Japanese encephalitis (JE) is the leading form of mosquito borne viral encephalitis in Asia, with about 100,000 annual cases in which children are more dominant. The causative agent of JE is Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) which is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes particularly Culex Tritaeniorhynchus. Mostly JE infections in humans are asymptomatic while severe JEV infection occurred in only few cases characterized by high grade fever, headache, seizures and unusual behavior, lesion and paralysis. The specific treatment of JEV is not available so far but the supportive care is effective. Many antiviral drugs have been investigated, but none of these have shown to improve the effect of JE except minocycline. The objective of gathering information and performing review is to asses JEV emergence possibility in Pakistan and to define some mitigation measure. In this review, the current knowledge of the prevalence and the pathogenesis of the JEV have been summarized. Furthermore, the current scenario of JEV, challenges and possible way forward in Pakistan has been discussed.

Annickia affinis is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Africa against several diseases including peptic ulcers. We conducted this study to evaluate the antiulcer and gastroprotective activities of the ethanolic extract of the stem bark of this plant. The antiulcer activity was evaluated on Wistar rats using 95% ethanol and then administering to them as treatment solutions, the ethanolic extract of the stem bark of the plant and other referenced anti-ulcer drugs over periods of 7 and 14 days. The gastroprotective activity was carried out following the opposite path, the different batches of rats first received one of the treating solutions and an hour later, the ulcer was induced on them and they were finally sacrificed an hour after administring the ulcerogenic solution for the macroscopic and microscopic analysis of their stomachs. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, reducing sugars, coumarins, anthocyanins, anthraquinones. UPLC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 16 compounds, notably berberine, berberrubine, canadine, palmatine, jatrorrhizine, columbamine, pseudocolumbamine, 7,8-dihydro-8-hydroxypalmatine, atherosperminine, argentinine, 7-hydroxydehydronuciferine, 7-hydroxydehydronornucierine, Caryophyllene oxide, 1,5-epoxysalvial-4(14)-ene, humulene epoxide II and spathalenol. The administration of the ethanolic extract of the stem bark of Annickia affinis at doses of 2000 mg/kg and 5000 mg/kg showed no acute toxicity. The results obtained from the evaluation of pharmacological activities revealed that the ethanolic extract of the stem bark of Annickia affinis would have antiulcer and gastroprotective properties comparable to omeprazole and sucralfate at the dose of 150 mg/kg. It appears from this study that the stem bark Annickia affinis could be used both in the prevention and in the treatment of gastric ulcers which would justify its use in the traditional pharmacopoeia.

The presence of secondary metabolite, particularly aflatoxin produced by fungi, poses economic challenges in food and feed industries. This study aimed to identify aflatoxigenic Aspergillus species inedible oil and quantify total aflatoxins levels. We collected thirty sample of edible oil from various local market in Karachi and tested them for presence of Aspergillus flavus and total aflatoxin levels. Out of thirty, four samples tested positive for Aspergillus flavus using culture-based methods, which were subsequently confirmed by amplification of partial transcribed (ITS) region. Aflatoxin production was assessed using colorimetric methods, revealing that all A. flavus positive isolates (JB2, MGM4, LMM1, and RLM2) exhibited a plum red change upon exposure to ammonium hydroxide vapors on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. Notably, JB2 also demonstrated color change on Yeast extract Sucrose and Coconut Agar medium, and exhibited blue fluorescence under UV light on coconut Agar medium. Aflatoxins were extracted from edible oil sample using solvent extraction method and quantified using a VICAM fluorometer. Among samples one exhibited total aflatoxin levels between 20-30ppb, five samples had levels below 20ppb, while 24 samples were negative for aflatoxin. These finding underscore the need of continued monitoring of aflatoxin contamination in edible oil.

Background: Preventive dentistry plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal oral health and preventing dental diseases such as caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. Knowledge and awareness of preventive measures significantly influence patient behavior, improving oral health outcomes. This study aimed to assess the awareness of preventive dentistry practices among patients attending Karary University Dental Clinic in 2022. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 151 patients attending the dental clinics at Karary University. A structured questionnaire was used to evaluate participants' knowledge and attitudes regarding preventive dentistry practices. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed for data analysis. Results: The majority of participants (54.7%) exhibited fair awareness of preventive dentistry, with 39.3% showing good awareness, 4.7% demonstrating poor awareness, and only 1.3% displaying excellent awareness. Awareness was significantly higher among females, individuals aged 19-40 years, and those with a university education. While most patients (90.4%) recognized the preventability of dental diseases, gaps in knowledge were evident regarding the use of preventive tools such as dental floss and the importance of regular dental checkups. Conclusion: This study highlights a significant variation in preventive dentistry awareness among patients at Karary University Dental Clinic. Despite general awareness of dental disease prevention, specific areas, such as the use of dental floss and understanding advanced preventive measures, require further attention. Targeted educational interventions, particularly for high-risk groups, are essential to improve preventive dental practices and ultimately enhance oral health outcomes.

Worldwide, infertility is a prevalent problem that poses a threat to couples, either the male or female partner, or both spouses, may be the cause of infertility. Numerous elements about the patient's general health or way of life may be to blame. Systemic or gonadal dysfunction may be the cause of the patient's health issues. Hematological factors may be one of the systemic reasons. Thalassemia major (TM) and sickle cell disease (SCD) are the two most prevalent hemoglobinopathies that are suspected to be the cause of infertility, particularly male infertility. Through pathophysiological changes, these two hemoglobinopathies result in male infertility. In particular, they change red blood cells' (RBCs') capacity to carry oxygen, resulting in tissue hypoxia that impacts spermatogenesis and the body's natural process of producing new cells, ultimately leading to infertility. Semen analyses and other systemic blood testing can be used to investigate male infertility. Both hemoglobinopathies can be helped by blood transfusions, which can then alleviate male infertility. This paper aims to explore the relationship between hemoglobinopathies (SCD and TM) and their role in contributing to male infertility, in addition to the role of blood transfusions in addressing male infertility by correcting the root cause.

Background: The risk factor for knee osteoarthritis (knee OA) is multifactorial. Socioeconomic status is a risk factor that is commonly underreported. The study aims to find the relationship between socio-economic factors and knee OA, and the influence of these on gender. Methods: This is a case-control study conducted at Orthopaedic Hospital Wamakko, Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria between January 2022 and December 2022. Adult patients aged >40 years with knee OA were included in the study. The data was collected via participants’ interviews through a self-administered questionnaire. The risk factors for knee OA under consideration were occupation, educational level, and monthly income. Data were analysed using the SPSS version 23. The significant level was set at less than 5%. Results: There were a total of 372 patients in the study, with 124 cases and 248 controls in a ratio of 1:2. The average age was 53.7±10.8 (range 40 to 88 years). There were 165(44.4%) males and 207(55.6%) females. For occupation, 201(53.7%) were unemployed, 60(16%) on business, 61(16.3%) were civil servants and 50(13.4%) worked as farmers. For education, 250(66.8%) had non-formal education, and 122(32.6%) had formal education. Most patients (237/57.8%) were high-income earners and 135 (41.7%) were low-income earners. The knee OA prevalence was 13.17% for males and 20.16% for females. In the case group, the majority were unemployed with 63 (50.8%) patients and the least were farmers with only 16 (12.9%). Non-formal education was the most common educational level among the cases with 89(71.8%), and low-income earners are also more common with 74(59.7%) compared with high-income earners with 61 (40.3%). There was a statistically significance result between socioeconomic status and knee OA (OR=0.334, CI=0.214-0.521, and P<0.0001). The odd ratio (OR) for low-income earners among females is 2.238 (CI=1.878-2.666) and p value<0.0001. The OR for non-formal education in low-income earners is 2.332 (CI=1.466-3.709) and p value<0.0001. Conclusion: Low-income level was the most important predictor of knee OA in the study, and the female gender has the lowest income with higher knee OA risk and ....

The study assessed the impact of Odogwu bitters on biochemical indices of rats. In this experimental study, 16 adult male rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into four (4) groups. Groups 1-3 were given 100, 200, and 400mg/kg of Odogwu bitters. Group 4 served as the normal control. Serum liver enzyme activity, kidney function enzyme activity, Lipid profile test and haematology tests were carried out. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS, ANOVA, and LSD tests. Elevated levels of ALT and AST in rat plasma indicated potential liver tissue stress due to herbal exposure, aligning with findings from similar herbal studies. However, at higher doses, a reduction in these enzyme levels was observed. Conversely, ALP levels increased significantly with the highest dosage, suggesting potential liver damage. Elevated levels of urea, creatinine, and uric acid in the treated groups indicate potential adverse effects on renal function. Urea, vital for waste nitrogen transport and maintaining osmolarity, showed significant alterations, suggesting potential kidney stress. Similarly, increased creatinine levels, a marker of muscle metabolism and renal health, imply compromised kidney filtration. The disturbance in uric acid metabolism, crucial for various physiological functions, points towards potential renal impairment. Haematological results showed a concentration-dependent increase in hemoglobin levels, potentially supporting hemoglobin synthesis. Platelet counts exhibited a dose-related decrease, suggesting an influence on platelet production or function. Red blood cell levels were maintained, possibly due to antioxidant compounds protecting against oxidative damage and stimulating blood cell production. White blood cell levels remained steady, indicating potential immune-boosting effects. Different doses of Odogwu herbal bitters influenced lipid metabolism in Wistar albino rats, with Group 2 showing a reduction in TG levels and Group 3 having the lowest total cholesterol (TCHO). Groups 2 and 3 also had increased HDL levels, while the control group exhibited the lowest LDL levels, suggesting varied effects of the bitters on lipid profiles. The findings collectively suggest a detrimental impact of Odogwu bitters on kidney indices in the studied animal model and could be toxic at a higher dose upon consumption on the liver. But for the lipid status, Odogwu herbal bitters may influence lipid profiles, their effects are not uniformly beneficial across all parameters.