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Background: Patent ductus arteriosus is one of the most common cardiac conditions affecting the neonates. Considering the lack of studies done on this topic in healthcare settings in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, this study aims to find out the comparative effectiveness of paracetamol and ibuprofen in management of PDA in our healthcare setting to conclude a better management option for the condition. Objective: To find and compare the effectiveness of paracetamol and ibuprofen in the closure of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm neonates. Methodology: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Department of Nursery and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan, from 10th April 2024 to 10th October 2024. A total of 256 neonates of both genders with patent ductus arteriosus were included. Group A received oral paracetamol, and Group B received oral ibuprofen. The effectiveness of the treatments was evaluated at the end of the treatment period. Results: The age range in this study was from 48 to 96 h, with a mean age of 71.79 ± 13.10 h in Group A and 73.40 ± 11.81 h in Group B. Efficacy was observed in 107 (83.6%) patients in Group A compared to 90 (70.3%) patients in Group B, showing a statistically significant difference (P = 0.011). Conclusion: Our study has concluded that paracetamol is more effective than ibuprofen in closing patent ductus arteriosus. The trials were retrospectively registered at NIH Trial Registry (NCT06601114) https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06601114 dated 15/09/2024. Key points: • This study was conducted to find and compare the effectiveness of paracetamol and ibuprofen in the closure of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm neonates within the healthcare setting of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. • This study conclude that paracetamol is more effective than ibuprofen in closing patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm neonates. • The higher efficacy rate observed with paracetamol suggests that it may be a preferable first-line treatment for PDA in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correction notice in the journal "Pharmaceutics" addresses errors in Figure 4 of the original publication by Rehman et al. The mistakes involved repeated subfigures and a switch between subfigures of different groups, impacting the arrangement within the figure. The corrected Figure 4 has been provided, with the authors stating that these corrections do not significantly affect the overall findings and conclusions of the paper. The correction was approved by the Academic Editor, and the original publication has been updated accordingly. [Extracted from the article]

Recently, there has been a notable surge of interest in scientific research regarding spectral images. The potential of these images to revolutionize the digital photography industry, like aerial photography through Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), has captured considerable attention. One encouraging aspect is their combination with machine learning and deep learning algorithms, which have demonstrated remarkable outcomes in image classification. As a result of this powerful amalgamation, the adoption of spectral images has experienced exponential growth across various domains, with agriculture being one of the prominent beneficiaries. This paper presents an extensive survey encompassing multispectral and hyperspectral images, focusing on their applications for classification challenges in diverse agricultural areas, including plants, grains, fruits, and vegetables. By meticulously examining primary studies, we delve into the specific agricultural domains where multispectral and hyperspectral images have found practical use. Additionally, our attention is directed towards utilizing machine learning techniques for effectively classifying hyperspectral images within the agricultural context. The findings of our investigation reveal that deep learning and support vector machines have emerged as widely employed methods for hyperspectral image classification in agriculture. Nevertheless, we also shed light on the various issues and limitations of working with spectral images. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide valuable insights into the current state of spectral imaging in agriculture and its potential for future advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of essential oil–based nanoemulsions (NEs) has been the subject of extensive research on a variety of conditions affecting the oral cavity. NEs are delivery methods that improve the solubility and distribution of lipid medicines to the intended areas. Because of their antibacterial and antifungal properties, itraconazole and thyme oil–based self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (ItZ-ThO-SNEDDS) were created to protect oral health against oral microorganisms. The ItZ-ThO-SNEDDS were created utilizing an extreme verices mixture design, and varying concentrations of ThO (10% and 25%), labrasol (40% and 70%), and transcutol (20% and 40%) were used. The ItZ-ThO-SNEDDS had droplet sizes of less than 250 nm, a drug-loading efficiency of up to 64%, and a fungal growth inhibition zone of up to 20 mm. The accepted design was used to obtain the ideal formulation, which contained ThO in the amount of 0.18 g/ml, labrasol 0.62 g/ml, and transcutol 0.2 g/ml. The best ItZ-ThO-SNEDDS formulation was incorporated into a honey-based gel, which demonstrated improved release of ItZ in vitro and improved transbuccal permeation ex vivo. In addition, when compared with various formulations tested in rats, the optimized loaded emulgel decreased the ulcer index. This study therefore demonstrated that the ItZ-ThO-SNEDDS could offer an effective defense against oral diseases caused by microbial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the antibody levels at 6 months in SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated individuals in COVID-recovered versus non-infected groups to determine the need to administer booster COVID vaccine in each group. Prospective longitudinal study. Pathology Department, Combined Military Hospital, Lahore for a period of eight months from July 2021 to February 2022. Two hundred and thirty three study participants in both COVID recovered and non-infected groups (105 participants in infected group, 128 participants in non-infected group) were subjected to blood sampling at 6 months post-vaccination. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody test was done using Chemiluminescence method. Comparison of antibody levels between COVID-recovered and non-infected groups was made. Results were compiled and statistically analyzed using SPSS version 21. Out of 233 study participants, males were 183 (78%) while females were 50 (22%), mean age being 35.93 years ± 8.298. Mean Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S IgG levels among COVID-recovered group was 1342 U/ml and among non-infected group was 828 U/ml at 6 months post-vaccination. Mean antibody titers in COVID-19 recovered group are higher than in non-infected group at 6 months post-vaccination in both groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To store, analyse and process the large volume of data generated by IoT traditional cloud computing, is used everywhere. However, the traditional cloud data centres have their limitations to handle high latency issues in time-critical applications of IoT and cloud. Their applications are computer gaming, e-healthcare, telemedicine and robot surgery. The high latency in IoTs and cloud includes high computational, communication latency (service) and network latencies. The vital requirement of IoT is to have minimum network, service and computation latencies for real-time applications. Network latency causes a delay in transmitting a message or communication from one location to another. Services that require data in real-time are almost impossible to access the data via the cloud. Traditional cloud computing approaches are unable to fulfil the quality-of-service (QoS) requirements in IoT devices. Researches related to latency reduction techniques are still in infancy. Some new approaches to minimize the latency for transmitting time-sensitive data in real-time are discussed in this paper for cloud and IoT devices. This research will help the researchers and industries to identify the techniques and technologies to minimize the latencies in IoT and cloud. The paper also discusses the research trends and the technical differences between the various technologies and techniques. With the increasing interest in the literature on latency minimization and its requirements for time-sensitive applications; it is important to systematically review and synthesize the approaches, tools, challenges and techniques to minimize latencies in IoT and cloud. This paper aims at systematically reviewing the state of the art of latency minimization to classify approaches, and techniques. The paper uses a PRISMA technique for a systematic review. The paper further identifies challenges and gaps in this regard for future research. We have identified 23 approaches and 32 technologies associated with latencies in the cloud and IoT. A total of 112 papers on latency reduction have been examined under this study. The existing research gaps and works for latency reduction in IoTs are discussed in detail. There are several challenges and gaps, which requires future research work for improving the latency minimization techniques and technologies. Finally, we present some open issues which will determine the future research direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pandemics have always been a nightmare for humanity, especially in developing countries. Forced lockdowns are considered one of the effective ways to deal with spreading such pandemics. Still, developing countries cannot afford such solutions because these may severely damage the country’s economy. Therefore, this study presents the proactive technological mechanisms for business organizations to run their standard business processes during pandemic-like situations smoothly. The novelty of this study is to provide a state-of-the-art solution to prevent pandemics using industrial internet of things (IIoT) and blockchain-enabled technologies. Compared to existing studies, the immutable and tamper-proof contact tracing and quarantine management solution is proposed. The use of advanced technologies and information security is a critical area for practitioners in the internet of things (IoT) and corresponding solutions. Therefore, this study also emphasizes information security, end-to-end solution, and experimental results. Firstly, a wearable wristband is proposed, incorporating 4G-enabled ultra-wideband (UWB) technology for smart contact tracing mechanisms in industries to comply with standard operating procedures outlined by the world health organization (WHO). Secondly, distributed ledger technology (DLT) omits the centralized dependency for transmitting contact tracing data. Thirdly, a privacy-preserving tracing mechanism is discussed using a public/private key cryptography-based authentication mechanism. Lastly, based on geofencing techniques, blockchain-enabled machine-to-machine (M2M) technology is proposed for quarantine management. The step-by-step methodology and test results are proposed to ensure contact tracing and quarantine management. Unlike existing research studies, the security aspect is also considered in the realm of blockchain. The practical implementation of the proposed solution also obtains the results. The results indicate the successful implementation of blockchain-enabled contact tracing and isolation management using IoT and geo-fencing techniques, which could help battle pandemic situations. Researchers can also consider the 5G-enabled narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT) technologies to implement contact tracing solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoemulgels are considered as potential and ideal drug delivery systems for the transdermal administration of poorly soluble drugs like lornoxicam. Their intrinsic characteristics, such as small globule size as well as excipient type, make transdermal passage of the drug easier. The current study was aimed at developing nanoemulgel based formulation of lornoxicam coloaded with eucalyptol to enhance drug skin permeation and bioavailability in order to promote therapeutic outcome in appropriate time. High shear homogenization technique was utilized to develop optimized lornoxicam encapsulated nanoemulsion followed by its conversion into nanoemulgel formulation by the addition of 1% Carbopol 940 as gelling agent. Different characterization tests were performed on optimized formulation such as surface charge, particle size and size distribution, viscosity, spreadability, pH, drug content determination, drug entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, and drug permeation analysis. The optimized formulation had globule size of 143.7 ± 2.18 nm. The results of drug entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, and skin penetration experiments were found satisfactory. Based on the formulation type, permeability parameters such as permeability constant (Kp), enhancement ratio (Er), and steady state flux (Jss) revealed greater values and satisfactory outcomes. When compared to other formulations (LRX nanoemulgel and EU nanoemulgel), the LRX-EU nanoemulgel formulation produced improved skin permeation profile (flux, 189.63 ± 7.68 μg/cm2/h; permeability coefficient, 2.09 ± 0.067 cm/h; and ER, 4.274). This work clearly proved that lornoxicam coloaded with eucalyptol nanoemulgel formulations could be developed to generate stable drug delivery systems. Thus, LRX-EU NEG formulation seems promising in terms of physicochemical properties, enhanced bioavailability, and high skin penetration profile as compared to LRX NEG formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current research aimed to develop nanocubosomes co-loaded with dual anticancer drugs curcumin and temozolomide for effective colon cancer therapy. Drugs co-loaded nanocubosomal dispersion was prepared by modified emulsification method using glyceryl monooleate (GMO), pluronic F127 and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a lipid phase, surfactant, and stabilizer, respectively. The resulting nanocubosomes were characterized by measuring hydrodynamic particle size, particle size distribution (PSD), drug loading capacity (DL), encapsulation efficiency (EE), colloidal stability and drug release profile. We also physiochemically characterized the nanocubosomes by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and x-rays diffraction (XRD) for their morphology, polymer drug interaction and its nature, respectively. Further, the in-vitro cell-uptake, mechanism of cell-uptake, in-vitro anti-tumor efficacy and apoptosis level were evaluated using HCT-116 colon cancer cells. The prepared nanocubosomes exhibited a small hydrodynamic particle size (PS of 150 ± 10 nm in diameter) with nearly cubic shape and appropriate polydispersity index (PDI), enhanced drug loading capacity (LC of 6.82 ± 2.03% (Cur) and 9.65 ± 1.53% (TMZ), high entrapment efficiency (EE of 67.43 ± 2.16% (Cur) and 75.55 ± 3.25% (TMZ), pH-triggered drug release profile and higher colloidal stability in various physiological medium. Moreover, the nanocubosomes showed higher cellular uptake, in-vitro cytotoxicity and apoptosis compared to free drugs, curcumin and temozolomide, most likely because its small particle size. In addition, BSA-stabilized nanocubosomes were actively taken by aggressive colon cancer cells that over-expressed the albumin receptors and utilized BSA as nutrient source for their growth. In short, this study provides a new and simple strategy to improve the efficacy and simultaneously overawed the adaptive treatment tolerance in colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urticaria affects all age groups of a population. It is triggered by allergens in foods, insect bites, medications, and environmental conditions. Urticaria is characterized by itching, a burning sensation, wheals and flares, erythema, and localized edema. The aim of this study was to develop a polymeric dosage form of ebastine using Carbopol 940 and mixture of span and tween. The emulsion was prepared, the gelling agent was added and the desired emulgel loaded with active drug was formulated. The formulations were subjected to physical stability, pH, viscosity, spreadability, drug content analysis, thermal analysis, in vitro drug release, and in vivo anti-allergic activity in animal model. The formulated emulgel exhibited good physical stability. The pH of the formulation was in the range of 5.2 ± 0.17 to 5.5 ± 0.20 which is suitable for topical application. Insignificant changes (p>.05) were observed in viscosity and spreadability of stored emulgels. The drug content was in the official limit of Pharmacopeia (i.e. 100 ± 10%). DSC measurements predicted that there is no interaction between the active moiety and excipients in emulgel formulation. The optimized formulation (ES3) released 74.25 ± 1.8% of ebastine after 12 h. The ebastine emulgel showed significant (p<.05; ANOVA) in vivo anti-allergic activity as compared to commercial product BenadrylVR in histamine-induced allergy in rabbits. This study concluded that a topical drug delivery of ebastine-loaded emulgel could be well tolerated and safe for the treatment of urticaria/hives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to fabricate and characterize a pharmaceutical emulgel co-loaded with naproxen/eugenol for transdermal delivery to improve the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and to eliminate GIT adverse reactions. Emulgel was prepared using a slow emulsification method and evaluated for physical appearance, thermodynamic stability, viscosity, pH, spreadability, extrudability, in-vitro drug release, drug content, ex-vivo permeation, drug retention studies and in-vivo studies. The emulgel exhibited good physical attributes, being thermodynamically stable with no phase separation, having excellent homogeneity, and pH 5.5 to 6.5. Slight changes in viscosity, spreadability and extrudability with respect to high temperature were observed (p > 0.05). The drug content was 96.69 ± 1.18% and 97.24 ± 1.27% for naproxen and eugenol, respectively. The maximum release of naproxen after 12 h was 85.14 ± 1.11%, whereas eugenol was 86.67 ± 1.23% from emulgel following anomalous non-Fickian mechanism. The maximum % permeation of naproxen across skin was 78.5 ± 1.30, whereas maximum % permeation of eugenol was 83.7 ± 1.33 after 12 h. The skin retention of eugenol and naproxen was 8.52 ± 0.22% and 6.98 ± 0.24%, respectively. The optimized emulgel inhibited the carrageenan induced paw edema. The pain reaction times of optimized emulgel and standard marketed product (Voltral®) were 11.16 ± 0.17 and 10.36 ± 0.47, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). This study concluded that transdermal delivery of naproxen-eugenol emulgel synergized the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of naproxen and eugenol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocrystals are carrier-free, submicron-sized, colloidal drug delivery systems with particle sizes in the mean nanometer range. Nanocrystals have high bioavailability and fast absorption because of their high dissolution velocity and enhanced adhesiveness to cell membranes. Loxoprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug belonging to the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) II drug class, was selected as the model drug. The aim of this study was to formulate nanocrystals of loxoprofen. A total of 12 formulations (F1 to F12) were prepared. An antisolvent technique was used to determine the effects of various stabilizers and processing conditions on the optimization of formulations. The various stabilizers used were hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (0.5%), polyvinylpyrrolidone (0.5%), and sodium lauryl sulfate (0.1%). The various characterizations conducted for this research included stability studies at 25 °C and 4 °C, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), zeta potentials, polydispersity indexes, and dissolution studies. F10 was the optimized formulation that showed stability at room temperature, as well as at a refrigerated temperature, for 30 days. A high dissolution rate (100% within the first 10 min) was shown by comparative dissolution studies of nano-suspensions with the micro-suspension and raw loxoprofen. F10 formulation had a non-porous and crystalline morphology on evaluation by TEM and XRPD, respectively, and the average particle size was 300 ± 0.3 nm as confirmed by TEM. DSC recorded a reduction in the melting point (180 °C processed and 200 °C unprocessed melting points). The dissolution rate and solubility of the formulated loxoprofen nanocrystals were significantly enhanced. It can be concluded that selecting suitable stabilizers (i.e., polymers and surfactants) can produce stable nanocrystals, and this can potentially lead to a scaling up of the process for commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wounds are the most common causes of mortality all over the world. Topical drug delivery systems are more efficient in treating wounds as compared to oral delivery systems because they bypass the disadvantages of the oral route. The aim of the present study was to formulate and evaluate in vitro in vivo nanoemulgels loaded with eucalyptol for wound healing. Nanoemulsions were prepared using the solvent emulsification diffusion method by mixing an aqueous phase and an oil phase, and a nanoemulgel was then fabricated by mixing nanoemulsions with a gelling agent (Carbopol 940) in a 1:1 ratio. The nanoemulgels were evaluated regarding stability, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), droplet size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), spreadability, drug content, in vitro drug release, and in vivo study. The optimized formulation, F5, exhibited pH values between 5 and 6, with no significant variations at different temperatures, and acceptable homogeneity and spreadability. F5 had a droplet size of 139 ± 5.8 nm, with a low polydispersity index. FTIR studies showed the compatibility of the drug with the excipients. The drug content of F5 was 94.81%. The percentage of wound contraction of the experimental, standard, and control groups were 100% ± 0.015, 98.170% ± 0.749, and 70.846% ± 0.830, respectively. Statistically, the experimental group showed a significant difference (p < 0.03) from the other two groups. The results suggest that the formulated optimized dosage showed optimum stability, and it can be considered an effective wound healing alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the severity of noise-induced hearing loss and noise levels in the environment in occupationally exposed individuals. Study Design: Prospective longitiginal study. Place and Duration of Study: Tertiary care hospital, Lahore Pakistan, from Dec 2019 to Jun 2020. Methodology: The noise levels and duration of exposure to loud noise were measured at various exposure points to define ways and means for future prevention. Results: Out of 3000 patients reporting to the ENT outpatient department for various problems, 33.3% had ear problems. Out of 1000, 750 had hearing loss with normal tympanic membranes. Among 750, 200 (26.6%) had conductive hearing loss, while 550 (73.3%) had sensorineural hearing loss. Out of 550, 70 (12.72%) were related to occupational exposure in service and 480 (87.2%) were due to various causes. Most patients reported from the security wing (40, 57.14%) being exposed to the loud noise as a pulsed exposure, followed by patients in the telecommunication field (20, 28.57%) being exposed to persistent noise. Conclusion: Occupational exposure to loud noise in the workplace poses significant health issues, including an economic burden on an individual. NIHL related to occupational exposure to loud sounds is frequently reported worldwide. Education and prevention are two vital steps which can reduce the number of such cases significantly, thus preventing this lifelong disability, ensuring health and reducing the economic burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the role of topical nanoemulsion of linezolid in attenuating diabetic wound by delivering the drug to the target tissue. The nanoemulsions (NEs) were prepared by high-pressure homogenization and subjected to thermodynamic stability, pH, droplet size, viscosity, surface charge, polydispersity index (PDI), entrapment efficiency, drug content, and in vitro drug release. All formulations were thermodynamically stable. The pH was in the range of 5 to 6. The viscosities of LZD-0, LZD-1, LZD-2, and LZD-3 were recorded as 68.75 ± 2.23 mPas, 69.56 ± 2.11 mPas, 96.45 ± 3.39 mPas, and 45.5 ± 1.12 mPas respectively. LZD-1 exhibited droplet size of 376.5 nm ± 0.98, surface charge − 22.5mV, and PDI 0.387. Drug content and entrapment efficiency of LZD-1 were found to be 93 ± 3.31 % and 72 ± 1.67 %, respectively. LZD-1 released 80 ± 2.87% of drug. Due to significant (P < 0.05) in vitro results, LZD-1 formulation was selected for in vivo evaluation. Diabetes was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats using intraperitoneal streptozotocin injection at dose of 50 mg/kg. Open-incision wounds were inflicted among all diabetic rats at dorsal shaved area. Randomly, all rats were divided into positive control (blank formulation), negative control (no formulation), and test group (LZD-1). Wound healing occurred in order of test group > positive control > negative control. Skin histology and tensile strength also revealed significant results. The study concluded that topical nanoemulsion of linezolid may open new horizon in treating diabetic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current review is based on the advancements in the field of natural therapeutic agents which could be utilized for a variety of biomedical applications and against various diseases and ailments. In addition, several obstacles have to be circumvented to achieve the desired therapeutic effectiveness, among which limited dissolution and/or solubility and permeability are included. To counteract these issues, several advancements in the field of natural therapeutic substances needed to be addressed. Therefore, in this review, the possible techniques for the dissolution/solubility and permeability improvements have been addressed which could enhance the dissolution and permeability up to several times. In addition, the conventional and modern isolation and purification techniques have been emphasized to achieve the isolation and purification of single or multiple therapeutic constituents with convenience and smarter approaches. Moreover, a brief overview of advanced natural compounds with multiple therapeutic effectiveness have also been anticipated. In brief, enough advancements have been carried out to achieve safe, effective and economic use of natural medicinal agents with improved stability, handling and storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To estimate the occurrence of hyperglycemia in patients with cerebrovascular accident (ischemic) to compare the frequency of mortality among the patients with and without hyperglycemia presenting with acute CVA. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of General Medicine, Combined Military Hospital Quetta Pakistan, from May 2018 to May 2019 Methodology: A total of 347 patients of both genders diagnosed with acute stroke were included. Blood glucose levels were evaluated and hyperglycemic and normo-glycemic patients were identified. CT scan was performed. Standard treatment was provided to the patients according to the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic). These patients were discharged. Results: Patients in this study was having age range of 20 to 70 years.SO mean age of 53.76 ± 9.08 years. Many patients 283 (81.56%) were of 45-71 years of age. 183 (52.74%) were of male gender and 164 (47.26%) were females. We have found hyperglycemia in 96 (27.67%) patients. There was no hyperglycemia observed in 251(72.33%) patients. Frequency of hyperglycemia was 12.97%. Frequency of mortality was 30.21% in hyperglycemic patients vs. 6.37% in normo-glycemic patients (p=0.0001). Conclusion: Frequency of hyperglycemia with acute stroke is high with high mortality among the patients presenting with acute stroke as compared to normo-glycemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniasis, remains a serious health problem in many developing countries with thousands of new cases recorded annually. Novel therapies are required as existing treatment regimens are limited by their high cost, high toxicity, increased parasite resistance, patient's intolerance, and invasive means of long-duration administration. With several studies reporting the anti-leishmaniasis promise of medicinal plants, interest in plants and herbal drugs is attracting much attention worldwide. In this pilot study, we analysed extracts of Linum usitatissimum seeds (LU) to identify essential phytochemicals and test their activity against cutaneous leishmaniasis both in-vitro and in-vivo. We performed phytochemical screening of LU seeds extract as well as its in-vitro leishmanicidal and anti-amastigote assays. Water-in-oil cream containing 10% LU crude extract (10 mg/mL) was then prepared. The stability of the cream was evaluated for 28 days at 8 °C, 25 °C and 40 °C. In-vivo efficacy and safety of the cream was performed in 26 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis who agreed to participate voluntarily in the study. The active treatment period lasted for 3 weeks, while the follow-up period was extended to 4 months. During the active study period, images of skin lesions were taken before and after treatment. Analyses of LU seeds extract confirmed the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and polyphenols. In-vitro studies showed significant activity against promastigote and intracellular amastigote forms of Leishmaniamajor. The cream was pharmaceutically stable, although some minor changes were noticed in relation to its physical characteristics. In-vivo assessment of the cream showed a 69.23% cure rate with no side effects, allergy, or irritation. We conclude that our newly developed water in oil cream containing 10% LU seeds extract could be an effective and safe topical anti-leishmanial medication for patients with CL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kojic acid (KA) is a BCS class II drug having low solubility and high permeability. This study was designed to enhance the aqueous solubility of KA, as well as its dissolution rate and, in turn, bioavailability, by formulating its smart nanocrystals. Nanocrystals of pure KA were formulated by the top-down method under high-pressure homogenization followed by freeze drying. The nanocrystals were evaluated for stability and other physical characteristics, including zeta sizer analysis, DSC, surface morphology, XRD, drug content, solubility, FTIR and in vitro drug release. The KA nanocrystals were found to be stable when kept at exaggerated conditions. The particle size of the nanocrystals was 137.5 ± 1.7, 150 ± 2.8, and 110 ± 3.0 nm for the F1, F2 and F3 formulations, respectively. There was negative zeta potential for all the formulations. The dispersity index was 0.45 ± 0.2, 0.36 ± 0.4 and 0.41 ± 1.5 for the F1, F2 and F3, respectively. The DSC studies showed that there was no interaction between the KA and the excipients of the nanocrystals. The morphological studies confirmed the presence of rough crystalline surfaces on the nanosized particles. XRD studies showed the successful preparation of nanocrystals. The drug content was in the official range of 90 ± 10%. The solubility of KA was significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced in the formulations of its nanocrystals as compared with pure KA powder. The ATR-FTIR studies revealed the presence of functional groups in both KA and KA-loaded nanocrystals, and no interaction was found between them. The nanocrystals released 83.93 ± 1.22% of KA in 24 h. The study concluded that the nanocrystals were successfully formulated using the top-down method followed by high-pressure homogenization. The solubility, as well as the dissolution, of the KA was enhanced, and this could improve the therapeutic effects of KA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic literature review provides an extensive categorization of the blockchain-enabled applications across the domain of vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). Within the paradigm of distributed ledger technology (DLT), the communication models and practices for VANETs have been revolutionized. An analytical review and a survey were conducted to explore the advancements of blockchain and VANETs. The techniques, limitations, and advantages of blockchain deployment in VANETs are discussed for the effective implementation of a decentralized network. To this end, 68 studies were selected on the basis of the procedural steps to provide a comprehensive overview of blockchain and the smart contracts in VANETs. In particular, a decentralized communication model is also proposed for the advanced implementation of blockchain in VANETs. Researchers and practitioners are being attracted to these technologies for applications for various industrial sectors. Therefore, this study also emphasizes the identification of any blockchain-related open issues for future prospects. The comprehension of blockchain applications for the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is also explored in order to fill the research gap on advanced communication networks across the Internet of Things. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tremendous increase of fungal infections in hospitalized or immune compromised patients has been reported from the last two decades. These infections are commonly treated using econazole and miconazole that have shorter half-life and produce severe side effects. All such issues can be addressed using targeted drug delivery. We developed SNLs based formulation for the treatment of mycosis. The high pressure homogenization method was employed for formulation followed by characterization, assay for antifungal activity, in vitro drug release and ex vivo permeation. The particle size of Econazole-Betamethasone-loaded SLNs, Econazole-loaded SLNs, Betamethasone-loaded SLNs and Blank SLNs were 377.4±23 nm, 298.7±9 nm, 177.7±15 nm and 113.4±6 nm respectively. The SEM images displayed that droplets are uniform and spherical in shape which ranged from 113.4±6 to 377.4±23 nm. In DSC, the SLNs formulation showed endothermic peak at 185.2 °C±0.9. Drug content of Econazole loaded SLNs was 82±0.1 and its entrapment efficiency was approximately 90.4±0.2. Betamethasone SLNs displayed highest drug content which was 83.5±0.4 while encapsulation efficiency of same formulation was 94.2±0.4. The Econazole and Betamethasone combined SLNs exhibited drug content of 80±0.3 while its encapsulation efficiency was 93.1±0.5. E-SLNs have significantly high drug release (p < 0.05) as compared to other formulation B-SLNs and EB-SLNs.The Econazole loaded formulations displayed antifungal activity with no synergistic or antagonistic effect with each other. Drug permeation from Econazole SLNs, Betamethasone SLNs and combined Econazole and Betamethasone SLNs was 45%, 40% and 38% respectively. Overall, SLN's are an effective carrier for topical delivery of antifungals agents and that may be helpful in bypassing the serious side effects associated with oral delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to develop and validate a new, rapid, sensitive, simple, accurate and reproducible HPLC method for simultaneous determination of ketotifen fumarate and salbutamol sulfate. Simultaneous HPLC method was developed using RP-C18 stainless steel analytical column 4.6×150 mm C18.Acetonitrile and phosphate buffer pH 4 (30 : 70) were used as mobile phase and wavelength was adjusted to 276 nm for detection of drugs. Developed method was validated for its specificity, accuracy, precision, linearity and robustness. Method was also applied to quantify drugs in commercial tablets. Chromatogram obtained by newly developed method for simultaneous determination of two anti-asthmatic drugs, having well distinguished peaks for both drugs. Retention time of ketotifen fumarate and salbutamol sulfate were 2.69 minutes and 9.47 minutes respectively. Total run time for both anti-asthmatic drugs was 12 minutes. Limit of quantification for ketotifen fumarate and salbutamol sulfate was 1 ng/ml and 1.50 ng/ml respectively. Limit of detection of ketotifen fumarate and salbutamol sulfate was 3.03 and 4.54 respectively. A simple, easy, precise and new method was developed for simultaneous quantification of frequently used anti-asthmatic drugs. Developed method may prove effective and beneficial in determination of ketotifen fumarate and salbutamol sulfate in bulk and other pharmaceutical dosage forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the efficacy of total laryngeal anesthesia and simple local anesthesia during awake fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pulmonology, Combined Military Hospital Lahore, from Jan to Jul 2020. Methodology: A total of 70 patients, who were undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy were divided into two groups. Group-I patients were given topical anesthesia with 2% Lignocaine while group-II patients, in addition to topical Lignocaine, had 2% Lignocaine injected into bilateral internal laryngeal nerves for total laryngeal anesthesia. Assessment of efficacy of anesthesia was evaluated by Reasoner scale. Results: In group-I, 26 (74.28%) patients showed mild or moderate cough and gagging during stage-1. Fifteen (42.85%) patients showed moderate cough and gagging that interfered with the procedure during stage-2 and 19 (54.28%) patients showed mild cough or gagging that did not interfere with the procedure in stage-3. In group-II, 17 (48.57%) patients exhibited mild cough or gagging during stage-1. Sixteen (45.71%) exhibited mild cough or gagging that did not interfere with the procedure during stage-2 with all the patients showing either no cough or mild cough and gagging that did not interfere with the procedure during stage-3. More patients of group-II 32 (91.42%) agreed to a repeat test if required medically as compared to group-I 28 (80%). Conclusion: Patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy who underwent total laryngeal anesthesia and sedation, in addition to topical anesthesia experienced less cough and gagging than those receiving only local anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of closed reduction of supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children with neurovascular injury in terms of the need for exploration. Material and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the department of Orthopedic Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar from July 2020 till July 2021. Children with supracondylar fracture (Gartland type II and III) of the humerus were included irrespective of neurovascular injury. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Mean and standard deviation was used for quantitative data. Frequency and percentages were used for qualitative data. Shapiro Wilk's test was done to find the normality of the data. Results: The mean age of the 65 children with Gartland type 3 closed fractures was 7 years (± 1.5) years. The male to female ratio was 1:0.4 with 45 males and 20 female patients. The right side was involved in 28 (43%) while left sides in 37(57%) patients. At presentation, 40 patients (61%) had no signs of neurovascular involvement while 25 patients (39%) had signs and symptoms of various nerve injuries and 6 patients had absent radial pulse but with well perfused, pink hand. Of these 25 patients, only 2 patients had combined neurovascular compromise not responding to closed reduction and needed urgent exploration while the remaining 23 were managed conservatively with closed reduction Conclusion: This study concludes that closed reduction should be done in patients with isolated nerve injury or vascular injury with pink hand and adequate capillary refill while in case of combined nerve and vascular injury not responding to closed reduction, urgent exploration should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallo-elements have both pharmacological and toxic effects on plants, animals and humans. These are considered as a major public health issue worldwide. In particular, heavy metals such as silver (Ag) and aluminum (Al) are environmentally widespread, and their relative toxicity can lead to numerous pathologies such as nephropathy, cancers, vascular and skin diseases. The goal of this study was to examine the behavioral effects of Ag and Al salts (i.e. Silver nitrate and Aluminum sulfate) on glutathione (GSH), a potent oxidant in biological mixtures. We also aimed to suggest mechanisms of action of thiolate complexed to these metallo-elements in competitive studies with Ellman's reagent (5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid aka ESSE). By proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, detailed titrations were carried out for these metal thiols interactions in the presence of ESSE in order to elucidate first equilibrium and possible second equilibrium. We found by 1H NMR spectroscopy that GSH binds to Ag and Al, which highlighted possible in-vivo chelation mechanisms of GSH toward these toxic metallo-elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is the most common type of Leishmaniasis, which annually affects 1.5 million people worldwide. About 90% of cases are reported from countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. The purpose of the present study was to fabricate transdermal patches of Nigella sativa (NS), characterize, and to check its in vitro/in vivo anti-Lieshmanial activity. Hydroalcoholic extract was analyzed for preliminary phytochemicals. Five formulations of transdermal patches (NS1, NS2, NS3, NS4, and NS5) were prepared by solvent evaporation method. The optimized formulation NS5 was characterized for Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), smoothness, brittleness, clarity, thickness, folding endurance, uniformity of weight, percent moisture content, in vitro drug release, release kinetics, ex vivo drug permeation, and in vitro anti-Lieshmanial activity. In vivo anti-Lieshmanial activity was assessed in 30 patients (n = 30) suffering from CL. The FTIR studies showed no incompatibility among the active extract and polymers. In vitro anti-Lieshmanial assay was 194.6% ± 1.88% as compared with standard drug (p > 0.05) and in vivo anti-Lieshmanial activity was 75%. The drug release after 24 h was 87.0% ± 0.94% in NS5, which showed non-Fickian diffusion mechanism while drug permeation across rabbit skin after 24 h was up to 80.0% ± 0.91%. The results concluded that problems related to the parenteral medications used for Lieshmanial treatment can be managed by applying extract of NS seeds in the form of transdermal patch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to enhance the solubility of Aceclofenac with a new polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft co-polymer (Soloplus®) and formulate it in controlled release (CR) tablet dosage form by direct compression method with HPMC K-15. Solid dispersions were prepared in different ratio of Aceclofenac and Soloplus® as F1, F2 and F3 with different polymer ratios i.e. 30%, 50%, and 70% respectively. All the quality control tests were performed for the prepared controlled release tablets. Drug polymer interaction studies of Aceclofenac and Soloplus® were carried using FTIR and XRD. Dissolution study was carried out against Alkaris® as a standard reference. The formulation F3 showed optimum results and followed zero order kinetics. The Soloplus® improved the solubility of the drug and the CR formulation enhanced the delivery in a sustained manner. Hence, the CR formulation enhanced the delivery of aceclofenac in a sustained manner, thereby an efficient drug delivery may lead to an effective anti-inflammatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan a poly-(D) glucosamine is a polysaccharide made by treating shrimp and other crustacean shells with the alkali sodium hydroxide. It is a hydrophilic polymer that helps to retain the drug inside the solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN's) and prolongs the release of drug from the carrier system. The purpose of the study was to formulate Chitosan decorated SLN's for the topical delivery of dexibuprofen by hot pressure homogenization technique. Blank SLN's, drug loaded SLN's and Chitosan decorated SLN's were prepared. Particle size, zeta potential and PDI were determined. FTIR study was conducted to evaluate the compatibility of excipients with the active drug. Surface morphology of SLN's was determined by field emission scanning electron microscope. Drug content and entrapment efficiency of SLN's were determined using indirect method. In vitro release and ex vivo permeation study of SLN's were carried out using Franz diffusion cell. The droplet size fell into the nano range i.e. 132±7 to 424±2 nm which is effective for topical drug delivery system. The PDI of formulations range from 0.21 to 0.42 which depicts the homogeneity of all the SLN's formulations. Vibrational analysis indicates that there is no interaction between active drug and excipient used in the formulation. The surface morphology revealed the spherical shape of Chitosan decorated SLN's. The in vitro release of formulations showed 79.91±1.07 to 89.94±1.8 % drug release. The drug permeation study showed high permeation of drug into the skin. The percent drug permeation ranges from 64.15±0.93 to 71.80±0.88% indicating good permeation of drug across the skin. Overall, SLN's are an effective carrier for topical delivery of dexibuprofen and thus bypasses side effects associated with oral delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared by a rapid biogenic technique "Green method" utilizing root extract of Olea ferruginea. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized for UV visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy Studies (HRTEM) and biological assays. UV visible absorption spectroscopy confirms the formation of AgNPs by giving Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) peak at 430 nm. FTIR study showed occurrence of various functional groups present in root extract of Olea ferruginea. X-ray diffraction analysis determined the crystalline nature of bio-fabricated silver nanoparticles. The elemental composition of green made silver nanoparticles was studied through Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. SEM & HRTEM study revealed the size, shape, surface morphology & dispersion level of molecules. The biologically synthesized AgNPs showed high antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant activity. The AgNPs are observed to be an excellent catalyst on reduction of hazardous dyes, which is confirmed by a decrease in absorbance of maximum values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine frequency of short interpregnancy interval in female with preterm labour. Study Design: Descriptive Cross Sectional study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Bacha Khan Medical Complex Swabi. Period: 01July 2018 to 31-December 2018. Material & Methods: After meeting inclusion criteria a total of 212 females with preterm birth as per operational definition were taken. Birth interval ≤ 6 months was labeled as short interpregnancy interval. Results: The mean age of patients in this study was 29.00±6.37 years with mean parity in this study was observed to be 3.23±2.31 with minimum and maximum parity of 1 and 9 respectively. The mean gravida in this study was 2.17±2.25 with minimum and maximum of 0 and 8. The mean gestational age among patients was 29.83±3.29 weeks with minimum and maximum gestational ages of 24.00 weeks and 36.00 weeks respectively. The mean inter-pregnancy interval observed in this study was 7.39±6.14 months with minimum and maximum intervals of 2.00 months and 14.00 months respectively. According to definition, 155 (73.1%) patients had short inter-pregnancy interval. Conclusion: Through this study we found high frequency of short inter pregnancy interval. We must have to establish more and effective family planning awareness to increase birth gap to avoid poor fetomaternal outcome as it is clear that short IPI may directly or indirectly influence the maternal and perinatal health and can potentially increase risk of preterm birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the correlation between symptoms and objective wheeze in asthmatics. Study Design: A cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Medicine department, Combined Military Hospital Lahore, from Jul to Dec 2019. Methodology: Two hundred patients of asthma were selected reporting in Medicine department, CMH Lahore. Patients were interviewed regarding their primary chest symptom and it was correlated with the clinical examination for wheeze to find which particular symptom correlated most with the presence of wheeze. The 130 symptomatic cases were subjected to spirometry to assess their lung functions tests. Results: Two hundreds patients of asthma were interviewed of whom 130 patients were symptomatic. Out of 130 patients, 59 (45.3%) complained of difficulty in breathing, 40 (30.7%) complained of shortness of breath, 20 (15.3%) had wheezing, 7 (5.3%) had cough and 4 (3%) had chest pain. Eighty five (65.3%) patients when examined had wheeze. The distribution of objective wheezing in the above cases were 100% for wheezing patient, 66.1% for difficulty in breathing, 57.5% for shortness of breath 28.5% for cough and 25% for chest pain. The FEV1/FVC ratio was lowest for wheezing patients at 0.55 and highest for cough at 0.70. Conclusion: Difficulty in breathing was the commonest symptom in symptomatic asthmatics being present in 66.1% of patients. The symptom which correlated best with the presence of wheeze was wheezy chest and difficulty in breathing and was also associated with lowest FEV1/FVC ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the notion that milk can cause or aggravate asthma and break this myth. Study Design: A cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Medicine department, Combined Military Hospital Lahore, from Jan 2019 to Dec 2020. Methodology: A survey was conducted whereby known asthmatics were questioned about their opinion weather milk aggravates their asthma. Those who confirmed their positive response were exposed to milk and some liquid resembling milk, and their Lung functions were tested after each drink. The 42 patients who considered milk as the primary aggravator were called for the study for spirometry Results: A total of 600 people from the general population were surveyed. Two hundred and six (34.3%) of them were illiterate, 394 (65.6%) were educated from middle to graduates. In the first milk/milk encounter, the combined dyspnea scale showed increase of 50.3% and improvement of 0.008% in FEVI/FVC. In the second substitute /milk encounter, the dyspnea score showed an increase of 61.8% and an increase of 0.90% in FEVI/FVC. In the third milk/substitute encounter the dyspnea score showed a decrease of 22.9% and the FEVI/FVC decreases by 5.5%. In the 4th substitute/substitute encounter, dyspnea scores decreased by 8.4% while the pre and postencounter FEVI/ FVC scores were 2726 and 2711 with 0.55% decrease with insignificant p-value >0.05. Conclusion: Drinking milk or milk substitute has negligible effect on the spirometric parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crude ginger has been used to treat wounds since ancient times till nowadays. The present study aimed at designing and characterizing topical hydrogel films loaded with ginger extract for wound healing in animal model. The hydrogel films were prepared using PVA and gelatin. The prepared films were evaluated for FTIR analysis, surface morphology, pH, swelling behavior, in vitro release, and % drug content. The wound-healing activity of the extract-loaded hydrogel films was compared with commercially available Silver Sulfadiazine® cream. The drug was compatible with the selected polymers and indicated the suitability of the selected polymers for preparation of topical hydrogel films. The SEM images clearly indicated porous structure of the prepared hydrogel films. Slight changes were observed in pH, ranging from 4.98 ± 0.079 in the beginning of the study to 4.9 ± 0.58 in the end. The swelling percentage after 8 h was 257.7%. The films released 78.7 ± 1.7% of the drug in 250 min. The percent drug content was 97.78 ± 5% which did not change significantly during the storage period. The hydrogel films showed similar wound-healing activity as compared to the commercial product (p > 0.05; ANOVA), while greater wound-healing activity as compared to the control group (p < 0.05; ANOVA) evidenced by intensive collagen formation in histopathological analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fog computing (FC) is an evolving computing technology that operates in a distributed environment. FC aims to bring cloud computing features close to edge devices. The approach is expected to fulfill the minimum latency requirement for healthcare Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. Healthcare IoT devices generate various volumes of healthcare data. This large volume of data results in high data traffic that causes network congestion and high latency. An increase in round-trip time delay owing to large data transmission and large hop counts between IoTs and cloud servers render healthcare data meaningless and inadequate for end-users. Time-sensitive healthcare applications require real-time data. Traditional cloud servers cannot fulfill the minimum latency demands of healthcare IoT devices and end-users. Therefore, communication latency, computation latency, and network latency must be reduced for IoT data transmission. FC affords the storage, processing, and analysis of data from cloud computing to a network edge to reduce high latency. A novel solution for the abovementioned problem is proposed herein. It includes an analytical model and a hybrid fuzzy-based reinforcement learning algorithm in an FC environment. The aim is to reduce high latency among healthcare IoTs, end-users, and cloud servers. The proposed intelligent FC analytical model and algorithm use a fuzzy inference system combined with reinforcement learning and neural network evolution strategies for data packet allocation and selection in an IoT–FC environment. The approach is tested on simulators iFogSim (Net-Beans) and Spyder (Python). The obtained results indicated the better performance of the proposed approach compared with existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the relationship among organizational learning culture (OLC), perceived organizational support (POS), knowledge sharing behavior (KSB) and workplace spirituality (WS). The study was conducted on banking sector of Pakistan and data was collected through questionnaire-based survey. A sample of 300 respondents was selected using item response theory from which 248 respondents replied, however only 226 responses were used in the final analysis because of outliers. The study used statistical package for social sciences to analyze data. The study found that both organizational learning culture and perceived organizational support positively associated to workplace spirituality. Further, the hierarchical regression has confirmed the mediating role of knowledge sharing behaviors between the same associations. The study has used cross-sectional survey technique and there is a probability that respondents have given biased responses. Identification of the antecedents of workplace spirituality will help the HR managers to increase the commitment of employees towards their organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the extent to which governance affect firms' cost of equity capital in Asian countries by employing a regression model on panel data of the 24 Asian countries over the period of 2006 to 2015. The results depict that Quality of Corporate Governance (QCG) index has significant relationship in reducing cost of equity for firms in Asian countries. The results also indicate that explicit corporate governance variables like; board independence, audit committee independence, ownership concentration and CEO duality have also significant association with firm's cost of equity in Asian countries which is in accordance with the agency theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this modern age, brands are more concentrating on consumers' quality of life style as these reflect their status symbol or social class through the company's products. The current study is aimed to check the effect of brand name, awareness, and price and brand quality on the brand loyalty of the product of automobiles, after that brand loyalty effect is examined on the product purchase intention specifically in South Asian context. For checking the effect of the variables brand name, brand awareness, brand price and brand quality were considered as independent variables and brand loyalty was considered as a dependent variable. The study was correlational as it shows the relationship of different dependent and independent variables. This study has been conducted through a survey design. The population was considered as the citizens of Bahawalpur, one of the oldest stateS in South Asian region and for the data collection random sampling technique was used. A total number of 300 questionnaires were distributed randomly to the users of automobile in the Bahawalpur out of which 287 responses were received after deducting the omission and errors. Different hypotheses were tested in this research for relationships of variables, out of which five were accepted and the one which was about the effect of brand price on brand loyalty was rejected. The collected data were analyzed after using different statistical techniques and it shows that brand awareness, name, quality has a direct and positive impact on the brand loyalty of the product and on the other hand there is also a positive effect of brand loyalty on the purchase intention of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) suggests that markets are rational and reflect all information. So, no investor can beat the market by generating abnormal returns. But it is found that stock markets deviate (anomalies) and contradicts the rule of EMH. To investigate this issue in this event study political and terrorist events are considered as the external information. Political and terrorist events create uncertainty and risk for the investors in the capital markets. These events have been increasing dramatically in the last decade by which investors face hesitation and fear while investing in a politically unstable and unsafe country. The stock markets in our study include Pakistan Stock Exchange (Pakistan), Bombay Stock Exchange (India), Chittagong Stock Exchange (Bangladesh) and Colombo Stock Exchange (Sri Lanka). This comparative study is the effort to find the answer of whether political and terrorist events have any impact on the Stock Market returns on the financial markets of South Asian countries. Event study methodology is used in the study. By using Market Model, we analyzed 47 terrorists and 45 political events in all four countries of our study during 2005-2016. The empirical result shows that the political and terrorist events have significant impact on stock market returns. Moreover, the results show that the stock markets of South Asian countries are inefficient on 15-day event window. While the results on 2nd day event windows are insignificant. The noisy information does not absorb by the markets shows the contradiction to the assumptions of efficient market hypothesis (EMH). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To find the results of unreamed interlocking nail in the diaphyseal fracture of humerus in our setup with studying wound infection and union after fixation. Material and Methods: We applied this prospective study in Orthopaedic and Trauma Unit Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar-Pakistan from Feb 2014 to August 2016. We included 75 patients with diaphyseal fractures of humerus shaft. All these patients were treated with unreamed interlocking nail. All these patients were examined Two weeks and Four weeks postoperatively for infection and at 20th weeks for union in the OPD. Results: In our study male patients were 57(76%) and females were 18(24%).The mean age of all patients were 40.50years ± 14.89SD. At two weeks,97.33% patients i.e 73 were having no wound infection and 2.66% patients i.e 2 were having wound infection. These 02(2.66%) patients were again examined at further two(four) weeks, where 1(1.33%) patients got infection free and 1(1.33%) were still having infection. 74(98.66%) patients achieved union at 20 weeks while 1(1.33%) were not able to achieve solid unions when examined in OPD at this time period. Conclusion: In humerus diaphyseal fractures Unreamed interlocking nailing has good outcomes in terms of wound infection and union of fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of the study was to know the result of intertrochanteric hip fracture fixed with dynamic hip screw in terms of time of union and rate of infection. Material & Methods: This study was conducted in orthopedic Department of Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar on 75 patients with intertrochanteric hip fractures. After fixation with dynamic hip screw, patients were followed for wound infection at two weeks postoperatively and union at 16 weeks. Results: There were 57(76%) males and 18(24%) females with the mean age of 40.50years ± 14.89SD. Sixty nine 69(92.00%) patients had no wound infection 06(8.00%) patients had wound infection at two weeks outpatient visit. Union of fracture at 16 weeks was noted in 72(96.00%) patients. Conclusion: Dynamic hip screw is a good mode of internal fixation in Intertrochanteric hip fractures in terms of low infection rate and good union rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective study glimpses in the literature to understand the development of indigenous HRM models based on cultural and geographical differences, and ends up with identifying the need of a 'South Asian HRM model'. Such model is needed due to increasing share of this part of world and future potentials. Development of such model will not only pave the way towards indigenization of practices focusing local demands and cultural values, but will also pay to the investing firm. Such model may also be a guideline for firms investing huge funds in this part of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basic purpose of this study was to examine the effect of reward management system, especially intrinsic rewards on task performance with the mediating role of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation of employees working in the banks in the capital of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. The secondary purpose of this study was to explore what level of performance these employees demonstrate towards their organizations when they are rewarded intrinsically and when they are motivated due to these reward management system accordingly. In this study, we collected data through self-administered questionnaires applying correlational explanatory research design. We distributed 300 questionnaires among which 290 were returned resulting in a response rate of 96%. The analysis of the data revealed that intrinsic rewards have positive impact on task performance of employees working in banks and motivation and its dimensions, i.e., intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and job satisfaction mediated this relationship. Considering the importance of appreciations received by bankers in the form of rewards and their effect on extra role performance and sophisticated management, policy makers should take necessary steps for improving the reward management system which will increase the task performance of employees because they will be motivated by these performance appraisal techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Different outcome of different modalities including corticosteroid injections are reported in De Quervian tendonopathy treatment. Objective: To know the outcome of corticosteroid injection in De Quervian disease patients. Materials and Methods: We performed the above study at Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Unit, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar from March 2015to March 2016. We studied 26 patients with De Quervian disease. The effect of steroid injection was considered as improvement for at least one grade of pain on Visual Analogue Scale at 3 weeks follow up. The result was calculated by using SPSS version10. Results: The study contained 9 (34.6%)males and 17(65.4%) female. Gender ratio as M:F was 1:1.73. Average age was 44.11 years+ 9.76SD with range in 18-58 years. Effectiveness of steroid injection was in 25 (96.2%) patients, and no improvement in 1(3.84%) Conclusion: The result shows that steroid injection has very good results in patients of De Quervian disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the severity of noise-induced hearing loss and noise levels in the environment in occupationally exposed individuals. Study Design: Prospective longitiginal study. Place and Duration of Study: Tertiary care hospital, Lahore Pakistan, from Dec 2019 to Jun 2020. Methodology: The noise levels and duration of exposure to loud noise were measured at various exposure points to define ways and means for future prevention. Results: Out of 3000 patients reporting to the ENT outpatient department for various problems, 33.3% had ear problems. Out of 1000, 750 had hearing loss with normal tympanic membranes. Among 750, 200 (26.6%) had conductive hearing loss, while 550 (73.3%) had sensorineural hearing loss. Out of 550, 70 (12.72%) were related to occupational exposure in service and 480 (87.2%) were due to various causes. Most patients reported from the security wing (40, 57.14%) being exposed to the loud noise as a pulsed exposure, followed by patients in the telecommunication field (20, 28.57%) being exposed to persistent noise. Conclusion: Occupational exposure to loud noise in the workplace poses significant health issues, including an economic burden on an individual. NIHL related to occupational exposure to loud sounds is frequently reported worldwide. Education and prevention are two vital steps which can reduce the number of such cases significantly, thus preventing this lifelong disability, ensuring health and reducing the economic burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]