Mobasher Ahmad

Microstrip Patch Antenna Array at 5.8 GHz for Point to Point Communication

This paper described the design of microstrip patch array antenna with operating frequency at 5.8GHz for point to point communication. The array of four microstrip rectangular patch antennas with inset feed based on quarter-wave impedance matching technique were designed, simulated, fabricated and measured with the aid of microwave office software. The simulation and measurement result met the IEEE 802.11a standard and able to operate in upper UNII band for point to point communication. The 4times4 array has a return loss of -30.42 dB with 15% bandwidth. The gain obtained from simulation is 16 dB with 9deg half power beamwidth (HPBW)

Antibiotic Self-Prescribing Trends, Experiences and Attitudes in Upper Respiratory Tract Infection among Pharmacy and Non-Pharmacy Students: A Study from Lahore.

Pharmacists are the custodians of drugs; hence their education, training, behaviors and experiences would affect the future use of drugs at community and hospital pharmacies. Therefore, we aimed at evaluating the self-prescribing antibiotic trends, knowledge and attitudes among pharmacy and non-pharmacy students. We found that pharmacy students had higher risks of experiencing URIs related symptoms such as cough (RR; 1.7, p = 0.002), allergy (RR; 2.07, p = 0.03) and running nose (RR; 3.17, p<0.005), compared to non-pharmacy students -resulting in higher probabilities of selecting cough syrups (OR; 2.3, p<0.005), anti-histamines (OR; 1.8, p = 0.036) and anti-inflammatory/anti-pyretic (OR; 2.4, p<0.005) drugs. Likewise, bachelor’s degree pupils (OR; 2, p = 0.045), urban area residents (OR; 2.44; p = 0.002) and pharmacy students (OR; 2.9, p<0.005) exhibited higher propensities of antibiotic self-use–notable classes include, b-lactams (45.9%) followed by macrolides (26.5%) and augmentin (28.94%), respectively. Surprisingly, pharmacy and non-pharmacy students had higher odds of using antibiotics in common cold (OR; 3.2, p<0.005) and pain (OR; 2.37, p = 0.015), respectively. Unlike non-pharmacy students, pharmacy students were likely to select alternative therapy, such as Joshanda (OR; 2.22, p = 0.011) and were well acquainted with antibiotic hazards, with 77% reduction in risk of antibiotics re-use. In conclusion, university students exhibited antibiotic self-prescribing trends in conditions that does not warrant their use, thus are irrational users. The pharmacy education confers very little benefit to rational self-prescribing practices among students, while non-pharmacy students are more vulnerable to repeated antibiotic usage. Thus, the educational and training modules should be designed for university students to disseminate targeted information regarding the potential hazards of antibiotic self-use and importance of consultation with qualified and registered medical doctor/pharmacist before starting with antibiotics.

Investigation of in vivo antioxidant activity of Euphorbia helioscopia latex and leaves methanol extract: a target against oxidative stress induced toxicity

OBJECTIVE To evaluate in vivo antioxidant activity of latex and leaves methanol extract of Euphorbia helioscopia using mice as experimental animals. METHODS The plant was collected, identified, dried under shade, ground to fine powder and extraction was done. Latex was collected in dried bottles by cutting the stem. Oxidative stress was induced in mice with acute toxic dose of paracetamol administered intrperitoneally. Latex and leaves methanol extract (600 and 1 200 mg/kg) orally, once a day, were given to mice for two weeks. Then oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in tissue homogenates and serum. RESULTS Leaves methanol extract exhibited prominent in vivo antioxidant effect as compared to latex. Results showed significant rise in antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione) levels at 1 200 mg/kg dose of extract. Thus, extract helped to detoxify the free radicles by increasing antioxidant enzymes levels. Malondialdehyde value decreased significantly with extract (1 200 mg/kg) which was indicator of extracts power to inhibit the generation of free radicals. Extract (1 200 mg/kg) exhibited maximum cure against stress induced changes in liver, kidney, lipid profile parameters and complete blood count. CONCLUSIONS Leaves methanol extract of Euphorbia helioscopia raised antioxidant enzymes levels in mice. It showed hepatorenal-curative effect, hypolipidemic effect and hemostasis potential. Thus, it can help the biological systems to fight against stress induced pathological conditions.

Is folklore use of Euphorbia helioscopia devoid of toxic effects

Abstract Objective: To evaluate acute toxic effects of Euphorbia helioscopia in order to assure the safety and usefulness of herbal remedy. Materials and methods: The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for chemical testing guidelines No. 425 for acute oral toxicity testing were followed in this study. Mice were divided into three groups (n = 5). Group I served as control. Groups II and III were administered methanol extract of E. helioscopia leaves and latex orally at dose of 2000 mg/kg, respectively. Then, all the animals were observed for two weeks. Blood sampling was done by cardiac puncture after 14 days from each group for biochemical analysis. Histopathology was performed to find out any microscopic lesion in vital organs. Results and discussion: LD50 was found greater than 2000 mg/kg. There was decrease in cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and VLDL levels of latex and leaves with methanol extract-treated animals, with respect to control indicating plant’s hypolipidemic effect. On macroscopic examination, no lesions were found on vital organs, such as liver, heart and kidney; and normal architecture was observed on microscopic examination. Conclusion: On the basis of results, it was concluded that methanol extract of E. helioscopia leaves and latex were devoid of toxic effects in acute toxicity study.

Anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities of latex and leaves methanol extract of Euphorbia helioscopia

Abstract Objective To evaluate anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities of latex and leaves methanol extract of Euphorbia helioscopia against chemical (acetic acid induced writhing and formalin tests) and thermal pain stimuli (hot plate test), carrageenan induced paw edema and brewers yeast induced pyrexia in mice respectively. Methods Pain, inflammation and pyrexia were induced in mice. Leaves methanol extract and latex were administered to mice, orally at doses, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg. Results Leaves methanol extract at all used doses had 100% pain protection against peripherally induced pain pathway (investigated by acetic acid induced writhing test and late phase of formalin test). While central anti-nociceptive effect (measured by hot plate test and early phase of formalin test) was found dose dependent with extract and latex. Similarly a dose dependent trend was observed in anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic effects and leaves methanol extract showed maximal anti-inflammatory (81.25%) and anti-pyretic (45.36%) effects at 300 mg/kg dose. Conclusions From the data obtained, it can be concluded that Euphorbia helioscopia possesses marked anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities that can be attributed to the inhibition of synthesis of prostaglandins and other mediators responsible for pain, inflammation and pyrexia.

Lavandula stoechas L alleviates dementia by preventing oxidative damage of cholinergic neurons in mice brain

Purpose: To ascertain if there is any scientific evidence for the folkloric use of Lavandula stoechas as a nootropic substance for memory-related disorders. Methods: Aqueous and n-hexane fractions of methanol extract of aerial parts of L. stoechas were used to explore their anti-amnesic activity. Male albino mice weighing 25 30 g were organized in ten groups (G-I to G-X) and treated for seven days. On 7th and 8th day, behavioral studies were conducted using elevated plus maze, hole-board and light-dark paradigms. Furthermore, biochemical studies were performed on brain homogenates of mice. Results: Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for aqueous and n-hexane fractions of L. stoechas were recorded as 35.14 and 357.42 μg/mL respectively, as compared to the standard, ascorbic acid (51.39 μg/mL). Behavioral test results indicate that the aqueous fraction showed significant (p < 0.001) build-up of memory in mice, compared to n-hexane fraction. Similarly, the aqueous fraction significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the level of acetylcholinesterase and malondialdehyde as well as elevation of natural antioxidants, viz, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione in brain tissues. Conclusion: The aqueous fraction of L. stoechas is a memory-enhancing agent. Its antioxidant activity prevents the loss of memory by providing defense against neurodegeneration.

Efficacy and tolerability of antihypertensive drugs in diabetic and nondiabetic patients

Objectives of the Study: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of different classes of antihypertensive drugs in diabetic and nondiabetic patients (NDPs) with essential hypertension. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in Mayo Hospital, Punjab Institute of Cardiology, and National Defence Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, on 200 hypertensive patients with diabetes and 230 hypertensive patients without (Three hospitals) diabetes. Both male and female patients of age between 30 and 80 years with systolic blood pressure (SBP) above 130 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) above 80 mmHg were enrolled in the study. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), beta-blocker (βB), calcium-channel blocker (CCB), diuretics (D), angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) as well as α-blocker classes of antihypertensive drugs were used. These drugs were used as monotherapy as well as combination therapy. The study was conducted for 4 months (July–October). After 4 months, patients were assessed for efficacy by monitoring blood pressure (BP) and tolerability by assessing safety profile on renal function, liver function as well as lipid profile. Results: Significant control in mean BP by all drug groups was observed in “both groups that is patients with diabetes and without diabetes.” The efficacy and tolerability data revealed that in diabetic patients with hypertension, the highest decrease in SBP and DBP was observed using monotherapy with ACEI, two-drug combination therapy with ACEI plus diuretic, ARBs plus diuretic, ACEI plus CCBs, three-drug combination therapy with ACEI plus CCBs plus diuretic, and four drug combination therapy with ACEI plus CCBs plus diuretic plus βBs, ARBs plus CCBs plus diuretic plus βBs while in NDPs, monotherapy with diuretic, two-drug combination therapy with ACEI plus CCBs, ACEI plus βBs, three-drug combination therapy with βBs plus ACEI plus D was found more effective in controlling SBP as well as DBP. Adverse effects observed were dry cough, pedal edema, dizziness, muscular cramps, constipation, palpitations, sweating, vertigo, tinnitus, paresthesia, and sexual dysfunction. Conclusion: All classes of antihypertensives were found to control blood pressure significantly in both groups of patients that is diabetic patients with hypertesion and non-diabetic patients with hypertension.

Personal energy independence a short term solution for ongoing energy crisis in Pakistan using home solar grid

Pakistan is facing worse energy crisis of its history today. Energy crisis has adversely affected the common public and also the Pakistani economy. Recently most of the industrialists have shut down their industrial operations due to the shortage of energy. Such shut down of industries badly affects the public locality and also a reasonably on the luxury of Pakistani citizens. The crisis of energy shortage in Pakistan is to be addressed on emergent basis with alternative solutions. A short term and economical solution is the key demand in current scenarios and is proposed in our research work. Many long terms solution for energy supplements exist to overcome the energy crisis issue on permanent basis. They have their own limitations in terms of implementation and expenses. In this paper, we aim to presents short-term solution, which can reduce the energy shortage up to considerable extent. The proposed solution proves to be very feasible and computationally less extensive. In this way, we can enhance the utility and reduce the energy breakdown crisis in Pakistan. We introduce the concept of personal energy independence (PEI), which means that consumers have no more dependence on government or private sector energy providing agencies. They are free in producing their own energy as per their requirement. But the question arises how to turn the dream of PEI in reality. For this purpose we propose a model of home solar grid (HSG), which fulfills the energy requirements of a single home. In this paper, we aim to present the proposal of HSG model for implementation with all specifications and pricings for one or two kilowatt-hour HSG unit. The government would play the role of facilitator by providing technical expertise and finical support. According to government statistics almost 43% of total energy consumption is from domestic consumers. By adopting the proposed idea of energy independence domestically, we can reduce the energy crisis with greater extent. Moreover due to consistent increase in prices of hydrocarbon fuels; electricity cost becomes un-affordable for domestic consumer to pay. Therefore, the only affordable alternative left behind is the solar energy system. The existing energy system has its own limitations in terms of implementation complexity and expensive components. Therefore the proposed idea of PEI is the key solution, which should be adopted. Our proposed solution is less expensive and easy to implement. In our research paper, we present the system model and provide investigations of its implementation. We present simulation results to support our proposed system model.