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Press mud is a nutrient-rich organic residue and elemental sulfur being a reclamation agent in combination or alone can be used for rehabilitation of salt-affected soils on wheat-pearl millet crops. The results of present study revealed that press mud and sulfur hold excellent potential to reclaim the saline-sodic soil and alleviate the salinity stress in wheat and pearl millet crops. However, integrated use of sulfur (S) and press mud (PM) demonstrated the positive effects on soil health and crop resilience. Application of S @ 50% gypsum requirement (GR) with PM @ 10 t ha-1 showed better results than all other treatments and increased the plant height, number of tillers, spike length, 1000 grain weight, straw yield and grain yield of wheat by 11.16%, 9.87%, 27.93%, 15.65%, 33.54% and 50.26% respectively. Same trend was observed in pearl millet and the plant height, number of tillers, panicle length, grain panicle-1, 1000 grain weight, and grain yield were increased by 16.66%, 22.85%, 13.11%, 9.74%, 13.64%, and19.37% respectively over control. Integrated use of sulfur and press mud also ameliorated the soil properties and reduced the soil pH (4.57%), EC (15.26%), SAR (56.26%), and BD (10.11%) and increased HC (32.5%). Therefore, the integrated sulfur application @ 50% GR and press mud @ 10 t ha-1 are recommended as an effective reclamation strategy to manage the saline-sodic soil for better productivity of wheat and pearl millet crops.

Background: Tuberculosis is one of the most common infectious diseases that patients with DM get because of their weakened immune systems. Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of different types of active tuberculosis among individuals with diabetes. Methodology: The Department of Pulmonology at PIMS Hospital Islamabad, which was done from January 2021 to January 2022, employed cross-sectional, observational, and qualitative techniques studied in this inquiry. Inquiries were conducted in pulmonology department outpatient clinics with patients with diabetes who satisfied the inclusion criteria (cough with or without expectoration, hemoptysis, persistent fever, and unexplained weight loss) (OPDs). All instances of immunological compensation and secondary diabetes, as well as short duration of diabetes, age less than 10 and more than 85, were disregarded. After approval was gained, a comprehensive history, clinical examination, and testing were carried out to investigate the potential of TB. SPSS version 26 was used to import all the data for further analysis. Of of the 545 patients that were questioned, 149 were selected for further TB testing. Just 18 people had active TB, according to the data (12 per cent).

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is nephrocarcinogenic and immunosuppressive toxin and OTA producing molds contaminate the food crops. Isolation and identification of ochratoxin producing fungi was carried out from poultry feed samples (n=120) followed by preliminary confirmation through macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Purified fungal isolates identified as Aspergillus 1842(91.68%) followed by Penicillium 91 (4.53%), Mucor 52 (2.58), Alternaria 7 (0.35%), Cladosporium 6 (0.29%), Fusarium 4 (0.199%) and un-identified (07). OTA production was confirmed through thin layer chromatography (TLC) followed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Only 41 isolates (2.22%) out of 1842 Aspergillus isolates were able to produce toxin. At genetic level, characterization was performed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using species specific gene primers. From 41 isolates 27, 9 and 5 were characterized as Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus ochraceus respectively. Physical and chemical factors were optimized for OTA production. Under the effect of 37 °C temperature and 7.5 pH of Sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB) medium, higher toxin (969.45±.03 µg/mL) production was observed from ASPO-6 isolate. ASPO-4 isolate produce higher toxin amount in SDB medium with supplementation of maize 5%, wheat 1% and rice 3%. OTA stability was determined by adjusting standard concentration of 100 µg/mL in organic solvents (chloroform, acetonitrile and methanol) and organic solids. Least percentage log reduction in OTA concentration and stability of OTA was observed in opaque vials with chloroform and sucrose and transparent vials with sucrose after 6 months. OTA can be used as indigenous standard for identification of OTA from field samples.

An approach relying on nanocavity confinement is developed in this paper for the sizing of nanoscale particles and single biomolecules in solution. The approach, termed nanocavity diffusional sizing (NDS), measures particle residence times within nanofluidic cavities to determine their hydrodynamic radii. Using theoretical modeling and simulations, we show that the residence time of particles within nanocavities above a critical time scale depends on the diffusion coefficient of the particle, which allows the estimation of the particle's size. We demonstrate this approach experimentally through the measurement of particle residence times within nanofluidic cavities using single-molecule confocal microscopy. Our data show that the residence times scale linearly with the sizes of nanoscale colloids, protein aggregates, and single DNA oligonucleotides. NDS thus constitutes a new single molecule optofluidic approach that allows rapid and quantitative sizing of nanoscale particles for potential applications in nanobiotechnology, biophysics, and clinical diagnostics.

This paper investigates the health costs and milk productivity losses of farm animals due to pesticide exposure and its impact on farm owners’ profits. This is accomplished using survey data collected from farm owners in Pakistan’s Swat district. For analysis, multiple linear and tobit regressions are utilized. The study finds that the farm owners' experience, the number of lactating buffaloes, pesticide-induced milk losses, disease-induced health costs, and milk losses due to consumption of toxic plants and wastewater significantly affect profits. Specifically, an increase in farm experience by one year leads to a monthly increase in farm profit by Rs. 820.04. Likewise, adding an additional buffalo increases monthly profit by Rs. 535.04. Finally, the monthly loss in milk productivity due to pesticides stands at Rs. 9.71. Farm owners can greatly benefit by improving animal feed along with the know-how of the consequences of grazing animals on pesticide-affected fields.

The culture in Hofstede's work offered a lens through which to view cross-cultural disparities. The model proposes the concept of 'power distance (PD)' as means of understanding the gap between authority and power between governors/leaders and the governed/followers. 'Political apathy' (PA) and alienation are common among citizens who experience high power distance (High-PD). Citizens are more likely to get involved in politics, vote, and take action when there is less of a gap between them and those in the power. The purpose of this research was to quantify the quality of these connection from the perspective of academics at Thal University Bhakkar, Punjab Pakistan. The results of study provide significant information about the existence of the potential relationships between variables which thus help in reaching the desired conclusion. The positive and negative associations between PD and PA and PP are supported by field research. It will be crucial for stakeholders to adapt their strategies and practices in light of the recommendations made in the field study.

Background: Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), also known as wet AMD, is a chronic eye disease that affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Brolucizumab is a type of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drug, which works by blocking the activity of a protein called VEGF that promotes the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the macula in neovascular AMD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of brolucizumab in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Material & Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in Department of Ophthalmology, Bangladesh Eye Hospital & Institute Ltd, Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the period from February 2022 to February 2023. Total 60 patients with neovascular AMD were included in this study who were treated with brolucizumab. Results: The mean age of the patients was 74.3 (SD±9.8) years. Majority of the study subjects were (51.7%) female patients in the study. In our study, majority (38.3%) of the patients had only their right eye affected. In optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings, we found that a high percentage of patients had subretinal fluid (85%), intraretinal fluid (61.7%), and sub-RPE fluid (83.3%). The BCVA showed a significant change after 12 weeks of treatment, as indicated by the P-value of 0.0007. Here improvement of vision was seen in patients with AMD with active Choroidal neovascularization (CNV). But in case of AMD with macular scar, no improvement of vision was seen. In addition, the SRT, FCP, and CMT parameters also showed a statistically significant (P

The purpose of this study is to conduct an investigation on the current state of national harmony in Pakistan. In a nation that is home to people from a diverse range of the cultural and ethnic backgrounds, maintaining national peace may be a difficult and time-consuming task. The study discusses the difficulties associated with creating national harmony by conducting an in-depth examination of variety of theoretical method and conceptualizations, all of which are supplied by the various viewpoints of the relevant academics. Despite this, research suggests that most important factors in maintaining national peace in Pakistan are eliminating sectarianism and resolving conflicts between provinces on a variety of topics, such as the 18th amendment and the distribution of resources. In particular, when it comes to the provinces, Baluchistan and Sindh have been dealing with a wide variety of problems. In addition, the constructive role that the media and youth can play in the growth of national harmony is analyzed and addressed from a variety of perspectives. At the end, the policy recommendations are created in order to achieve greater national cohesion and harmony within Pakistan's diverse and multi-cultural society.

Objective: To determine the frequency of iron deficiency anemia in ischemic stroke. Methods: Total 200 patients with ischemic stroke were included. Investigations including Hemoglobin, Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), MeanCorpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) serum iron level, and serum ferritin level, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), White Blood Cell (WBC) count andplatelets count (PC) were done. CT scan of brain was also done.Mean±SD were evaluated for quantitative variables which were distributed normally. However, median with inter-quartile range were evaluated for quantitative variables which were non-normally distributed. Data was compiled using SPSS version 25. To check normality of data, Shapiro-Wilk test was applied. To compare the association of qualitative variables, Chi-square test was used. Pvalue ?0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: In our study, out of 200 patients having ischemic stroke, 156 (78%) patients were found with iron deficiency and 44 (22%) did not have iron deficiency. Total 164 (82%) patients were anemic and 36 (18%) did not have anemia. The results showed significant mean ranks for Ferritin (p

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is emerging as an important modifiable risk factor causing acute ischemic stroke. The purpose of the study was to evaluate insulin resistance among patients of acute ischemic stroke, in non-diabetic patients, and to correlate insulin resistance with the severity of acute ischemic stroke, and to observe its association with traditional risk factors. Methods: It was a prospective study conducted at JSS Medical College, Mysore, India from September 2021 to December 2022. Patients who presented with the history of stroke, who were non-diabetics and aged >18 years were included with informed consent. Ischemic stroke was diagnosed with clinical findings and by neuroimaging. Stroke severity was assessed by NIHSS score. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) was used to estimate insulin resistance and the levels were studied in relation to the stroke severity. Results: A total of 127 non-diabetic ischemic stroke patients were enrolled in the study. Hyperinsulinemia, i.e. serum insulin >9 μU/mL, was observed in 44 (34.64%) patients. IR with HOMA-IR ≥2.5 was noted in 39 (30.7%) patients. NIHSS score in severity (group III) was strongly associated with serum insulin >9 μU/mL (62.1%) (P = 0.001) and HOMA-IR ≥2.5 (62.1%) (P

To date, inconclusive data is available about the insight of the FTO gene variant with type 2 diabetes mellitus. T2DM is a chronic disease and a rising problem worldwide. Its complications lead to an increase in the burden of mortality specifically in lower and medium-income countries. Genome-wide association studies have spotted many genetic loci that are related to T2DM and validate the complicated polygenic traits. Many variants of different genes including FTO are associated with T2DM hence, this study was designed to inspect and unfold obscure data in South Asians. The main objective of present study is to identify the relation of FTO intronic variant rs9939609 with T2DM in Karachi-based Sindhi population of Pakistan. Total recruited individuals were grouped as diabetic cases and controls. Out of the total recruited subjects, genotyping was done on 152 samples using T-ARMS PCR however, demographic and clinical data were recorded of all individuals. The results showed that the frequency of variant genotypes in the diabetic case group was 11 % for AA, 45 % for AT and 44 % for TT though, the frequency of the lethal allele (T) was 34 %. These outcomes concluded, rare T allele frequency is higher among diabetic cases as compared to controls and provides the contribution from the Pakistani population to support the previous controversial findings. This study concluded FTO gene-single nucleotide polymorphism, rs9939609 is associated with T2DM but still, it is a growing need to do further studies on T2DM susceptible genes with different polymorphisms to recognize targets in the field of pharmacogenomics for clinical implementation.

The fragmented pattern and the rapidly declining preservation of older glacial features/evidences limits the precision, with which glacial chronologies can be established. The challenge is exacerbated by the scarcity of datable material and limitations of dating methods. Nevertheless, the preserved glacial landforms have been fairly utilized to establish glacial chronologies from different sectors of the Indian Himalayas. The existing Himalayan glacial chrono-stratigraphies have revealed that in a single valley, past glacial advances rarely surpass four stages. Thus, local and regional glacial chronologies must be synthesized to understand glacial dynamics and potential forcing factors. This research presents an overview of glacier responses to climate variations revealed by glacial chrono-stratigraphies in the western Indian Himalayan region over the Quaternary (late). The synthesis demonstrated that, although the glacial advances were sporadic, glaciers in western Himalayas generally advanced during the Marine isotope stage (MIS)-3/4, MIS-2, late glacial, Younger Dryas (YD) and Holocene periods. The Holocene has witnessed multiple glacial advances and the scatter is significant. While previous glacial research revealed that Himalayan glaciers were out of phase with the global last glacial maximum (gLGM), weak Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) has been implicated (ISM was reduced by roughly 20%). Recent research, however, has shown that gLGM glaciation responded to the global cooling associated with the enhanced mid-latitude westerlies (MLW). Further, the magnitude of gLGM glacier advance varied along and across the Himalayas particularly the transitional valleys located between the ISM and MLW influence. It is also evident that both the ISM and MLW have governed the late Quaternary glacial advances in the western Himalayan region. However, the responses of glaciers to ISM changes are more prominent. The insights gained from this synthesis will help us understand the dynamics of glacier response to climate change, which will be valuable for future climate modelling.

With the expansion of internet penetration and the adoption of mobile apps, usage of food delivery applications has increased significantly during the pandemic. The study's main objective was to examine the antecedents and consequences of food delivery app engagement among urban and semi-urban customers in India during COVID-19. The data were collected from 269 semi-urban respondents and 301 urban respondents. The stimulus organism and response (SOR) model has been used to understand consumers' antecedents and consequences of food delivery app engagement during the pandemic. The study used the structural equation modelling method to test the relationship between the variables. The study's findings showed that the mobile application's perceived ease of use, enjoyment, and time convenience found a significant effect among urban and semi-urban customers. This study is limited to urban and semi-urban customers with cross-sectional survey data. The study has explored a few antecedents and consequences of mobile food delivery app engagement.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare different spinal stabilization techniques in terms of their effectiveness in providing stabilization and reducing pain. A systematic review was performed to identify relevant studies and analyze their findings. The studies were evaluated based on their methodological quality, sample size, and outcome measures. The results showed that the use of spinal bracing, spinal manipulation, and exercise-based treatments was found to be more effective than pharmacological interventions in providing spinal stabilization and reducing pain. The evidence suggests that a combination of these treatments may be more beneficial in providing adequate stabilization and reducing pain compared to a single intervention. Future research is needed to further explore the efficacy of different spinal stabilization techniques. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare and analyze the effectiveness of different spinal stabilization techniques in providing stabilization and reducing pain. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted department of orthopedic kth hospital Peshawar from jan 2020 to jan 2021 to identify relevant studies that evaluated the effectiveness of different spinal stabilization techniques in providing stabilization and reducing pain. The studies were evaluated based on their methodological quality, sample size, and outcome measures.

Background: This retrospective study assesses patient satisfaction following short-segment fusion with posterior instrumentation in thoracolumbar fractures. A total of 100 patients were enrolled in the study, which was conducted in the Department of Orthopedic KTH Hospital in Peshawar from January 2020 to January 2021. The patients were followed up at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months post-operatively. The satisfaction score was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and divided into four categories: very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied and very dissatisfied. The results showed that 81% of the patients were very satisfied and 19% were satisfied with the procedure. The mean VAS score was 8.58 ± 0.67. No significant differences were found in the satisfaction scores between male and female patients (p=0.731). This study provides valuable insight into the effectiveness of short segment fusion with posterior instrumentation in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures and highlights the importance of post-operative follow-up in determining patient satisfaction. Objection: The study provides valuable insight into the effectiveness of short-segment fusion with posterior instrumentation in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures and highlights the importance of postoperative follow-up in determining patient satisfaction.

Background: Maternal skin contact has impact on physiological parameters in newborns, some studies showed positive effects but as we live in under developing country and the data on impact of kangaroo mother care (KMC) on physiological parameters is very limited. We hypothesized that KMC is effective in stabilizing the heart rate, respiratory rate and maintaining the oxygen saturation and body temperature of low birth weight (LBW) newborns. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine effects of 3 hours KMC on physiological parameters such as body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation in LBW neonates. Study Design: Observational Quasi-experimental study Study Setting: This study was conducted in Department of Neonatology, Children Hospital, PIMS, Islamabad, Pakistan from 1st June 2022 to 1st December 2022. Methodology: The neonates were hemodynamically stable admitted in NICU and Nursery of Children Hospital, PIMS with LBW with the bodyweight

The present study was conducted to evaluate variation in nickel stress tolerance in a set of 10 canola cultivars (Leand, AC Excel, Faisal Canola, Shiralee, Oscar, Punjab Canola, CON-II, Rainbow, Dunkeld, and Cyclone) at the early growth stages, i.e., germination and seedling stage. The seeds of all canola cultivar were obtained from the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Ten seeds of each cultivar were sown in each of Petri plates moistened with varying levels (15, 30 and 45 mg/L) of nickel in Hoagland nutrient solution. Data for different growth indices were recorded such as germination stress index (GSI), shoot length stress index (SLSI), root length stress index (RLSI), and seedling fresh (SFWI) and seedling dry weight indices (SDWI). Based on different growth indices, three canola cultivars, i.e., CON-II, Faisal Canola and Leand proved to be potential source of variation for Ni tolerance provided if they maintain their degree of Ni tolerance at the later growth stages. However, Oscar was the most sensitive to Ni stress of all 10 cultivars evaluated in the current study.

This study aims to propose numerical schemes for fractional time discretization of partial differential equations (PDEs). The scheme is comprised of two stages. Using von Neumann stability analysis, we ensure the robustness of the scheme. The energy balance model for climate change is modified by adding source terms. The local stability analysis of the model is presented. Also, the fractional model in the form of PDEs with the effect of diffusion is given and solved by applying the proposed scheme. The proposed scheme is compared with the existing scheme, which shows a faster convergence of the presented scheme than the existing one. The effects of feedback, deep ocean heat uptake, and heat source parameters on global mean surface and deep ocean temperatures are displayed in graphs. The current study is cemented by the fact-based popular approximations of the surveys and modeling techniques, which have been the focus of several researchers for thousands of years.Mathematics Subject Classification:65P99, 86Axx, 35Fxx. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-07-03-011 Full Text: PDF

Objective: To compare the outcome of laparoscopic vs mini incision open appendectomy for acute appendicitis. Study Design: Randomized Control study. Setting: Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hospital, Phase V, Hayatabad, Peshawar. Period: March 2022 to November 2022. Material & Methods: A total of 96 patients were enrolled in the study, the patients were divided in to two groups using randomization using non probability consecutive sampling and 48 patients were allocated to each group. Group A patients underwent laparoscopic while group B patients underwent mini incision appendectomy. In both groups operative time, need for analgesics, postoperative pain score, hospital stay and postoperative wound infection was compared. Chi square test and Independent sample T test was used, a P value ≤ 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: The mean age of the patients in group A was 30.58±8.35 years and 28.52±5.79 years in group B. In group A 14.6% patients needed analgesics while in group B 31.2% patients. Regarding the hospital stay group A patients had a mean hospital stay of 25.85±1.53 hours and in group B the mean hospital stay was 29.58±3.76 hours. In group A the mean postoperative pain score was 2.17±0.97 and in group B the mean postoperative pain score was 2.88±0.81. Conclusion: Laparoscopic appendectomy has a lower average postoperative pain score, need for analgesics and shorter hospital length as compared to mini incision operative appendectomy.

Khalid Mehmood,1 Yaser Iftikhar,2 Ali Nawaz Khan,1 Ho Kwong Kwan3 1Research Center of Hubei Micro & Small Enterprises Development, School of Economics and Management, Hubei Engineering University, Xiaogan, 432100, People’s Republic of China; 2AFPGMI, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, 46000, Pakistan; 3Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management Department, China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), Shanghai, 201206, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Ho Kwong Kwan, Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management Department, China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), Shanghai, 201206, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-13482520465, Email kwanhokwong@ceibs.edu Ali Nawaz Khan, School of Economics and Management, Hubei Engineering University, Xiaogan, 432000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-15695656712, Email alisial@mail.ustc.edu.cnPurpose: Public service organizations may improve the quality of services they offer citizens by instilling proactive behavior in their employees. This study aimed to provide insights on how high-involvement work practices may indirectly facilitate proactive behavior in frontline government employees via employee commitment.Methods: A time-lagged approach was used to collect data from 542 frontline employees in three waves at 3-week intervals. We tested the hypothesized moderated mediation model using a PROCESS macro bootstrap approach.Results: A moderated-meditation model was applied in which public service motivation was theorized to increase the mediating effect of employee commitment on the relationship between high-involvement work practices and employee proactive behavior. As predicted, the findings show that supervisor’ deviant behavior attenuated the mediating effect of employee commitment on the relationship between high-involvement work practices and employee proactive behavior.Conclusion: The findings of this research contribute to the emerging literature on public management and have implications for public sector organizations seeking to improve the quality of services they offer citizens.Keywords: public service motivation, supervisors’ deviant behavior, employee commitment, high-involvement work practices, employee proactive behavior, public sector

Anthracnose of olive fruit caused by Colletotrichum acutatum was a severe epidemic disease in Pakistan that occurred in September 2020. The estimated disease incident was recorded as 59%. Anthracnose causes a significant reduction in yield and quality traits. Anthracnose has been found in several orchards. Agricultural practices, environmental factors, and disease aggressiveness vary between orchards. Therefore, we looked at spore size, cultural traits, morphological variation, growth pattern, and pathogenicity of different strains of C. acutatum from various orchards. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the isolated strains as C. acutatum. In all, 15 C. acutatum isolates from olive orchards were tested for susceptibility to four commercial fungicides (P < 0.001). The examined isolates’ in vitro fungicide sensitivity varied with fungicide concentration. The concentration at which conidial germination was hindered by 50% compared with the control values was observed for difenoconazole, tebuconazole, carbendazim, and cyprodinil, ranging from 0.12 to 2.69 g ml−1. Based on the findings of the fungal growth inhibition studies, carbendazim has been found to be the only fungicide that effectively reduces (P < 0.001) anthracnose caused by C. acutatum strains. Additionally, results revealed that preharvest site treatments of different fungicides greatly decreased anthracnose infections on olive fruit (70 to 90%), and postharvest site applications significantly reduced disease prevalence and severity (75 to 95%). The fungicide carbendazim significantly decreased pre- and postharvest anthracnose infection on olive cultivars. This study suggests that the latter compound might be used to control olive anthracnose in Pakistan while lowering environmental impact and fungicide resistance.

Background: Perioperative atrial fibrillation (AF) and myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) are common complications after noncardiac surgery. Inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of both disorders. The COP-AF trial tests the hypothesis that colchicine reduces the incidence of perioperative AF and MINS in patients undergoing major noncardiac thoracic surgery. Design: The 'COlchicine for the Prevention of Perioperative Atrial Fibrillation' (COP-AF) trial is an international, blinded, randomized trial that compares colchicine to placebo in patients aged at least 55 years and undergoing major noncardiac thoracic surgery with general anesthesia. Exclusion criteria include a history of AF and a contraindication to colchicine (e.g., severe renal dysfunction). Oral colchicine at a dose of 0.5 mg or matching placebo is given within 4 hours before surgery. Thereafter, patients receive colchicine 0.5 mg or placebo twice daily for a total of 10 days. The two independent co-primary outcomes are clinically important perioperative AF (including atrial flutter) and MINS during 14 days of follow-up. The main safety outcomes are sepsis or infection and non-infectious diarrhea. We aim to enroll 3,200 patients from approximately 40 sites across 11 countries to have at least 80% power for the independent evaluation of the two co-primary outcomes. Summary: COP-AF is a large randomized and blinded trial designed to determine whether colchicine reduces the risk of perioperative AF or MINS in patients who have major noncardiac thoracic surgery. Population Health Research Institute

The presence of pathogenic bacteria in food is considered as a primary cause of food-borne illness and food quality deterioration worldwide. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of five essential oils (EOs) against multidrug-resistant foodborne pathogens. In the current study Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Proteus, Pseudomonas, and Klebsiella) and the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus were isolated from raw milk and biochemically characterized. The anti-bacterial effect of different antibiotics and EOs (thyme, oregano, lemongrass, mint, and rosemary) was determined using the standard disc diffusion method. The antibiogram study revealed that Gram-negative bacteria were highly resistant to penicillin while Staphylococcus was resistant to streptomycin, amoxicillin, and lincomycin. Moderate resistance was observed to doxycycline, amikacin, enrofloxacin, kanamycin and cefixime. Isolates were found less resistant to gentamycin, chloramphenicol, and ciprofloxacin. EOs showed a broad range of antimicrobial activity against all bacteria except P. aeruginosa. Of these, thyme was more effective against most of the multi-drug resistant bacterial strains and formed the largest zone of inhibition (26 mm) against Escherichia followed by oregano oil (18 mm) against Staphylococcus (p

The present study involves the chemical and bacteriological analysis of water from different sources i.e., bore, wells, bottle, and tap, from Peshawar, Mardan, Swat and Kohat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, Pakistan. From each district, 50 water samples (10 samples from each source), regardless of urban and rural status, were collected from these sources and analysed for sulphates, nitrates, nitrites, chlorides, total soluble solids and coliforms (E. coli). Results indicated that majority of the water sources had unacceptable E. coli count i.e.> 34 CFU/100mL. E. coli positive samples were high in Mardan District, followed by Kohat, Swat and Peshawar district. Besides this, the some water sources were also chemically contaminated by different inorganic fertilizers (nitrates/nitrites of sodium, potassium) but under safe levels whereas agricultural and industrial wastes (chloride and sulphate compounds) were in unsafe range. Among all districts, the water quality was found comparatively more deteriorated in Kohat and Mardan districts than Peshawar and Swat districts. Such chemically and bacteriologically unfit water sources for drinking and can cause human health problems. Resumo O presente estudo envolve a análise química e bacteriológica de água de diferentes fontes, ou seja, furo, poços, garrafa e torneira, dos distritos de Peshawar, Mardan, Swat e Kohat da província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Paquistão. De cada distrito, 50 amostras de água (10 amostras de cada fonte), independentemente do status urbano e rural, foram coletadas dessas fontes e analisadas para sulfatos, nitratos, nitritos, cloretos, sólidos solúveis totais e coliformes (E. coli). Os resultados indicaram que a maioria das fontes de água tinha uma contagem inaceitável de E. coli, ou seja, > 34 UFC / 100 mL. As amostras positivas para E. coli foram elevadas no distrito de Mardan, seguido por Kohat, Swat e distrito de Peshawar. Além disso, algumas fontes de água também foram contaminadas quimicamente por diferentes fertilizantes inorgânicos (nitratos/nitritos de sódio, potássio), mas em níveis seguros, enquanto os resíduos agrícolas e industriais (compostos de cloreto e sulfato) estavam em níveis inseguros. Entre todos os distritos, a qualidade da água foi considerada comparativamente mais deteriorada nos distritos de Kohat e Mardan do que nos distritos de Peshawar e Swat. Essas fontes de água química e bacteriologicamente impróprias para beber podem causar problemas à saúde humana.

Trend of biofuel production from microalgal triacylglycerols is enhancing, because this substrate is a good sustainable and advantageous alternative to oil and gas fuel. In the present study, indigenous micro algal isolates were screened from water (n=30) and soil (n=30) samples collected from three districts of Punjab, Pakistan to evaluate their biofuel production potential. The samples were inoculated on BG – 11 agar medium plates by incubating at room temperature of 25°C providing 1000 lux for 16h light cycle followed by 8h of dark cycle for 15 d. Water samples were found to be rich in microalgae and 65.33% microalgae (49 isolates) were isolated from Faisalabad district. On the basis of microscopic morphology microalgal isolates (n=180) were selected and subjected to lipid detection by Nile red staining assay. Nile red positive isolates (n=23) were processed for biochemical (lipid, protein and carbohydrates) characterization. AIN63 isolate showed higher lipids (17.4%) content as detected by micro vanillin assay. Algal isolate AIN128 showed best protein contents (42.91%) detected by Bradford assay and AIN172 isolate showed higher carbohydrate contents (73.83%) as detected by anthrone assay. The selected algal isolates were also analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for confirmation of carbohydrate, protein and lipid analysis. These indigenous algae have the potential for in-vitro biofuel production from agricultural waste. Resumo A tendência de produção de biocombustíveis a partir de triacilgliceróis de microalgas está aumentando, porque esse substrato é uma boa alternativa sustentável e vantajosa ao combustível de petróleo e gás. No presente estudo, isolados de microalgas indígenas foram selecionados de amostras de água (n = 30) e solo (n = 30) coletadas em três distritos de Punjab, Paquistão, para avaliar seu potencial de produção de biocombustíveis. As amostras foram inoculadas em placas de meio BG – 11 agar por incubação em temperatura ambiente de 25°C proporcionando 1000 lux por 16h de ciclo claro seguido de 8h de escuro por 15 dias. As amostras de água foram ricas em microalgas e 65.33% de microalgas (49 isolados) foram isolados do distrito de Faisalabad. Com base na morfologia microscópica, isolados de microalgas (n = 180) foram selecionados e submetidos à detecção de lipídios por ensaio de coloração com vermelho do Nilo. Isolados positivos para vermelho do Nilo (n = 23) foram processados para caracterização bioquímica (lipídica, proteica e de carboidratos). O isolado AIN63 apresentou maior teor de lipídios (17.4%) conforme detectado pelo ensaio de microvanilina. O isolado de alga AIN128 apresentou os melhores teores de proteína (42.91%) detectados pelo ensaio de Bradford, e o isolado AIN172 apresentou maiores teores de carboidratos (73.83%), conforme detectado pelo ensaio de anthrone. Os isolados de algas selecionados também foram analisados por espectroscopia de infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FTIR) para confirmação da análise de carboidratos, proteínas e lipídios. Essas algas nativas têm potencial para a produção de biocombustíveis in vitro a partir de resíduos agrícolas.

Objective: The current gold standard for the diagnosis of ureteric stones in patients with a stent in situ is ureteroscopy but this study is planned to determine the positive predictive value of computerized tomography (CT) scan among such patients. Methods: This study involved patients who had ureteral stent in situ and were referred for re-evaluation of residual stones after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. These patients underwent CT-scan for detection of ureteric stone. Later on, ureteroscopy was performed and ureteric stone was confirmed on direct visualization. Results: The mean age of the patients was 32.2±8.9 years. Male to female ratio of 1.7:1. CT scan shows a stone in 252 patients (70.2%) out of which 165 (46.0%) were confirmed on ureteroscopy. This yielded a sensitivity of 88.7 %, specificity of 49.7 %, positive predictive value of 65.5%, negative predictive value of 80.4% and diagnostic accuracy of 69.9% of CT for detecting ureteric calculi in patients with ureteric stents (p value < 0.0001). Conclusion: CT scan owing to its limited diagnostic accuracy cannot replace ureteroscopy for detection of ureteric stones in patients with ureteric stents.

One of the breeding objectives of the time is the development/screening of resilient germplasm, which could satisfy hunger demand. The animal feed and food are the prime concern of time and the existing Pakistan germplasm needs to be updated for green fodder yield and quality traits. Hence, present study aimed to develop agronomic itinerary of the available breeding line and screen out best suited candidate lines. ‘Faisalabad Sorghum’ first-ever locally developed public sector multicut variety with higher proficiency than first public sorghum sudangrass hybrid (Pak Sudex). This novel variety is a result of hybridization between Australian No. 7 and Sudan Grass followed by back cross breeding method. Faisalabad Sorghum out yielded (Av 133.30t/ha) in station (2016 and 2017), zonal (2018) and national uniform fodder yield trials (2019 and 2020) when compared with check variety. The palatability of Faisalabad Sorghum was more than 80%, with reduced enteric CH4 and CO2 emissions by 14% in cattles. The adaptive features of this line are high yielder, resistant to specific pests (borer, shoot fly) and diseases (leaf spot and long smut) that were evaluated, highly nutritious with lower production cost. This line has remarkable energy to minimize the supply and demand gap among summer fodder varieties. The by-products of it could be utilized as an alternative energy sources. Owing to such extraordinary attributes the new line AK-113 proposed as Faisalabad Sorghum was released for general adaptation among farmers during 2021

The educational system in Pakistan is mainly dependent on traditional teaching approaches, which are often regarded as ineffective and have a poor impact on the academic performance of students. We conducted this experimental study to examine the cooperative teaching impacts on the academic performance of students studying at the higher secondary school level in tehsil Faisalabad. Collaborative learning is a valuable instructional approach where students allocate tasks among themselves, assist each other (especially those who have difficulty), offer positive and negative feedback, and work together to achieve a collective outcome. Through such collaboration, students exhibit greater engagement and academic success. In this study, we compared students' academic performance by comparing the experimental and control group students. Control groups comprised of total 40 students. A single teacher conducted academic activities with them. Whereas in the experimental group, total 40 students were taught through the cooperative teaching method. The research design of the control was a pre-test and post-test, which is representative of true experimental design, and the same was applied to the experiment in this study. The results revealed that the students in the experimental group who were taught through a cooperative teaching approach academically performed better as compared to control. This implies that cooperative teaching technique had a positive influence on the students’ academic performance. This is concluded that the cooperative teaching technique was better as compared to the conventional method of teaching. Therefore, this cooperative method of teaching should be implemented for other subjects and at other school levels.

Education and financial development are key determinants of economic growth. This research makes an effort to highlight the role of education and financial development with urbanization in the economic growth of selected Asian countries. Economic growth is used as a dependent variable, and secondary school enrolment, financial development, life expectancy, and urban population are used as independent variables. Panel data set for the time 2002 to 2019 is used for the analysis. The random effect technique is used. The study results demonstrate that secondary school enrolment, financial development, life expectancy, and urban population increase economic growth in selected Asian countries. It is recommended that government should provide free of cost education facilities in selected economies. Moreover, the public should be provided with more financial debt facilities to increase per capita income, high living standards, and economic growth in these selected economies. The plan must be placed on education and health high on the agenda in these economies.

Bacterial leaf spot caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv) is one of the most devastating diseases, causing serious losses in chilli crop yield. The extensive usage of chemicals has increased the toxicity of the environment. Nanotechnology products are indeed being developed as a promising approach for plant disease control with minimal impact on the environment. In the present research, the antibacterial activity of green synthesized nanoparticles (Silver and Zinc nanoparticles) was investigated against Xcv. Different concentrations (0.25, 0.6 and 0.75%) of the green synthesized nanoparticles (AgNPs and ZnNPs) along with their combination were evaluated under lab conditions against Xcv under Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Results showed that the combination of both nanoparticles (AgNPs+ZnNPs) gave the best results and expressed maximum inhibition zone (25.207 mm), followed by solo applications of AgNPs and ZnNPs (18.458 and 12.253 mm). Whereas, the interaction of treatment and concentration combination (AgNPs+ZnNPs) expressed a maximum inhibition zone (28.459 mm) at 0.75% concentration as compared to other treatments. The concentration (0.75%) at which bacteria showed the maximum inhibition zone was used to control the bacterial leaf spot of chilli under field conditions. The experiment was conducted under a Completely Randomized Block Design (RCBD) where AgNPs+ZnNPs expressed the best results with minimum disease incidence (21.92%) followed by solo treatments of AgNPs and ZnNPs (26.999 and 35.320%)

Problem-based learning is viewed as more effective than the traditional learning approaches usually practices at the college level. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyse the perceptions of college students about problem-based learning followed by its advantages and impacts on the students. A total of 120 college students were selected from the two colleges (Government Postgraduate College Samanabad and Government Postgraduate College of Science) in the Faisalabad District of Punjab province. Considering the proportionate sampling, a total of 52 and 68 students from the Government Postgraduate College of Science and Government Postgraduate College Samanabad were selected respectively. Data were collected from the students using a questionnaire and collected data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The students had a high level of knowledge that Problem-Based Learning (PBL) motivated them, had positive impacts on the communication and leadership skills of the students and also fostered the knowledge, attitude and skills of students further improving the student’s academic performance. Creativity and adoption of advanced approaches (Mean: 4.03; Sd: 0.733), solution of any particular problem (Mean: 4.00; Sd: 0.889) and positive behaviour and character (Mean: 3.98; Sd: 0.957) were perceived as leading supporting factors towards the use of Problem-Based Learning Approach. This study concludes that PBL was more effective as compared to traditional approaches, thus it can be generalized at the colleges level to improve the knowledge, attitude and skills level of students. More research studies are also needed to explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the PBL at schools and colleges level.

Background: The addition of medium chain triglycerides is preferable as they are more easily digested and quickly absorb in bloodstream than long chain fat and provide ready supply of energy by increasing fatty acid bioavailability. Modular products like micro lipids and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oils are now focused as a fat supplementation. The rate of weight gain with MCT is not well known, and there is very less research done in Pakistan. Objective: To determine the effect of MCT oil supplemented human milk compared with un supplemented human milk fed to preterm infants on promoting weight gain. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial Study Setting: This study was conducted in Department of Neonatology, Children Hospital, PIMS, Islamabad, Pakistan from 20th August 2022 to 20th February 2023. Methodology: The study conducted after approval from institutional ethical committee. A total of 160 preterm infants fulfilling the inclusion criteria and enrolled in the study after informed consent from parents. The patients were receiving enteral feeding of human milk within neonatology department of hospital was included and they were randomly assigned to Group NF (receiving 20 ml of human milk without MCT oil), Group F (receiving 20ml of human milk with 1 ml of MCT oil fat). Primary outcomes were including growth in term of weight gain at measured at 1st ,5th and 10th day of MCT oil intake after hospital admission. Secondary outcome included feeding intolerance, diarrhoea, sepsis and necrotising enterocolitis. All the data was collected in the form of a questionnaire. The statistical analysis was done by using SPSS version 20. Results: One sixty very low birth weight infants were analyzed in this study. All infants were randomly divided into two groups: F and NF, the demographic details. The weight of infants was measured on first day, fifth day and tenth day and noted that the frequency of infants improved the weight gain after taking human milk without fat supplementation or human milk with fat supplementation. We found the gradually infants more increasing their weights in Group F as compared to Group NF. On tenth day 75% infants reaches between1400-1490 gm weight (p

Introduction: Acute gastroenteritis-related diarrhea is a major contributor to pediatric morbidity and mortality. Although the success of various oral rehydration formulations varies and the treatment of choice ultimately depends on the underlying reason, oral rehydration remains crucial for efficient early therapies. Objective: To compare outcome of Glucose ORS with and without rice based ORS in treatment of acute gastroenteritis from 6 month to 5 years in terms of mean stool frequency. Study Design: Randomized clinical trial Settings: The study will be done at department of Peads Ittifaq Hospital Lahore from 9 December 2018 to 19 June 2019. Sample Technique: Non probability consecutive sampling Methodology: Children of both sexes were included in this analysis of gastroenteritis cases between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. They divided into two separate groups. For 48 hours, group A was given G-ORS, whereas group B was given rice soup. Over the course of 48 hours, the typical individual needs to use the washroom. Results: Eighty people took part in the study (forty in each group). There were 25 males in Group A (40.02%), and 26 in Group B (50.98%). The average ages of those in Group A and Group B were very comparable (3.30±1.18 vs. 2.07±1.03 years, p=0.29). The baseline stool frequency of Group A was 4.11±2.33, while that of Group B was 5.01±2.81 (p= 0.51). Group A also had a higher mean weight, at 6.87±1.97, than Group B, at 6.28±2.01. Group A had an average of 2.15±0.77 bowel movements in 48 hours, while Group B had an average of 2.08±0.73 (p=0.91). The mean frequency was 2.170.78 for males, 2.14±0.69 for females, and 2.11±0.72 for both sexes combined (p=0.91). There were no statistically significant differences in age, BMI over 10, or baseline frequency. Practical implication: The purpose of this research was to more exactly explain the authentic benefit of rice-based ORS in comparison to glucose ORS and to evaluate whether or not there is significant differences. Conclusion: Both groups reduced the number of incidences of the confounding variable roughly at the same rate, and there was no statistically significant difference between them either in terms of that reduction or in terms of stratification of any of the study's other confounding variables. Keywords: G-ORS, Gastroenteritis, Stool frequency, Rice soup

A study was conducted on the current status of terrestrial vertebrates and butterflies in Garbhanga Reserve Forest. Data were compiled from field surveys and secondary sources like existing literature, and citizen science databases. We found that Garbhanga is represented by 254 species of butterflies (6 families), 29 species of amphibians (7 families), 64 species of reptiles (12 families), 307 species of birds (68 families) and 31 species of mammals (19 families). In Garbhanga, amongst the studied group, two species are ‘Critically Endangered’ (CR), six species are ‘Endangered’ (EN), 14 species are ‘Vulnerable’ (VU), eight species are ‘Near Threatened’ (NT), eight species are ‘Data Deficient’ (DD), 411 species are ‘Least Concern’ (LC), and 236 species are not assessed (denoted by blank space). This shows a huge gap in research and status evaluation of understudied species. This in turn also provides further research opportunities on the lesser known species.

Reading the piece of writings in the target language is also suggested to enhance creative ability, while the basic tenets of English Grammar can also be improved through a comparative study of the grammatical concepts. The study aims to identify, discuss, explain, and categorize the grammatical errors, especially errors in present indefinite tense sentences committed by the ESL learners of 6th grade at Cantt Public High School, Sialkot, Pakistan, due to overgeneralization in written exercises. The study gathered data through a worksheet task comprising 10 items of translation sentences from Urdu to English and ten items of English fill-in-the-blanks comprised of grammatical use of present simple tense and agreement morpheme. Corder’s model (1967) of error analysis has opted to analyze the errors in the present indefinite tense. This study pays great attention to overgeneralization in Present Indefinite tense sentences of ESL learners of 6th grade. The learners overgeneralize in the use of rules used for verb forms and auxiliary verbs. The present study also found that a lack of knowledge of the rules of the target language, in addition, to overgeneralization, is the cause of such errors, for instance, the inappropriate use of prepositions. The findings suggest that teachers of English should focus their attention on the troublesome aspect of the present simple tense while also encouraging students to apply the drill practice to the study of the present indefinite tense. This study has a few limitations as it was not feasible for researchers to analyze all kinds of tenses and find all types of errors according to the opted model due to time restraints.