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BackgroundSince the first reports of COVID-19 infection, the foremost requirement has been to identify a treatment regimen that not only fights the causative agent but also controls the associated complications of the infection. Due to the time-consuming process of drug discovery, physicians have used readily available drugs and therapies for treatment of infections to minimize the death toll. ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to provide a snapshot analysis of the major drugs used in a cohort of 1562 Pakistani patients during the period from May to July 2020, when the first wave of COVID-19 peaked in Pakistan. MethodsA retrospective observational study was performed to provide an overview of the major drugs used in a cohort of 1562 patients with COVID-19 admitted to the four major tertiary-care hospitals in the Rawalpindi-Islamabad region of Pakistan during the peak of the first wave of COVID-19 in the country (May-July 2020). ResultsAntibiotics were the most common choice out of all the therapies employed, and they were used as first line of treatment for COVID-19. Azithromycin was the most prescribed drug for treatment. No monthly trend was observed in the choice of antibiotics, and these drugs appeared to be a random but favored choice throughout the months of the study. It was also noted that even antibiotics used for multidrug resistant infections were prescribed irrespective of the severity or progression of the infection. The results of the analysis are alarming, as this approach may lead to antibiotic resistance and complications in immunocompromised patients with COVID-19. A total of 1562 patients (1064 male, 68.1%, and 498 female, 31.9%) with a mean age of 47.35 years (SD 17.03) were included in the study. The highest frequency of patient hospitalizations occurred in June (846/1562, 54.2%). ConclusionsGuidelines for a targeted treatment regime are needed to control related complications and to limit the misuse of antibiotics in the management of COVID-19.

The current study explored the possible effect of workplace diversity on employees' performance in Allama Iqbal Open University. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of workplace diversity on the performance of employees. The sample of study comprised of 105 Head of departments and 545 regular (BPS-2 to15), contractual, daily wagers and laborers employees working in AIOU main campus as well as regional campuses. Stratified random sampling scheme was applied to select the participants. Data was collected through questionnaire. Pearson correlation test and Regression Analysis test was applied to extract the results. The results revealed that age diversify; gender diversity and ethnicity diversity have negative relationship on the performance of the employees. Experience diversity has positive effect on employees' performance.

The learning and instruction process in Pakistan is geared around teacher-centered activities. This research aimed at involving high school students in an interactive online learning experience and to explore the acquiring of scientific argumentation skills through this online engagement. The secondary objective of the study was to investigate the transfer of argumentation skills learned through online learning to its application in other subjects. The sample consists of students of grade X who were engaged in constructing argument in Physics topics for one month using a web blog. The argumentation reports were collected for four weeks and then analyzed for quality and progression. The researchers found that students learnt the argumentation skills using the web blog and were able to transfer the skill in the subject of Pakistan Studies. The result of this study provides the prospect for using online learning in schools and the significance of scientific argumentation in improving the learning process.

The present study aimed to assess the performance of a non-formal basic education (NFBE) schools project initiated in the province of Punjab with the assistance of the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA). The study was conducted in 120 NFBE schools in four districts of Punjab and it lasted for a period of three months. It was a survey study in which data were collected from female teachers, officers of NFBE, students and their parents.100 NFBE school teachers, 20 officers of NFBE schools and 500 students and their parents participated in the study. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews. It was found that the project is achieving its targets as planned. It also found that students' drop-out rate was higher in NFBE schools and the teachers were not satisfied with job structure. It was further found that a proper media campaign might usefully be initiated to mobilize the community to participate in NFBE projects. The study recommended that learning materials be developed in different local languages. (Contains 11 tables.)

The impact of metacognitive awareness on students' performance has been examined in the present study. 900 students of grade X participated in the study. Metacognitive awareness was measured using inventory, while performance of students was measured with the help of researcher made test in the subject of chemistry. Results indicated that metacognitive awareness was significantly correlated with the performance of students. The highly metacognitively aware science students performed well on the test. Results further indicated that there was no significant difference in the metacognitive awareness of male and female students.

Instructional design refers to planning, development, delivery and evaluation of instructional system. It is an applied field of study aiming at the application of descriptive research outcomes in regular instructional settings. The present study was designed to critically review the process of instructional design at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU). It was survey study. Population of the study consisted of 120 academicians of different academic department of AIOU. Survey was conducted through questionnaire for academic staff. It was revealed that need assessment is not done before conceiving the outlines of a course. Also the course did not contain sufficient activities, picture and illustrations. It was also found that did not confirm the course objectives. The study recommended that proper of the course writers for distance learning may be arranged.

Background: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the satisfaction level among eye patients visiting trust and private hospitals. Purpose: The fundamental purpose of the study was to assess the satisfaction level of patients who visited the trust eye setup and private eye setup. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. The place of study was the Layton Rahmatullah Benevolent Trust Hospital and the University of Lahore teaching hospital. The sample size taken was 260 (130 in each group) with ages above 16 years. Both genders were included in the data collection. Data entry and analysis were done using computer software SPSS version 25. Results: Total number of 260 patients, 129 from trust and 131 from a private hospital. Male 103 (39.6%) and female 157 (60.4%) with a median age of 42 (17-82). By checking socioeconomic status, 4.6% were from the lower, 24.6% was from the lower middle, 63.1% were from the middle and 7.7% were from the upper class. By checking satisfaction level, 1.5% of people were least satisfied, 24.6% of patients were neutral and 73.8% of patients were highly satisfied. Conclusion: Thus, from the present study, it is concluded that there is no significant difference in the satisfaction level of patients between trust and private eye setups. The satisfaction level was seen highest in both setups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken for measuring the economic impact of the COVID-19 on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME's) with reference to District Swat. The Primary data was collected from all of the Tehsils of District Swat using a structured questionnaire. For this purpose a sample of 86 SMEs (20%) from all the manufacturing as well as services sector was selected. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics for selected variables through SPSS. According to the findings, majority of the enterprises faced financial issues for retaining their businesses after COVID-19 lockdown. Majority of the SMEs are owned by moderate level of educated people lacking business education and professionalism. Moreover, during COVID-19 SMEs were negatively affected in term of revenues, expenses and profit. In addition, SMEs were also having debt issues which elevated due to COVID-19 lockdown, resulting in taking loans through traditional mechanism to retain their businesses. Government relief programme was also believed as not sustainable/satisfactory by the significant portion during this period. While humanitarian support from landlords in term of rents waive-off was appreciated. Keeping in view its potential, this sector needs to be boosted through professional trainings on financial, management, leadership and other soft skills training program. Furthermore, relief by government support in term additional relief package and free interest loans are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Refractive errors are the most frequent form of impaired vision and the second most manageable cause of blindness in the world. Surprisingly, uncorrected refractive errors are accounting for 20% of blindness cases as well as 50% of vision loss cases worldwide. During the year 2000, the international prevalence of myopia and high myopia was calculated to be 22.9 percent and 2.7 percent, correspondingly. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the different patterns of refractive error among near workers. Methodology: Cross-sectional study was done on 248 participants through a convenient sampling method from the private sector hospitals. Data was collected during 3-4 months from March 2022 to May 2022 by a modified adapted questionnaire to evaluate the pattern of refractive errors among near workers in Lahore. Results: All the participant's profession was associated with near work. 42.3.% of responders reported myopia,10.9% hyperopia, 14.9% simple myopic astigmatism, 2.4% simple hyperopic astigmatism,7.3% compound hyperopic astigmatism, and 5.6% with mixed astigmatism. Conclusion: Near work is strongly associated with the refractive errors most commonly myopia progression and aggravation but unfortunately, there is little research work done in Pakistan on the relationship between near work and refractive errors further studies needed to be done on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Inadvertent delays in access to appropriate therapeutic interventions in high-risk group coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients contribute to mortality in patients with severe/critical disease presentation. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the effect of timely admission to the hospital on mortality of patients with severe/critical COVID-19. Another secondary aspect of this study was to observe the efficacy of time-dependent use of corticosteroids on mortality of critical/severe COVID-19 patients. Methods Clinical data of 659 patients with severe/critical COVID-19, admitted to four major tertiary care hospitals from the Islamabad-Rawalpindi region of Pakistan was retrospectively collected from a period February–August 2020. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the predictors of mortality in severe/critical COVID-19 patients. Results Out of a total of 659 patients, 469 (71.2%) patients died. Age > 60 years, presence of hypertension, heart disease and kidney disease along with late admission (>5 days) were significant predictors of mortality in patients with severe/critical COVID-19. Conclusions The study highlights the importance of well-timed provision of appropriate medical interventions control COVID-19-associated mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to investigate perceptions of participants about early childhood care and education professional development workshop. The sample consisted of 28 participants including 10 males and 18 females who were participating in a postgraduate diploma in early childhood education. The questionnaire was used for data collection consisting of 31 closed ended items. It had three dimensions; workshop content, workshop facilitation arrangements and pedagogy of the resource persons. Independent t-test was applied to investigate the satisfaction level of participants about workshop content, workshop facilitation arrangement and pedagogy of the resource persons. The results revealed that there was no significant gender wise difference between participants' satisfaction level and workshop facilitation arrangements. But significant gender wise difference was found between participants' satisfaction level and the workshop content and pedagogy of the resource persons. It was found that females and males were fully satisfied with the pedagogy of the resource persons. On the other hand, females were more satisfied than males in case of workshop content and males were highly satisfied with workshop facilitation arrangements as compared to females. Findings of this research suggested the need to review and improve the content of the courses of the workshop by using different AV Aids during the workshops. Furthermore, the schedule of the workshop should be changed by increasing the number of days and decreasing the hours of the workshop for the ease of the participants. In ODL, participants belong to different backgrounds, so diversity may be incorporated in content and pedagogy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel control protocol design, via integral sliding mode control with parameter update laws, for synchronization and desynchronization of a chaotic nonlinear gyro with unknown parameters is the focus of this work. The error dynamics of the actual system are substructured into nominal and uncertain parts to employ adaptive integral sliding mode (AISM) control. The uncertain parameters are estimated via devised adaptive laws. Then the disagreement dynamics are guided to origin via AISM control. The stabilizing controller is also designed in terms of nominal control along with a compensating component. The control and the parameter update laws are constructed to ensure the strictly negative derivative of a Lyapunov function. Graphical results related to synchronization, desynchronization, and chaos suppression are displayed to demonstrate the potential of the proposed control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims at investigating preparedness of tutors to effectively use TPACK in the implementation of Associate Degree in Education (ADE) and Bachelors of Education (B.Ed., 4 years) programs in an open and distance learning organization. It used the conceptual framework of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) for collection of empirical data and its analysis. TPACK enables the researchers to conceptualize technology in its relationship with the content of school subjects and the pedagogical issues. Specifically, the study documented the characteristics of the population of tutors participating in the implementation of ADE and B.Ed. programs and assessed strength of relationship between the tutors' characteristics and their state of preparedness to use TPACK in delivering their courses. The study followed quantitative approach to address the research questions. A survey was conducted in regional centres of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) Islamabad. Sample of the study was 94 tutors from 10 regional centres of AIOU. TPACK preparedness questionnaire was used as instrument to collect data from the participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that in content knowledge, technology knowledge science tutors have sufficient knowledge and skills of use of technology integrated with content and various strategies of developing understanding of science. Although tutors' response was average on the factors of social studies, literacy and pedagogical knowledge. Mean scores of pedagogical content knowledge, technological content knowledge, technological pedagogical knowledge and technology pedagogy content knowledge reveals that tutors have less knowledge about how to choose the technology that enhance the teaching and learning approaches for a lesson. Teacher educators are not as much prepares to select the technologies to use in their classroom that support teaching learning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analytical characterization of blends of butter oil and chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed oil was performed. Chia oil was added in butter oil at four different levels i.e. 6.25%, 12.5%, 18.75% and 25% (T1, T2, T3 and T4), butter oil without any addition of chia oil served as control. Blends of butter oil and chia oil were packaged in tin containers, stored at ambient temperature (34±2°C) for 90-days. Iodine values of control, T1, T2, T3 and T4 were 36.85, 45.63, 57.22, 67.45 and 76.37 (cg/g).Concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in T1, T2, T3 and T4 were 4.17%, 7.39%, 12.55% and 16.74%. The extent of omega-6 fatty acids in T1, T2, T3 and T4 was 2.81%, 2.94%, 3.15% and 3.32%.Concentration of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids in butter oil can be increased by chia oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prunella vulgaris L.(PV) and Tussilago farfara (TF) are perennial herbs rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds with immense medicinal value. PV extract (PV-E) possesses potent antipyretic, anti-inflammtory, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-cancer and immune stimulatory properties and have been traditionally known for the treatment of wounds, ulcers and sores. TF extract (TF-E) has been known for antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-obesity and wound healing effects. Additionally, TF-E infusions have been used for asthma, cough, and bronchopneumonia treatments. The therapeutic efficacy of transplanted human adipose stem cells (hASCs) is abrogated under the deteriorating effects of heat stress offered by burn wounds. Earlier researches has documented antioxidant priming as an effective strategy to enhance stem cell performance. As both PV-E and TF-E are known for their potent antioxidant effects. The present study aims to examine the cryoprotective effects of PV-E and TF-E priming on hASCs against in-vitro heat-induced thermal stress. Moreover, we determined the anti-inflammatory potential of both PV-E and TF-E on rabbits. Antioxidant capacity of both PV-E and TF-E is examined via DPPH assay and anti-inflammatory activity is assessed in rabbits using carrageen-induced paw edema model of inflammation. Next, we investigate the efficacy of different doses (1.25–100 μg/ml) of PV-E and TF-E on hASCs; MTT, LDH, calcein AM staining, and wound scratch assay were used to assess cell viability, cytotoxicity, proliferation ability and cell migration potential in the cells. Then, hASCs were pretreated for 24 h with optimum doses of PV-E and TF-E determined from MTT assay results and were subsequently exposed to in-vitro thermal injury (51 °C,10 min). The cytoprotective effects of both PV-E and TF-E priming under thermal stress were investigated via MTT, LDH, annexin-V staining and gene expression analysis. Both PV-E and TF-E extracts demonstrated potent antioxidant and effective anti-inflammatory activities, with a clear reduction in inflammation. Study on hASCs exhibited improved cell viabilities, enhanced cell proliferation and migration abilities of both extracts. While heat stress data revealed that PV-E (2.5 μg/ml) and TF-E (5 μg/ml) pretreatment significantly ameliorated effects of thermal-injuries in hASCs as depicted by significantly enhanced cell viabilities, low LDH release profile, and lower annexin-V expression and regulated gene expression of the pretreated cells. PV-E and TF-E priming effectively enabled hASCs to combat thermal injury by significantly promoting cell survival than untreated cells. Hence, these findings suggest that PV-E and TF-E priming could be used to attain improved cellular responses and enhanced therapeutic efficacy in burnt tissue. [Display omitted] • Methanolic extracts of Prunella vulgaris (PV-E) and Tussilago farfara (PV-E) possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. • PV-E and TF-E significantly enhanced proliferation and migration potential of hADSs. • HASCs primed with PV-E and TF-E effectively combat thermal injury as compared to untreated hASCs. • PV-E and TF-E can serve as a priming agent in stem cell therapies to improve their survival and regenerative capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aims to investigate the moderating role of GDP and information disclosure in the nexus between Risk Management and Financial Performance. This research used annual data for the period 2010 to 2015. The data was collected from 25 commercial banks listed on the Pakistan stock exchange through a random sampling method. The study results were analyzed through correlation and Hierarchical regression. The results showed that CAR and Z-score have a positive significant outcome on the financial performance of banks, whereas NPL and CRR were found negatively correlated with the financial performance of banks. The results also demonstrated that both GDP and information disclosure have a moderation role in the association between risk management and financial performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to compare knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding COVID-19 between public health workers (PHWs) attended field epidemiology training program (FETP-trained) and those who did not attend FETP (non-FETP trained)., Methods: Multi-country cross-sectional survey was conducted among PHWs who participated in COVID-19 pandemic in 10 countries at EMR. Online questionnaire that included demographic information, KAP regarding COVID-19 pandemic was distributed among HCWs. Scoring system was used to quantify the answers, bivariate and Multivariate analysis performed to compare FETP-trained with non-FETP trained PHWs., Results: Overall, 1337 PHWs participated, with 835 (62.4%) < 40 years of age, and 851 (63.6%) males. Of them, 423 (31.6%) had FETP, including that 189 (44.7%) had advanced level, 155 (36.6%) intermediate and 79 (18.7%) basic level training. Compared with non-FETP trained, FETP trained were older, having higher KAP scores. FETP participation was low in infection control, and PH laboratories. KAP mean scores for intermediate level attendees are comparable to advanced level., Conclusions: FETP-trained are having better KAP than non-FETP PHWs. Expanding the intermediate level, maintain the Rapid Response training and introduce the laboratory component are recommended to maximize the benefit from FETP. Infection control, antimicrobial resistance and coordination are areas where training should include., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Faculty of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background and objective Blood gas analysis plays a pivotal role in the management of various respiratory and metabolic disorders. Both arterial and venous samples can be used for blood gas analysis. Arterial blood sampling is technically difficult and is associated with more complications as compared to venous sampling. Many studies have shown the correlation of arterial and venous pH and bicarbonate levels in sepsis, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and circulatory failure. But, there is a paucity of data, pertaining specifically to the correlation of arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis and venous blood gas (VBG) analysis in patients with renal failure. The objective of this study was to look for any possible correlation between arterial and venous pH and bicarbonate values in patients with renal failure. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out at a large tertiary care hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Over a period of eight months, 101 patients with renal failure were enrolled after obtaining informed consent. Arterial and venous samples from the patients were obtained, analyzed, and compared. Results Out of the total 101 patients, 53 (52.5%) were male while 48 (47.5%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 46.23 ±15.54 years. Mean arterial pH and venous pH were 7.35 and 7.28 respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient between arterial and venous pH was found to be 0.857 (p<0.001). The mean arterial and venous bicarbonate values were 14.47 mEq/L and 15.51 mEq/L respectively. And the Pearson correlation coefficient between arterial and venous bicarbonate was found to be 0.842 (p<0.001).  Conclusion Venous pH and bicarbonate levels correlate strongly with arterial pH and bicarbonate levels, respectively, in patients with renal failure., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2021, Ayaz et al.)