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Thalassemia is one of the most prevalent genetic disorders worldwide. The present study aimed to explore the mutational spectrum of all hemoglobin (HB) encoding genes and to identify the potentially damaging and pathogenic variants in the beta (β)-thalassemia major patients and thalassemia minor carriers of Southern Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 49 β-thalassemia major patients and 49 carrier samples were screened for the identification of HBA1, HBA2, HBB, HBD, HBE1, HBG1 and HBG2 variants by NGS. PCR was performed for the amplification of HB encoding genes and the amplified product of 13 patients and 7 carrier samples were processed for the Sanger sequencing. Various bioinformatics tools and databases were employed to reveal the functional impact and pathogenicity potential of the observed variants. Results depicted a total of 20 variants of HB-related genes by NGS and 5 by Sanger sequencing in thalassemia patients. While 20 variants by NGS and 3 by Sanger were detected in carriers. Few known genetic variants of HB-encoding genes are being reported for the first time in Pakistani thalassemia patients and carriers. However, two novel HBB variants c.375A>C (p.P125P) and c.*61T>G and a novel variant of HBE1 (c.37A>T (p.T13S)) were also documented. Pathogenicity analysis predicted the pathogenic potential of HBB variants (c.47G>A (p.W16*), c.27-28insG (p. S10fs), and c.92+5G>C) for β thalassemia. The study of functional impact indicated that these HBB variants result in the premature termination of translation leading to the loss of functional β-globin protein. It is therefore suggested that the pathogenic HBB variants, identified during present study, can be employed for the diagnosis, carrier screening, and planning therapy of thalassemia.

This experimental in-vitro study assessed the effectiveness of the 21-day differentiation of human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) into hepatic-like cells (HLC), displaying hepatocytes with functional features using culture media supplemented with Valproic Acid (VPA). hAECs were isolated from the human placenta which was taken from patients with full-term pregnancy after C-sections. The differentiated cells were analyzed for hepatic markers by qPCR, PAS staining for glycogen storage & Immunocytochemistry. The results demonstrated that the hAECs with large nuclei, sparse cytoplasm, and cobblestone-like structure morphology changed into single cells characterized by a polygonal shape with abundant cytoplasm, and having huge bright vacuoles resembling fat droplets after being treated with 2.5mM concentration of VPA for 21 days. These cells exhibited substantial upregulation of hepatic gene expression, CYP3A4, CYP27B1, Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), Albumin, HNF1A, HNF3B, and hepatic protein, Albumin, signifying that hAECs possessed normal functioning hepatocyte characteristics. Analysis of H3 and H4 by immunofluorescence showed an increase in VPA-treated cells indicating alteration in the histone acetylation of the cells. Further analysis showed enhanced glycogen storage in the differentiated cells, a significant functional characteristic of hepatocytes. This research identified an appropriate substrate for the differentiation of hAECs into functional hepatocytes, their successful therapeutic application would represent an advancement towards the development of tissue-engineered liver tissue.

The purpose of the study is to examine the sustainability of the tax aggressiveness of shared directors from coercive isomorphism and whether social networks of directors have an impact on their tax aggressiveness. Specifically, the study intends to examine how tax knowledge diffuses across firms and how this knowledge diffusion affects connected firms. To test the constructed hypothesis, the panel logistic regression model is estimated using a firm-level panel dataset for the US and Pakistan to analyze cross-country differences, as the USA holds more legislation and effective governance mechanisms. The study covers the period of 2007–2019. The data required for the empirical analysis was collected from the Thompson Reuters database. The results of panel logistic regression show a significant relationship between tax aggressiveness and director’s connections, suggesting that information diffuses by board interlocks. Specifically, the estimates suggest that there is a positive and significant influence of connected directors on the probability that the tax aggressiveness spreads through coercive isomorphism, inferring that the sustainability of the tax aggressiveness of shared directors from coercive isomorphism is strong. Findings reveal that Pakistani firms, when compared to the USA, are more likely involved in tax aggression because of fewer legislations and tax reforms. The results also reveal that coercive isomorphism significantly mediates the relationship between board interlocks and tax aggressiveness. These findings provide valuable insights into detecting the tax aggressiveness of firms and the channels through which this spread. The study contributes to the scarce research on the impact of board interlocks on tax aggressiveness and the influence of coercive isomorphism on these impacts. This study can help tax authorities in identifying tax-saving strategies through connected directors. Secondly, this study provides empirical evidence to support the diffusion of information regarding tax aggression and provides mechanisms with which to detect tax aggression. Third, our choice of empirical context also helps us contribute to the management practice of firms. CEOs and boards should be wary of interlocks with organizations, lest they inadvertently become reticent and hence prove to be of no good.

This study aims to explore the challenges to use open government data (OGD) among citizens . To meet the objective of the study, it used a systematic review by reviewing the published literature and followed Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. The study identified the challenges affecting the citizens' satisfaction to use OGD including technological skills, retrieval of data, usability, quality of data, timelines, and accuracy. The OGD also lacks in standardization, the relationship between citizens and government, and awareness to use this data. This study will fill the knowledge gap by identifying the barriers in using OGD. It may help to increase awareness towards the OGD portals among policymakers and practitioners and they should consider the underlying barriers in reusing the data.

E-government websites are essential and effective modes of communication between governments and citizens and provide access to E-government services. Thus, information quality of these websites is vital and worth assessing in order to ensure their effectiveness. This study assessed the information quality indicators of egovernment websites in Pakistan as perceived by political science undergraduate students through a quantitative survey. This sample of students was selected because they are more likely to have used e-government websites to access information and/or receive services compared to other social science students. All the participants were 18 or more years old and computer literate. Data was collected through Kandari, Jones, Nah, and Bishu (2011) questionnaire adopted with minor changes. It had nine information quality indicators such as accessibility, authority, consistency, understandability, reliability, objectivity, navigation and efficiency; consisted of 21 statements. Respondents preferred to the point information on the websites along with proper and credible ownership for proprietary information. They also opined that information on e- government websites add value to their knowledge. Findings revealed that 'accessibility', 'authority', and 'consistent and concise' were the top three indicators rated more than 4 on a 5-point Likert Scale. Overall, findings indicate a reasonably high information quality for Pakistani E-government websites as perceived by students. Findings will have implications relevant to user-centered design of E-government websites with respect to information quality.

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a polyphagous insect pest is a major threat to a wide range of crops worldwide. Aiming to evaluate the life history traits of M. persicae, feeding on different host plants, we used five vegetables: cabbage, Brassica oleracea (Brassicaceae); chinese cabbage, B. rapa (Brassicaceae); chili pepper, Capsicum annum (Solanaceae); crown daisy, Chrysanthemum coronarium (Asteraceae); and eggplant, Solanum melongena (Solanaceae). TWOSEX-MSchart software was used for the statistical analysis about the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The highest fecundity (69.65 individuals) rate of M. persicae, intrinsic rate of increase (r = 0.425 d−1), finite rate of increase (λ = 1.531 d−1), net reproductive rate (R0 = 69.65 offspring), and shortest mean generation time (T = 9.964 d) were recorded on the chili pepper plant. Whereas, lower fitness occurred on cabbage. The findings attained from population growth parameters indicate that chili pepper is the most susceptible plant, while cabbage is resistant to aphids. Population projection results also supported this statement, as the final total population size on cabbage was significantly lower than other plants. The reported information would be useful for devising integrated pest management programs, particularly those involving M. persicae. This information also suggests the adaptability of M. persicae causing economic damage to these vegetable cultivars.

Plants respond to cold stress by modulating biochemical pathways and array of molecular events. Plant morphology is also affected by the onset of cold conditions culminating at repression in growth as well as yield reduction. As a preventive measure, cascades of complex signal transduction pathways are employed that permit plants to endure freezing or chilling periods. The signaling pathways and related events are regulated by the plant hormonal activity. Recent investigations have provided a prospective understanding about plant response to cold stress by means of developmental pathways e.g., moderate growth involved in cold tolerance. Cold acclimation assays and bioinformatics analyses have revealed the role of potential transcription factors and expression of genes like in response to low temperature stress. is a considerable model plant system for evolutionary and developmental studies. On different occasions it has been proved that is more capable of tolerating cold than . But, the mechanism for enhanced low or freezing temperature tolerance is still not clear and demands intensive research. Additionally, identification and validation of cold responsive genes in this candidate plant species is imperative for plant stress physiology and molecular breeding studies to improve cold tolerance in crops. We have analyzed the role of different genes and hormones in regulating plant cold resistance with special reference to . Review of collected data displays potential ability of as model plant for improvement in cold stress regulation. Information is summarized on cold stress signaling by hormonal control which highlights the substantial achievements and designate gaps that still happen in our understanding.

Panoramic radiography was first introduced by Professor Yrjö Paatero in 1961.2 It provides invaluable information regarding teeth, their axial inclinations and stages of maturation and surrounding structures (e.g. TMJ).3-6 The introduction of radiographic cephalometrics in 1934 by Hofrath in Germany and Broadbent in the US provided both a research and clinical tool for the study of malocclusion and underlying skeletal discrepancy.1 The mandible is a key anatomical structure from both functional and aesthetic perspective.7 Implant studies on jaw rotations carried out in 1960 primarily by Bjork and coworkers revealed that mandibular rotation during growth results in individuals with various facial types including normal, short and long face.8 One of the most important cephalometric parameter giving an indication about the vertical growth pattern and symmetry of facial skeleton is gonial angle.9 Gonial angle on lateral cephalogram is measured by the intersection of tangent to the lower border of the mandible and posterior ramus.10,11 Due to double images of the lower border of mandible in lateral cephalogram, it is difficult to recognize and measure the gonial angle. Lateral cephalograms produce distorted image of the gonial angle and do not permit reliable measurement of the individual angle and is measured as an intermediate angle between right and left gonial angles.12 In orthopantomogram both borders of the mandible can be easily discerned without any superimposition and has been shown to be as accurate as lateral head films in measuring gonial angle.11 Several investigators compared the accuracy of OPG in determining the gonial angle and found that OPG is as reliable as lateral cephalogram in determining gonial angle.9,11,13,14 On the other hand, other studies proposed that OPG can provide information on the vertical aspect of craniofacial structure but they are not reliable enough to provide acceptably accurate additional information compared with lateral cephalograms.6,15 The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of orthopantomogram in evaluating gonial angle relative to lateral cephalogram. Gonial angle is measured as an intersection between two tangents i.e one tangent to the lower border of the mandible and another tangent to the posterior ramus.10,11 Lateral head films show superimposition of the image of the lower border of lower jaw which makes accurate measurement of the angle difficult.12 On the other hand, OPG provides a clearer image of the right and left sides of the mandible, hence providing convenient and accurate measurement of the GA.11 Gonial angle is an important radiographic parameter for vertical growth pattern and has been investigated for age and gender differences in studies.16 It has been reported to serve as an adjuvant forensic parameter and scientific growth scale.17 There are only a few studies on the use of panoramic radiographs for dentoskeletal features and focus mainly on intercondylar asymmetries and gonial angle measurements.14,20 Larheim and Svanaes14 found that horizontal measurements are not reliable with panoramic films; therefore only angular measurements were assessed in this study. CONCLUSION The conclusion of this study is: 1 Panoramic radiographs can be used to determine the vertical facial pattern with the same degree of accuracy as lateral head films. 2 There is a significant correlation between the values of gonial angle obtained from OPG and lateral cephalograms. 3 There is no difference between gonial angle of male and female subjects.

Background and Objective: Tissue expansion is a time-tested and frequently used procedure for utilizing local tissue to replace large defects. We aimed to assess the success & complications of tissue expansion in correction of post burn scalp alopecia.Methods: In this study, 30 patients of scalp burn alopecia of 5 to 35 years age group were treated with tissue expansion of the scalp at Bahawal-Victoria Hospital from January 2013 to December 2014. The area of the scalp loss was within 1/5 to 2/5. Our technique employed an insertion site distal to the area needed to be expanded, attempting to minimize complication like extrusion & wound dehiscence. The patients were followed-up weekly during first month and then fortnightly for next four months.Result: Our study involved 8 male (26.67%) and 22 female subjects (73.33%) with a mean age of 21years. Flame burn accounted for the mostly 53.3% (n=16) of scalp burns & parieto-temporal region was most commonly affected in 33.4% (n=10) of subjects. Desired aesthetic results were achieved in all the patients without any major complication. Minor complication included mild infection in 8 (26.67%), seroma in 4 (13.33%) & wound dehiscence in 2 (6.67%) patients.Conclusion: Tissue expansion is a simple, safe, & efficient technique for aesthetic scalp reconstruction. With a simple modification of distal incision and tunneling, we succeeded in minimizing complications. Versatile design of the expanded scalp flap can distribute the expanded hair-bearing scalp properly in the reconstructed recipient site.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.12669/pjms.316.7927How to cite this:Tayyaba F, Amin MM, Attaur-Rasool S, Naseer U, Ambar A. Reconstruction of post burn scalp alopecia by using expanded hair-bearing scalp flaps. Pak J Med Sci 2015;31(6):1405-1410.