C2O4 = oxalic acid; C10H8N2 = 2,2-bipyridine), and explored this compound for adsorption of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO). The crystal structure of the compound consists of a Cu(ox)(bpy) unit connected via oxalate to form a 1D polymeric chain. This polymeric chain has adsorption capacities of 194.0 and 167.3 mg/g for MB and MO, respectively. The removal rate is estimated to be 77.6% and 66.9% for MB and MO, respectively. The plausible mechanisms for adsorption are electrostatic, π-π interaction, and OH-π interaction for dye stickiness. The adsorbent surface exhibits a negative charge that produces the electrostatic interaction, resulting in excellent adsorption efficiency at pH 7 and 8. The pseudo-first-order kinetic model is selected for the adsorption of MB and MO on the adsorbent. The reported compound has remarkable efficiency for sorption of organic dyes and can be useful in wastewater treatment.

Recapitulation of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) Prevalence in Small Ruminant Populations of Pakistan from 2004 to 2023: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an extremely transmissible viral disease caused by the PPR virus that impacts domestic small ruminants, namely sheep and goats. This study aimed to employ a methodical approach to evaluate the regional occurrence of PPR in small ruminants in Pakistan and the contributing factors that influence its prevalence. A thorough search was performed in various databases to identify published research articles between January 2004 and August 2023 on PPR in small ruminants in Pakistan. Articles were chosen based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 25 articles were selected from 1275 studies gathered from different databases. The overall pooled prevalence in Pakistan was calculated to be 51% (95% CI: 42-60), with heterogeneity I2 = 100%, τ2 = 0.0495, and p = 0. The data were summarized based on the division into five regions: Punjab, Baluchistan, KPK, Sindh, and GB and AJK. Among these, the pooled prevalence of PPR in Sindh was 61% (95% CI: 46-75), I2 = 100%, τ2 = 0.0485, and p = 0, while in KPK, it was 44% (95% CI: 26-63), I2 = 99%, τ2 = 0.0506, and p < 0.01. However, the prevalence of PPR in Baluchistan and Punjab was almost the same. Raising awareness, proper surveillance, and application of appropriate quarantine measures interprovincially and across borders must be maintained to contain the disease.

Efficacy of massage versus massage with post isometric relaxation in temporomandibular disorders: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a common condition affecting the masticatory muscles and joint mobility. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to compare the effects of massage therapy alone and massage therapy combined with post-isometric relaxation exercises in patients with TMD for pain and maximal mouth opening. DESIGN: Assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Chaudhry Muhammad Akram Dental Hospital, Lahore Medical and Dental Hospital. SUBJECTS: Temporomandibular joint disorder patients. INTERVENTION: Group A (n = 23) received conventional treatment including massage and therapeutic exercises consecutively for 2 weeks. Group B (n = 23) received post-isometric relaxation technique along with conventional treatment for consecutive 2 weeks. MAIN MEASURES: The main outcome measures were pain and maximal mouth opening. Pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and maximal mouth opening (MMO) was measured using the TheraBite Scale. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain and MMO scores post-treatment. However, Group B (massage with post-isometric relaxation exercises) showed significantly better outcomes compared to Group A (massage alone). There was a statistically significant difference in post-treatment pain scores (P = 0.000) and MMO scores (P = 0.000) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that massage therapy combined with post-isometric relaxation is more effective than massage therapy alone in managing pain and improving mouth opening in TMD patients. The study provides evidence supporting the use of these therapies in TMD management. TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: NCT05810831. Date of registration/First submission: 15 March 2023.